ME's Office Looking at New Locations, Needs Funding

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A new location could help the State Medical Examiner's office gain back its accreditation.

A growing number of officials say the small, cramped ME's office needs to move from its headquarters to a new location.

One location being considered is in Edmond at 2nd Street and Bryant Avenue near the OSBI laboratory, the Forensic Science Institute and the University of Central Oklahoma.

"I think it's a great fit because we already have the expertise here. If you want to spend your tax dollars well, I think that would be a good choice," said Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas.

The FSI already has partnerships in place with OSBI and UCO, and the potential move of the ME's office appears to have support in the legislature.

But one major setback for the ME's move is funding.

"It will be dependent on funding to get a lot of these issues fixed, and we don't know when we'll get extra money. We hope it's sooner than later," said Cherokee Ballard, Spokesperson for the State Medical Examiner's Office. "We certainly would support any move anywhere if we can get a new facility."

Mayor Douglas said she is optimistic but knows the move to Edmond would only happen if all parties involved work together.

"We know that the state's going to have to pitch in. We know we have many different partners that are going to have to come to the table," Douglas said.

A move to Edmond could bring about 80 jobs to the area.

State Senate and House leaders co-wrote a bill essentially supporting the ME's move to Edmond. Lawmakers will take up the matter in the upcoming session.