Through March 6
Last spring, CoolCleveland columnist C. Ellen Connally described her experiences as a member of the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office Citizens Academy.
She told us, “Residents of Cuyahoga County have probably driven by the office of the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner located on Cedar Avenue, at the intersection of University Circle, and wonder what happens there. Or they learn that a body “had to go to the coroner’s office,” and don’t understand why. If you fall into either of these categories, then you are a prime candidate for the Citizens Academy, offered twice yearly by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner.
You must be 21 years of age; a resident of Cuyahoga County; have no felony convictions; be able to pass a background check; and most importantly, have an interest in forensic science. Participants are selected by the staff and for the latest class, 368 people applied. I was fortunate enough to be selected.”
Connally told us, “Each week, the program focuses on a specific topic ranging from forensic pathology, toxicology, death investigations, fingerprint analysis, drug chemistry, trace evidence and epidemiology. The lectures were comprehensive and frequently hands-on, with demonstrations in various labs at the facility. This allowed us to tour the building, which appears to be state-of-the-art and very high tech.” You can read her full description of her experience here.
The competitive program is now open for new applications for the once-a-week ten-week class that provides in inside look at how death investigations are conducted. The deadline is March 6 and the academy begins on April 2. The application is fairly complicated and the competition for slots is intense, so if you’re interested get started by going to the website and looking at the application requirements, as well as a detailed description of what you will learn and do in the classes. Class members can also choose to attend an autopsy; Connally says she watched from a distance!
Apply here.