This service carries out forensic searches in cases of violent death or suspected crime. This examination may attempt to fully and indisputably identify a deceased person by documentary, physiognomic, dactyloscopic, odostomatological means and the necessary laboratory analyses. It may also include performing autopsies to determine causes of death through macroscopic and microscopic examinations, analysis of samples, and laboratory evidence of death. Autopsies are performed at the headquarters of the Forensic Medicine Service of the province concerned. This service prepares medico-legal opinions on injured parties and assessments of physical and psychological damage in procedural proceedings. It also provides optional support or follow-up for detainees in detention. It also investigates and evaluates injuries caused by criminal acts. Professional activity in the field of forensic medicine requires research complementary to the function of expert in order to keep abreast of scientific and technological developments and to use experience as a source of knowledge. This function is coordinated and in collaboration with the various departments of the universities, in particular those of forensic medicine. It is responsible for conducting forensic examination of cases where the death of a person occurred as a result of a violent death or an alleged crime.
It focuses on two fundamental aspects: it is responsible for forensic expertise, in particular the periodic monitoring of injured persons and the assessment of physical and psychological damage that is the subject of procedural procedures, as well as the accompaniment or optional follow-up of detainees in pre-trial detention. It also conducts the investigation and evaluation of all medical issues related to possible criminal acts or that have led to a conflict in one of the fields Law.In forensic medicine, offers its services to doctors responsible for preparing appropriate opinions on sick and injured persons, as well as forensic doctors specializing in the various fields of forensic medicine or with specific training. Education is another function of such an institution in the twenty-first century, as it is the only way for current professionals in the various disciplines of forensic medicine and future professionals to obtain first-hand the knowledge and experience that forensic work provides. On the other hand, its vision is “to be, as an institution of the State, the main scientific and technical reference in medical, legal and medico-legal matters, with a quality, effective, timely and impartial action. Structured, organized and highly valued by the community, which contributes to a better administration of justice. [7] The impetus to found the SML came from Dr. Carlos Ybar de la Sierra, a doctor at the University of Chile, who installed in the country the vision of forensic medicine that had developed in Europe. [6] According to its website, the Agency`s mission is “to provide the organs of the administration of justice and citizens in general with a high-quality medico-legal and medico-legal service through the exercise of forensic expertise, ensuring quality, reliability, timeliness, impartiality and dignified treatment of women and men.” Development also of scientific research, teaching and expansion in the fields of its competence.
[7] Until then, forensic pathology was a concept associated only with the morgue, the place where city doctors performed autopsies on people who died on public roads. Meanwhile, the position of coroner was theoretically teaching in universities. [6] On the other hand, the training and first-hand teaching of future professionals by those who practice forensic medicine on a daily basis. Forensic activities in the country, dating back to the first half of the nineteenth century, when the School of Medicine was founded, considered in their curriculum a theoretical course of forensic medicine, while from a practical point of view, doctors in the city of the capital were responsible for performing autopsies, at the morgue on Teatinos Street. next to the public prison of Santiago.