Stockton, Ca. – Today, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors joined County leaders and the Health Care Services Agency to officially open the County’s new Medical Examiner facility. The modernized building is designed to provide a secure, respectful, and efficient environment that supports advanced forensic operations, offers thoughtful accommodations for families and visitors, and includes flexibility to meet future needs.

“Our staff approach this work with professionalism, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to the families we serve,” said Paul Graves, Administrator of the Office of the Medical Examiner. “Every case represents a loved one, and our mission is to provide answers, preserve dignity, and help bring closure and healing during an incredibly difficult time. This new facility gives our team the space, tools, and support they need to continue delivering these essential services at the highest level.”

“The Medical Examiner plays a vital role on some of the most difficult days in the lives of our residents,” said Board Chair Sonny Dhaliwal. “The Board is proud to support that mission by investing in a state-of-the-art facility that honors those who have passed, provides the tools needed to help ensure justice, and creates the best possible working environment for our employees.”

San Joaquin County is one of only a handful of California counties that operates a full Medical Examiner’s Office, and the opening of this facility marks an important milestone. The building includes upgraded radiology technology, significantly improved autopsy space, expanded cooler capacity, and new case management software that will be implemented soon. Designed for future growth, the facility will serve the County’s expanding population for years to come while offering a welcoming and thoughtfully designed workspace for staff and visitors.

“As we open this new facility, our focus remains on the people we serve during moments of crisis and uncertainty,” said Genevieve Valentine, Director of the Health Care Services Agency. “This space strengthens our ability to provide timely and compassionate support for families, uphold the highest standards in justice involved cases, and ensure our staff have a safe, respectful, and collaborative environment in which to carry out their vital work.”

The new Medical Examiner facility represents a major investment in San Joaquin County’s future. With modern technology, expanded capacity, improved workspaces, and room to meet long term staffing needs, the building reflects the County’s continued commitment to modernization and delivering high quality public service for years to come.

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