OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Medical Examiner office may move from the OU Health Sciences campus to the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

UCO opened a Forensic Science Institute that serves as a center for research and education for all parts of criminal investigation, according to its Web site. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation also is located across the street from the campus and partnered with the university.

Because of UCO’s strides in forensics and new facilities, some feel the office would be better situated on that campus.

One supporter of the move is Randy Grau, deputy commissioner to Ray Vaughn, District 3 Oklahoma County Commissioner. Such a move is necessary for law enforcement agencies because of how much they rely on the medical examiner’s office, he said.

“We have a responsibility as a state government to provide them with adequate means to achieve their ... responsibilities,” Grau said.

Grau also is a candidate for the District 81 state House seat.

UCO President Roger Webb agreed moving the medical examiner’s office to Edmond would further UCO’s goal of achieving a high standard in forensics and would make sense with its current facilities.

OU spokesman Jay Doyle did not respond to e-mails about whether or not President David Boren supported moving the medical examiner’s office away from the OU Health Sciences campus.

The state medical examiner has been in the news recently after the office lost national accreditation and fired Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Collie Trant. The office did not release why it fired Trant.

Despite the press, Grau said he still thought the medical examiner’s office should relocate to UCO.

Gov. Brad Henry has tasked State Health Commissioner Terry Cline to lead a review of the agency that will look at its structure and work toward getting it accredited again.

“We have to get the agency back on track, and I have great confidence that Commissioner Cline’s review will help us accomplish that objective,” Henry said in a press release. “Terry is a consummate professional with a proven track record of success.”

Cline has served as commissioner of health since June. Before that, he held several other posts, including secretary of health under Henry.

“I appreciate Gov. Henry’s confidence in me and will do everything I can to successfully complete the assigned task,” Cline said in a press release.