The Washington State Forensic Investigations Council is responsible for overseeing the state toxicology laboratory, the Washington State Patrol crime laboratory, and the death investigations system in the state. The council controls the toxicology laboratory's operation. The council approves the budget for the Washington State Patrol crime laboratory prior to formal submittal to the Office of Financial Management. The council facilitates the provision of resources necessary for the performance of autopsies by qualified pathologists. These autopsies are essential to the criminal justice and death investigation systems of this state and its counties. The council facilitates the development of relevant death investigation and sudden childhood death training for county coroners, medical examiners, law enforcement officers, and other first responders.

To improve public safety and health, the Washington State Forensic Investigations Council preserves and enhances the quality of death investigation and criminal justice forensic services.