Ministers call for morgue investigation

January 28, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Another group of ministers joins the call for an investigation into the crisis at the Cook County Morgue.

A day after Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle admitted that it might take several weeks to get a handle on the overflow situation at the morgue, a group of pastors are calling for a citizens advisory panel.

They say the panel could be empowered to go inside the medical examiner's office at least a couple of times a year to ensure that remains are being treated properly. They could also advocate on behalf of poor families who do not have the funds to get their loved ones' remains taken care of.

"This is not just a political issue," Bishop Marshall Hatch Sr. said. "It has to do with human dignity and so she really should allow community leaders and faith leaders to be part of the solution. Once we no longer take care of the least of us, then we are all in danger of having to go through a morgue that is overwhelmed, disorganized and can be neglected."

A spokesperson for Preckwinkle said Sunday that she does not have a statement at this time, as she has not yet had the opportunity to personally review the request.

Preckwinkle has already ordered an overhaul at the morgue after large number of bodies were found stacked up there.

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