Forensic Recovery of Human Remains: Archaeological Approaches

Published:
August 23, 2005 by CRC Press - 256 Pages
Author(s):
Tosha L. Dupras, Orlando, Florida, USA; Tosha L. Dupras, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA; John J. Schultz, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA; Sandra M. Wheeler, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA; Lana J Williams, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA; John J. Schultz, Chuluota, Florida, USA; Sandra M. Wheeler, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA; Lana J Williams, University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA

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Hardback
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ISBN 9780849329821
Cat# 2982
 

Features

  • Highlights techniques used to survey, map, recover, document, collect, and transport human remains from crime scenes
  • Provides identification techniques for human versus nonhuman skeletal remains
  • Discusses the latest geophysical technologies, ground penetrating radar in particular, used in the search for clandestine burials
  • Includes appendices that contain helpful checklists, forms, data sheets, and images

    • Summary

    An essential reference for both forensic experts and non-experts alike, Forensic Recovery of Human Remains: Archaeological Approaches is a comprehensive guide that
    focuses on the practical aspects of excavating and recovering human remains, along with any associated evidence, from crime scenes. It highlights the protocols and techniques that are used to successfully survey, map, recover, document, collect, and transport such items from these locations.

    Topics include identifying the difference between forensic archaeology and anthropology; employing the correct equipment when conducting searches, recoveries, and excavations; leveraging geophysical technologies used in forensic searches; collecting botanical and entomological evidence; mapping and documenting scenes; and classifying human and nonhuman skeletal remains.

    The authors present this information in a thorough yet straightforward manner for those who are experienced in the field of forensic recovery and for those who may not yet be as seasoned. In either situation, if you want to be confident that you have uncovered and carefully processed every bit of potential evidence at the scene, then Forensic Recovery of Human Remains: Archaeological Approaches is the one reference to have with you every time.

    Table of Contents

    AN INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY AND FORENSIC ARCHAEOLOGY
    What Do Forensic Anthropologists Do?
    What Do Forensic Archaeologists Do?
    Where Are Forensic Anthropologists and Forensic Archaeologists
    Employed?
    How to Find a Forensic Anthropologist or Forensic Archaeologist

    TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
    Search and Site Preparation Equipment
    Field Excavation Equipment
    Mapping and Measuring Equipment
    Drawing and Recording Equipment
    Optional Equipment

    SEARCH TECHNIQUES USED IN LOCATING HUMAN REMAINS
    Types of Search Areas
    Planning the Search
    Other Recommendations for Visual Searches
    Briefing Team Members Prior to a Search
    Indicators to Look for When Searching for Burials and Surface
    Remains
    Cadaver Dogs
    Intrusive Search Methods
    Shovel Testing and Shovel Shining
    Forensic Backhoe

    GPR AND OTHER GEOPHYSICAL SEARCH TECHNOLOGIES
    Ground-Penetrating Radar
    Conductivity Meters
    Resistivity Meters
    Magnetometers
    Metal Detectors
    Magnetic Locators
    Side-Scan Sonar
    How to Find a Consultant for a Geophysical Survey

    THE COLLECTION OF BOTANICAL AND ENTOMOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
    Forensic Botany
    Forensic Entomology

    SURVEY AND MAPPING TECHNIQUES
    Scales for Recording Data
    Accuracy in Recording Data
    Transit Survey Systems
    Compass Survey
    Selecting a Framework for Mapping
    Global Positioning Systems
    Photograph and Map Resources

    THE APPLICATION OF FORENSIC ARCHEOLOGY TO CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATIONS
    General Principles of Archaeology
    Process of Burial
    Description of Burials
    Position and Orientation of the Body
    Archaeological Approaches to Recovering Human Remains
    Packaging and Storage of Human Skeletal Remains
    Recovery of Fleshed Remains
    Recovery of Juvenile Remains
    Recovery of Burnt Remains

    FORENSIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL CASE STUDY

    IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN REMAINS
    Typical Skeletal Terminology Used in Forensic Reports
    Basic Adult Human Skeletal Biology
    The Subadult Skeleton
    Human Dentition

    DISTINGUISHING NONHUMAN SKELETAL REMAINS
    Distinguishing Humans from Other Mammals
    The Bird Skeleton
    The Reptilian Skeleton
    The Amphibian Skeleton
    The Fish Skeleton
    Nonhuman Animal Bones Commonly Confused with Human
    Bones

    APPENDICES
    Appendix 1: Basic Equipment Checklist
    Appendix 2: Entomology Kit Checklist
    Appendix 3: Entomology Notation and Collection Checklist
    Appendix 4: Entomology Specimen Log Sheet
    Appendix 5: Entomology Data Form (After Byrd, 2001)
    Appendix 6: Entomological Preservation Solutions (Terrestrial)
    Appendix 7: Measurement Equivalents and Conversion Factors
    Appendix 8: Hypotenuse Table for Constructing Grids
    Appendix 9: Checklist Adult Skeletal Inventory Form
    Appendix 10: Adult Skeletal Inventory Image
    Appendix 11: Juvenile Skeleton Inventory Image

    GLOSSARY

    REFERENCES

    INDEX

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