Forensic Anthropology: Recovery, Excavation, and Scene Management of Human Remains

What is essential for the proper recovery of human remains?

A quick response time, good intelligence information (provided by perpetrator or eyewitness), proper archeological techniques

proper archaeological techniques for recovery

Location - finding remains

Mapping - in relation to fixed point

Excavation

Collection - using accepted procedures, must be collected and properly packed

Why is it important to have a search and recovery plan?

To ensure an organized approach before entering the scene.

When approaching the scene

Area needs to be secured, any evidence of human intrusion must be preserved and documented, not to disturb anything/contaminate the scene

What factors can affect the rate of decay of a body?

Temperature, insect activity, clothes, soil pH, animal and human activity, exposure

What visual indicator suggests surface decomposition?

A ring of dead vegetation around the body, sun bleached bones or bones that take on the colour of the surrounding soil matrix

What changes in the environment indicate a burial site?

Altered soil density and color, and the formation of a mound from difficulty repacking the removed soil as it fills with air, primary depression, secondary depression over the stomach area after bloating stage

What is a primary depression in burial context?

A sinking of soil that occurs as decomposition progresses.

What are the two types of search techniques?

Surface (pedestrian searches) and subsurface (aerial survey, GPR).

What should searchers do in open areas during a surface survey?

Arrange themselves so their fields of view overlap - make sure nothing is missed in peripheral vision

In a line, walk slowly or crawl over search area scanning the ground

What is the protocol if remains are found during a search?

Contact the RCMP, establish a single route of access (to and from the scene), conduct a spiral, grid, line, quadrant etc search

What is the purpose of excavation of human remains?

To understand the context of the burial and spatial relationships - the spatial relationship between the remains and other evidence, size depth and characteristics of grave, identify tools used to dig grave

very tedious and delicate process

What tools should be avoided during excavation of remains?

Metal tools; only non-metal instruments should be used - brushes, wood picks

What is the importance of meticulous documentation during excavation?

To record stratigraphic changes and inventory of bones.

What should be done with biological materials like bones after recovery?

Place them in paper bags to prevent molding, not plastic

What is the chain of custody?

Documentation of who maintains custody of evidence from recovery to court - any breach of security in chain of custody can lead to challenge of admissibility in court

Why is professionalism important during the recovery process?

To maintain public trust and avoid scrutiny from media and onlookers.

What should be done before removing any evidence from a burial site?

Ensure the entire burial is exposed and documented.

What happens to soil in a grave over time?

It settles, causing the soil within the grave to sink and crack.

What can indicate a burial site when probing the ground?

A soft spot in the ground.

What is a secondary depression in the context of burial?

A sinking of soil that occurs after the abdomen collapses during decomposition.

Why are bones often disturbed?

Civilians or untrained police investigators may believe skeletonized remains are "just bones" and are of less forensic importance - are unaware of how much information it can provide

What do search strategies need to take into account?

Climate, mode of dispersal (burial vs surface), terrain, number of available people

All soil must be

screened through fine mesh

When can evidence be removed during an excavation?

Nothing is to be taken out until the entire burial is exposed