Processing Human Remains Flashcards
custody
processing the remains and responsible for them
jurisdiction
power to make legal decisions over the remains
what systems are in place for evidence and lab access?
human remains need to be inaccessible to the public
forensic labs have systems that monitor who enters and exits
need clearance to enter the lab
active cases may be stored in a secure evidence room
safety in the lab
autoclaves immunizations biohazard containers cleaning products PPE eye wash and showers
what does forensic anthropology do in the lab?
accession
maceration
analysis
quality assurance
accession
the process by which remains become evidence
begins when the forensic anthropologist is given custody of the remains
tracks the movement of evidence from one place to another
chain of custody
awareness of the location of evidence at all times
maintenance at a secure location, restricted access, log handling, transport, analysis, and examination
case number
unique identifier for the lab
tracks case movement through the lab
case log book
includes all cases done in the lab
details the case numbers and some basic info for the case
processing log
filled out by lab coordinator/director
details pre-analysis and analytical steps for the case
varies based on the specifics of the case
details who and what preformed procedures
case file
holds all paperwork for the case
stored at the lab
holds the chain of custody, analytical forms, photographs, radiographs, testimonies, correspondence, and the final report
maceration
process where soft tissue is removed from decomposing or mummified remains
tissue can obscure important skeletal features
remains are deemed biohazardous
steps of hot water maceration
- remove bulk of the tissue
- disarticulate sections of the body
- put remains in water
- place bones on rack to dry
may take up to 7 days to complete
what are the other types of maceration?
cold water, chemical, demisted beetles
demisted beetles
consume soft tissues including cartilage and tendons
will not eat outer layer of the skin
can deflesh in 10-14 days
less invasive than other methods