Recovery Scene Methods Flashcards
Why do we need specific steps for recovery?
recovery is, by nature, destructive
What is a forensic archaeologist?
a person who specializes in applying archaeologist theory to a contemporary context
What are two preliminary issues for recovery?
- Need to secure crime scene against outside intrusion 2. The scene must not be disturbed prior to recovery
What are the four steps to the recovery process?
- location of materials 2. mapping 3. excavation 4. retrieval
What is Phase I of locating remains?
finding the remains in a designated area (where’s the rest of the body?)
What is Phase II of locating remains?
finding associated materials (aka non-bone evidence)
What are the four signs of human remains?
increased insect activity and odor, different colors of bones, differences in vegetation, soil compaction
What are the three indicators of soil compaction?
cracks around perimeter, primary depression, secondary depression
What is the ray search pattern?
outward-radiating, equally spaced lines
What are the four other search patterns?
line, grid, spiral, and zone
What is the fixed point of a map called?
datum
What do you use to map the area directly surrounding the remains?
a grid square
Excavation should be ____ and ____.
slow; precise
What is the main record called that keeps track of evidence?
chain of custody
Soft tissue gets placed in a …
body bag
Dry bone gets placed in a…
paper/cardboard box (needs to breathe)
What is a mass disaster?
mass fatalities in which local resources and personnel are overwhelmed
What are the four problems/complications related to mass disasters?
different levels of analysis for victims of different nationalities, shortage of expertise, complications due to location and safety concerns, political battles
How do forensic anthropologists assist in mass disasters?
assist with excavation and documentation, Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), management of the dead, photos
What do the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) act as?
custodians of international humanitarian law (ex. search for dead, maintain their dignity, identify and return to family, note gravesite locations, facilitate access)
What does the AAFS Humanitarian & Human Rights Resource Center
promotes application of forensic science principles to global humanitarian and/or human rights projects
What is the difference between human rights and humanitarian work?
different goals: human rights are focused on investigation while humanitarian work is focused on a family’s right to know
Mass graves are usually assumed to be the product of a …
human rights violation
What do forensic anthropologists contribute to a mass grave investigation?
systemic mapping and documentation, human vs nonhuman categorization, MNI, re-association, identification (the goal!)
