U.S.

Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
JUNE 05

National Institute of Justice

Special REPORT

Mass Fatality Incidents:

A Guide for Human Forensic Identification
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
810 Seventh Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20531

Alberto R. Gonzales
Attorney General

Tracy A. Henke
Acting Assistant Attorney General

Sarah V. Hart
Director, National Institute of Justice

This and other publications and products of the National Institute

of Justice can be found at:

National Institute of Justice

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij

Office of Justice Programs

Partnerships for Safer Communities
www.ojp.usdoj.gov
JUNE 05

Mass Fatality Incidents: A Guide for

Human Forensic Identification
Technical Working Group for Mass Fatality Forensic Identification

NCJ 199758
Sarah V. Hart
Director

Findings and conclusions of the research reported here are those of the authors and do not
reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The National Institute of Justice is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also
includes the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Office of Juvenile
Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Office for Victims of Crime.
Message From the Director

Every action taken by public safety person­ national effort through the National Center
nel at a death scene can have a profound for Forensic Science to develop a consen­
impact on victim identification and any sus document that would offer guidance
subsequent criminal investigation. Coord­ for the development of coordinated plans
inating the work of the many agencies that for responding to an incident involving
must respond to mass fatality incidents mass fatalities. I commend the work of
presents a particularly complex set of the 49 experienced public officials and
demands. Even large States and municipali­ other professionals from across the United
ties can find themselves overburdened States and Canada who came together
with many operational requirements in and formed the Technical Working Group
responding to a major transportation acci­ that developed this guide. I applaud their
dent or terrorist incident. Whether for the commitment and determination in creating
purpose of preserving evidence for a crimi­ this consensus document.
nal investigation or effectively managing the
identification of victims, a well-designed This guide is designed to assist all jurisdic­
plan could be an invaluable response tool. tions in creating new mass fatality plans
or reviewing existing plans. I encourage
Recent events and the emergent threat of every jurisdiction to give careful considera­
continued terrorist activity emphasize the tion to the recommendations in the guide.
need for public-sector agencies to plan for Regardless of the number of people killed,
a coordinated response to a mass fatality victims and their loved ones deserve our
event. Agencies small and large, urban and best efforts to provide accurate identifica­
rural, need to be prepared for an event tion of the victims and effective investiga­
that will exceed their operational capacity. tion of the crime. I believe this guide will
In an effort to support excellence across help us attain that goal.
local and State public safety agencies, the
National Institute of Justice, the research, Sarah V. Hart
development, and evaluation arm of the Director, National Institute of Justice
U.S. Department of Justice, initiated a

iii
Preface
Most government agencies concerned forensic process and should adhere to the
with public safety have disaster plans. highest scientific and professional standards.
Although some are linked to other agen­
cies’ plans, others are not. In the event of It is essential to integrate the medical
mass fatalities, the local medical examiner examiner/coroner functions into the estab­
or coroner should already have in place a lished emergency response system. This
plan to identify the victims properly. The system is concerned with limiting the
purpose of this guide is to help the med­ scope of the disaster and providing critical
ical examiner or coroner prepare that por­ functions such as fire suppression, rescue
tion of a disaster plan concerned with of the injured, establishment of an inci­
victim identification. dent command structure, and security.
The first section of this guide, “Section 1:
The statutory duty of the medical examin­ Initial Response Considerations,” summa­
er or coroner does not change as the num­ rizes the initial process. The second sec­
ber of victims increases. Whether there tion, “Section 2: Arriving at the Scene,”
are one, a hundred, or thousands of vic­ discusses the integration of the medical
tims, each should be accorded the same examiner/coroner into the process. From
consideration under the laws governing the third section, “Section 3: Processing
the investigation of and response to sud­ the Scene,” onward, the focus is on the
den or violent death. identification of the deceased.

Correct victim identification is essential to This guide does not specifically address
satisfy humanitarian considerations, meet the search and rescue efforts for the living
civil and criminal investigative needs, and that take precedence over the recovery
identify victim perpetrators. Equally impor­ of the remains, collection of evidence,
tant with identification procedures is the documentation of the scene, and other
need to document body location and operational procedures. However, first
wound patterns that may be essential in responders and others can use this guide
reconstructing the event and determining to understand the death investigation pro­
its cause. Today, forensic science (e.g., cess. This guide can assist them in devel­
DNA, fingerprints, forensic anthropology, oping operational tactics for routine as
odontology, radiology) plays a major role in well as mass fatality incidents.
victim identification. If local and State gov­
ernments lack the resources to cope with The procedures presented in this guide
a large number of fatalities, they should can help medical examiners and coroners
consider outside help in the forensic inves­ fulfill their legal duties even when the
tigations that may lead to the identification number of victims exceeds their agency’s
of these victims. The specialists brought daily operating capacity.
in to assist in the investigation should have
experience, education, and training in the

v
Technical Working Group for Mass Fatality

Forensic Identification
In April 2000, the National Institute of review and revise each section. NCFS
Justice (NIJ), the National Center for hosted another planning panel meeting in
Forensic Science (NCFS), and the Univer­ Orlando in March 2002 to review and fur­
sity of Central Florida identified the need ther revise the document. In May 2002,
for a guide to prepare local and State med­ NCFS posted the draft document on its
ical examiners and coroners for a mass Web site and solicited comments from
fatality incident. NIJ established the 335 agencies, departments, and organiza­
Technical Working Group for Mass Fatality tions in the forensic science and law en­
Forensic Identification (TWGMFFI) to iden­ forcement communities for content and
tify, define, and establish the basic criteria editorial review. The full TWG met for the
to assist medical examiners’ and coroners’ final time in July 2002 in Orlando to review
offices and local and State agencies in comments, revise the document, and
managing mass fatality incidents. make final changes.

The planning panel met in January and

February 2001 at NCFS in Orlando, Florida, Planning Panel
to define the scope, intent, and objectives
of the guide and to identify TWG members Douglas M. Arendt

and member organizations. NCFS facilitat­ Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)

ed the first meeting of the full TWGMFFI Chief Forensic Odontologist and Staff

in June 2001 in Orlando, Florida. During Pathologist (Retired)

the first day, the group separated into Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

subcommittees to draft the following Washington, D.C.

sections: “Section 1: Initial Response

Considerations”; “Section 2: Arriving at Jack Ballantyne, Ph.D.

the Scene”; “Section 3: Processing the Associate Director, Biological Evidence

Scene”; “Section 5: Disposition of Human National Center for Forensic Science

Remains, Personal Effects, and Records”; University of Central Florida

and “Section 6: Other Issues.” On the Orlando, Florida

second day, the group separated into sub­

Jamie Bush, CLPE

committees according to their forensic

Forensic Scientist

specialties to draft “Section 4: Identifica­

Latent Print Section

tion of Human Remains.”

Mississippi Crime Laboratory

The planning panel was scheduled to meet Meridian, Mississippi

in late September 2001 to review the draft

Frank A. Ciaccio, M.P.A.

document. The events of September 11,

Manager, Forensic Science

2001, however, required NCFS to resched­

National Transportation Safety Board

ule the meeting. The planning panel met in

Washington, D.C.

November 2001 in Orlando to review and

edit the draft document. NCFS facilitated Joseph H. Davis, M.D.

conference calls with each subcommittee Director (Retired)

during January through March 2002 to Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s

Department

Miami, Florida

vii
 Joseph A. DiZinno, D.D.S. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Deputy Assistant Director Washington, D.C.
Laboratory Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation Carrie M. Whitcomb, M.S.F.S.
Washington, D.C. Director
National Center for Forensic Science
Anthony B. Falsetti, Ph.D. University of Central Florida
Director Orlando, Florida
C.A. Pound Human Identification Lab
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida TWGMFFI Members
Mitchell M. Holland, Ph.D.
Joseph A. Bifano, M.D.
Vice President and Laboratory Director
Major, U.S. Air Force
The Bode Technology Group, Inc.
Chief, Diagnostic Imaging
Springfield, Virginia
Dover AFB, Delaware

Thomas Holland, Ph.D.

C. Michael Bowers, D.D.S., J.D.
Scientific Director
Deputy Medical Examiner
U.S. Army Central Identification Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office
Laboratory, Hawaii [now Joint POW/MIA Ventura, California
Accounting Command]
Hickam AFB, Hawaii Joseph Brown
Supervisory Fingerprint Specialist
Norman Kassoff
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Director of Operations (Retired)
Washington, D.C.
Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s

Department Brian Chrz, D.D.S.

Miami, Florida Consultant
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
William Morlang, D.D.S.
State of Oklahoma
Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Retired)
Perry, Oklahoma
Associate Professor

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial

David Coffman
Pathology Crime Laboratory Analyst Supervisor
Tufts University Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Boston, Massachusetts Tallahassee, Florida

Tom Shepardson (Deceased) Barry W. Duceman, Ph.D.

DMORT National Commander Director of Biological Science
Office of Emergency Preparedness Forensic Investigation Center
National Disaster Medical System New York State Police
U.S. Department of Health and Human Albany, New York
Services [now U.S. Department of
Homeland Security] Scott Firestone, D.D.S.
Syracuse, New York Forensic Odontologist
Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office
Paul Sledzik, M.S.
Hauppauge, New York
DMORT III Commander

National Museum of Health and Medicine

John Fitzpatrick, M.D.
Department of Radiology

viii
Cook County Hospital
National Center for Forensic Science

Chicago, Illinois
University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida

Ron Fourney, Ph.D.

Research Scientist
Roy Heim

Forensic Laboratory Services

Detective

National Police Services

Tulsa Police Department

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Ottawa, Ontario

Canada
Edwin F. Huffine, Ph.D.

Director of Forensic Sciences Program

Diane France, Ph.D.

International Commission on Missing

Director
Persons
Human Identification Laboratory
Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Colorado State University

Fort Collins, Colorado

Louis Hupp
Supervisory Fingerprint Specialist
Laura C. Fulginiti, Ph.D.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Forensic Anthropologist
Washington, D.C.
Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s

Office Robert A. Jensen

Phoenix, Arizona Vice President of Operations, Planning,
and Training
Grant D. Graham, M.F.S. Kenyon International Emergency
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Services, Inc.
Mississippi Crime Laboratory Houston, Texas
Biloxi, Mississippi
Fred B. Jordan, M.D.

Danny W. Greathouse Chief Medical Examiner

Lockheed Martin State of Oklahoma

U.S. Department of Justice Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Washington, D.C.
Martin S. LaBrusciano

Jack Hackett Chief (Retired)

Lieutenant Casselberry Police Department

Senior Crime Scene Analyst Law Enforcement Consultant

New York City Police Department Buffalo, Wyoming

New York, New York

Joel E. Lichtenstein, M.D.

Randy Hanzlick, M.D. Professor and Director, Gastrointestinal

Chief Medical Examiner Radiology

Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Center Department of Radiology
Associate Professor of Forensic Pathology University of Washington School of
Emory University School of Medicine Medicine
Atlanta, Georgia Seattle, Washington

Rhea Haugseth, D.D.S. Mark Malcolm

Marietta, Georgia Coroner
Pulaski County Coroner’s Office
Dale Heideman Little Rock, Arkansas
Deputy Director

ix
 Gregory O’Reilly, M.A., J.D. Ron W. Tarr, Ph.D.
Supervisor, Forensic Science Unit Director, Advanced Learning Technology
Office of the Cook County Public Defender Institute for Simulation and Training
Chicago, Illinois University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Dick Rogers
Major James G. Tauber
Miami-Dade Police Department Director
Miami, Florida Volusia County Fire Services
Deland, Florida
Robert Sibert, M.A., M.S.F.S.
Chief, Forensic Analysis Section Steve Tillmann
Federal Bureau of Investigation Deputy
Washington, D.C. Crime Scene Investigator
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Brion Smith, D.D.S. Los Angeles, California
Chief Deputy Medical Examiner
Department of Defense DNA Registry Charles V. Wetli, M.D.
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Chief Medical Examiner
Rockville, Maryland Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office
Hauppauge, New York
Calvin W. Smith
Forensic Specialist (Retired) C. Colon Willoughby, Jr.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Wake County District Attorney
Sydney River, Nova Scotia 10th Prosecutorial District
Canada State of North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina

x
Acknowledgments
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) supplied contact information, reference
thanks the members of the Technical materials, and editorial suggestions.
Working Group for Mass Fatality Forensic
Identification for their dedication to this On February 18, 2003, the forensic com­
project. NIJ also offers its gratitude to the munity lost one of its leaders, Tom
agencies and organizations represented by Shepardson, National Commander,
the working group members. Disaster Mortuary Operational Response
Team (DMORT). Tom was a man of convic­
In addition, NIJ thanks Carrie M. tion, dedicated to his country, and a true
Whitcomb, Director; Jack Ballantyne, believer that deceased individuals should
Associate Director, Biological Evidence; be treated with the utmost respect and
and John Bardakjy, Research Coordinator; dignity. Tom believed that “we owe it to
of the National Center for Forensic their families” to positively identify individ­
Science for facilitating this project. uals and return them to their loved ones
as quickly as possible. In essence, Tom
NIJ also thanks the law enforcement Shepardson stood for everything this
agencies, academic institutions, and guide represents.
commercial organizations worldwide that

xi
Contents
Message From the Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Technical Working Group for Mass Fatality Forensic Identification . . . . . . . . . vii

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi

Section 1: Initial Response Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Section 2: Arriving at the Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Section 3: Processing the Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Section 4: Identification of Human Remains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Section 4.1: Identification of Human Remains—Medical Examiner/Coroner . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Section 4.2: Identification of Human Remains—Administration/Morgue Operations . . . . . . 19

Section 4.3: Identification of Human Remains—Forensic Anthropology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Section 4.4: Identification of Human Remains—DNA Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 4.5: Identification of Human Remains—Fingerprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Section 4.6: Identification of Human Remains—Odontology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Section 4.7: Identification of Human Remains—Radiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Section 4.8: Identification of Human Remains—Antemortem Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Section 5: Disposition of Human Remains, Personal

Effects, and Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Section 6: Other Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Appendix A. Resources and Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Appendix B. Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team

Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Appendix C. Facilities/Organizational Flow Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

xiii
 Appendix D. Procedures for DNA Sample Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Appendix E. DNA Sample Family Reference Collection Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Appendix F. Dental Numbering System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Appendix G. Sample Remains Release Authorization Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

List of Reviewers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

xiv
 Section 1: Initial Response Considerations
resources needed may change as the
Local agencies are advised to develop and investigation yields additional facts and
implement an emergency management plan details.
before a mass fatality incident. Federal assis-
tance following a disaster may not be immediate II. Know the Role of the Medical
and may not be forthcoming. Examiner/Coroner
Principle. The medical examiner/coroner
is responsible for establishing the cause
I. Determine the Scope of the and manner of death for the purposes of
Incident identifying the dead and issuing death cer­
tificates. Local/State statutes define the
Principle. A mass fatality incident can medical examiner/coroner’s responsibilities.
happen anywhere and usually without
advance warning. When such an incident Procedure. The medical examiner/coroner
occurs, there are two phases to the is responsible for overseeing and coordi­
response— nating the provision and use of resources
to recover and identify the dead. Initial
A. Stabilizing the scene and rescuing the considerations include—
injured.
A. Preparing morgue/autopsy facilities.
B. Recovering and identifying human
remains and evidence. B. Establishing security and credentialing
systems.
Procedure. It is important that responders
en route to or arriving at the scene ask the C. Coordinating the transportation of
following questions to comprehend the remains from the scene to the
extent of the incident— morgue.

A. What happened? D. Coordinating activities with the family

assistance center (FAC), as appropriate.
B. Where did it happen?
About the Authors E. Establishing communications and data
The Technical Working C. How many injuries/fatalities are management systems.
Group for Mass Fatality involved?
Forensic Identification is a F. Establishing fiscal and material
multidisciplinary group of D. What are the known hazards? requirements.
practitioners and subject
matter experts from
E. What agencies are (or could become) G. Identifying the deceased.
across the United States, involved?
Canada, and Eastern H. Issuing death certificates.
F. Where is the scene command post
Europe. Each participant
located? I. Establishing a system for disposition
has experience with col-
lecting, processing, and
of the remains.
G. How will the scene be secured?
identifying human
Summary. The medical examiner/coroner’s
remains in the wake of a Summary. Answering these questions responsibilities include determining the
mass fatality incident. quickly will enable responders to notify cause and manner of death, identifying
and mobilize all appropriate resources. the dead, and returning the remains to the
Keep in mind that the type and amount of legal next of kin.

1
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

III. Consider Additional 2) Evidence Response Team

Resources (ERT).
Principle. The magnitude of a mass fatality 3) Laboratory Services.
incident may exceed the incident com- 4) Disaster Squad.
mand’s local capabilities and resources.
If this happens, the incident command is 5) Hazardous Materials
expected to immediately begin contacting Response Unit.
local, State, and Federal agencies for addi­ c. U.S. Department of Justice,
tional support (see appendix A for agency Office of Justice Programs:
contact information).
1) Office for Victims of Crime,
These agencies are expected to assist Victim Assistance Center.
with recovery/identification operations and
d. U.S. Department of Defense
provide administrative support. Depending
(DoD):
on the nature of the incident, agencies
(e.g., the National Transportation Safety 1) Armed Forces Institute of
Board [NTSB] and the Federal Bureau of Pathology (AFIP):
Investigation [FBI]) are expected to re­
a) Office of the Armed Forces
spond immediately to the scene of the
Medical Examiner (OAFME).
incident.
b) Armed Forces DNA Identi­
Procedure. The incident command should fication Laboratory (AFDIL).
consider contacting the following local,
State, and Federal resources if the scale 2) U.S. Army Central Identifica­
of the incident exceeds available resources tion Laboratory, Hawaii (CILHI)
and capabilities— [now Joint POW/MIA
Accounting Command].
A. Resources for the collection and
B. Additional resources:
identification of remains:
1. Local and State resources (in addi­
1. Local and State resources:
tion to the medical examiner/
a. Medical examiner/coroner coroner):
personnel.
a. Crime laboratories.
b. Law enforcement and fire
b. Emergency management offices.
departments.
c. National Guard.
c. Canine search units.
d. State departments of
2. Federal/national resources:
transportation.
a. U.S. Department of Homeland
e. Other.
Security, National Disaster
Medical System: 2. Federal/national resources:
1) Disaster Mortuary Operational a. Federal Emergency Management
Response Teams (DMORT). Agency (FEMA):
b. Federal Bureau of Investigation 1) Urban Search and Rescue
(FBI): (US&R) Teams.
1) Critical Incident Response b. National Transportation Safety
Group (CIRG). Board (NTSB).
c. Other.

2
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

3. Private resources: e. Private disaster response

companies.
a. Nonprofit organizations.
f. Private forensic laboratories.
b. State funeral directors’

associations. g. Educational institutions.

c. State dental associations and Summary. Utilizing various resources can

identification teams. provide major assistance to local units of
d. Transportation companies. government.

3
Section 2: Arriving at the Scene

I. Initial Response and Evaluation 2. Number of injuries/fatalities.

Principle. The initial response to a mass 3. Identify eyewitnesses, if applicable.
fatality incident establishes the incident
E. Identify scene hazards such as struc­
management framework for the preserva­
tural collapse, chemical and biological
tion of life and property and the thorough
hazards, and explosive devices.
documentation and collection of all re­
mains, personal effects, and evidence. The F. Initiate appropriate EMS rescue
processing of evidence and human re­ procedures.
mains is secondary to emergency services
and safety considerations. The recovery G. Leave the remains of the deceased
and collection process should be system­ undisturbed.
atic and methodical to minimize the loss
H. Establish an initial security perimeter
and contamination of evidence. First
to control entry to and exit from the
responders (i.e., the first public safety per­
scene.
sonnel to arrive at the scene, whether law
enforcement officers, firefighters, or emer­ I. Establish an incident command post
gency medical services [EMS] personnel) and initiate an incident management
should assess the scene quickly yet thor­ system/incident command system
oughly to determine the course of action (IMS/ICS) (see “Unified Incident
required. This assessment includes the Management System/Incident
scope of the incident, emergency services Command System” below for details).
required, safety concerns, and evidentiary
considerations. J. Consider key personnel required to
conduct the initial recovery and investi­
Procedure. On arriving at the scene, first gation operations.
responders (e.g., fire, police, emergency
medical personnel) are expected to— Summary. Based on the preliminary eval­
uation of the scene, first responders are
A. Officially report to the incident com­ expected to identify scene hazards, re­
mand or highest ranking officer at the quest emergency services, and establish
scene and produce appropriate creden­ an incident command post.
tials as required.
B. Maintain a written record, if possible, II. Unified Incident Management
identifying all personnel and the time System/Incident Command
of their arrival on the scene. System
Principle. Initiating a unified IMS/ICS is
C. Verify the type of incident (e.g., trans­
essential for deploying and managing
portation, industrial, natural, or crimi­
resources at the scene of a mass fatality
nal) and request appropriate assistance.
incident. This system establishes a pri­
D. Evaluate the scope of the incident: mary point of contact at the scene, an
effective line of communication, and the
1. Geographical extent (ensure the authority to enforce scene safety and
perimeter is large enough to security. The incident command can use
encompass the entire scene). this system to coordinate search, rescue,
and recovery efforts; establish staging

5
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

areas; and allocate resources, including 6. Briefing/debriefing area.

equipment, supplies, and personnel.
7. Stress management/support area.
Procedure. The incident command is E. Address other issues directly related
expected to implement the following to the recovery effort:
procedures—
1. Parking areas.
A. Establish the incident command cen­
2. Utilities/power supply.
ter. Possible sites may include:
3. Biohazard/refuse removal.
1. Airport hangar.
4. Storage areas for equipment and
2. Auditorium.
supplies.
3. Gymnasium.
5. Responder accommodations
4. Warehouse. (including meals, lodging, and
restrooms).
5. Tents and/or mobile units.
6. Administrative/operational

B. Evaluate the initial response to the resources:

incident and coordinate subsequent

actions. a. Office supplies/equipment.

C. Establish staging area(s) for the b. Electronic/computer equipment.

assembly of the functional teams: c. Identification/recovery tools.
1. Police, fire, and EMS personnel. d. Safety equipment.
2. Forensic recovery and identification e. Vehicles.
specialists.
Summary. The incident command is re­
D. Establish other functional areas as sponsible for implementing a unified IMS/
required: ICS to facilitate the coordination, docu­
1. First aid center. mentation, and recovery/collection of re­
mains, personal effects, and evidence. The
2. Temporary morgue. Possible sites incident command should use this system
may include: to secure the scene, manage and allocate
a. National Guard armory. resources, and ensure safety of all person­
nel involved in the rescue and recovery
b. Airport hangar. operations.
c. Warehouse.
3. Family assistance center (FAC).
III. Scene Safety
Possible sites may include: Principle. Safety overrides all other con­
cerns. First responders must take steps to
a. Hotel/motel.
identify and remove or mitigate safety haz­
b. Conference/convention center. ards that may further threaten victims,
bystanders, and public safety personnel.
c. Auditorium.
To avoid injuries to themselves and others,
4. Communication center. they must exercise due caution while per­
forming emergency operations.
5. Media staging area.

6
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

Procedure. Following the preliminary eval­ B. Establish staffed entry/exit points.

uation of the scene, first responders are
expected to— C. Restrict access (e.g., by the media,
bystanders, and nonessential person­
A. Assess and/or establish physical nel) into and out of the scene and
boundaries. secured areas through the security
perimeter:
B. Request and/or conduct a safety
sweep of the area by personnel quali­ 1. Issue site-specific identification
fied to identify and evaluate additional badges (for the FAC, temporary
hazards and safety concerns. morgue, etc.), if possible.
2. Maintain and update access logs/
C. Follow standard Environmental Pro­
databases.
tection Agency (EPA) and Occupational
Safety and Health Administration 3. Brief/debrief personnel when they
(OSHA) regulations (see appendix A enter or leave the staging areas.
for agency contact information).
D. Remove unauthorized personnel from
D. Follow standard precautions for poten­ the scene.
tial nuclear, biological, and chemical
hazards. E. Establish staging areas:
1. Parking area (for emergency re­
E. Mark hazard areas clearly and desig­
sponse vehicles).
nate safety zones.
2. Media staging area (for releasing
F. Communicate hazards to other person­ information to the public about the
nel arriving at the scene. incident).
G. Monitor the physical and psychological Summary. First responders are expected
condition of personnel (e.g., dehydra­ to establish a controlled security perimeter
tion, stress, and fatigue) and treat as and designate staging areas.
necessary.
Summary. Safety is the overriding con­ V. Rescue-to-Recovery Transition
cern during emergency operations and the
subsequent investigation. To ensure the Principle. The shift from search-and-
safety of civilians and public safety person­ rescue to search-and-recovery operations
nel, first responders should take steps to represents a major operating transition.
identify, evaluate, and mitigate scene haz­ The incident command is responsible for
ards and establish safety zones. coordinating search-and-recovery efforts
with the remains/evidence processing
teams.
IV. Security and Control
Procedure. The incident command, to­
Principle. First responders are responsible
gether with the remains/evidence process­
for establishing control and restricting
ing team leaders, is expected to consider
scene access to authorized personnel.
the following when shifting the operation
Procedure. To establish scene security from search and rescue to search and
and control, first responders are expected recovery—
to—
A. Identify and select the remains/
A. Set up a security perimeter. evidence processing team members.

7
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

B. Implement a simple, consistent, and D. Document the location, collection, and

expandable numbering system for re­ removal of remains, personal effects,
mains, personal effects, and evidence. and other evidence.

C. Establish recovery and evidence pro­ E. Establish onscene staging areas to

cessing procedures relevant to the facilitate the efficient processing of
type and extent of the incident. collected items.
F. Assign rotating shift schedules.

G. Provide the remains/evidence process­

Regardless of the type of incident, consider all
ing teams with regular breaks, debrief­
remains, personal effects, and other items
ings, and stress management.
recovered as evidence.
Summary. The incident command is ex­
pected to implement procedures to initiate
the transition between search-and-rescue
and search-and-recovery operations.

8
Section 3: Processing the Scene

I. Initial Considerations 3. Odontologist.

Principle. The complete and accurate iden­ 4. Police crime scene investigator.
tification of remains and evidentiary pro­ 5. Forensic photographer.
cessing begins at the scene of the mass
fatality incident. In most circumstances, 6. Evidence technician.
the medical examiner/coroner has the ulti­ 7. Scribe/notetaker.
mate responsibility for the recovery and
identification of the deceased. The remains/ C. Integrate the remains/evidence pro­
evidence processing teams have to assume cessing teams according to existing
that any mass fatality scene could be a interagency jurisdiction and chain of
crime scene. They are expected to careful­ command. The scope and extent of
ly document every piece of physical evi­ the mass fatality incident determines
dence recovered from the scene. The the number of agencies involved.
scene should be large enough to ensure
its protection from public access until all D. Establish and/or verify control over
agencies have agreed to release the scene. access to the scene.
Although teams can discard information E. Establish communication among trans­
later, scene processing always involves port vehicles, the incident command,
the physical destruction of the actual and the morgue.
scene, and additional information may not
be recoverable after the scene has been F. Establish an onscene remains process­
processed and released. Efficient informa­ ing station.
tion recovery proceeds from the least in­
trusive to the more intrusive (e.g., taking G. Consider the recovery of remains and
photographs is allowed only after teams personal effects as evidence and pre­
locate, flag, and sequentially number the serve the chain of custody throughout
remains). Although protocols may change the recovery operation.
in the middle of an event depending on Summary. Effective organization and com­
the scope and extent of the incident, doc­ position of the remains/evidence process­
umenting every aspect of the remains/ ing teams ensures the proper collection
evidence processing operation will ensure and preservation of remains, personal
the preservation of information. effects, and evidence.
Procedure. Before processing the scene,
the incident command, in consultation II. Establish a Chain of Custody
with the medical examiner/coroner, is
Principle. Establishing and maintaining a
expected to—
chain of custody verifies the integrity of
A. Identify team leaders responsible for the evidence. The remains/evidence pro­
remains/evidence processing. cessing teams are expected to maintain
the chain of custody throughout the recov­
B. Determine the size and composition ery process.
of the remains/evidence processing
teams (usually a function of the team Procedure. Throughout the investigation,
leaders), which may include: those responsible for preserving the chain
of custody are expected to—
1. Medical examiner/coroner.
2. Forensic anthropologist.
9
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

A. Document the time of arrival and III. Scene Imaging and Mapping
departure of other personnel at the
scene. Principle. The remains/evidence process-
ing teams can use a grid system to divide
B. Establish a standard numbering sys- the scene into manageable units to show
tem at the scene that relates back to the location and context of items (i.e.,
the location of the remains/evidence. their positions relative to other items) at
the scene. A grid system may need to be
three-dimensional.

The remains/evidence processing teams are Procedure. The remains/evidence pro­

responsible for assigning numbers according cessing teams are expected to—
to the order in which they locate and mark
remains, personal effects, and evidence. A. Record overall views of the scene
(e.g., wide-angle, aerial, 360-degree)
with a designated photographer to
relate items spatially within the scene
Ensure that the numbering system is: and relative to the surrounding area.
A combination of still photography,
1. Internally consistent and cross- videotaping, and other techniques is
referenced with other agencies. most effective. Remember to:
2. Expandable. 1. Consider muting the audio portion
3. Simple to interpret. of any video recording unless there
is narration.
4. Capable of indicating where the
remains, personal effects, and evi­ 2. Minimize the presence of scene
dence were recovered. personnel in photographs/videos.

5. Capable of tracking remains, per­ 3. Maintain photo and video logs.

sonal effects, and evidence through­
B. Identify boundaries and fixed land­
out the investigation.
marks (e.g., a utility pole, building cor­
6. Related to subsequent individual ners, or GPS-located points).
results without error.
C. Establish a primary point of reference
7. Integrated into all protocols and for the scene.
reports.
D. Divide the scene into identifiable sec­
C. Document the collection of evidence tors and create a checkerboard.
by recording its location at the scene
and time of collection. E. Use accurate measuring devices.

D. Document all transfers of custody

(including the name of the recipient
and the date and manner of transfer). Suggestion: Consider using steel tapes (which
do not stretch) and electronic measuring/posi-
Summary. Maintaining the chain of cus­ tioning devices. Consult with Department of
tody by properly documenting, collecting, Transportation officials, crime laboratory per-
and preserving the evidence ensures its sonnel, and local and State law enforcement
integrity throughout the investigation. agencies for models and specifications.

10
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

Summary. The remains/evidence process­ 3. Notes that may help with personal
ing teams are responsible for establishing identification or scene reconstruc­
an accurate, logical mapping system for tion (e.g., generic descriptors, such
the scene. as a foot or shoe).
4. Documentation of the evidence col­
IV. Document the Location of lector (e.g., the collector’s unique
Remains, Personal Effects, and identifier and the date and time of
Evidence recovery).
Principle. The remains/evidence process­ D. Conduct the systematic removal
ing teams are expected to include docu­ of remains, personal effects, and
mentation in the permanent record of the evidence:
scene. Photographic documentation cre­
ates a permanent record of the scene that 1. Using a permanent marker, mark
supplements the written incident reports. the outside of the primary bag or
The teams are expected to complete this container and tag with the identify­
documentation, including location informa­ ing number, the collector’s unique
tion, before the removal or disturbance of identifier, and the date and time of
any items. Videotaping may serve as an collection.
additional record but not as a replacement 2. Place the same identifying number
for still photography. on the inside of the body bag or
other bag or container.
Procedure. The remains/evidence pro­
cessing teams are expected to— 3. Do not remove any personal effects
on or with the remains. Transport all
A. Photograph individual items (midrange personal effects on or with the
and close) with an identifier (i.e., a grid remains to the morgue.
identifier and/or individual item num­
4. When necessary, wrap the head
ber) and scale. Consider including a
before moving it to protect cranial/
directional compass arrow that points
facial fragments and teeth.
north.
B. Attach identifying numbers and flag all
remains, personal effects, and evi­
dence in the grid: Do not assume that fragmented remains are
associated with each other.
1. Use a waterproof ink marker.
2. Ensure that numbers on the flags
correspond with those on the re­
mains and are also clearly discern­ E. After removing the remains, photo­
ible in the photograph. graph the areas from which evidence
was recovered to document whether
C. Ensure that the systematic onscene anything was under the remains.
documentation of all remains, personal
effects, and evidence includes: F. After the remains/evidence processing
teams have cleared the area and
1. The sequential numbering system before releasing the scene for public
at the scene. access, conduct a final shoulder-to-
2. Recovery location information. shoulder sweep search to locate any
additional items.

11
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

Summary. The remains/evidence process­ 2. Record drivers’ names and the

ing teams must properly document the license numbers of vehicles.
collection of all remains, personal effects,
3. Record dates and times that all
and evidence before removing them from
vehicles leave for the morgue.
the scene.
D. Maintain equipment and supplies at
V. Onscene Staging Area the staging area. Inventory resources
may include:
Principle. The remains/evidence process­
ing teams should use the onscene staging 1. A large tent.
area for checking documentation, main­ 2. Body/storage bags.
taining the chain of custody, and conduct­
ing potential triage functions. At this area, 3. Litters, gurneys, and stretchers for
the remains/evidence processing teams remains transport.
can add notes to aid personal identification 4. Refrigeration vehicles.
at the morgue (e.g., comments about tat­
toos, marks, and scars) and identify con­ 5. Emergency lighting.
tents of body bags (e.g., watches, body 6. Sawhorses with plywood boards
parts). The remains/evidence processing for makeshift examination tables.
teams are responsible for closing and lock­
ing body bags at this point. 7. Tarpaulins or other screening
materials to create visual barriers.
Procedure. The remains/evidence pro­ 8. Decontamination control.
cessing teams are expected to—
9. Inventory control system.
A. Establish a staging area proximate to
10. Equipment storage.
the incident scene that provides maxi­
mum security from public and media 11. Personal protective equipment.
scrutiny and access (including a no-fly
zone over the site). E. Notify the morgue when transport of
remains will begin.
B. Remand evidence that is not required
to accompany the remains to the mor­ Summary. The remains/evidence process­
tuary to the custody of the appropriate ing teams are expected to maintain a secure
agency. triage area for initial examination of re­
mains and other evidence and to ensure
C. Maintain the chain of custody of body secure transport to the morgue. Strongly
bags: consider placing forensic identification
1. Maintain a log of the body bags that specialists at the staging area, as initial
are transported from the staging evaluations at this point will dictate the
area to the morgue. efficiency of subsequent morgue operations.

12
Identification of Human Remains SECTION 4

Section 4.1
Identification of Human Remains—
Medical Examiner/Coroner

Section 4.2
Identification of Human Remains—
Administration/Morgue Operations

Section 4.3
Identification of Human Remains—
Forensic Anthropology

Section 4.4
Identification of Human Remains—
DNA Analysis

Section 4.5
Identification of Human Remains—
Fingerprints

Section 4.6
Identification of Human Remains—
Odontology

Section 4.7
Identification of Human Remains—
Radiology

Section 4.8
Identification of Human Remains—
Antemortem Data Collection

13
Section 4.1: Identification of Human Remains—
Medical Examiner/Coroner
Procedure. Following a mass fatality inci­
In addition to identification, the medical exam- dent, the medical examiner/coroner is
iner/coroner should be aware of the role that expected to—
bodies and fragments play in determining the
cause and effect of the incident.
A. Assume responsibility for the death
investigation.

B. Review the scope of the incident.

I. Define Expectations and C. Determine the need for additional

Responsibilities assistance (e.g., Disaster Mortuary
Operational Response Team [DMORT]
Principle. The medical examiner/coroner
and/or the Federal Bureau of Investi­
is responsible for the medicolegal investi­
gation [FBI] Disaster Squad) (see
gation of the incident, including human
appendix B for details regarding
factor considerations (e.g., toxicology). A
DMORT activation).
mass fatality incident does not diminish
this responsibility. The office of the med­ D. Establish morgue operations and
ical examiner/coroner is in charge of the security.
documentation, examination, identifica­
tion, recovery, disposition, and certification E. Review and document the evidence.
of all remains as well as morgue opera­
F. Identify the deceased.
tions. Additional assistance from other
organizations and agencies is subject to G. Appoint an individual responsible for
the discretion and approval of the medical organizing authorized site visits and for
examiner/coroner. coordinating daily briefings/debriefings
with the mass fatality task force, the
victims’ families, and the media.

If the medical examiner/coroner is not H. Issue death certificates for all victims.
equipped to assume responsibility for manag­
ing morgue operations, a Disaster Mortuary
Summary. The medical examiner/coroner
Operational Response Team (DMORT) is re­
is expected to assume jurisdictional re­
sponsible for appointing a forensic pathologist
sponsibility for conducting all aspects of
or temporary medical examiner/coroner who is
the death investigation.
capable of overseeing all morgue operations
and administrative functions. The extent and II. Establish Morgue Operations
role of a DMORT remains at the discretion of and Security
the local medical examiner/coroner.
Principle. The medical examiner/coroner
establishes morgue operations to ensure
the proper collection, labeling, examina­
tion, preservation, and transportation of
recovered remains. The medical examin-
er/coroner properly tags and inventories

15
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

each piece of evidence. This function also III. Examine and Document
includes safeguarding all potential physical Remains
evidence and/or property and clothing that
remain on the deceased. Principle. The examination and documen­
tation of remains provides detailed infor­
Procedure. The medical examiner/coroner mation about the deceased’s physical
is expected to— attributes and the possible cause, manner,
and circumstances of death. The medical
A. Limit access to entry/exit areas: examiner/coroner is responsible for main­
taining all records and documentation,
1. Maintain and update a registry
including notes, diagrams, photographs,
of solicited volunteers and their
radiographs/x-rays, fingerprints, and other
qualifications.
images.
2. Maintain and update a registry of
unsolicited volunteers (whose serv­ Procedure. The medical examiner/coroner
ices may or may not be required). is expected to—

B. Issue/verify identification badges with A. Document where the remains were

photographs or other secure identifiers found and where death occurred.
(e.g., thumbprints).
B. Control and document how the
C. Determine/review staffing needs remains are transported from the
and ensure adequate facilities and scene to the morgue.
equipment.
C. Ensure that all remains are properly
D. Differentiate normal from mass fatality photographed.
morgue cases.
D. Document the presence or absence of
E. Assign reasonable work schedules. clothing and personal effects.

F. Consider providing stress manage­ E. Diagram/describe in writing items

ment counseling for the remains/ of evidence and their relationship to
evidence processing teams, morgue the remains (with necessary
staff, and their families. measurements).

G. Maintain a daily activity log that F. Document general physical

records: characteristics.
1. The identification, reassociation, G. Document the presence or absence
and disposition of all remains. of specific marks, scars, tattoos, and
2. An inventory of donated, loaned, or external prostheses:
purchased items. 1. Ensure total body radiographs/x-rays
are made (if indicated).
Summary. Implementing morgue opera­
tion and security procedures facilitates 2. Provide anthropological consultation
the proper identification of the deceased, (if indicated).
maintains a proper chain of custody, and
safeguards property and evidence. H. Document the presence or absence of
injury/trauma.

I. Document fingerprints (and hand­

prints, toe prints, or footprints if
indicated).

16
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

J. Document the presence or absence of B. Collect associated physical evidence

any items or objects that may be rele­ (e.g., explosives residue or other trace
vant (including internal prostheses, material).
implants, etc.).
C. Collect, inventory, and safeguard
K. Document the dental examination (see money at the scene and the morgue
“Section 4.6: Identification of Human (with a witness present).
Remains—Odontology” for procedures).
D. Collect, inventory, and safeguard per­
L. Collect appropriate DNA and toxicolo­ sonal valuables/property (e.g., clothing
gy samples (see “Section 4.4: and jewelry) at the scene and the
Identification of Human Remains— morgue:
DNA Analysis” for procedures).
1. Collect and store personal effects in
M. Conduct a complete autopsy (if paper bags (for airing and drying).
indicated). 2. Clean each personal item removed
Summary. The medical examiner/coroner from the remains (especially jewel­
evaluates and documents all evidence ry) and preserve with an appropriate
related to the remains to establish the identification number.
identity of the deceased and determine
the cause and manner of death.
Take DNA samples from personal effects
IV. Collect, Inventory, and Secure before cleaning and cataloging them.
Personal Effects and Evidence
on/in Remains
Principle. Medical examiners/coroners are
expected to safeguard the valuables and 3. Use photographs when applicable
property of the deceased to ensure proper for viewing and recognition by fami­
processing and eventual return to the legal ly members.
next of kin. They also are expected to safe­ Summary. Collecting property and pre­
guard evidence on or near the remains to serving evidence is critical for ensuring the
ensure its availability for further evaluation. chain of custody and admissibility in cases
of legal action.
Procedure. The medical examiner/coroner
is expected to ensure that all property and
evidence is collected, inventoried, protect­ V. Establish Identification of the
ed, and released as required by law Deceased
according to the following functions— Principle. Confirming the identity of the
deceased is critical to the death investiga­
A. Photograph the evidence (include an
tion. Proper identification is necessary to
identification number with each photo­
notify the legal next of kin, resolve estate
graph), including:
issues and criminal/civil litigation, and
1. Remains. issue death certificates.
2. Physical characteristics (e.g., Procedure. The medical examiner/coroner
tattoos, scars, or marks). is responsible for establishing the identity
3. Wounds. of the deceased using the following
methods—
4. Personal effects (e.g., clothing and
jewelry).

17
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

A. Presumptive:
1. Direct visual or photographic identi­ The medical examiner/coroner is expected to
fication of the deceased if visually conduct regular meetings with those assisting
recognizable. with the identification of the deceased to en­
sure concordance and resolve discrepancies
2. Personal effects (e.g., wallets, before releasing the remains.
jewelry), circumstances, physical
characteristics, tattoos, and anthro­
pological data.
4. DNA analysis.
B. Confirmatory:
5. Forensic anthropology.
1. Fingerprints (including handprints,
toe prints, and footprints if Summary. The medical examiner/coroner
indicated). is expected to use all available methods of
2. Odontology. identification to confirm the identity of the
deceased. Confirming identity is essential
3. Radiology. for resolving investigative, family, estate,
judicial, and vital record issues.

18
Section 4.2: Identification of Human Remains—
Administration/Morgue Operations
I. Establish Morgue Operations
When the medical examiner/coroner requires
Principle. Establishing morgue operations
teams of forensic specialists, ensure that team
during a mass fatality incident may require
leaders are selected and introduced to the med­
expanded operations. The medical examin-
ical examiner/coroner. Team leaders are individ­
er/coroner is usually responsible for coor­
uals designated to serve as the functional
dinating the logistical requirements to
heads of forensic identification teams (e.g., fin­
support sustained operations in an orderly
gerprints, forensic anthropology, odontology).
environment.
They are responsible for organizing and direct­
Procedure. Consider the following func­ ing the teams’ activities. Effective team leaders
tional areas in order to sustain the morgue typically have experience working a mass fatali­
operations from intake to release/ ty incident and understand the forensic issues
disposition— involved. Team leaders may also have special­
ized certifications in their disciplines.
A. Identify the morgue operations super­
visor, usually the medical examiner/
coroner or designee, responsible for
directly supervising the following 2. Situation unit (for collecting and
individuals: entering data, preparing reports,
and developing projections).
1. Public information officer (PIO).
3. Documentation unit (for organizing
2. Safety officer. and maintaining all records).
3. Liaison officer for interagency 4. Demobilization unit (for releasing
coordination. the scene).
B. Identify the operations section leader Summary. Establishing an effective
(not necessarily a forensic specialist), morgue operation helps ensure proper
who is expected to: investigation, identification, and return of
1. Report directly to the medical remains and personal effects to the legal
examiner/coroner. next of kin.

2. Supervise the overall morgue

operation. II. Establish Workstation Flow
Principle. Ensuring the systematic and
C. Plan in advance of the incident for the
comprehensive examination of the re­
use of forensic identification special­
mains effectively leads to a positive identi­
ists (e.g., DNA analysts, fingerprint
fication and preservation of evidence.
examiners, forensic anthropologists)
who are expected to report to the Procedure. The following functional activi­
medical examiner/coroner. ties are suggested in the order listed, but
D. Establish the following resource man­ that order may be altered to accommodate
agement units: the situation (see appendix C for workflow
diagrams for forensic identification and
1. Resource unit (for tracking available forensic information management and
resources and staff work schedules). coordination)—
19
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

A. Establish and secure an intake/ Summary. A forensic identification

admitting/triage area: team is an essential part of the forensic
investigation.
1. Assign escorts (one escort per body
or set of remains).
IV. Other Considerations
2. Assign a case number.
Principle. In addition to overseeing morgue
3. Establish a case file. operations, the medical examiner/coroner
4. Weigh (and measure if applicable) is expected to consider other details criti­
the remains. cal to the efficient collection, identification,
documentation, and release of remains
5. Conduct triage. and personal effects.
B. Photograph remains and personal
Procedure. The medical examiner/coroner
effects.
is expected to consider the following—
Summary. Effective and organized work­
stations at the morgue facility provide for A. Use recognized, standard forms for
an orderly and consistent operation and the collection, collation, and matching
reduce the potential for error. of antemortem with postmortem
records.

III. Establish a Forensic

Identification Team
Principle. The medical examiner/coroner is Many of these sample forms are available
responsible for establishing an identifica­ through agencies via the Internet or on
tion team of specialists from a variety of CD–ROM. Many of the agencies listed in
forensic disciplines. These identification appendix A offer electronic forms.
specialists are expected to compare ante­
mortem to postmortem records and report
their findings to the medical examiner/
coroner for review and final approval. B. Establish and/or maintain a simple,
concise, and continuous numbering
Procedure. Depending on the extent of system.
the incident, consider the following foren­
C. Conduct regular team briefings:
sic identification specialists for comparing
antemortem to postmortem records— 1. Consider scheduling and conducting
daily briefings for all personnel
A. Evidence technician. involved.
B. Fingerprint examiner. 2. Schedule briefings to cover shift
changes, personnel transitions,
C. Forensic anthropologist. duration of work, and rumor control.
D. DNA analyst. D. Establish morgue security by restrict­
E. Odontologist. ing morgue access to authorized
personnel.
F. Forensic photographer.
E. Prohibit personal photography.
G. Pathologist.
F. Monitor the physical condition and
H. Radiologist and radiographic technicians. emotional well-being of those allowed
to assist in the morgue operation.
I. Toxicologist.

20
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

Restricting access to the morgue preserves Review records to ensure that all forms are
the integrity of the investigation, maintains the accurate, legible, complete, and signed. Verify
dignity of the deceased, limits exposure to that all images are accounted for and logged.
chemical and biological hazards, minimizes the
disruption of the chain of custody, restricts
access to log documentation, and prevents the
contamination of evidence. Summary. Maintaining proper morgue
operations helps to ensure a quality inves­
tigation that leads to the identification and
disposition of the deceased.
G. Provide family support to members of
the remains/evidence processing and
morgue operation teams, including:
Consider using the Internet and facsimile
1. Grief counseling. machines for the transfer of antemortem
2. Phone/Internet access. records and documents. Be aware that lines of
communication may be down in the early hours
H. Recognize the contributions of first following a mass fatality incident. Hard copies
responders, morgue staff, and mem­ of documents must follow electronic transfer
bers of the various forensic identifica­ to ensure the chain of evidence.
tion teams after releasing the scene.
I. Maintain quality control.

21
Section 4.3: Identification of Human Remains—

Forensic Anthropology
I. Role of the Forensic A. Evaluate and document the condition
Anthropologist of the remains, including:
Principle. The forensic anthropologist 1. Complete remains.
assists in the recovery and identification of 2. Fragmented remains.
remains following a mass fatality incident.
3. Burned remains.
4. Decomposed remains.
A forensic anthropologist has specialized train­ 5. Commingled remains.
ing, education, and experience in the recovery,
6. Any combination of the above.
sorting, and analysis of human and nonhuman
remains, especially those that are burned, com­ B. Separate obviously commingled re­
mingled, and traumatically fragmented. mains to calculate the minimum num­
ber of individuals, while ensuring
continuity of the established number­
ing system.
Procedure. In a mass fatality incident, the
forensic anthropologist assists in the re­ C. Analyze the remains to determine sex,
covery, sorting, analysis, and identification age at death, stature, and other distin­
of remains. Specifically, with regard to the guishing characteristics.
identification of human remains, the foren­
D. Assist in determining the need for
sic anthropologist is expected to—
additional analysis by other forensic
A. Provide information concerning the identification disciplines (e.g., radiolo­
biological characteristics (e.g., age at gy, odontology).
death, sex, race, and stature) of the E. Maintain a log of incomplete remains
deceased. to facilitate future reassociation.
B. Assist the medical examiner/coroner F. Document, remove, and save nonhu­
in determining the circumstances sur­ man and/or nonbiological materials for
rounding the death of the individual. proper disposal.
Summary. The forensic anthropologist is Summary. The forensic anthropologist
expected to assist with the recovery, assesses the condition of the remains and
analysis, and identification of the remains. assists in analyses.

II. Initial Evaluation III. Forensic Anthropological

Principle. The specifics of the mass fatali­ Analysis
ty incident determine the relative state of Principle. The forensic anthropologist
preservation and degree of fragmentation is expected to analyze the remains,
of the remains. depending on their condition, using vari­
ous methods to determine biological
Procedure. The forensic anthropologist is
attributes (e.g., age, sex, race, stature, and
expected to—

23
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

idiosyncrasies). Even very small skeletal IV. Additional Forensic

fragments may be useful in both personal Procedures
identification and determination of the cir­
cumstances surrounding death. Principle. The forensic anthropologist is
expected to assist in other procedures and
Procedure. The forensic anthropologist is use additional information from other for­
expected to evaluate, when possible, the ensic identification specialists in the analy­
following— sis of remains.

A. Sex. Procedure. The forensic anthropologist is

expected to assist with the following—
B. Age at death.
A. Obtaining DNA samples from soft tis­
C. Race. sue and bone.
D. Stature. B. Taking and interpreting radiographs/
E. Antemortem pathological conditions x-rays.
(e.g., diseases or healed fractures). C. Interpreting trauma (with the medical
F. Anomalies/abnormalities (including sur­ examiner/coroner).
gical hardware and prosthetic devices). D. Obtaining and isolating dental
G. Perimortem trauma. evidence.

Summary. The forensic anthropologist is E. Comparing antemortem and post­

expected to use skeletal features to devel­ mortem records.
op a biological profile. Summary. The multidisciplinary approach
to the identification process is vital to the
successful response to and outcome of a
mass fatality incident.

24
Section 4.4: Identification of Human Remains—

DNA Analysis
I. Initial Considerations B. Technology. The medical examiner/
coroner, in consultation with the DNA
Principle. For cases involving mass fatali­ laboratory, is expected to determine
ties and/or highly fragmented remains, which DNA analysis methods will be
DNA provides an essential component of used to assist in the identification
the identification process. DNA analysis process.
can 1) identify the victims, 2) associate
fragmented remains, and 3) assist in ongo­ C. Timelines. The medical examiner/
ing medical and legal investigations. The coroner, in consultation with the DNA
medical examiner/coroner is responsible laboratory, is expected to establish
for making the initial decision as to the realistic timelines for the completion of
primary goal of the DNA identification the DNA identification process based
efforts: whether to pursue a medical legal upon an assessment of the laborato­
finding of death for each victim or to iden­ ries’ capacities and data interpretation
tify all biological material recovered. This capabilities. The medical examiner/
decision will have a significant impact on coroner is expected to resist adjusting
the scope of the identification process. timelines based on influences that
could be detrimental to the overall
Procedure. The availability and utilization identification effort.
of DNA resources will vary according to
the scope of the incident as well as the Summary. Adequate resources and realis­
jurisdiction. The medical examiner/coroner tic timelines play a significant role in deter­
is expected to evaluate the available DNA mining the extent to which DNA analysis
testing resources and establish formal may be used in the identification process.
agreements with laboratories capable of
supporting the jurisdiction’s mass fatality II. Sample Collection for DNA
contingency plan. Analysis
A. Resources. The ready availability of Principle. DNA analysis is a comparison
high-throughput DNA analysis is capa­ science requiring one or more valid refer­
ble of meeting the many complexities ence samples to identify human remains
presented by larger mass fatality inci­ accurately. Three types of biological
dents and/or severe victim fragmenta­ samples are collected to conduct DNA
tion. Smaller incidents may not require analysis—
special resource considerations relat­
ing to specimen tracking and DNA ana­ A. Human remains.
lytical throughput. However, specimen
B. Appropriate family references.
tracking, data management, and the
interpretation of results represent C. Direct references (e.g., biological spec­
significant challenges. It is essential to imens and personal effects).
have an inventory system available to
log and track potentially tens of thou­ Collect samples in a manner that prevents
sands of specimens. Testing laborato­ loss, contamination, or deleterious change
ries are expected to use specialized and that involves the initiation of a proper
software to facilitate the tracking, chain of custody. Ensure that sample pre­
searching, and interpretation of large paration includes provision for specimen
numbers of DNA profiles.
25
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

inventory, appropriate transport and stor­ collection process may involve

age of large numbers of samples, and teams of two or more individuals:
accompanying documentation.
1) The staff member who takes
Procedure. Consider these following the sample (e.g., the medical
steps when collecting the following refer­ examiner/coroner or anthro­
ence samples— pologist) is expected to be able
to assess its suitability for
A. Human remains: DNA analysis and identify the
species and anatomical origin
1. Collection: of the specimen.
a. Collect, place, and appropriately 2) The staff member who records
store samples of suitable size in the sample verifies the sample
separately labeled containers description, assigns or main­
(see appendix D for detailed DNA tains a unique identifier, main­
sample collection procedures). tains the chain of custody, and
b. Store samples without preserva­ ensures proper storage (e.g.,
tives (e.g., formaldehyde). freezing the sample in a se­
cure location).
c. When possible, collect samples
from human remains for DNA b. Request that the staff involved
analysis in conjunction with other in collecting samples provide a
forensic specialists at the desig­ DNA reference sample to be
nated morgue facility. used for elimination purposes.

2. Documentation: 4. Samples for analysis. Take speci­

mens for analysis from:
a. Ensure that all remains submit­
ted for DNA analysis have been a. Positively identified remains. Take
photographed and documented samples for DNA analysis even if
at the designated morgue facility. the remains have already been
identified because the DNA re­
b. Use a numbering system that is sults can be used for reassocia­
integrated or derived from the tion of fragmented remains, the
incident management system/ identification of kindred victims,
incident command system (IMS/ or elimination purposes.
ICS) to uniquely identify each
specimen. This can reduce tran­ b. Fragmented remains. The med­
scription errors, minimize confu­ ical examiner/coroner is expected
sion, and reduce the possibility to determine the goal of the iden­
of misattribution that can arise tification effort and establish cri­
from the use of alternative or teria for sample collection:
redundant numbering systems. 1) Will all fragments be tested?
Avoid creating a new numbering
system whenever possible. 2) Will only fragments meeting
a certain size requirement be
3. Staff: tested?
a. Designate qualified staff mem­ 3) Will only anatomically recog­
bers responsible for collecting nizable fragments be tested?
samples for DNA analysis. This

26
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

5. Preferred samples. Human remains members. Use other agencies to

sources include: assist as necessary.
a. Blood. c. Place and appropriately store
individual reference samples in
b. Soft tissue:
separately labeled containers.
1) Deep red skeletal muscle.
2. Documentation:
2) Organ tissue.
a. Obtain and document informed
3) Skin. consent using consent forms
that have undergone legal
c. Hard tissue:

review:
1) Bones.

1) Include the purpose for

2) Teeth.
requesting the sample.
6. Sample handling: 2) Describe the intended use of
the sample, restrictions on its
a. Tell staff members responsible
use, and the confidentiality of
for collecting DNA samples for
the DNA results.
analysis to take proper precau­
tions to minimize the risk of b. Identify the donor:
contamination.
1) Confirm the donor’s credentials.
b. Handle samples in a manner that
2) Clearly establish the donor’s
prevents loss or deleterious
biological relationship to the
change:
victim.
1) Use sterile and disposable
3) Obtain the donor’s contact
supplies for sample collection
information.
whenever possible.
4) Use an appropriate form (see
2) Discard or clean gloves and
appendix E for DNA sample
cutting instruments after tak­
family reference collection
ing each sample.
forms).
3) Clean instruments, work sur­
c. Originate and maintain a chain
faces, gloves, or other items
of custody for donor reference
with commercial bleach (one
samples.
part bleach to nine parts
water). d. Initiate a logical numbering sys­
tem for all reference samples
B. Family references: that is compatible with the IMS/
1. Collection: ICS (e.g., consider allocating a
predetermined block of numbers
a. Initiate the collection of refer­ to assist in identifying the source
ence samples from members of of the sample).
the victims’ immediate families
at the family assistance center 3. Staff:
(FAC) or other designated sites. a. Identify and utilize appropriate
b. Develop and implement a plan to individuals or agencies for the
initiate the remote collection of collection of family reference
reference samples from family samples.

27
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

b. Train individuals to: C. Direct reference samples:

1) Interact with victims’ relatives 1. Collection:
with sensitivity.
a. Immediately establish a point of
2) Use the proper collection contact responsible for receiving
methods (e.g., buccal swabs, and managing the collection of
fingerstick devices). direct reference samples.
3) Record accurate and reliable b. Ensure that the FAC and other
kinship information. family services widely publicize
the name or location of the point
4. Preferred samples:
of contact and a list of items suit­
a. Blood sample collected using able for direct DNA referencing.
venipuncture or a fingerstick
c. Notify family members that they
device.
can submit direct reference sam­
b. Two properly collected buccal ples at the same site where they
swabs. provide family reference samples.
5. Preferred donors. Collect the follow­ d. Place and appropriately store
ing types of samples from the pre­ individual reference samples in
ferred donors indicated: separately labeled containers.
a. Short tandem repeat (STR) or 2. Documentation:
other autosomal markers. Prefer­
a. Obtain appropriate documenta­
ably, collect samples from the
tion to allow for the correlation of
following:
direct reference samples to a
1) Either or both biological par­ particular victim.
ents of the victim.
b. Originate and maintain a chain of
2) The victim’s mate and their custody.
biological children.
c. Initiate a logical numbering sys­
3) Biological siblings who share tem for all reference samples
the same parents as the that is compatible with the IMS/
victim. ICS (e.g., consider allocating a
predetermined block of numbers
b. Mitochondrial DNA. Use mater­
to assist in identifying the source
nally related family members as
of the sample).
references.
3. Samples for analysis:
c. Y-chromosomal markers. Use
paternally related family mem­ a. Take care in choosing appropriate
bers as references. direct reference samples for
analysis.
b. Ensure that more than one item
is submitted.
The suitability of the donor depends on the type
of DNA analysis used. Consult the testing labo­ c. Ensure that items are:
ratories for clarification.
1) Directly attributable to the
victim.
2) Submitted as soon as possible.

28
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

4. Preferred samples: III. DNA Analysis Data

a. Biological samples suitable for Management
testing include: Principle. The process of accumulating,
1) Bloodstain cards (e.g., Guthrie reviewing, and interpreting DNA data is
cards or cards obtained from the most challenging step when employ­
other repositories). ing DNA technology to identify mass fatali­
ty victims. The difficulty of this task is
2) Buccal swabs (e.g., home compounded when more than one labora­
DNA identification kits). tory is involved in providing DNA results.
3) Blood stored for elective Participating laboratories should affirm
surgery. their mutual commitment, coordinate and
track sample flow, and agree to use com­
4) Pathology samples (e.g., biop­ patible software applications for data
sy samples, PAP smears). acquisition and interpretation.
5) Extracted teeth (e.g., baby or
Procedure. DNA data management re­
wisdom teeth).
quires a laboratory information manage­
6) Hair samples. ment system (LIMS) to inventory, locate,
maintain chain of custody, and document
b. Personal items include:
the disposition of samples—
1) Used toothbrushes.
A. Conduct DNA analysis at a single labo­
2) Used shavers/razors. ratory whenever possible to minimize
3) Unwashed undergarments complications associated with sample
and other suitable clothing and data exchange.
items.
B. Conduct DNA analysis at more than
4) Used personal hygiene items one testing facility if the scope of the
(e.g., feminine sanitary incident exceeds a single laboratory’s
napkins). capabilities. In such an event, ensure
that the participating laboratories sup­
5) Other personally handled or
port compatible software applications
used items (consult the test­
for sample tracking, testing data pro­
ing laboratory for specific
duction, and subsequent interpretation:
criteria).
1. Identify a single coordinating labora­
tory responsible for:

Personal items may need to be returned to a. Evaluating methods.

donors. b. Ensuring data quality.
c. Tracking sample flow between
laboratories.
Summary. The proper selection, docu­ d. Ensuring data management.
mentation, and handling of samples and
corresponding reference submissions for e. Searching for matches between
DNA analysis can provide maximum assis­ victim samples and appropriate
tance for identifying the deceased. reference samples.
f. Interpreting results.

29
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

g. Conducting administrative B. Confirm that laboratories have com­

reviews. patible DNA analysis methods, soft­
ware applications, and modes of
2. Establish a secure, rapid means
communication.
of data transmission between the
laboratories. C. Confirm that laboratories have proven
3. Ensure that all laboratories use a experience processing reference sam­
sequential and consistent number­ ples and remains from a mass fatality
ing system, including barcoding incident.
whenever possible. D. Assess the laboratories’ capacities and
C. Accumulate all data into a single data­ competing priorities.
base for interpretation. E. Maintain communication with partici­
Summary. Data management of the DNA pating laboratories throughout the
analysis process can assist laboratories identification process.
with the successful analysis of reference F. Evaluate the laboratories’ performance
samples and the identification of the through documentary review of previ­
deceased. ous audits or by conducting sample
retesting, random reanalysis, and/or
IV. Outsourcing proficiency testing.
Principle. In circumstances where the Summary. Strict selection criteria, appro­
scope of the DNA analysis exceeds local priate quality review, and effective com­
capabilities, it may be necessary to sub­ munication can help to ensure that the
contract DNA testing to one or more for­ data generated by the subcontracted labo­
ensic DNA laboratories. Ensure that the ratories can be used with confidence for
capacities and capabilities of the selected identification purposes.
laboratories are sufficient to meet the spe­
cific DNA analysis requirements.
V. Data Interpretation
Procedure. Consider the following when Principle. DNA results can be analyzed
selecting subcontracted laboratories— and technically reviewed according to
preestablished criteria. The interpretation
A. Employ specific guidelines to assess of DNA analysis results within the context
the abilities of laboratories before of the identification process can be con­
authorizing analysis. Criteria can ducted by the coordinating laboratory (or
include the following: in-house laboratory, if one is available) be­
1. Accreditation by the American fore reporting the results to the medical
Society of Crime Laboratory examiner/coroner.
Directors/Laboratory Accreditation
Board (ASCLD/LAB) or certification Procedure. The coordinating laboratory is
by the National Forensic Science expected to do the following before re­
Technology Center (NFSTC) or other porting DNA analysis results to the med­
recognized accrediting/certifying ical examiner/coroner—
organizations for compliance with
A. Use appropriately validated DNA analy­
national DNA standards.
sis protocols and review procedures.
2. Additional accreditation or certifica­
tion as required to satisfy local juris­ B. Establish statistical criteria for kinship
dictional criteria. or direct reference matches, depend­
ing on the nature and scope of the
incident.
30
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

C. Ensure the availability of appropriate D. Whenever possible, confirm DNA

software for storing and searching results from direct reference samples
DNA profiles from victims and corre­ used for identification through kinship
sponding reference samples. analysis or testing of a second direct
reference sample.

E. Consider DNA identifications putative

Some mass fatality incidents will require the until they have undergone administra­
capability to search large databases and clear­ tive review by the medical examiner/
ly rank the significance of DNA matches. Con­ coroner.
sider making available individuals trained in
Summary. The proper interpretation and
the appropriate use of the computer software
review of DNA analysis results will assist
specifically used to develop kinship rankings.
the medical examiner/coroner in the identi­
fication of victim remains.

31
Section 4.5: Identification of Human Remains—

Fingerprints
I. Initiate Preparation for D. Consult with the medical examiner/
Fingerprint Activities coroner and other forensic identifica­
tion specialists to establish morgue
Principle. Fingerprint identification is a protocols before processing the
positive means of identifying unknown vic­ remains.
tims and confirming the identification of
those who are tentatively identified by Summary. Appropriate preparation and
other means (e.g., witness descriptions or documentation is essential for the suc­
photographs). cessful identification of individuals by fin­
gerprint examination.
Procedure. When it appears that the iden­
tification of mass fatality incident victims
may be made or expedited by fingerprint II. Prepare Morgue for
identification, implement the following Postmortem Fingerprint
procedures— Examination
Principle. The fingerprint processing of
A. Obtain a list (e.g., a passengers’ mani­ remains, especially those that have been
fest or employment records) and burned or have sustained appendage trau­
description (e.g., sex and date of birth) ma, may be a long and tedious function
of possible victims: involving the use of surgical instruments,
1. Obtain antemortem prints and chemicals, and fingerprinting equipment.
document their source.
Procedure. A fingerprint processing area
2. Establish a log of antemortem can include—
prints.
A. Waist-high gurneys.
3. Establish antemortem and post­
mortem print files. B. Comparison work area.
B. Establish onscene protocols for the C. Specialized equipment (usually provid­
protection of fingerprints, palm prints, ed by the fingerprint examiner).
and footprints during collection and
recovery operations. The protection of D. Desk lighting and running water.
the hands, fingers, and feet by the
E. Appropriate airtight containers to store
remains/evidence processing teams is
fingers, toes, and any ridge material.
of paramount importance.
Summary. Fingerprinting remains may be
C. Establish document control and main­
a long and difficult process. The morgue
tain the chain of custody.
facility is expected to provide a properly
equipped, safe, and adequate workspace
to facilitate the identification process.

33
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

III. Commence Print Processing 3. Document friction skin area record­

ed as well as areas not available or
Principle. In conjunction with the medical unsuitable for recording.
examiner/coroner, the fingerprint examiner
is responsible for processing remains in an
effort to record friction ridge skin for the
purpose of identification. It may become necessary to fingerprint sur­
vivors of the incident for exclusionary purposes.
Procedure. When processing remains for
fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints,
the fingerprint examiner is expected to—
Summary. When processing remains for
A. Initiate and maintain an identification, the fingerprint examiner is
examination/activity log. expected to record friction ridge surfaces
B. Record and verify available identifying printed, document the processes employ­
data (e.g., body number, basic ed, and maintain legible and accurate
descriptors). records.

C. Photograph remains/friction ridge sur­

IV. Conduct Comparison and
faces before processing.
Identification
D. Examine for and collect trace evidence Principle. The comparison of antemortem
from friction ridge surfaces. fingerprint records with those obtained
E. Prepare friction ridge skin for printing. directly from the remains by the finger­
print examiner may lead to the positive
F. Obtain authorization from the medical identification of the deceased.
examiner/coroner before removing fin­
gers or hands: Procedure. Upon obtaining the ante­
mortem fingerprint records of potential
1. Label all removed body parts mass fatality incident victims, the finger­
immediately. print examiner is expected to—
2. Ensure that all labeled body parts
are reassociated with the appropri­ A. Compare antemortem with post­
ate body. mortem prints.

G. Print all available friction ridge skin on B. Identify a second qualified fingerprint
hands and feet. examiner to verify all identifications
(consistent with discipline standards)
H. Document the fingerprint examination and document the findings on the
process: postmortem card.
1. Record the name of the fingerprint C. Initiate automated fingerprint identifi­
examiner (printed and signed) and cation system (AFIS) searches in avail­
date of examination on the finger­ able databases if no antemortem
print card. prints are present.
2. Document and log the number(s) D. Notify the medical examiner/coroner of
assigned to the body/remains (in­ each identification in a timely manner.
cluding designation and descriptors)
on the fingerprint card.

34
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

E. Comply with jurisdictional protocol Summary. Friction ridge skin provides a

for the retention or disposition of proven means of identification. Only quali­
documents. fied fingerprint examiners are expected
to make and certify comparisons and
identifications.

Potential sources of known fingerprints include

employment and government/military service
records. In some cases, latent handprints and
footprints can be obtained by qualified person­
nel from homes, businesses, or personal
effects of suspected victims.

35
Section 4.6: Identification of Human Remains—

Odontology
I. Preparation a. Domestic forms (e.g., WinID or
Victim Identification Program
Principle. Dental identification is a scien­ [VIP]).
tific and legally accepted form of human
identification. The creation of the forensic b. International forms (e.g., Disaster
dental team before a mass fatality incident Victim Information [DVI]).
is critical to a successful operation at the 2. Consider computer software for
incident scene. The dental team leader is storing and comparing records and
ultimately responsible for the entire dental radiographs/x-rays (Digital Imaging
team. The dental team leader is also re­ and Communications in Medicine
sponsible for coordinating activities with [DICOM]-compliant if possible).
other agencies (e.g., Disaster Mortuary
Operational Response Team [DMORT], F. Determine required equipment/
Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI], supplies:
National Transportation Safety Board
1. Establish arrangements with suppli­
[NTSB]) and forensic identification disci­
ers. Mobile equipment can greatly
plines (e.g., forensic anthropology, finger­
increase the flexibility of the dental
prints, radiology).
team.
Procedure. The designated dental team
leader is expected to—

A. Establish a forensic dental identifica­ Consider the Disaster Mortuary Operational

tion team that includes antemortem, Response Team (DMORT) as a source for
postmortem/radiology, and compari- equipment, supplies, and personnel following a
son/computer teams. mass fatality incident (see appendix B for infor­
mation about DMORT activation).
B. Create a dental organizational chart
to ensure the proper scheduling and
management of the dental team.
2. Inventory the material assets that

C. Establish sources of antemortem infor­ are available onscene to the dental

mation and liaison with the family team.

assistance center (FAC) (through the

NTSB or another designated organiza- Summary. Preparation and training before
tion/agency) if available. an actual mass fatality incident are recom­
mended. Proper preparation can facilitate
D. Assign a team member to work with the smooth and effective operation of the
other forensic identification specialists dental team.
and update the missing persons mas­
ter list.
II. Collect and Preserve Dental
E. Select the proper (printed and elec­ Evidence
tronic) forms:
Principle. In a mass fatality incident, bod­
1. Use standard forms for the entire ies may be fragmented. Forensic odontolo­
operation (see appendix A for links gists are valuable at the scene to assist in
to the forms listed below): the recognition, documentation, and
preservation during transport of dental
37
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

remains. A variety of antemortem dental III. Dental Records

references may assist in the identification
process. Principle. Dental identification requires
the comparison of antemortem with post­
Procedure. The dental team is expected mortem dental findings. These two types
to— of dental records will reflect the compre­
hensive antemortem dental information
A. Identify, collect, and preserve dental (collected on a single form or record if pos­
evidence: sible) with the dental autopsy results.
When questions arise, engage in dentist-
1. Consider wrapping the craniofacial
to-dentist discussions.
remains (i.e., the head) at the scene
to prevent loss of teeth. Procedure. The following approach can
2. Examine the body bag for possible ensure the proper documentation of den­
loose dental remains and consider tal identification procedures—
the use of large format (whole
body/screening) radiography. A. Antemortem dental examination:

3. Consider onscene dental radiographs/ 1. Establish a contact/liaison with the

x-rays for fragile evidence that may agency or organization responsible
not survive transport to the morgue. for collecting antemortem dental
information (e.g., the FAC, FBI,
B. Assist other forensic identification sheriff, or medical examiner/
specialists (e.g., anthropologists and coroner’s office).
pathologists) with recognizing dental
2. Consolidate individual antemortem
evidence.
dental information (e.g., medical
C. Request original antemortem dental and dental records, photographs,
information (including radiographs/ and radiographs/x-rays) into a single,
x-rays, films, photographs, casts, and comprehensive antemortem dental
electronic images) through the FAC form/record using a standard chart­
or another designated agency/ ing format. This is perhaps the most
organization if available. important part of the dental identifi­
cation operation.

The family assistance center (FAC) can expedite

the authorization of records to facilitate commu­ Be aware of different dental numbering systems
nication between the dental team and the vic­ (e.g., left versus right) and radiograph/x-ray
tims’ dentists. mounting techniques (see tables for dental num­
bering systems in appendix F).

Summary. Dental remains, which might

be fragile and difficult to identify, may pro­ 3. Consider using computer-assisted
vide the only evidence for securing a posi­ programs to assist with the sorting
tive identification of the victim. The dental and storage of both antemortem
team is expected to assist other forensic and postmortem information.
identification specialists as necessary.

38
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

4. Review relevant local, State, and b. Assign more than one dental
Federal statutes to determine how team member to conduct the
to obtain antemortem information. examination and review results
for quality control.
4. Consolidate postmortem dental
The dental team leader can ensure quality con­ information (e.g., medical and den­
trol over the dental identification process by 1) tal records, photographs, and
assigning two or more individuals to each dental radiographs/x-rays) onto a single,
team and 2) reviewing (or assigning a designee comprehensive postmortem dental
to review) and approving all forms/records be­ record/form using a standard chart­
fore the release of remains. ing format.
Summary. The dental team can accom­
plish dental identification if there is ade­
quate documentation of antemortem and
B. Postmortem dental examination: postmortem evidence (e.g., clinical chart­
1. Perform extra/intra-oral photography ing of dental procedures, radiographs/
(either conventional or digital) as x-rays, and photographic documentation
required. of dental restorations, skeletal landmarks,
or disease conditions).
2. Obtain radiographs/x-rays:
a. Obtain postmortem radiographs/ IV. Compare Records
x-rays (either conventional or digi­
tal) according to guidelines rec­ Principle. Dental identification is possible
ommended by the American by comparing identified antemortem docu­
Board of Forensic Odontology mentation with postmortem documenta­
(ABFO). tion of unknown remains from the incident
scene.
b. Ensure that the postmortem den­
tal team leader reviews all post­ Procedure. The dental team is expected
mortem radiographs/x-rays for to—
quality control.
A. Compare summarized antemortem
and postmortem information.

Perform facial dissection to gain access only if

required and approved by the medical examin-
er/coroner for clinical and radiographic exami­ Two methods can be used for comparing ante­
nations. If resection (i.e., removing the jaw mortem with postmortem information: 1) com­
fragment) is required, then it is imperative to paring hard copies manually by walking around
label and bag these specimens and ensure they a series of tables/view boxes or 2) using
remain with the body. computer-assisted programs to prioritize a
list of possible matches.

3. Conduct the clinical examination:

B. Ensure the mandatory peer review of
a. Conduct a clinical examination to
the antemortem, postmortem, and
document postmortem dental
comparison record processes.
findings.

39
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

C. Establish procedures for contacting B. Arrive at a conclusion (after comparing

dentists of record if the dental team antemortem with postmortem dental
requires additional dental information. information) reflected in the four cate­
gories below:
Summary. Dental identification requires
the comparison of antemortem and post­ 1. Positive dental identification.
mortem information. Dental identification 2. Possible (i.e., “consistent with”)
teams involved in comparing information dental identification.
are expected to consider all methods avail­
able, including clinical restoration, skeletal
(i.e., jaw and skull) anatomy, and observ­
able diseases. Compare records according The term “consistent with” implies a possible
to standardized protocol. The dental team identification. Although it does not connote a
leader is expected to ensure the complete positive identification, it helps prioritize a possi­
documentation of this comparison process. ble identification by other means.

V. Final Comparison and

Identification
3. Exclusion.
Principle. The dental team can make a
dental identification by comparing a known 4. Inadequate information for

reference (i.e., antemortem information) comparison.

with dental information from unidentified C. Submit the signed and verified com­
remains. This process contributes to the parison document (e.g., a letter, a
final report issued by the medical examiner/ form, or an image-enabled report fea­
coroner. turing pictures of radiographs/x-rays) to
the medical examiner/coroner.
Procedure. The dental team is expected
to— Summary. The primary mission of the
dental team is generating identification
A. Use a comparison/summary form conclusions and reporting them to the
(i.e., one that incorporates text and/or medical examiner/coroner.
graphical comparison data [e.g., WinID
odontogram or radiographs/x-rays]) of
the dental/anatomic similarities for
both antemortem and postmortem
dental information.

40
Section 4.7: Identification of Human Remains—

Radiology
I. Introduction III. Radiographs
Radiology provides vital support to the Principle. Take radiographs/x-rays of all
medical examiner/coroner. The radiologist recovered remains before forensic pro­
conducts radiograph/x-ray examinations cessing. The radiology team may use addi­
to detect radiopaque evidence; identifies tional imaging for clarification of details
remains by comparing antemortem with and potentially for primary radiographic
postmortem radiographs/x-rays; and identification. The radiology team leader is
assists pathologists, anthropologists, expected to check all radiographs/x-rays for
and odontologists in the interpretation of supporting or exclusionary information
radiographs/x-rays. The medical examiner/ before the release of the remains.
coroner should consider establishing a
radiology team early on in the investigation Procedure. The radiology team is expect­
process. ed to—

A. Conduct an initial radiograph/x-ray of

II. Equipment/Supplies the remains.
Principle. The radiology team should use B. Conduct additional radiographs/x-rays
the necessary equipment and supplies to as requested by other forensic
radiograph/x-ray remains. specialists.
Procedure. The radiology team leader is C. Appreciate special considerations
expected to— (e.g., making radiographs/x-rays of the
hands and feet of the flight crew) as
A. Address radiation safety issues such they relate to the incident.
as shielding.
D. Assist with the comparison of ante­
B. Identify sources of equipment or addi­ mortem and postmortem radiographs.
tional facilities.
Summary. Radiology is a vital early step
in processing the remains, supporting or
excluding potential identification and
potentially serving as a primary means of
identification.

41
Section 4.8: Identification of Human Remains—
Antemortem Data Collection
Principle. The medical examiner/coroner A. Before the legal next of kin arrive,
may identify the deceased by the prompt identify a location and establish a site
and efficient use of samples and data from where they can meet to provide ante­
families, individuals, and public and private mortem data and sample records (e.g.,
organizations. The data may be in electron­ a hotel, auditorium, or conference
ic and/or printed form. The medical exam- center).
iner/coroner must have unrestricted, rapid
access to antemortem medical, dental, B. Consider the following recommenda­
and other records for comparison. tions as a checklist for the FAC:
1. Be prepared to meet the families as
they arrive.

The Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 2. Assist when necessary in coordinat­
1996 establishes procedures for contacting the ing activities to meet the families’
legal next of kin to request antemortem data. physical and mental needs.
Federal law restricts the degree to which airline 3. Control who gains access to the
personnel are involved in the collection of ante­ FAC.
mortem data and samples. In non-transportation-
related incidents, a local or State government 4. Conduct briefings with the families
representative may assume these responsibilities. as necessary.
5. Provide a liaison between the fami­
lies and the agencies involved when
needed.
Procedure. The following are some but
not all of the factors that the appropriate 6. Be prepared to collect antemortem
administrator is expected to consider in data and provide it to the appropri­
establishing a family assistance center ate agencies as required:
(FAC)— a. Ensure that interview rooms are
private and quiet.
b. Schedule and document all inter­
The type of mass fatality incident determines views with the legal next of kin.
who is responsible for establishing and opening
c. Limit the number of legal next of
the family assistance center (FAC):
kin in each interview room.
■ In the event of an aviation disaster, the air
carrier is expected to establish and staff the d. Require all interviewed legal next
FAC. of kin to complete a personal
■
interview form.
In the event of a natural disaster, the medical
examiner/coroner is expected to consult local, 7. Maintain confidentiality and the
State, and nongovernmental assistance trust of the families.
agencies.
■ For other types of disasters, consult with the 8. Consider any additional processes
primary industry involved. that the incident may require. Flex­
ibility is the key word in this process.

43
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

C. Contact the legal next of kin not pres­

ent at the FAC: The medical examiner/coroner or designee may
1. Schedule appointment times to con­
need to have victim records in foreign lan-
tact family members.
guages translated. See “Section 6: Other
Issues” for details.
2. Review antemortem collection pro­

cedures with family members over

the telephone.

3. Ensure that the interview is private E. Establish a location to receive all in-
and confidential. coming antemortem data and samples
(expected to be sent via an express
4. Complete a personal interview form delivery service or brought to a receiv­
following each telephone interview. ing area other than the morgue by a
family member).
D. Identify antemortem data/sample
resources: F. Notify the legal next of kin when ante­
1. Samples provided by the legal next mortem data and samples have been
of kin: received.

a. Dental records. G. Maintain a log of all incoming

data/samples.
b. Medical records (including ante­
mortem radiographs/x-rays). H. Direct all data/samples to the morgue
for review and analysis.
c. Fingerprints (derived from law
enforcement, military, and Summary. Consider the wide range of
employment records). antemortem information that can aid in
d. Photographs. identification.

e. Biological samples (e.g., tissue

blocks, slides, and DNA refer­

ence samples).

44
Section 5: Disposition of Human Remains,
Personal Effects, and Records
I. Issuing the Death Certificate Procedure. The medical examiner/coroner
is expected to follow rules regarding the
Principle. The documentation of the iden­ notification of the legal next of kin. Where
tification, cause, manner of death, and appropriate, in cases of fragmentation
final disposition are required by law and and commingling, the medical examiner/
used for vital statistics and the initiation of coroner is expected to explain to the fami­
probate. lies the options for disposition of any
subsequently identified remains before
Procedure. Medical examiners/coroners
releasing incomplete remains (see appen­
are expected to complete their portion and
dix G for a sample authorization form to
transmit the document with the release of
release remains).
the remains. As part of this process, they
are expected to— A. Facilitate coordination between the
family assistance center (FAC) or des­
A. Issue the death certificate.
ignated agency and local medicolegal
B. Record when appropriate the death authorities:
certificate in the county or territory 1. Notify the legal next of kin after
where the remains were recovered. establishing identification according
to State and territorial laws.
2. If necessary, obtain additional
Review local and State laws to determine the instructions regarding the disposi­
office/agency responsible for filing death certifi­ tion of remains.
cates (usually the office of vital statistics).
B. Release all identified body parts sub­
mitted for special studies related to
the identification process (except
C. Issue a court-ordered certification of those specimens consumed by analy­
death when no human remains are sis or retained for further study).
recovered or scientific efforts for iden­ Summary. This process can facilitate the
tification prove insufficient. timely and dignified return of the remains,
Summary. The death certificate is the allowing the families to grieve, memorial­
legal document that states the identifica­ ize their loved ones, settle estates, and
tion, cause and manner of death, demo­ resolve legal issues.
graphic information, and final disposition
of the remains.
Different methods exist for the disposition of
II. Disposition of Remains unidentified or unclaimed remains. If the
remains are unidentified or identified but
Principle. Every family is expected to have
unclaimed, consider disposition according to
the opportunity to involve itself in the deci­
local custom or statute. The medical examiner/
sionmaking process for the disposition of
coroner can consider accessing the unidenti­
remains. Public health issues associated
fied remains later as a desirable option.
with a mass fatality incident, however,
may dictate the manner of disposition of
the remains.
45
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

III. Return of Personal Effects Procedure. The medical examiner/coroner

is expected to consider the following po­
Principle. Mass fatality incidents produce tential issues and consult with appropriate
items physically on the human remains specialists as required—
(associated) and items not directly on but
adjacent or within close proximity to the
human remains (unassociated). Associated
items accompany the remains to the The medical examiner/coroner is expected to
morgue. The medical examiner/coroner is conduct regular meetings with those assisting
expected to document these items, apply with the identification of the deceased to ensure
them toward the identification process if concordance and resolve any discrepancies
required, and facilitate their return. The before the remains are released.
medical examiner/coroner also is expected
to implement a mechanism to safeguard
cash and valuables.
A. Review the work of each forensic
Procedure. The medical examiner/coroner identification team before releasing
is expected to accomplish and document remains to the legal next of kin.
the following to ensure the chain of
custody— B. Validate and consolidate all missing
persons lists (e.g., flight manifests,
A. Release associated/unassociated per­ hotel registries, and employee lists).
sonal effects to the agency designated
to receive those effects: C. Understand the legal issues (e.g.,
international law and treaties, maritime
1. Follow existing local protocol gov­ laws, health regulations, and haz­
erning the release of personal ardous materials [HAZMAT] protocols).
effects if no such agency exists.
D. Respect religious and cultural
2. Consider legislation such as the
considerations.
Aviation Disaster Family Assistance
Act of 1996, where applicable. E. Identify the legal next of kin according
to State and territorial law.
B. Release unclaimed personal effects
to the agency designated to receive Summary. Legal, cultural, and operational
those effects or dispose of them concerns require evaluation of each mass
according to existing local protocol. fatality incident from many different
perspectives.
Summary. Treat all recovered personal
effects with care because of their impor­
tance in the identification process as well V. Archiving Records
as their intrinsic value to the families. Principle. The medical examiner/coroner
is expected to keep all records and sup­
IV. Special Considerations porting documents pertaining to the recov­
ery, identification, and disposition of remains
Principle. Mass fatalities produce unique
and personal effects for future reference
challenges that the medical examiner/
as required by statute.
coroner should address when coordinating
the disposition of remains and personal Procedure. The medical examiner/coroner
effects. can ensure the appropriate storage, secu­
rity, preservation, and retrieval of records
and supporting documents by—

46
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

A. Archiving and cross-referencing records

that can be retrieved as individual or A case involving an ongoing criminal investiga­
group files for quick reference at any tion is exempt from release under State public
time. records laws. Medical, dental, psychiatric, and
prescription histories do not lose their privacy
B. Using electronic storage and retrieval
status and are not subject to the public records
methods, if available, to archive records.
laws even after they are placed in the medical
Summary. Properly archived records allow examiner/coroner’s case file.
for prompt retrieval of detailed information
when requested for legal, information, or
research purposes.

47
Section 6: Other Issues

I. Reimbursing Local and State

Agencies In aviation incidents, the air carrier may be
responsible for some expenses incurred in the
Principle. Mass fatality response opera­
recovery and identification of remains.
tions incur expenses related to staffing,
supplies, and equipment. Local/State
emergency management departments
should have the appropriate documents
expenses is a critical consideration that
and procedures in place before a mass
requires careful planning and thorough
fatality incident occurs within their
documentation.
jurisdiction.

Procedure. The appropriate administrator II. Implementing a Transition Plan

is expected to—
Principle. Effective operations require con­
A. Understand the regulations regarding tinuity of services.
reimbursement issues.
Procedure. The appropriate administrator
B. Provide a responsible fiscal represen­ is expected to—
tative to oversee the creation of finan­
cial and expense records. A. Establish criteria for daily shift
changes.
C. Provide supporting documents to verify:
B. Establish criteria for the implementa­
1. The number and types of personnel tion of replacement teams.
involved.
C. Facilitate the communication of infor­
2. The number of hours worked by
mation between teams.
each individual.
3. The agencies involved. D. Plan regular meetings between incom­
ing and outgoing teams.
4. The supplies and equipment used.
E. Hold regularly scheduled functional
5. The services contracted. specialty meetings.
D. Coordinate with other responsible Summary. Effective planning and com­
agencies. munication through regularly scheduled
E. Understand that some costs may be meetings can foster the exchange of infor­
long term, including: mation between the agencies and individ­
uals involved in the investigation.
1. Legal considerations.
2. Employee health/mental health III. Mutual Assistance
followup issues. Agreements
3. Disposition of evidence, remains, Principle. Mutual aid statutes and memo­
and records. randa of understanding (MOUs) provide
for assistance from other jurisdictions in
Summary. Reimbursement for personnel, obtaining required support services and
supplies, equipment, and other related equipment.

49
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

Procedure. The appropriate administrator

is expected to— Be aware that families of the deceased require
special consideration in the release and man­
A. Understand that jurisdictional and agement of information. Early, regular contact
liability issues may affect the imple­ with families to provide information is critical.
mentation of mutual assistance
agreements.
B. Understand the scope of services
available through existing mutual aid B. Designate a public information officer
statutes and how to implement such (PIO) to coordinate the release of infor­
services. mation. Direct all media inquiries to the
PIO.
C. Identify additional needs for support
and invoke additional MOUs specifying C. Establish categories of information for
when and how these services may be release to the media, families, agen­
implemented. cies, and other parties.

D. Know that the National Association of D. Use caution when discussing specific
Counties (NACO) and similar organiza­ disaster-related issues away from the
tions maintain information and model scene.
plans on mutual aid (see appendix A E. Brief all personnel on a regular
for agency contact information). basis regarding the sensitivity of
Summary. Prior planning and implementa­ information.
tion of mutual assistance agreements and Summary. Proper management and
MOUs are critical to ensure cooperation release of information are necessary con­
and coordination in the provision of avail­ siderations to protect the integrity of the
able services. response.

IV. Release and Control of V. Scene Demobilization

Information (Postincident Activities)
Principle. Information regarding the re­ Principle. The demobilization of agencies
covery and identification operations is a and individuals assigned to process a
critical element that affects the family mass fatality scene requires careful plan­
members and the overall operation. As ning. The participating agencies are ex­
a result, information released to the pected to implement scene demobilization
media and the public must be managed procedures only after the scene is ready
appropriately. for release.
Procedure. The appropriate administrator Procedure. The appropriate administrator
is expected to— is expected to—
A. Initiate and enforce uniform proce­ A. Establish a demobilization plan that
dures determining the release and includes the following:
management of information. Recovery
and identification personnel should re­ 1. Ensure appropriate decontamination
frain from unauthorized communica­ of equipment and facilities.
tion with the media. 2. Return donated/loaned equipment
and supplies.

50
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

3. Conduct postincident debriefings. E. Plan postincident stress debriefings for

responders and volunteers.
4. Consult regularly with the other
agencies involved. Summary. The psychological impact on
5. Recognize the efforts of the agen­ mass fatality responders is real and needs
cies and individuals who responded to be addressed before, during, and after
to the incident and processed the the incident.
scene.
VII. Volunteers
B. Reduce staff in a coordinated fashion
based on circumstances and the dura­ Principle. Volunteers may appear at the
tion of the investigation. scene of a mass fatality incident regard­
less of the need for their services. Care­
C. Prepare a formal after-action report cit­ fully consider choosing and using volunteers.
ing optimal practices and lessons Volunteers are expected to be used accord­
learned. ing to their knowledge, skills, and abilities
Summary. Planning from the beginning as well as within liability limitations.
for the demobilization of the response
Procedure. The appropriate administrator
effort can facilitate the smooth transition
is expected to—
of jurisdictional authority.
A. Determine the need for volunteers.
VI. Stress Management B. Maintain a roster of volunteers’ names
Principle. Stress can negatively affect the with updated contact information.
responders, their coworkers, and the over­
all efficiency of incident operation. The re­ C. Establish criteria for verifying the cre­
sponse to a mass facility incident should dentials and qualifications of volun­
include systems to deal with stress, whether teers. Be wary of volunteers with
psychological, physiological, acute, or long ulterior motives.
term. D. Develop a procedure to match volun­
teers with operational needs according
Procedure. The appropriate administrator
to their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
is expected to—
E. Ensure that volunteers are supervised
A. Establish a plan for recognizing and by an appropriate official.
managing stress using personnel
trained in mass fatality stress Summary. Although volunteers may be
management. helpful in some situations, cautiously
review their credentials and qualifications
B. Consider briefing response personnel for the duties and functions required.
on stress issues before their
assignment.
VIII. Language, Cultural, and
C. Provide peer and professional support Religious Considerations
to observe and treat personnel who
may be experiencing stress. Principle. Language and cultural differ­
ences may complicate all parts of the
D. Organize the response to prevent mass fatality response and should be
stress and accommodate individual considered in the overall plan.
behavior.

51
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

Procedure. The appropriate administrator B. Respect the cultural and religious dif­
is expected to— ferences that exist in response to
death.
A. Identify language service resources
beforehand (e.g., colleges and univer­ C. Consider using local/regional religious
sities, embassies, hospitals, and the officials when addressing these
U.S. Department of State). These re­ differences.
sources may be valuable in interpret­
Summary. Give advance consideration
ing antemortem information regarding
to language, cultural, and religious differ­
foreign victims.
ences when planning the response.

52
Appendix A. Resources and Links

American Academy of Forensic Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP)

Sciences (AAFS) Office of the Armed Forces Medical
P.O. Box 669 Examiner (OAFME)
Colorado Springs, CO 80901–0669 AFIP/OAFME, AFIP Annex
719–636–1100 1413 Research Boulevard
http://www.aafs.org Building 102
Rockville, MD 20850
American Board of Forensic Anthropology 800–944–7912 or 301–319–0000
(ABFA) http://www.afip.org/Departments/oafme
http://www.csuchico.edu/anth/ABFA
American Society of Crime Laboratory
American Board of Forensic Odontology Directors (ASCLD)
(ABFO) P.O. Box 2710
http://www.abfo.org Largo, FL 33779
727–541–2982
American Red Cross http://www.ascld.org
http://www.redcross.org
American Society of Crime Laboratory
American Society of Forensic Odontology Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board
(ASFO) (ASCLD/LAB)
http://www.asfo.org 139 J Technology Drive
Garner, NC 27529
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP)

919–773–2600
6825 16th Street N.W.

http://www.ascld-lab.org
Washington, DC 20306–6000

202–782–2100
Centers for Disease Control and
http://www.afip.org
Prevention (CDC)
1600 Clifton Road
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP)

Atlanta, GA 30333
Armed Forces DNA Identification

800–311–3435 or 404–639–3534
Laboratory (AFDIL)
http://www.cdc.gov
Department of Defense DNA Registry
1413 Research Boulevard Chemical Transportation Emergency
Building 101, Second Floor Center (CHEMTREC)
Rockville, MD 20850–3125 1300 Wilson Boulevard
301–319–0000 Arlington, VA 22209
http://www.afip.org/Departments/ 703–741–5525
oafme/dna http://www.chemtrec.org
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) Disaster Mortuary Operational Response
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Team (DMORT)
Pathology http://www.dmort.org
6825 16th Street N.W.
Room 3096 DMORT Victim Identification Program (VIP)
Washington, DC 20306–6000 [email protected]
202–782–1800
http://www.afip.org/Departments/
OMaxPath2/index.html

53
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

International Association of Identification
800 Independence Avenue S.W.
(IAI)
Room 810
2535 Pilot Knob Road
Washington, DC 20591
Suite 117
http://www.faa.gov
Mendota Heights, MN 55120–1120
651–681–8566
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
http://www.theiai.org
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. International Police Criminal Organization
Washington, DC 20535–0001 (Interpol)
202–324–3000 200 quai Charles de Gaulle
http://www.fbi.gov 69006 Lyon, France
Fax: (33) 4 72 44 71 63
FBI Critical Incident Response Group http://www.interpol.com
(CIRG)
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/isd/cirg/ Interpol Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)
mission.htm Guide
http://www.interpol.com/Public/
FBI Disaster Squad DisasterVictim/Guide
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/disaster/
disaster.htm Interpol Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)
Forms
FBI Evidence Response Team (ERT) http://www.interpol.com/Public/
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/ert/ertmain.htm DisasterVictim/Forms
FBI Hazardous Materials Response Unit National Association of Counties (NACO)
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/org/hmru.htm 440 First Street N.W.
Suite 800
FBI Laboratory Washington, DC 20001
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/labhome.htm 202–393–6226
http://www.naco.org
FBI Laboratory Services
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/org/labchart.htm National Association of Medical Examiners
(NAME)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
430 Pryor Street S.W.
(FEMA)
Atlanta, GA 30312
500 C Street S.W.
404–730–4781
Washington, DC 20472
http://www.thename.org
202–566–1600
http://www.fema.gov National Guard Bureau
1411 Jefferson Davis Highway
FEMA National Urban Search and Rescue
Arlington, VA 22202–3231
(US&R) Response System
703–607–3162
http://www.fema.gov/usr
http://www.ngb.army.mil
International Association of Coroners and
Air National Guard Readiness Center
Medical Examiners (IACME)
3500 Fetchet Avenue
P.O. Box 44834
Andrews AFB, MD 20762–5157
Columbus, OH 43204–0834
614–276–8384

54
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

Army National Guard Readiness Center U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

111 South George Mason Drive 1000 Independence Avenue S.W.
Arlington, VA 22204 Washington, DC 20585
800–DIAL–DOE (342–5363)
National Center for Forensic Science http://www.energy.gov
(NCFS)
University of Central Florida U.S. Department of Homeland Security
P.O. Box 162367 Federal Emergency Management Agency
Orlando, FL 32816 National Disaster Medical System (NDMS)
407–823–6469 Section
http://www.ncfs.org 500 C Street S.W.
Suite 713
National Forensic Science Technology Washington, DC 20472
Center (NFSTC) 800–USA–NDMS (872–6367)
7881 114th Avenue North http://ndms.dhhs.gov
Largo, FL 33773
727–549–6067 U.S. Department of Homeland Security
http://www.nfstc.org Office for Domestic Preparedness
810 Seventh Street N.W.
National Transportation Safety Board Washington, DC 20531
(NTSB) 800–368–6498
490 L’Enfant Plaza S.W. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp
Washington, DC 20594
202–314–6000 U.S. Department of Justice
http://www.ntsb.gov Office for Victims of Crime
Victim Assistance Center
Occupational Safety and Health 810 Seventh Street N.W.
Administration (OSHA) Washington, DC 20531
200 Constitution Avenue N.W. 800–627–6872
Washington, DC 20210 http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc
http://www.osha.gov
U.S. Department of Transportation
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) 400 Seventh Street S.W.
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca Washington, DC 20590
202–366–4000
U.S. Army Central Identification http://www.dot.gov
Laboratory, Hawaii (CILHI) [now Joint
POW/MIA Accounting Command] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
310 Worchester Avenue (EPA)
Building 45 Ariel Rios Building
Hickam AFB, HI 96853–5530 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
808–448–8903 Washington, DC 20460
http://www.cilhi.army.mil 202–272–0167
http://www.epa.gov

WinID (Dental Computer System)

http://www.winid.com

55
Appendix B. Disaster Mortuary Operational
Response Team Activation
The Disaster Mortuary Operational Re­ DMORT’s services, including salary,
sponse Team (DMORT) is a federally fund­ expenses, and other costs.
ed team of forensic and mortuary personnel
experienced in disaster victim identifica­ Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
tion. DMORT provides a mobile morgue, with Federal Agency. A Federal agency
victim identification and tracking software, may request that DMORT provide disaster
and specific personnel to augment local victim identification. Under this mecha­
resources. DMORT is part of the National nism, the requesting agency must pay the
Disaster Medical System, a section of the cost of the DMORT deployment. As an
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, example, following the crash of United
Federal Emergency Management Agency Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania on
(FEMA). September 11, 2001, DMORT was activat­
ed under an MOU with the FBI.
DMORT can be activated by one of four
methods: Other DMORT issues include the
following:
Federal Disaster Declaration. The Federal
Response Plan dictates how Federal agen­ ■ DMORT normally requires 24 to 48
cies respond following a disaster. A request hours to become fully operational.
for DMORT assistance must be made by a
local official through the State emergency ■ The DMORT portable morgue requires
management agency, which will then con­ a building for morgue operations. This
tact the regional office of FEMA. Based on guide lists potential disaster morgue
the severity of the disaster, FEMA can ask sites capable of housing the DMORT
for a Presidential disaster declaration, morgue (see p. 6).
allowing the DMORT team to be activated.
■ The Federal Government pays travel,
This process can take from 24 to 48 hours.
lodging, food, salary, and other expens­
Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act. es of DMORT personnel, except in the
Under this Federal act, the National case of an activation under the Public
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) can Health Act.
ask for DMORT’s assistance. The act cov­
■ The DMORT team supports the local
ers most passenger aircraft accidents in
medicolegal authority by providing ex­
the United States and U.S. territories.
pertise, personnel, supplies, and equip­
NTSB coordinates with the local medico­
ment. The responsibility for assigning
legal authority to assess local resources
the cause and manner of death, signing
and capabilities and can activate DMORT
of death certificates, and death notifica­
on the request of the local authority.
tion remain with the local authority. All
Public Health Act. Under this Act, the records created by DMORT should be
U.S. Public Health Service can provide left with the local authority. DMORT
support to a State or locality that cannot should provide identification reports and
provide the necessary response. How­ a computer program documenting the
ever, the State or locality must pay for information collected during their
response.

57
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

■ The DMORT family assistance center ■ If a DMORT team member is activated

(FAC) team assists in the organization from your agency to work at a disaster,
and operation of the FAC. that employee should present you with
a copy of his or her travel orders as
proof of activation.

58
Appendix C. Facilities/Organizational
Flow Chart

Exhibit C–1. Identification Flow Chart*

Triage

Admitting Body escorts

Screening/radiology

Photography of remains Personal effects and

and personal effects evidence collection

Pathology Forensic anthropology

Fingerprints Morgue operations Odontology

DNA Radiology

Return to holding facility for final disposition

*The following represents only a suggested model; this process may vary according to local circumstances.

59
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

Exhibit C–2. Forensic Information Management and Coordination*

Family Assistance Center

Pathology
Triage/admitting
Forensic anthropology

Radiology Odontology
Antemortem/postmortem
data collection and
coordination

Fingerprints
Photography

Personal effects DNA

PIO Identification review team Office administrator

Medical examiner/coroner

Positive identification

Body released

*The following represents only a suggested model; this process may vary according to local circumstances.

60
Appendix D. Procedures for DNA

Sample Collection
The DNA sample team works in pairs: The recorder and sampler verify the place­
a recorder and a sampler. The recorder ment of the sample in a properly labeled
escorts the remains to the worktable. tube and the entry of the corresponding
Both team members verify (or establish) data in a sample log. The sampler dispos­
unique identifiers and mutually acknowl­ es of the bench coat, scalpel blades, and
edge a site for sampling (if a decision is rotary bits. The sampler cleans the cutting
made not to sample the remains, the surface, scale, Stryker saw, rotary instru­
recorder notes that in the DNA Remains ment, forceps, gloves, and hemostats
Tracking Log). with a 10-percent bleach solution, then
wipes all surfaces down with ethanol.
The recorder enters the number, date,
time, and description into a database or The medical examiner/coroner is expected
log and labels the specimen container to provide guidance to the DNA sample
(e.g., tube, bag, etc.) appropriately. team regarding tissue samples that are
likely to be exhausted during testing.
Using the appropriate instruments, the
sampler obtains one of the following, list­ If multiple, potentially unassociated re­
ed in order of preference: mains are in a single recovery container,
the recorder or sampler is expected to sep­
■ 10–15 g of deep skeletal muscle (avoid arately bag the remains from which the
tissues that may have been crushed sample was taken. Later, when DNA re­
together by incident impact or blast sults are obtained, the medical examiner/
forces). coroner is expected to be able to return to
that recovery container and attribute that
■ 1–2 cm x 4–6 cm x 0.5–1 cm of cortical profile to a specific tissue specimen with
bone (avoid anthropological landmarks, certainty.
articular margins, and fresh-broken mar­
gins whenever possible; cut windows in The chain of custody is expected to list all
long bones and crania). samples sent to the laboratory facility. On
signing the chain of custody, the medical
■ Upper or lower canine or other intact examiner/coroner is also expected to de­
tooth without restorations (consult an cide whether to return any remaining soft
odontologist if required). tissue or osseous sample after testing is
completed. Because single, recovered
■ Other portion of soft or hard tissue that
teeth are submitted whole, consider how
fits into a 50 ml conical tube.
to return them after testing is completed.

61
Appendix E. DNA Sample Family Reference
Collection Forms

Donor Information
Last Name First Name Middle Name
Social Security Number (if applicable) Home Telephone Number
Home Street Address
City State ZIP Country
Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year)

Family Relationship
Please circle your kinship to the missing individual.

Grandmother Grandfather

Aunt Uncle Mother* Father*

Female Male Missing

Sister* Brother* Spouse*
cousin cousin individual*

Second
cousin Niece Nephew Daughter* Son*

Great-niece Great-nephew Granddaughter Grandson

Great-niece Great-nephew Granddaughter Grandson

Missing Individual Information

Last Name First Name Middle Name
Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year) Social Security Number (if applicable)

*Primary donor for a nuclear DNA reference (see list of primary donors on p.64).

63
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

Potential Living Biological Donors

Mother/Father of Missing Individual
Name Age Address Phone

Brothers/Sisters of Missing Individual

Name Age Address Phone

Spouse of Missing Individual

Name Age Address Phone

Children of Missing Individual

Name Age Address Phone

Primary Donor for Nuclear DNA Analysis

An appropriate family member for nuclear DNA analysis is someone who is biologically
related to and only one generation removed from the deceased. The following are the
family members who are appropriate donors to provide reference specimens, in the
order of preference:

1. Natural (biological) mother and father, or

2. Spouse and natural (biological) children, or

3. Natural (biological) mother or father and victim’s biological children, or

4. Multiple full siblings of the victim (i.e., children from the same mother and father).

64
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

Sample Donor Consent Form

Note: This form is a sample only based on forms developed by the Armed Forces for the DOD DNA reg­
istry. The law concerning DNA samples varies across jurisdictions. Modify forms accordingly.

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT/STATEMENT OF CONSENT

AUTHORITY: 5 U.S.C. 301; 10 U.S.C. 3012; Pub. L. 91–121, Section 404 (a) (2); and
memo dated 16 December 1991 from Deputy Secretary of Defense,
Subject: DOD DNA Registry. Also under authority of 10 U.S.C. 176
and 177, Pub. L. 94–361; DOD Directive 5154.23; and, if Social
Security number collected, EO 9397.

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE(S): Establish a DNA reference specimen repository and database of

information from kindred family members of unaccounted for/uniden-
tified service members or other individuals who need to be identi­
fied. DNA will be extracted from either vials of blood, dried blood,
and/or oral swabs, and will be used in identifying human remains.

ROUTINE USE(S): None.

DISCLOSURE: Voluntary. Failure to provide reference sample or information may

render DNA identification impossible.

STATEMENT OF CONSENT

The above answers are correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and I understand that my
answers are important in determining my kindred family relationship to an unaccounted for service
member or other unaccounted for individual. I have also read the Privacy Act statement above.

Realizing that nuclear or mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) may be extracted from my
blood and used in the identification of a kindred family member, I agree to donate my blood, to
have my DNA analyzed if necessary, and to have my name and other relevant typing information
placed in a confidential registry or database for identification and statistical analysis.

I am voluntarily donating tubes of blood via venipuncture, or if impracticable, consenting to the fin­
gerstick method of securing a small amount of blood, or allowing the taking of an oral swab.

I have not received a blood transfusion within the last 3 months (if you have received a transfu­
sion, please wait for a period of 90 days following the transfusion before providing the reference
sample).

I consent to the Armed Forces using the information and specimens for the identification of any
unaccounted for family members.

______________________________ ________________________________ _________________

Signature of Donor Printed Name of Donor Date

VERIFICATION OF DONOR IDENTIFICATION AND SPECIMEN COLLECTION

I have verified from a photo ID that the blood or other biological specimen collected has come from
the above-stated donor, and have confirmed the donor’s name and/or Social Security number
placed on the collection tubes.

______________________________ ________________________________ _________________

Signature of Collector Printed Name of Collector Date

65
Appendix F. Dental Numbering System

Exhibit F–1. Dental Nomenclature Conversion Table: Deciduous Teeth (Revised)a

Deciduous Upper right Upper left
b
System/tooth 2M 1M C I2 I1 I1 I2 C 1M 2M

Universal A B C D E F G H I J
Palmer E+ D+ C+ B+ A+ +A +B +C +D +E
FDI 55 54 53 52 51 61 62 63 64 65
Hareup 05+ 04+ 03+ 02+ 01+ +01 +02 +03 +04 +05
Other V IV III II I I II III IV V
Other 5D 4D 3D 2D 1D 1D 2D 3D 4D 5D
Other d5 d4 d3 d2 d1 d1 d2 d3 d4 d5
Other 5m 4m 3m 2m 1m 1m 2m 3m 4m 5m
Other A B C D E E D C B A
Other dm2 dm1 dc di2 di1 di1 di2 dc dm1 dm2
FDI Modified 55 54 53 52 51 61 62 63 64 65
Lower right Lower left

2M 1M C I2 I1 I1 I2 C 1M 2M

Universal T S R Q P O N M L K
Palmer E- D- C- B- A- -A -B -C -D -E
FDI 85 84 83 82 81 71 72 73 74 75
Hareup 05- 04- 03- 02- 01- -01 -02 -03 -04 -05
Other V IV III II I I II III IV V
Other 5D 4D 3D 2D 1D 1D 2D 3D 4D 5D
Other d5 d4 d3 d2 d1 d1 d2 d3 d4 d5
Other 5m 4m 3m 2m 1m 1m 2m 3m 4m 5m
Other A B C D E E D C B A
Other dm2 dm1 dc di2 di1 di1 di2 dc dm1 dm2
FDI Modified 75 74 73 72 71 81 82 83 84 85

a
Compiled by Robert Dorion, D.D.S., Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Odontology. Reprinted from Bowers, C. Michael, and
Gary Bell, eds., Manual of Forensic Odonotology, 3d ed., American Society of Forensic Odontology, 1995.
b
2M=second molar; 1M=first molar; C=cuspid; I2=second incisor (lateral incisor); I1=first incisor (central incisor)

67
 SPECIAL REPORT / JUNE 05

Exhibit F–2. Dental Nomenclature Conversion Table: Permanent Teeth—Upper (Revised)a

Permanent Upper right Upper left
b
System/tooth 3M 2M 1M 2P 1P C I2 I1 I1 I2 C 1P 2P 1M 2M 3M

Other UR8 UR7 UR6 UR5 UR4 UR3 UR2 UR1 UL1 UL2 UL3 UL4 UL5 UL6 UL7 UL8
Hareup 8+ 7+ 6+ 5+ 4+ 3+ 2+ 1+ +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6 +7 +8
Palmer 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Universal 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
FDI 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Bosworth 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Lowlands M3 M2 M1 P2 P1 C I2 I1 I1 I2 C P1 P2 M1 M2 M3
Europe D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8
Holland sdM3 sdM2 sdM1 sdP2 sdP1 sdC sdI2 sdI1 sgI1 sgI2 sgC sgP1 sgP2 sgM1 sgM2 sgM3
FDI Modified 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Other 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

a
Compiled by Robert Dorion, D.D.S., Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Odontology. Reprinted from Bowers, C. Michael, and
Gary Bell, eds., Manual of Forensic Odonotology, 3d ed., American Society of Forensic Odontology, 1995.
b
3M=third molar; 2M=second molar; 1M=first molar; 2P=second premolar; 1P=first premolar; C=cuspid; I2=second incisor (lateral incisor),
I1=first incisor (central incisor)

Exhibit F–3. Dental Nomenclature Conversion Table: Permanent Teeth—Lower (Revised)a

Permanent Lower right Lower left
b
System/tooth 3M 2M 1M 2P 1P C I2 I1 I1 I2 C 1P 2P 1M 2M 3M

Other LR8 LR7 LR6 LR5 LR4 LR3 LR2 LR1 LL1 LL2 LI3 LL4 LL5 LL6 LL7 LL8
Hareup 8- 7- 6- 5- 4- 3- 2- 1- -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8
Palmer 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Universal 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17
FDI 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
Bosworth H G F E D C B A A B C D E F G H
Lowlands M3 M2 M1 P2 P1 C I2 I1 I1 I2 C P1 P2 M1 M2 M3
Europe d8 d7 d6 d5 d4 d3 d2 d1 g1 g2 g3 g4 g5 g6 g7 g8
Holland diM3 diM2 diM1 diP2 diP1 diC diI2 diI1 giI1 giI2 giC giP1 giP2 giM1 giM2 giM3
FDI Modified 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48
Other 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17

a
Compiled by Robert Dorion, D.D.S., Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Odontology. Reprinted from Bowers, C. Michael, and
Gary Bell, eds., Manual of Forensic Odonotology, 3d ed., American Society of Forensic Odontology, 1995.
b
3M=third molar; 2M=second molar; 1M=first molar; 2P=second premolar; 1P=first premolar; C=cuspid; I2=second incisor (lateral incisor),
I1=first incisor (central incisor)

68
Appendix G. Sample Remains Release
Authorization Form
Release Authorization
Name of Deceased: ____________________________________________________________
Please be advised that identified human tissue will be buried in an appropriate manner.
In the event any additional tissue(s) are recovered in the future and are identified as
belonging to the above named deceased, I/WE request the following (please check ONE
of the boxes below):
❑ I/WE do not wish to be notified. I/WE are authorizing the appropriate administrator(s)
to dispose of said tissue(s) by methods deemed appropriate by said administrator(s).
❑ I/WE wish to be notified and will make a decision regarding disposition at that time.

I/WE the undersigned hereby authorize ____________________________ to release the

(Name of Medical Examiner/Coroner)
remains of ______________________ to the designated Disaster Mortuary Operational
(Name of Deceased)
Response Team (DMORT).
I/WE further authorize the designated DMORT to embalm, perform postmortem recon­
structive surgery techniques, and otherwise prepare the remains as they deem neces­
sary, and on completion to release the remains to
______________________________________________________________________________
(Name, Address, and Phone No. of Funeral Home/Agent).

I/WE certify that I/WE have read and understand this RELEASE AUTHORIZATION. I/WE
further state I/WE are all of the next of kin or represent all of the next of kin and am/are
legally authorized and/or charged with the responsibility of burial and/or final disposition
of above said deceased.
Signed ___________________________ Relationship to Deceased _____________________
Print Name __________________________ Date Signed ______________ Time ___________
Complete Address _____________________________________________________________
Telephone Number _____________________________________________________________
Signed ___________________________ Relationship to Deceased _____________________
Print Name __________________________ Date Signed ______________ Time ___________
Complete Address ______________________________________________________________
Telephone Number _____________________________________________________________
Witness ______________________________________________________________________
Print Witness Name ____________________________________________________________

69
List of Reviewers
Academy of General Dentistry American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial
Radiology
Academy of Radiology Research
American Board of Pathology
Air National Guard Readiness Center
(Andrews AFB, Maryland) American Board of Radiology

Alabama Emergency Management Agency American College of Emergency

Physicians
Alaska Dental Society
American College of Forensic Examiners
Alaska Division of Emergency Services
American College of Radiology
American Academy of Experts in Traumatic
Stress American Dental Association

American Academy of Forensic American Medical Association

Psychology
American Society of Crime Laboratory
American Academy of Forensic Sciences Directors

American Academy of Oral and American Society of Forensic Odontology

Maxillofacial Pathology
American Society of Law Enforcement
American Association of Dental Examiners Trainers

American Association of Oral and Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (Littleton,

Maxillofacial Surgeons Colorado)

American Bar Association Arizona Department of Health Services,

Bureau of State Lab Services
American Board of Criminalistics
Arizona Department of Public Safety
American Board of Emergency Medicine
Arizona Division of Emergency
American Board of Examiners in Crisis Management
Intervention
Arkansas Department of Emergency
American Board of Forensic Anthropology Management

American Board of Forensic Toxicology Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia)

American Board of Medical Specialties Arlington Professional Firefighters and

Paramedics Association (Virginia)
American Board of Medicolegal Death
Investigators Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP)

American Board of Nuclear Medicine AFIP, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial

Pathology

71
 SPECIAL REPORT /JUNE 05

AFIP, Office of the Armed Forces Medical Camden Police Department (Delaware)
Examiner (OAFME)
Canadian Centre for Emergency
AFIP, OAFME, Department of Defense Preparedness
DNA Registry
Canadian Society of Forensic Science
AFIP, OAFME, Department of Legal
Medicine Carnegie Mellon University

Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Celera Genomics

Institute
Centers for Disease Control and
Army National Guard Readiness Center Prevention
(Arlington, Virginia)
City of Boston Office of the Chief Medical
Association of Federal Defense Attorneys Examiner (Massachusetts)

Association of Forensic DNA Analysts and City of Casselberry Police Department

Administrators (Florida)

Baptist Hospital East, Radiation City of Cleveland Heights Police

Department (Louisville, Kentucky) Department (Ohio)

Bexar County Forensic Science Center City of Detroit Office of the Chief Medical
(San Antonio, Texas) Examiner (Michigan)

Bode Technology Group, Inc. City of Honolulu Department of the

Medical Examiner (Hawaii)
Broward County Sheriff’s Office (Fort
Lauderdale, Florida) City of New York Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner (New York)
Bureau of Legal Dentistry (Vancouver,
British Columbia) City of Richmond Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner (Virginia)
C.A. Pound Human Identification Lab,
University of Florida City of San Diego Office of the Medical
Examiner (California)
California Criminalistics Institute
College of American Pathologists
California Dental Association
College of Mount St. Joseph, Department
California Department of Justice, Bureau of Biology
of Forensic Services
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
California Department of Justice, DNA
Laboratory Colorado College, Department of
Anthropology
California State University, Center for
Hazards Research Colorado Dental Association

California State University, Department of Colorado Emergency Management

Anthropology Association

72
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

Colorado Office of Emergency Dupage County Coroner’s Office (Park

Management Ridge, Illinois)

Colorado State University Emergency Response and Research

Institute
Commission of Accreditation for Law
Enforcement Agencies Federal Aviation Administration

Connecticut Department of Public Safety Federal Bureau of Investigation

Connecticut Office of Emergency Federal Emergency Management Agency

Management
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Connecticut State Dental Association
First Special Response Group (Moffett
Connecticut State Police Forensic Field, California)
Laboratory
Florida City and County Management
Cook County Hospital, Radiology Association
Department (Chicago, Illinois)
Florida Dental Association
Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office
(Chicago, Illinois) Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Cook County Public Defender’s Office Florida Division of Emergency

(Chicago, Illinois) Management

Council of State Governments Florida Highway Patrol

Delaware Department of Public Safety Florida Society of Oral and Maxillofacial

Surgeons
Delaware Emergency Management
Agency Forensic Association of Philadelphia
(Pennsylvania)
Delaware Office of the Chief Medical
Examiner (Wilmington, Delaware) Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Center
(Atlanta, Georgia)
Department of the Army, United States
Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Disaster Recovery Institute International Georgia Emergency Management Agency

(Falls Church, Virginia)
Hawaii State Voluntary Organizations
Disaster Research Center (Newark, Active in Disaster
Delaware)
Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services
District of Columbia Emergency
Management Agency Illinois Emergency Management Agency

Dover Air Force Base (Dover, Delaware) Illinois State Police, Division of Forensic
Science

Indiana Coroners Association

73
 SPECIAL REPORT /JUNE 05

Indiana State Emergency Management International Police Criminal Organization

Agency (Lyon, France)

Indiana State Police International/American Association for

Dental Research
Indiana University Medical Center
Iowa Emergency Management Division
Indiana University School of Dentistry
Iowa State Office of the Medical
Institute for Law and Justice (Alexandria, Examiner, Iowa Department of Public
Virginia) Health

International Association for Identification Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (Golden,

Colorado)
International Association for Identification,
Arizona Division Kansas Division of Emergency
Management
International Association for Identification,
Chesapeake Bay Division Kansas Voluntary Organizations Active in
Disasters
International Association for Identification,
Florida Division Kentucky Division of Emergency
Management
International Association for Identification,
Georgia Division Kentucky Voluntary Organizations Active in
Disasters
International Association for Identification,
Illinois Division Kenyon International Emergency
Services, Inc.
International Association for Identification,
Iowa Division Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office
(California)
International Association for Identification,
New Jersey Division Louisiana Dental Association

International Association of Chiefs of Louisiana Office of Emergency

Police Preparedness

International Association of Emergency Louisiana State Coroners Association

Managers
Louisiana State University School of
International Association of Fire Chiefs Dentistry

International City/County Managers Lucas County Coroner’s Office (Toledo,

Association Ohio)

International Commission on Missing Maine Department of Defense, Veterans,

Persons (Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina) and Emergency Management

International Critical Incident Stress Marshall University, Forensic Science

Foundation Center

74
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

Maryland Emergency Management Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s

Agency Office (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

Maryland State Dental Association Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Minnesota Division of Emergency

Disasters Management

Massachusetts Dental Society Minnesota Voluntary Organizations Active

in Disasters
Massachusetts Emergency Management
Agency Mississippi Crime Laboratory

Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Mississippi Emergency Management

Safety Agency

Massachusetts State Police Missouri State Emergency Management

Agency
Massachusetts State Police Crime
Laboratory Montana Disaster and Emergency
Services
Medical College of Virginia
Myriad Genetics, Inc.
Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute,
Mercyhurst College National Association of Counties

Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue National Association of Criminal Defense

Department (Miami, Florida) Lawyers

Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s National Association of Medical Examiners

Office (Miami, Florida)
National Association of Police
Miami-Dade County Police Department, Organizations
Crime Laboratory Bureau (Miami,
Florida) National Center for Forensic Science

Miami-Dade County Police Department, National Center for Post Traumatic Stress
Criminal Investigations Division (Miami, Disorders
Florida)
National Disaster Medical System
Miami-Dade County Voluntary
Organizations Active in Disasters National District Attorneys Association

Michigan State University, Department of National DNA Data Bank of Canada

Anthropology
National Emergency Management
Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Association
Scientists
National Emergency Response Team
Midwestern Association of Forensic
National Forensic Science Technology
Scientists
Center

75
 SPECIAL REPORT /JUNE 05

National Governors Association New York City Voluntary Organizations

Active in Disaster
National Guard Bureau
New York State Division of Criminal Justice
National Institute for Urban Search and Services
Rescue (Santa Barbara, California)
New York State Emergency Management
National Institute of Dental and Office
Craniofacial Research
New York State Police Crime Laboratory
National Institutes of Health
New York State Voluntary Organizations
National Law Enforcement Council Active in Disasters

National League of Cities North Carolina Dental Society

National Legal Aid and Defender North Carolina Department of Crime

Association Control and Public Safety

National Museum of Health and Medicine North Carolina Division of Emergency

Management
National Search and Rescue School
(Yorktown, Virginia) North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical
Examiner (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
National Sheriffs’ Association
North Carolina State Board of Dental
National Transportation Safety Board Examiners
National Transportation Safety Board, North Dakota Emergency Management
Office of Family Affairs
Northeastern Association of Forensic
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Scientists
Disaster
Occupational Safety and Health
Natural Hazards Center (Boulder, Colorado) Administration, U.S. Department of
Labor
Naval Dental Research Institute (Great
Lakes, Illinois) Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection
and Emergency Preparedness (Ontario,
Nevada Division of Emergency
Canada)
Management
Office of Emergency Preparedness, U.S.
New Jersey Dental Association
Department of Health and Human
New Jersey Department of Law and Services
Public Safety
Ohio Dental Association
New Jersey State Police
Ohio Department of Public Safety
New Mexico Emergency Management
Ohio State Coroners Association
Bureau

New York City Police Department

76
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Management
Sandia National Laboratories
Oklahoma State Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner Search and Rescue Council of New Jersey

Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active Simon Fraser University, Department of

in Disasters Archaeology

Onondaga County Center for Forensic Smithsonian Institution Department of

Sciences (Syracuse, New York) Anthropology, National Museum of
Natural History
Orange County Fire and Rescue
Department (Winter Park, Florida) Society of Forensic Toxicologists

Oregon Emergency Management Society of Nuclear Medicine

Oregon State Police, Medical Examiners Society of Skeletal Radiology

Division
South Carolina Emergency Management
Pennsylvania Dental Association Division

Pennsylvania Emergency Management South Dakota Division of Emergency

Agency Eastern, Central, and Western Management
Region Offices
Southern Association of Forensic
Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Scientists
Active in Disasters
Southern California Association of
Province of Alberta Office of the Chief Fingerprint Officers
Examiner (Edmonton, Canada)
Southern Institute for Forensic Science
Province of Ontario Chief Coroner’s Office
(Toronto, Canada) Southwest Texas State University,
Department of Anthropology
Province of Ontario Dental Identification
Team (Canada) Southwestern Association of Forensic
Scientists
Pulaski County Coroner’s Office (Little
Rock, Arkansas) St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s
Office (St. Louis, Missouri)
Rhode Island Dental Association
Suffolk County Crime Laboratory
Rhode Island Emergency Management (Hauppauge, New York)
Agency
Suffolk County Dental Society (New York)
Rhode Island Office of the Chief Medical
Examiner Suffolk County Fire, Rescue, and
Emergency Services (New York)
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office
RPI/Titan Corporation (Hauppauge, New York)

77
 SPECIAL REPORT /JUNE 05

Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office University of New Mexico School of

(Fort Worth, Texas) Medicine

Tennessee Emergency Management University of North Carolina, Department

Agency of Sociology/Anthropology

Texas Department of Public Safety University of North Dakota, Department of

Anthropology
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
University of North Florida, Institute of
Tulsa Police Department (Tulsa, Oklahoma) Police Technology and Management

U.S. Air Force Dental Investigation Service University of North Texas, Laboratory of
Forensic Anthropology and Human
U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center Identification
U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory University of North Texas Police Academy
(Hickam AFB, Hawaii) [now Joint
POW/MIA Accounting Command] University of South Alabama Medical
Center, Department of Radiology
U.S. Conference of Mayors
University of South Carolina, Department
U.S. Department of Transportation of Anthropology
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency University of Tennessee, Department of
Anthropology
University of California (Los Angeles),
Center for Public Health and Disasters University of Toronto, Forensic
Science/Forensic Anthropology
University of California (Santa Cruz)
University of Washington, Radiology
University of Central Florida, Department
Department
of Chemistry
University of Wyoming, Department of
University of Central Florida, Institute for
Anthropology
Simulation and Training
Utah Department of Public Safety
University of Colorado School of Dentistry
Ventura County Coroner’s Office
University of Detroit, Mercy Institute for
(California)
Advanced Continuing Dental Education
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of
University of Hawaii, Department of
Emergency Services (California)
Anthropology
Vermont Emergency Management
University of Illinois, Anthropology
Department Vermont Forensic Laboratory
University of Indianapolis, Biology Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
Department (Australia)
University of New Mexico, Department of Virginia Dental Association
Anthropology

78
 MASS FATALITY INCIDENTS: A GUIDE FOR HUMAN FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

Virginia Department of Emergency West Virginia Office of Emergency

Management Services

Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical
Medicine Examiner Office (South Charleston,
West Virginia)
Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in
Disasters West Virginia University, Forensic
Identification Program
Volusia County Fire Services (Deland,
Florida) Western Michigan University, Department
of Anthropology
Wake County District Attorney’s Office
(Raleigh, North Carolina) Wisconsin Association for Identification

Washington Voluntary Organizations Active Wisconsin Emergency Management

in Disasters
Wisconsin State Historical Society
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (Reno,
Nevada) Wyoming Emergency Management
Agency
Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office
(Detroit, Michigan)

79
About the National Institute of Justice
NIJ is the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice.
The Institute provides objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to enhance
the administration of justice and public safety. NIJ’s principal authorities are derived from the
Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended (see 42 U.S.C. §§ 3721–3723).

The NIJ Director is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Director estab­
lishes the Institute’s objectives, guided by the priorities of the Office of Justice Programs, the
U.S. Department of Justice, and the needs of the field. The Institute actively solicits the views of To find out more about the National
criminal justice and other professionals and researchers to inform its search for the knowledge Institute of Justice, please visit:
and tools to guide policy and practice.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij
Strategic Goals
NIJ has seven strategic goals grouped into three categories: or contact:

Creating relevant knowledge and tools National Criminal Justice

Reference Service
1. Partner with State and local practitioners and policymakers to identify social science research P.O. Box 6000
and technology needs. Rockville, MD 20849–6000
2. Create scientific, relevant, and reliable knowledge—with a particular emphasis on terrorism, 800–851–3420
violent crime, drugs and crime, cost-effectiveness, and community-based efforts—to enhance e-mail: [email protected]
the administration of justice and public safety.
3. Develop affordable and effective tools and technologies to enhance the administration of
justice and public safety.

Dissemination
4. Disseminate relevant knowledge and information to practitioners and policymakers in an
understandable, timely, and concise manner.
5. Act as an honest broker to identify the information, tools, and technologies that respond to
the needs of stakeholders.

Agency management
6. Practice fairness and openness in the research and development process.
7. Ensure professionalism, excellence, accountability, cost-effectiveness, and integrity in the
management and conduct of NIJ activities and programs.

Program Areas
In addressing these strategic challenges, the Institute is involved in the following program areas:
crime control and prevention, including policing; drugs and crime; justice systems and offender
behavior, including corrections; violence and victimization; communications and information
technologies; critical incident response; investigative and forensic sciences, including DNA; less-
than-lethal technologies; officer protection; education and training technologies; testing and
standards; technology assistance to law enforcement and corrections agencies; field testing of
promising programs; and international crime control.

In addition to sponsoring research and development and technology assistance, NIJ evaluates
programs, policies, and technologies. NIJ communicates its research and evaluation findings
through conferences and print and electronic media.
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