Recovery Scene Methods

Tasks in any Field Operation

involving Human Remains
Location
Finding remains

Mapping
Relation to a permanent structure and
pinpointing the location to a larger map

Excavation
Through archaeological methods

Collection
Remains are collected and properly packed to
be sent to the laboratory

Preliminary Issues
The non-involvement of forensic anthropologists
[Policemen, Sheriffs, Law Enforcement Officials]
Mainly because of lack of opportunity (i.e., policemen
wont consult these specialists when recovering
bones they simply place the bones in container and
send to Forensic Anthropologist)
Bones of multiple individuals are mixed, along with
other errors that cause loss of information
The rate of victim identification as well as
determination of cause and manner of death is
directly related to the proportion of the body that is
recovered (Komar and Potter, 2007)

Preliminary Issues
Time
Work should be done slowly to ensure
that the remains are removed
completely and accurately
Removal is a destructive process

A plan should be developed for

searching, mapping, and collecting the
remains
Time consuming but essential

Locating Remains
The first task in the recovery process
A search plan tailored to the unique
circumstances of the scene should be
developed
Should address several issues
Equipment and personnel that can be obtained
within monetary and time constraints
Underground and aerial searches, cadaver dogs,
visual assessment
Direction of approach, number of searchers and their
spacing, and needed equipment

Locating Remains
If location is not known
Find the remains within a large
designated area (normally disregarded
in disasters or when there is an
informant)

Once the location is known

the area around the human remains is
searched for any materials that might
serve to identify the person or help in in
identifying the circumstances
surrounding the death od the decedent

Searching for Human

Remains
Archaeological site surveys are
preferred
Site survey
Arranging the group of searchers side by
side in a line, who then walk in an area while
scanning the ground for any indication of
previous human incursion. (ground covered
completely and efficiently; reduces
likelihood of overlooking information)

First step: Obtain enough helpers to

adequately inspect the area being
examined

Searching for Human

Remains

General indicators in recently deposited remains:

Increased insect activity (flies); attendant odour; colours
of the bone
For interment, the indicators that mark the presence of a
grave are:
State of vegetation
Recent: bare while surrounding soil is covered with trees/bushes;
bent and broken (signs of human activity)
A year or more: more vegetation over the burial pit (looser
soil+nutrients from decomposing body; ground over the grave may
not be uniform; surplus earth near grave perimeter

State of compaction over the grave

Three tell-tale signs
Cracks that outline the perimeter of the burial pit
primary depression may form in the center that slopes up in all
directions to grave edges
secondary smaller depression may form in the middle of the primary
depression (especially in shallow graves)

Searching for Human

Remains
Once the workers have knowledge of the signs, they
arrange side by side in a line
Fields of view overlap by 20-30%
Ensures that all ground is visible to at least one worker for the
duration of the search
Distance: less than or equal to 50 feet, depending on vegetation
Search done under adequate daylight so that smaller bones and
objects are visible

Workers slowly walk over the search area and scan the
ground for human biological signs of a grave
Bodies are normally found in areas of easy access
Ignore nonhuman bones and materials until human remains
have been located

Searching for Associated

Materials
Second task once human remains are located: find
all associated materials
missing body segments, clothing, weapons, and other
appropriate items

Searchers start at the remains and search each of

the cardinal directions in turn, fanning out as they go
They are arranged side by side in a line as they slowly
walk over the area, scanning the ground
In addition to the cardinal directions search, the area
immediately surrounding the remains/grave must be
inspected thoroughly because this is the area where it is
most likely that relevant things will be made. [visual
search+examination with instruments (i.e., metal detector)]

Searching for Associated

Materials
During this phase of the search, unfound remains
AND other indications of human presence are
sought.
Includes shell casings, bludgeons, knives, other
possible weapons, clothing, personal electronic
devices, and nonhuman bones

As these are encountered, their location should

be indicated with a marker, after which the
search is continued.
Markers should be visible from a distance, but small
enough to not cause damage to area of placement
(plastic flag- different shapes and colors)

Mapping Remains
Precision mapping is important for several reasons
Scattered body parts may indicate carnivore activity,
and the amount of this scatter can help determine time
since death
Relationship between body elements and physical items
may hold important clues as to the cause and manner of
death
Precision establishes credibility of the forensic worker
Must convince that evidence was gathered accurately and
completely and no pertinent evidence was fabricated or
overlooked
When mapping, use inches and feet because it is most known
by police and courtroom personnel

Mapping Remains
Steps in the mapping process
Set up a datum point close to the remains
Placed on permanent structures/objects not obliterated with the passage of
time
In uninhabited areas: large tree or rock; Populated areas: corner of building

After this point has been fixed, its position on a larger map should be
indicated (city map, geological survey)

Mark a grid square on the area surrounding the body

To provide a framework for mapping relevant findings
Once established, grid is depicted on a map, and the compass direction and
distance to the datum point of its nearest corner should be noted
Tape measure is used to locate bones and other items in relation to grid
square
Remains and other items should be photographed in place before collection

A hand drawn map of the grid square must be made

It should indicate the location of remains and associated materials in relation
to the datum point and the grid itself

Grave Excavation
The grave must be systematically excavated using
the methods of archaeology.
Done after surface findings are located, mapped, and
collected; cant start until the datum point and grid
square are established
Before excavation, the additional task of attaching a line
level to the grid strings is required so that both
horizontal and vertical locations of items within the
grave can be determined.

Excavation
Involves the removal of dirt within, or immediately
around, the burial pit.
Requires a number of instruments that should be at hand

Grave Excavation
Excavation proceeds slowly as dirt is skimmed
carefully from the surface
With use of shovel or backhoe
Removal of dirt proceeds in 1-2 in layers at a time; Metal
detector scans made at each 2-4in level.
As items are encountered, they should be fully uncovered
but left in place for mapping, recording, and photographing.

Generally, only two people can work comfortably in a

single grave
When excavation >8in, one wall of the grave is
sacrificed and a platform is excavated down alongside
the burial pit to the level of the burial

Grave Excavation
Once the part of the body is located, its orientation usually is
easily determined.
Remains are uncovered, but not removed, until they are fully
exposed, mapped, and photographed.
Best done by two excavators
Small trowels/digging sticks are used to remove overlying dirt with the
additional use of brushes (except when there are clothing or fibres)

As soil is moved out of the grave, it should be placed in

buckets
It will be taken to a location where it can be sifted through to
recover small objects, and perhaps, some valuable information.
Aside from dry sifting, dirt can be washed through the screen to
help reveal fragments of evidence.