In missing and unidentified investigations, an abyss of dissonance seems to exist between law enforcement and the community they serve that all too often creates grating wounds that may never heal. Utilizing Forensic Technologies for Unidentified Human Remains: Death Investigation Resources, Strategies, and Disconnects bridges this abyss.This is th

Fingerprint identification is the most efficient, rapid, and cost-effective forensic identification modality. Postmortem Fingerprinting and Unidentified Human Remains is a consolidated and thorough guide to the recovery, identification, and management of unidentified postmortem fingerprint records - topics from postmortem fingerprint processing to database submission and case management are discussed. Additionally, a postmortem processing workflow is described, which delineates various basic and advanced fingerprint recovery techniques used to acquire examination-quality records. Furthermore, Postmortem Fingerprinting and Unidentified Human Remains discusses the complexity of antemortem fingerprint databases and how to access each database for humanitarian purposes, bringing a modern value perspective to the topic.

Widens traditional concepts of forensic science to include humanitarian, social, and cultural aspects Using the preservation of the dignity of the deceased as its foundation, Forensic Science and Humanitarian Action: Interacting with the Dead and the Living is a unique examination of the applications of humanitarian forensic science. Spanning two comprehensive volumes, the text is sufficiently detailed for forensic practitioners, yet accessible enough for non-specialists, and discusses both the latest technologies and real-world interactions. Arranged into five sections, this book addresses the ‘management of the dead’ across five major areas in humanitarian forensic science. Volume One presents the first three of these areas: History, Theory, Practice, and Legal Foundation; Basic Forensic Information to Trace Missing Persons; and Stable Isotopes Forensics. Topics covered include: Protection of The Missing and the Dead Under International Law Social, Cultural and Religious Factors in Humanitarian Forensic Science Posthumous Dignity and the Importance in Returning Remains of the Deceased The New Disappeared – Migration and Forensic Science Stable Isotope Analysis in Forensic Anthropology Volume Two covers two further areas of interest: DNA Analysis and the Forensic Identification Process. It concludes with a comprehensive set of case studies focused on identifying the deceased, and finding missing persons from around the globe, including: Forensic Human Identification from an Australian Perspective Skeletal Remains and Identification Processing at the FBI Migrant Deaths along the Texas/Mexico Border Humanitarian Work in Cyprus by The Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) Volcán De Fuego Eruption – Natural Disaster Response from Guatemala Drawing upon a wide range of contributions from respected academics working in the field, Forensic Science and Humanitarian Action is a unique reference for forensic practitioners, communities of humanitarian workers, human rights defenders, and government and non-governmental officials.

Forensic Genetic Approaches for Identification of Human Skeletal Remains: Challenges, Best Practices, and Emerging Technologies provides best practices on processing bone samples for DNA testing. The book outlines forensic genetics tools that are available for the identification of skeletal remains in contemporary casework and historical/archaeological investigations. Although the book focuses primarily on the use of DNA for direct identification or kinship analyses, it also highlights complementary disciplines often used in concert with genetic data to make positive identifications, such as forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, and forensic art/sculpting. Unidentified human remains are often associated with tragic events, such as fires, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, war conflicts, genocide, airline crashes, homicide, and human rights violations under oppressive totalitarian regimes. In these situations, extensive damage to soft tissues often precludes the use of such biological samples in the identification process. In contrast, bone material is the most resilient, viable sample type for DNA testing. DNA recovered from bone often is degraded and in low quantities due to the effects of human decomposition, environmental exposure, and the passage of time. The complexities of bone microstructure and its rigid nature make skeletal remains one of the most challenging sample types for DNA testing. Provides best practices on processing bone samples for DNA testing Presents detailed coverage of proper facilities design for skeletal remains processing, selection of optimal skeletal elements for DNA recovery, specialized equipment needed, preparation and cleaning of bone samples for DNA extraction, and more Highlights complementary disciplines often used in concert with genetic data to make positive identifications, such as forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, and forensic art/sculpting

Methodological and Technological Advances in Death Investigations: Application and Case Studies focuses on advancements in both methods and technology in death investigations. Specifically, in the areas of latent fingerprints, facial recognition, wildlife forensics, using aerial vehicles and 3D-ID. The combination of national and international authors and a discussion of the state of forensic science over a decade after the National Academies 2009 Report, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, further highlights the boundaries, limitations and context in which these newer technologies and applications act synergistically to enhance forensic science. - Synthesizes new and emerging technologies to put them in perspective for researchers and practitioners, such as facial recognition, using aerial vehicles and 3D-ID - Includes case studies throughout that explain how certain advanced technologies impact investigations - Fills a gap in literature with more cross-disciplinary topics that pertain to death investigations

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

In today's context of intricate global challenges, encompassing climate crises, resource scarcity, and social disparities, the imperative for sustainable development has never been more pressing. While academic scholars and researchers are instrumental in crafting solutions, they often grapple with the intricate balance between theoretical concepts and practical implementation. This gap impedes the transformation of innovative ideas into tangible societal progress, leaving a void where effective real-world strategies for cross-industry sustainability should flourish. "Fostering Cross-Industry Sustainability With Intelligent Technologies" seeks to bridge this divide. This book is more than just a collection of pages; it serves as a roadmap for those determined to make a tangible impact. It brings together a diverse group of esteemed experts from various disciplines, offering a comprehensive spectrum of actionable insights, all grounded in the ethical imperatives of inclusivity and environmental responsibility. Anchored in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this volume serves as a guiding star, channeling theoretical expertise into practical solutions. For academic scholars, scientists, innovators, and students alike, Fostering Cross-Industry Sustainability With Intelligent Technologies is the definitive guidepost. It fosters a profound understanding of the real-world implications of research, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations that transcend conventional boundaries. This comprehensive book presents a wealth of sustainable science and intelligent technology applications, all while emphasizing the importance of ethics and societal impact. With visionary insights woven throughout its pages, it calls upon humanity to envision a future where challenges transform into opportunities, and sustainable development becomes an attainable reality.

The 2021 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Forensic Science Research and Development (R&D) Symposium is intended to promote collaboration and enhance knowledge transfer of NIJ-funded research. The NIJ Forensic Science R&D Program funds both basic or applied R&D projects that will (1) increase the body of knowledge to guide and inform forensic science policy and practice or (2) result in the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods that have the potential for forensic application. The intent of this program is to direct the findings of basic scientific research; research and development in broader scientific fields applicable to forensic science; and ongoing forensic science research toward the development of highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence for criminal justice purposes.

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technology in DNA Analysis explains and summarizes next generation sequencing (NGS) technological applications in the field of forensic DNA analysis. The book covers the transition from capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based technique to NGS platforms and the fundamentals of NGS technologies, applications, and advances. Sections provide an overview of NGS technology and forensic science, including information on processing biological samples for forensic analysis, sequence analysis, and data analysis software as well as the analysis of NGS data. The book explores the valuable applications of NGS-based forensic DNA analysis and covers the validations and interpretation guidelines of NGS workflows. With chapter contributions from an international array of experts and the inclusion of practical case studies, this book is a useful reference for academicians and researchers in genetics, biotechnology, bioinformatics, biology, and medicine as well as forensic DNA scientists and practitioners who aim to learn, use, apply, and validate NGS-based technologies. - Describes the fundamentals of NGS and its advances for forensic applications - Explains the transition from CE-based technique to NGS technology - Includes case studies related to NGS and DNA fingerprinting - Explores the future use and applications of NGS technologies