PROFILING: WITNESS IDENTIFICATION PROCESS

PROFILING; VICTIM IDENTIFICATION PROCESS 

Identification is based on the comparison of and search for similarities and/or incompatibilities between post-mortem (PM) and ante-mortem (AM) data.

The process is threefold: compile an AM file, compile a PM file, then compare the data.

The AM file contains information provided by the relatives/loved ones of a missing person. In meetings with the latter, authorities are able to gather information on physical traits/clothing/medical conditions, collect familial DNA samples and obtain contact information for health practitioners. These health professionals (physicians, surgeons, dentists, etc.) will be able to provide medical/dental records containing vital AM reference data.

The PM file is established based on anatomical data retrieved from the body and samples taken from the victim.

Disasters are typically categorized as either open or closed. An open disaster is a major catastrophic event resulting in the deaths of a number of unknown individuals for whom no prior records or descriptive data are available. It is difficult to obtain information about the actual number of victims following such events. The list of victims is established as the investigation progresses, based on persons reported missing by family members and loved ones.

A closed disaster is a major catastrophic event resulting in the deaths of a number of individuals belonging to a fixed, identifiable group (e.g. plane crash with passenger list). As a rule, comparative AM data can be obtained more quickly in the case of closed disasters.

Combinations of these two forms are also conceivable, for example when a plane crash occurs in a residential area.

There are different ways to establish a victim’s identity, which can be used on their own or in combination.

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Visual identification

Loved ones are sometimes able to identify corpses immediately after a disaster. Later, photographs of bodies can be shown to relatives/loved ones for identification purposes. With no scientific basis, this option is unreliable given the major psychological trauma of those attempting to make the identification. Visual identification can be helpful, but is insufficient on its own for the positive identification of victims and should therefore be avoided.

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Personal effects

The analysis of personal effects can help investigators establish the possible identity of victims. For instance, a piece of jewellery, article of clothing or piece of identification can make it possible to quickly establish a presumed identity. Subsequent scientific evidence in support of said identity is required.

________________________________External exam

The forensic pathologist documents all physical features of the body (sex, age, height, build, skin/eye/hair colour, etc.), as well as special markings (scars, tattoos, moles, etc.).

Fingerprints

The epidermis and dermis are fairly resistant to PM degradation. Forensic experts are able to use special skin restoration techniques, even in the case of advanced decomposition. Obviously, there are limits to what can be done with severely decayed/burnt human remains.

Fingerprints are reliable indicators of identity. Because they can be classified, fingerprints can be identified and registered systematically and thus, subsequently, retrieved easily for purposes of comparison. In the event of mass casualties (9/11 attacks, December 2004 tsunami), AM and PM fingerprints are cross-checked using an automated system.

Palm prints and footprints can also be used in victim identification.