Chapter 10 - Postmortem Fingerprint Recovery During Mass Fatality Incidents

Abstract

A Mass Fatality Incident (MFI) can occur anywhere and at any time; many can occur without advance warning. When MFIs occur, recovering and identifying human remains is a significant aspect of the response. The local Medical Examiner/Coroner Office is responsible for overseeing and coordinating recovery and identification of the deceased. Depending on the nature of the mass fatality incident, some victim identifications may be expedited by fingerprint identification. Advancements in automated fingerprint technology for fingerprint acquisition and searching has made fingerprint identification rapid and efficient during MFIs. Antemortem fingerprint repositories can be electronically searched and in some cases, trained personnel can collect latent footprints from personal effects, residences, or businesses of suspected victims (NIJ, 2005). It is important to ensure that personnel are trained in manual postmortem fingerprint recovery techniques and manual supplies are still available, as the MFI may have affected electronic and communication lines.