Recovery of Human Remains

Abstract

The search for missing persons and subsequent recovery of human remains from clandestine graves or deposition sites in rural environments are highly involved processes involving difficult working practices and the many complications that surround dealing with decomposed or skeletonized remains. Every case is unique but will conform to similar criteria to ensure best practice and maximum evidence retrieval. Any investigation of a body deposition site will require a number of law enforcement officers, forensic specialists, and legal agencies to work together effectively to maximize the evidence recovery potential. This article considers the roles of those individuals required and explains why best practice dictates careful planning ahead of any attempted recovery of human remains to ensure that the case is brought to a satisfactory conclusion as soon as possible.