Forensic Training and Tactics for the Recovery of Human Remains
Forensic Training and Tactics for the Recovery of Human Remains
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Intended for those who train and handle cadaver dogs, this book also encompasses information for those who work closely with them, such as police, death investigators, and anthropologists. Its interdisciplinary approach is useful to any member of a forensic team who regularly participates in or evaluates the results of the human remains search effort.
Cadaver Dog Handbook sets out the principles and procedures for the training and handling of dogs for the location of human remains. It explains scent theory and its applications, introduces basic training and searching strategies/tactics, and covers the legal and taphonomic issues associated with dog searches. Intended for those who train and handle cadaver dogs, this book also encompasses information for those who work closely with them, such as police, death investigators, and anthropologists. Its interdisciplinary approach is useful to any member of a forensic team who regularly participates in or evaluates the results of the human remains search effort.
Introduction
Definition of Cadaver Dogs
A Brief History of Cadaver Dogs
Purpose of This Book
Overview of Book Topics and Organization
Dog Basics
The Working Dog
Dog Noses and Dog Brains
Scent Theory and Canine Olfaction
Scent and the Environment
Temperature
Wind
Barriers to Scent Conduction
Conduit of Scent Conduction
Limits of Cadaver Dogs and Scent Detection
Training the Cadaver Dog
Selection of a Dog to Train
Handler Skills Needed
When and How to Begin
Training Basics:
How to Talk to Your Dog
Training Without Punishment
Reading the Dog
Training Progression
Phase I-Scent Recognition and commitment to the
target odor
Phase II-Small Area Search With the Source Hidden
From the Dog
Phase III-Small Area Search for a Buried Source
Phase IV-Small Area Search for a Hanging Object
Phase V-Large Area Search for an Above-Surface
Source
Phase VI-Large Area Search for a Buried Source
Phase VII-Negative Area Search
Phase VIII-Blind Area Search
Phase IX-Test
Training Scenarios
Ongoing Training Regime
Frequently Asked Questions
Training Materials
Use and Handling of Training Aids
Natural Scent
Artificial Scent
Simulating the Scene and Creating Hides
Professional Issues
Standardization and Certification
Ethics and Professional Conduct
Levels of Certainty and Conclusions Reached
Record Keeping
Evaluating the Qualifications of an Unknown Dog
Handler Team
Testifying in Court
Legal Issues
Search and Seizure
Rules of Evidence
Law and the Evidence Canine
Handling a Search Request
Evaluating the Feasibility of the Search
Evaluating the Appropriateness of Using a Particular Handler or Canine
Scheduling a Search: Season, Time Weather
Promises and Deliverables
When to Say No
Planning the Search
The Search
Types of Searches
Forensic Contexts
Physical Contexts: Land, Water, etc.
Use of Remote Sensing
Use of Technical Location and Mapping Aids
Who is in Charge
Functioning as Part of a Team
Evidence Discovery
Evidence Documentation
Evidence Recovery
Conclusions: When and How to Communicate Them
Behind the Scenes: Taphonomy
Postmortem Processes
Decomposition and Skeletonization
Disarticulation
Scavenger Modification
Search Strategies for Disarticulated Remains
Working With the Anthropologist
At the Scene
Acclimating the Dog to the Scene
Motivating the Dog
Assessing the Scene: Search Patterns
Refining Search Strategy
Periodic Reinforcement
On-Site Guidelines
Documenting the Search
Land Searches
Search Planning
Conducting the Search
Special Search Situations
Spot Searches
Hasty, Non-Thorough Searches
Roadsides
Landfill
Swamp
Wilderness and Forest Strategies
Disarticulated Remains
Dismembered Remains
Water Searches (Marcia Koenig)
Handler Strategies
Type of Drowning-Dry or Wet
Decomposition Process
Selection of Boats
Working a Search Area
Response Time
General Suggestions
Suggestions for Working Rivers
Suggestions for Working Lakes
Water Conditions
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
List of Figures and Tables
Glossary
Appendix A: Resources
Training Aids and Equipment
Continuing Education Opportunities
Professional Organizations
Appendix B: Document Examples
Search Report Example A
Search Report Example B
Handler Resume Example A
Handler Resume Example B
Canine Resume Example
Training Record Example A
Training Record Example B
Proficiency Test Example
