ANT 211
Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology
Role of the Forensic Anthropologist in the Forensic Sciences
(page 4 of 7)
B. The Process: What is done
1. Understanding jurisdiction--who has authority over the crime scene and or remains? The forensic anthropologist does NOT; the ME/coroner and those law enforcement personnel directing the search and recovery do. All dead people (except military personnel) are the responsibility of the ME or coroner.
2. Understanding duties, capabilities, and limitations
a. Who directs the search and recovery? Any one of the following:
b. What is a forensic anthropologist qualified and not qualified to do at a death scene?
| Qualified or can do | Not qualified or cannot do | |
| search | exhume bodies, gather scattered remains, collect the body with permission or by request (archaeological training is useful here) | dig randomly, remove remains from a crime scene, disturb crime scene in any way without persmission |
| method of recovery | advise on how best to collect remains | override the ME or coroner's authority |
| destination | examine the remains with the ME at the ME office (morgue), OR with permission or by request take the remains back to a human ID lab for processing and examination (the forensic anthropologist becomes part of the chain of custody) | take the remains back to a human ID lab without proper authority or
approval keep the remains if they are requested by next of kin, the ME, etc. release the remains to someone unless authorized |