Advances in postmortem fingerprinting: Applications in disaster victim identification.

Postmortem fingerprinting is the fastest and most reliable way to scientifically identify unknown decedents from mass fatality incidents. In disaster victim identification (DVI), fingerprints, DNA, and dental examinations are the three primary methods of identification. Additional secondary identifiers such as comparative medical radiography, scars, marks, and tattoos can also be used if viable antemortem information can be located. As DNA technology continues to evolve, RAPID DNA may now identify a profile within 90 min if the remains are not degraded or comingled. When there are true unknowns, however, there is usually no DNA, dental, or medical records to retrieve for a comparison without a tentative identity. It is imperative to understand how to properly collect postmortem prints following various postmortem changes, which databases are available to search against, and what additional resources are available prior to any such event occurring. With advances in technology, automated fingerprint searching is faster than ever before. Mobile devices can now search all the major databases within a matter of minutes from a cell phone or tablet utilizing a peripheral fingerprint scanner. Preliminary research into the application of WD-40® when utilizing optical-capacitive scanners has shown to greatly increase the efficacy of capturing usable fingerprints. This additional step allows for the digital capture of fingerprints in even complicated settings, both in daily cases and DVI incidents. This article outlines all the available ways to obtain postmortem fingerprints in complex cases, and how they can be applied to efficiently and effectively used in the DVI process.

Digital capture of fingerprints in a disaster victim identification setting: a review and case study.

Identification of victims following a mass fatality is conducted by collecting and analysing a series of scientific identifiers and contextual information of each decedent. Recently, there has been a paradigm shift demanding that this complex identification process be accelerated to meet the needs of the surviving families, politicians and even the media. Postmortem fingerprint identification is a fast and efficient means of victim identification, and through the use of new advances in technology, the digital capture of fingerprints in a disaster victim identification (DVI) setting will play a strong role. This paper provides an overview of current technology and explains how this technology can adapt to current DVI procedures. The Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) incident is a recent example of a DVI event that utilized new digital fingerprint capture technology and further demonstrates why such technology is warranted in future mass fatality operations.