NCJ Number
220231
Journal
Journal of Forensice Identification Volume: 57 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2007 Pages: 717-725
Date Published
September 2007
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses studies involving cadaver dog training and cadaver dog accuracy and discusses the value of using the cadaver dog as a forensic tool.
Abstract
A properly trained cadaver dog is a valuable asset to the homicide investigator, as well as to forensic teams in locating bodies, scattered remains, or residual material. Continued research is necessary to improve the understanding of the detector dog's behavior, whether based on training philosophies or biological conditions (stress, fatigue, or illness). Only through this type of research can general training guidelines and more accurate cadaver search teams in the future be established. Dogs have established themselves prominently in the law enforcement community. In spite of this, cadaver dogs have been minimally represented in the law enforcement canine population across the United States. Cadaver dogs are also known as human remains detector dogs, forensic search dogs, and decomposition dogs. In this paper, the term "cadaver dog" means any dog trained to detect deceased humans, human parts, or residue from human remains. The paper conducts an analysis of prior studies on cadaver dogs in the areas of training, behavior of scent, and accuracy of cadaver dogs. References