NCJ Number
183396
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 44 Issue: 2 Dated: March 1999 Pages: 405-408
Date Published
March 1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article reports preliminary field test results on using cadaver dogs to locate scattered, scavenged human remains.
Abstract
Specially trained air scent detection canines are commonly used by law enforcement to detect narcotics, explosives, or contraband, and by fire investigators to detect the presence of accelerants. Dogs are also used by police, military, and civilian groups to locate lost or missing persons, as well as victims of natural or mass disasters. A further subspecialty is cadaver searching, or the use of canines to locate buried or concealed human remains. Cadaver dogs can also be used to locate partial, scattered human remains dispersed by repeated animal scavenging. Eight dog-and-handler teams participated in a 2-month training program using human and animal remains in various stages of decay as scent sources. Ten blind field tests were then conducted which simulated actual search conditions. Recovery rates ranged between 57 percent and 100 percent, indicating that properly trained cadaver dogs can make significant contributions in the location and recovery of scattered human remains. Tables, references