What Happens When the Police Find an Unidentified Body

Unidentified bodies can be a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies, leading to complex investigations that can sometimes take years to resolve. This article explores the steps taken by the police when an unidentified body is found, focusing on the methods used to identify the deceased through forensic analysis and other means.

Forensic Examination and Identification Procedures

When an unidentified body is found, the first step is to conduct a comprehensive forensic examination, which can begin even before the body is taken to the morgue. The primary goal of these procedures is to gather as much information as possible that can be used to identify the deceased.

Autopsy and Physical Analysis

One of the most crucial steps is the autopsy. An autopsy is a post-mortem examination where the body is thoroughly analyzed to determine the cause of death and to gather forensic evidence. During this process, the medical examiner will assess:

Age and gender of the deceased Race Any identifying marks, such as tattoos, scars, or piercings Dental records and teeth (including fillings and extractions) Hair color and condition, along with any possible hair extensions Healed bone fractures and any other medical devices or implants Medical history and any medications the deceased might have been taking

This information is then compared to records of missing persons to try to identify the deceased.

Dental Records and Biological Evidence

If there are possible matches among the records of missing persons, dental records and fingerprints are often taken and compared against databases like AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) and CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), respectively.

Special Considerations for Gender-Specific Cases

The procedure can vary slightly depending on the gender of the deceased. In the case of a woman's body, law enforcement may come across various controversial incidents. For instance, a police officer involved in a sensitive search procedure of a dead woman's body was recently charged. However, these incidents are rare and not representative of the standard procedure.

Further Steps in the Identification Process

Once the body is transported to the morgue, the coroner and the police team work collaboratively to seek additional clues:

Crime Scene Photos and Evidence Collection

Crime scene photos are taken, and evidence is collected meticulously. This evidence includes the remains, any clothing, and jewelry found on the body, which might provide vital clues.

Forensic Testing and Storage

The remains are then sent to the state medical examiner’s office, where forensic pathology and DNA testing are conducted. Any fingerprints or dental impressions are also taken if possible. Clothing and jewelry are examined for any clues that could be helpful in identification.

Checking Missing/Overdue Persons Records

Based on the results of the forensic tests, police often check missing or overdue persons’ records to narrow down potential identities. The remains may be stored indefinitely at the state medical examiner’s office or interred at a well-documented grave site until identification is made and the next of kin are notified.

Case Study: An Incident in Los Angeles

During my tenure as a police officer in Los Angeles, each identified body would be brought to the coroner's office. The coroners would use every available resource to determine the cause of death and to identify the deceased. This often involved cross-referencing with local police records of missing individuals, dental records, and even information obtained through hangouts or personal networks.

The database of unidentified bodies is maintained with the hope that additional clues or information could lead to identification in the future. This proactive approach helps streamline the process and increases the chances of a successful resolution.

Conclusion: The identification of an unidentified body is a complex and often time-consuming process that requires a combination of forensic expertise and detective work. By leveraging advanced forensic tools and collaborative efforts between various law enforcement agencies, law enforcement can move closer to solving these cases and bringing closure to the families of the deceased.