Forensic identification techniques include the examination of ID cards, the decedent's private

belongings, fingerprints, footprints, lip marks, dental findings, red blood cell enzymes,
performing photograph matching, facial reconstruction, visual identification, and DNA
"fingerprinting." As part of forensic examinations, the identification of corpses that are fresh,
decomposed, fragmented, or skeletonized as well as individual body parts and human remains
can be requested. Identification becomes a challenging task for forensic terms particularly in
mass-disaster situations. Each identification case should be considered to its own merit and the
way to do that should be based on the effectiveness and cost of each method used.

Methods we use to identify living unknown person

Genetics
Alec Jeffreys is known as the "founding father of DNA identification”.[10] He invented DNA
fingerprinting in the 1980s to assist in the process of body identification.[10] Since then, the
method of DNA typing in forensic science has advanced and many techniques to identify
microRNA markers in bodily fluids have developed.[20] DNA analysis involves the comparison of
DNA profiles and DNA samples.[21] Forensic scientists analyse the impact of time and
sensitivity on the appearance of microRNAs when determining how well they can be detected
in different bodily fluids.[20] The fluids that are most commonly used in the process of DNA
identification are menstrual blood, venous blood, semen, saliva and vaginal secretion.[22]

DNA profiling
The process of DNA profiling includes DNA extraction, DNA quantification and the use of PCR
technology.

DNA extraction
Common methods of DNA extraction include Phenol, Chelex, Silica, and Magnetic beads.[21]
The Phenol process is toxic and is "not open to automation".[21] This method is primarily used
to extract, from the cells, the nucleic acids necessary for purification.[23] The Chelex process is
safe and is "not open to automation".[21] This method connects ions in order to "purify other
compounds".

DNA quantification and PCR technology

The extracted DNA must be quantified to “ensure the optimal amount of DNA template is
added to a PCR”.[21] PCR, Polymerase chain reaction, is the technology used for the purpose of
copying particular DNA in a test tube.
DNA markers
DNA markers are used to identify specific DNA characteristics that allow for the distinction
between different individuals.[29] These markers are analysed by forensic scientists when
identifying an unknown body. DNA markers are either a genotype or a phenotype.

Next-Generation Sequencing
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is the most recent body identification method in the field of
genetics.[21] The process of NGS includes three fundamental steps; “library preparation,
sequencing, and data interpretation”.

Dental
Dental examination is a method of body identification that involves the comparison of
antemortem and postmortem dental records, such as radiographs and photographs.[17] The
jaw is analysed to detect any peculiarities in the teeth or any diseases.

The success of dental identification can be tainted if the individual has endured a physically
traumatic experience that has caused damage to their teeth and jaw.[19] In this scenario, DNA
identification is used in the process of body identification.

Gender
Gender also affects the perception of one's skin. Common cultural and social constructs can
influence a forensic scientist’s determination of gender.[9] These include the expectations of
facial and body hair and the length of one’s nails.[9] These factors are used in conjunction with
other scientific identification methods due to its socially constructed nature.[9]

Methods we use to identify dead bodies

Identification of dead bodies is done by matching information from the deceased (physical
features, clothes, etc.) with information from individuals who are missing or presumed dead.

• Mobilizing forensic resources may take several days. This means that early opportunities to
help identify bodies may be lost as the bodies decompose.

• Visual recognition of cadavers or their photographs by acquaintances of the deceased is the

simplest form of identification, but this is prone to errors. Therefore, whenever possible, it
should be complemented with other means of forensic identification, albeit at a later stage.
• Forensic procedures (autopsies, fingerprinting, dental examinations, DNA) can be used after
visual identification of bodies or photographs becomes impossible.

• The early work of non-specialists in managing the dead (especially proper recovery,
documentation and storage methods) will determine much of the success of future
identifications by forensic specialists.

• The Dead Bodies Identification Form in Annex 1 can be used to collect basic and invaluable
information that will aid later forensic identification procedures.

It should be appreciated that visual recognition, while simple, can result in mistaken
identifications causing serious embarrassment, distress to the bereaved and legal difficulties. It
is always preferable to ensure that accurate identification is achieved by evaluating a
combination of criteria and not solely on visual recognition.

• Injuries to the deceased, or the presence of blood, fluids, or dirt, especially around the head,
will increase the chance of mistaken visual recognition.

• Any separate body part which proves that a person is dead can aid in the identification and
should therefore be managed as though it is a whole body (i.e., using a unique reference
number).

Methods we use to identify of remains of persons

When human remains are recovered, three primary scientific methods are traditionally used to
identify who they belong to:

▪︎fingerprint analysis, which looks at the skin patterns on the tips of fingers

▪︎dental analysis, which looks at the teeth and any dental work, such as crowns and fillings DNA
analysis, which looks at DNA profiles recovered from soft or hard body tissues These methods
are only as good as the information we have from when the person was alive.

So if someone doesn’t have their fingerprints on file and hasn’t visited a dentist recently, or if
close living relatives aren’t available to provide a DNA reference sample or they’ve never had a
CT scan, these methods are likely to be useless.
And if a surgical implant doesn’t have unique markings (as in the case of the Queensland
crocodile), it makes the task extremely difficult. So forensic scientists need to explore other
methods.

▪︎Clues from tattoos and bones : Distinctive physical features like scars, birthmarks and body
modifications such as tattoos and piercings, could help identify someone.

▪︎forensic anthropologist can also study a set of skeletal remains to reveal a lot about that
person when they were living — including their sex, ancestry, stature, age, disease and any fatal
injuries.

▪︎Radiocarbon dating of teeth and bone could tell us when that person was born and died. And
the sample’s chemical signature could indicate the region where they were born, lived for long
periods or recently travelled. It can even identify what they ate.

▪︎New DNA intelligence tools : Beyond routine DNA testing to determine someone’s sex or
relatives, more novel DNA methods are showing promise for piecing together an image of a
missing person.

Reference :

1) https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/identifying-remains-lessons-learned-911

2) https://theconversation.com/how-do-we-identify-human-remains-

3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22133646/