Cadaver / Human Remains Detection / Forensic Recovery Dogs -- An Overview
In today's world the Cadaver Dog is known by many names such as Human Remains Detector Dog (HRD), Evidence dog, Decomposition K9, Necro Dogs, Cadaver Detection Dog (CDD), Blood Detection Dog (BDD), Grave Detection Dog, Victim Recovery Dog (VR), Drowned Victim Dog, Forensics K9 or Historical Human Recovery Dog (HHRD). All these terms really mean the same thing. A dog that has been imprinted and trained to locate and indicate the presence of the odor of Human Remains. These dogs are trained to indicate in the various stages and amount of human decomposition odor. The Forensic Recovery dog (aka Historical Find Dog-HHRD/Archaeology dog) is trained on smaller source sizes and very old decomposition including bone, teeth, dried or powdered blood that is on the surface or buried. Many Cadaver dogs are now trained only on larger sources in hopes of teaching the dog to avoid residual and trace amounts of remains avoiding what is considered a false positive/false alert. Both types of trained K9 are helpful in finding evidence in missing persons and homicide cold case investigations. Another new term for a Cadaver dog is the term Decomposition Dog. This dog is trained on Pig and other animals as well as some Human in hopes the K9 will alert on the common Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) between species. This term has also been used to address some of the perceived problems K9 have with indications on residual, transfer and trace odors.
For most Sworn Law Enforcement Agencies, the cost of maintaining a separate Cadaver/HRD/Forensic K9 is not in the budget. Because of this, the SAR Cadaver / HRD dog Team is a specialty that has become popular with Law Enforcement investigators. The demands of this specialty are many and difficult. A good Cadaver/HRD Team includes a handler that should have a K9 with a reliable final trained indication and can observe any Change of Behavior (COB) when the K9 is in odor and understand the body language of that K9. On top of this, the K9 needs to be trained in a large variety of type, size and scope of human remains (large to small, new to aged) that are burned, buried and/or submerged in water. The handler needs to have a clean and current background check and be well schooled in the forensics that apply to this specialty and also well versed in the different stages of decomposition, scent theory, crime scene preservation, blood-borne pathogens and working around hazardous materials. Skills in good report writing and record keeping are a must as well as training in court room testimony. The Cadaver/HRD dog Team should be certified by a Bona Fide Organization and the team’s training and maintenance is on-going as stipulated by SWGDOG, NIST and The American Standards Board (ASB) best practices and recorded in the teams maintenance training logs.
For work in the field, the main responsibility of the Cadaver Dog Handler is to work under the direction of the requesting agency. However the Handler must evaluate the circumstances surrounding a case and gather the necessary information while combining it with their specific training to define the search area and formulate an initial action/search plan to insure that the correct strategies are used to give the Cadaver dog the best opportunity to locate the odor of human remains. A search is not merely walking around and permitting the dog to randomly sniff an area. It involves careful fact gathering, analysis and appropriate use of tools that are employed to make existing odor available for detection by the dog. Some of the tools that might be employed to increase the availability of odor include probing/venting rods, power tools, a machete, a boat, etc. Precise implementation of the search plan is imperative and should include a written record of any procedure used during a search.
Each search must be handled as though the area(s) is an active crime scene. Not only must an accurate written record of the Cadaver/HRD teams activities be made, but the Cadaver/HRD Team must conduct their search so as not to further disturb and possibly alter crime scene evidence. It is also critical that the Cadaver/HRD Team understands the functions of other specialty Law Enforcement units involved in the death investigation process. The Cadaver/HRD Team must endeavor not to damage anything during their part of the investigation, they must utilize flags, GPS or other recognizable marking devices for sites requiring further investigation and communicate their needs and methods clearly to the Agent in Charge of the site or investigation. A written record as well as a verbal explanation of the Cadaver/HRD Team’s methods or findings should be provided to the lead investigator(s) and crime scene specialist. Mutual respect must always be practiced by all investigative counterparts if a search is going to be fruitful and evidence obtained there will be of value in future court proceedings.
Bodies that are buried, dis-articulated accidentally or deliberately due to criminal activity, or from predators; also remains that were submerged in water, hidden in vehicles or structures have been located successfully by Cadaver / HRD dog teams. These teams also serve in another way by revealing that "no odor of human remains is present" at a designated location and time, despite what an informant's testimony might be. The "Clearing" of an area by determining that no odor of human remains was available enables the investigation to move on to other probable areas. But Cadaver/HRD Teams do not work miracles; we must remember that the World is a Graveyard, and Cadaver dogs can make alerts where residual or trace odors ( where bodies had been placed or stored and Human HRD odor that has been spread by predators and odor that remains in the animal's feces, discarded drug paraphernalia, etc.) remain and there are times when odor is not present at the time the K9 was working the area even though remains were near. Environmental factors play a huge part in the success of some searches. Weather conditions, time of day, wind, and relative humidity all play a part in a K9s ability to detect odor. In some cases, Type 3 Grid searches (ESAR) have been conducted by the requested agency and located human remains, following the clearing of an area by a Cadaver/HRD Teams. However the use of credible, reliable, well maintained and certified Cadaver/HRD Teams can and will contribute to the rapid conclusion of most searches for human remains.
Finally, when speaking with the Cadaver/HRD Search Team representative, it is important to ask questions regarding their maintenance, training and certifications. The requested team must be able to produce their training records, certifications and search references. The K9 Handler must have a current and clean background check. Human Remains Detection teams should have Certifications that are recognized and proven in the court system as this may affect the prospective Search team's credibility in court (e.g., case reports, accurate training records and experience) may be a critical issue should the case that the Cadaver / HRD dog team's assistance is sought for, goes to trial. Prosecutors should confer with personnel from the agency's Homicide section or Crime Scene section for their input and experiences with the Search team. There should be a solid working relationship between the Cadaver/HRD Dog Team and the Medical Examiner's office within the jurisdiction or their representatives. One of the most important resources developed by Cadaver/HRD Dog Teams is information obtained through consultation with the Medical Examiner's office.
The article above is provided for informational purposes only and PRSAR will not be liable for any loss, damages or injuries as a result of the use of this information. No portion of this article may be copied, distributed or diluted without the written permission of PRSAR and the inclusion of this disclaimer. The requesting jurisdiction should consult with their legal authority regarding the use and requirements of private/professional volunteer Cadaver/HRD Teams.
PRSAR strives to produce volunteer Cadaver Search Dog Teams that are at the top of their field in the identification of the odor of human remains in a variety of conditions, situations and terrains. PRSAR Recovery teams work with some of the top Forensic Specialists in America. These teams are ready to support law enforcement and others requesting assistance, to help solve active investigations, assist with Historic recovery, repatriation and reburial of human remains as well as Forensic Recovery, including cold cases.
For Service Requests please call 941-548-7560 OR email [email protected] and we will return your call quickly.
The Peace River K9 Search & Rescue Association Inc. is a Florida Non Profit 501(c)(3) that is based in the great State of Florida. We DO accept out of state and out of country deployments on a case by case basis. PRSAR supports International Rescue and Humanitarian Forensic Action and NAGPRA with neutrality, independence and impartiality which is grounded in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and guided by humanitarian principals. If you need further assistance or information please feel free to contact us by the form below.
For most Sworn Law Enforcement Agencies, the cost of maintaining a separate Cadaver/HRD/Forensic K9 is not in the budget. Because of this, the SAR Cadaver / HRD dog Team is a specialty that has become popular with Law Enforcement investigators. The demands of this specialty are many and difficult. A good Cadaver/HRD Team includes a handler that should have a K9 with a reliable final trained indication and can observe any Change of Behavior (COB) when the K9 is in odor and understand the body language of that K9. On top of this, the K9 needs to be trained in a large variety of type, size and scope of human remains (large to small, new to aged) that are burned, buried and/or submerged in water. The handler needs to have a clean and current background check and be well schooled in the forensics that apply to this specialty and also well versed in the different stages of decomposition, scent theory, crime scene preservation, blood-borne pathogens and working around hazardous materials. Skills in good report writing and record keeping are a must as well as training in court room testimony. The Cadaver/HRD dog Team should be certified by a Bona Fide Organization and the team’s training and maintenance is on-going as stipulated by SWGDOG, NIST and The American Standards Board (ASB) best practices and recorded in the teams maintenance training logs.
For work in the field, the main responsibility of the Cadaver Dog Handler is to work under the direction of the requesting agency. However the Handler must evaluate the circumstances surrounding a case and gather the necessary information while combining it with their specific training to define the search area and formulate an initial action/search plan to insure that the correct strategies are used to give the Cadaver dog the best opportunity to locate the odor of human remains. A search is not merely walking around and permitting the dog to randomly sniff an area. It involves careful fact gathering, analysis and appropriate use of tools that are employed to make existing odor available for detection by the dog. Some of the tools that might be employed to increase the availability of odor include probing/venting rods, power tools, a machete, a boat, etc. Precise implementation of the search plan is imperative and should include a written record of any procedure used during a search.
Each search must be handled as though the area(s) is an active crime scene. Not only must an accurate written record of the Cadaver/HRD teams activities be made, but the Cadaver/HRD Team must conduct their search so as not to further disturb and possibly alter crime scene evidence. It is also critical that the Cadaver/HRD Team understands the functions of other specialty Law Enforcement units involved in the death investigation process. The Cadaver/HRD Team must endeavor not to damage anything during their part of the investigation, they must utilize flags, GPS or other recognizable marking devices for sites requiring further investigation and communicate their needs and methods clearly to the Agent in Charge of the site or investigation. A written record as well as a verbal explanation of the Cadaver/HRD Team’s methods or findings should be provided to the lead investigator(s) and crime scene specialist. Mutual respect must always be practiced by all investigative counterparts if a search is going to be fruitful and evidence obtained there will be of value in future court proceedings.
Bodies that are buried, dis-articulated accidentally or deliberately due to criminal activity, or from predators; also remains that were submerged in water, hidden in vehicles or structures have been located successfully by Cadaver / HRD dog teams. These teams also serve in another way by revealing that "no odor of human remains is present" at a designated location and time, despite what an informant's testimony might be. The "Clearing" of an area by determining that no odor of human remains was available enables the investigation to move on to other probable areas. But Cadaver/HRD Teams do not work miracles; we must remember that the World is a Graveyard, and Cadaver dogs can make alerts where residual or trace odors ( where bodies had been placed or stored and Human HRD odor that has been spread by predators and odor that remains in the animal's feces, discarded drug paraphernalia, etc.) remain and there are times when odor is not present at the time the K9 was working the area even though remains were near. Environmental factors play a huge part in the success of some searches. Weather conditions, time of day, wind, and relative humidity all play a part in a K9s ability to detect odor. In some cases, Type 3 Grid searches (ESAR) have been conducted by the requested agency and located human remains, following the clearing of an area by a Cadaver/HRD Teams. However the use of credible, reliable, well maintained and certified Cadaver/HRD Teams can and will contribute to the rapid conclusion of most searches for human remains.
Finally, when speaking with the Cadaver/HRD Search Team representative, it is important to ask questions regarding their maintenance, training and certifications. The requested team must be able to produce their training records, certifications and search references. The K9 Handler must have a current and clean background check. Human Remains Detection teams should have Certifications that are recognized and proven in the court system as this may affect the prospective Search team's credibility in court (e.g., case reports, accurate training records and experience) may be a critical issue should the case that the Cadaver / HRD dog team's assistance is sought for, goes to trial. Prosecutors should confer with personnel from the agency's Homicide section or Crime Scene section for their input and experiences with the Search team. There should be a solid working relationship between the Cadaver/HRD Dog Team and the Medical Examiner's office within the jurisdiction or their representatives. One of the most important resources developed by Cadaver/HRD Dog Teams is information obtained through consultation with the Medical Examiner's office.
The article above is provided for informational purposes only and PRSAR will not be liable for any loss, damages or injuries as a result of the use of this information. No portion of this article may be copied, distributed or diluted without the written permission of PRSAR and the inclusion of this disclaimer. The requesting jurisdiction should consult with their legal authority regarding the use and requirements of private/professional volunteer Cadaver/HRD Teams.
PRSAR strives to produce volunteer Cadaver Search Dog Teams that are at the top of their field in the identification of the odor of human remains in a variety of conditions, situations and terrains. PRSAR Recovery teams work with some of the top Forensic Specialists in America. These teams are ready to support law enforcement and others requesting assistance, to help solve active investigations, assist with Historic recovery, repatriation and reburial of human remains as well as Forensic Recovery, including cold cases.
For Service Requests please call 941-548-7560 OR email [email protected] and we will return your call quickly.
The Peace River K9 Search & Rescue Association Inc. is a Florida Non Profit 501(c)(3) that is based in the great State of Florida. We DO accept out of state and out of country deployments on a case by case basis. PRSAR supports International Rescue and Humanitarian Forensic Action and NAGPRA with neutrality, independence and impartiality which is grounded in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and guided by humanitarian principals. If you need further assistance or information please feel free to contact us by the form below.
