Courses / Module

The module is an overall introduction to the use of forensic human identification disciplines in cold case analyses cases (aimed toward students of Anthropology and Criminology). Students will learn about forensic death investigation in Ireland, particularly related to missing persons and unidentified human remains cases. The first lectures will introduce the topic of death in a medico-legal context, coronial law governing the ownership and examination of the deceased, and the deployment of An Garda Síochána (AGS) and forensic specialists in death scenarios.

We will explore how crime scene staff will process a scene and how photography is used throughout the investigation. Further lectures will cover the issues of missing persons in an Irish and international context. Students will hear about the various issues concerning missing persons, particularly those leading to long-term missing persons cases and cold case analysis. Important aspects such as cold case strategies and the International Cold Case Analysis Project (ICCAP) will be introduced with emphasis on the use of forensic anthropology in unidentified remains cases. The role of exhumations, DNA sampling and the science of DNA analysis will be discussed and the three primary identifiers according to the INTERPOL DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) Protocol explained.

Forensic human identification of the living and the dead will be demonstrated, including Forensic Craniofacial Reconstruction, Skull/Face Photo-Superimposition, the use of Evo-Fit by AGS and Forensic Facial Identification from images/CCTV. Students will have the opportunity to hear directly from experts drawn from the Irish Coroners Service, AGS Technical Bureau, the National Missing Persons Helpline and Forensic Science Ireland.