Allied forensic disciplines

From Forensicmed

Introduction

The investigation of sudden, unexpected and unnatural death does not rest solely within the domain of forensic pathologists.

Many other disciplines may become involved when a dead body is found, from crime scene investigators (CSIs) or scenes of crime officers (SOCOs), to forensic anthropologists, forensic odontologists, forensic entomologists and forensic botanists, amongst others.

Each discipline brings their own special skills and expertise to the realms of body recovery and identification. This is especially relevant where the body is decomposed, mutilated or skeletanised, for example.

Team work is essential in order to efficiently and effectively investigate the death, and address the issues related to the death, including the identity of the deceased, how the deceased came about their death (and in what circumstances), where the deceased died, and when (post mortem interval determination).

Allied disciplines in the death investigation process

• Scenes of crime investigation
• Forensic archeology
• Forensic anthropology
• Forensic entomology
• Forensic biology
• Forensic ballistics
• Forensic botany
• Forensic odontology

External links

• Forensic science (Wikipedia)
• Forensic archeology (Wikipedia)
• Forensic anthropology (Wikipedia)
• Forensic entomology (Wikipedia)
• Mark Benecke's Forensic entomology Wiki
• Ballistics (Wikipedia)
• Forensic odontology/ dentistry (Wikipedia)