Forensic Anthropology and Missing Persons Investigations

The role of the forensic anthropologist in a missing persons case can often be both invaluable and extensive, stretching from the search phase, through location and recovery to assist in identification of the individual. Forensic anthropologists play a strong role in these cases in both the domestic sphere and in humanitarian investigations and mass disasters where utilisation of their skills can reduce the time taken for a search, ensure accurate recovery of remains and lead to strong intelligence on which to base the identification process. This chapter examines the role of the forensic anthropologist through each phase of any investigation, outlining the skills which can support an investigation including the creation of a biological profile which can eventually lead to a successful identification of the remains recovered.