title: The Effect of Decomposition on the Efficacy of Biometrics for Positive Identification.
abstract: Biometrics, unique measurable physiological and behavioral characteristics, are used to identify individuals in a variety of scenarios, including forensic investigations. However, data on the longevity of these indicators are incomplete. This study demonstrated that iris and fingerprint biometric data can be obtained up to four days postmortem in warmer seasons and 50 + days in the winter. It has been generally believed, but never studied, that iris recognition is only obtainable within the first 24 hours after death. However, this study showed that they remain viable for longer (2-34 days) depending upon the environmental conditions. Temperature, precipitation, insects, and scavenger activity were the primary factors affecting the retention of biometrics in decomposing human remains. While this study is an initial step in determining the utility of physiological biometrics across postmortem time, biometric research has the potential to make important contributions to human identification and the law enforcement, military, and medicolegal communities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996.
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9855-3030
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sauerwein
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996.
authors.forename: Tiffany B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Saul
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996.
authors.forename: Dawnie Wolfe
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Steadman
authors.affiliation: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008 MS-6075, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831.
authors.forename: Chris B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Boehnen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D056667:Biometric Identification; D003878:Dermatoglyphics; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006801:Humans; D007498:Iris / Q000473:pathology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature; D013714:Tennessee; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: anthropology; biometrics; facial recognition; fingerprints; forensic science; human decomposition; iris scan; positive identification