Forensic Investigation and Management of Mass Disasters

by Matthias I. Okoye, Cyril Wecht

The book covers mass disasters of all types, including acts of terrorism and natural disasters. The twenty-two chapters cover diverse topics from forensic investigation into the cause of the disaster, to identifying and handling the deceased, to legal considerations. You ll will find information on the role of law enforcement in disaster investigation; ways of identifying victims, including DNA analysis and forensic dentistry; the roles of forensic engineers, toxicologists and anthropologists; disaster medicine; and mass disaster litigation. This book also informs you psychopathic behavior and the media in terrorist acts and the psychology at work in terrorist activity. Also included are examples of mass disaster management plans including the National Association of Medical Examiners Mass Fatality Plan.

Topics

Scene investigation
The role of law enforcement
DNA and TrueAllele ® Technology in identifying victims
Dental identification of victims
The role of the forensic pathologist
The role of the corner/medical examiner
The role of funeral directors and mortuary staff
Forensic engineering and mass disasters
Forensic anthropologists and mass disasters
Forensic toxicology and mass disasters
Forensic entomology and mass disasters
Core competencies in disaster medicine
Mass disaster litigation
Disaster management teams
Disaster management plans
Biological and chemical terrorism
Terrorist activity and the psychology behind it

458 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2007