Death, Decomposition, and Detector Dogs: From Science to Scene
By Susan M. Stejskal
Death, Decomposition, and Detector Dogs: From Science to Scene PDF is designed to help police investigators and Human Remains Detection K9 handlers understand the basics of forensic taphonomy (decomposition) and how to most effectively use a human remains detection (HRD) K9 as a locating tool. The book covers basic anatomy and the physiology of canine olfaction along with some of the unique characteristics that allow a dog to work.
Using concise and understandable explanations along with numerous photographs, the book covers the stages of decomposition and how they are affected by the environment; what is currently understood about the chemical profile of odor from human remains; how weather, topography, ground cover and terrain can affect odor dispersion; and different types of mapping and weather data that can be used before and during deployment of the HRD K9.
The final chapter ties it all together by providing case reports about decedents who have been found in different locations in a variety of environmental conditions. By learning how these variables can affect how and what is found, handlers and investigators will be better prepared to meet the challenges of their jobs.
Table of Contents
Know the Nose Perception
Anatomy
Odor Detection and Olfactory Receptor Cells
Species and Breed Differences
Orthogonal Devices Forensic Taphonomy: Breaking Down Is Hard to Do Taphonomy Defined
The Body Normal Cell Composition
Cellular Decomposition Systemic Decomposition Stages of Decomposition
Stage 1: Immediate
Stage 2: Early
Stage 3: Putrefaction
Stage 4: Post Putrefaction Final Breakdown
Special States of Decomposition Mummification
Adipocere: Grave Wax or Death Soap Bugs, Bodies, and Beyond Primary Environmental Factors Temperature
Microbiology: The Little Bugs
Entomology: The Big Bugs Meet the Pigs
Secondary Environmental Variables Soil
Burial
Scavengers Extreme Conditions
Water Making Sense Out of Scent: The A, B, C, D’s A: About
B: Bacteria and Bodies
C: Chemistry (Made Simple)
D: Decomposition Earth, Wind, and Odor Introduction
Chemistry: Highlights of Chapter
The Dog’s Nose Knows
Weather or Not
Earth: The Dirt on Soil
Ground Cover: Plants and More
Water World
Special Situations: Inside
What’s New: Back to Orthogonal Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks Using New
Technology Maps
Weather or Not
Using This Information A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words Introduction
Case 1: Cold Weather/Short Term/Land
Case 2: Hot Weather/Short Term/Land
Case 3: Hot Weather/Short Term/Water
Case 4: Long Term/Land
Case 5: Long Term/Land–Water
Case 6: Long Term/Burial Beginning of the End
