396 Forensic dentistry
modifications to ensure the applicability to odontology. Following are twelve
evidence management guidelines, adapted from FBI ERT procedures, which
can be utilized by odontologists as a protocol set for dealing with forensic
dental evidence.
17.2 Preparation
The forensic dentist should ensure that his or her professional involvement
with any evidence collection event is appropriately sanctioned by the con-
vening legal authority. All supplies and equipment required for the collec-
tion of forensic dental evidence should be on hand and ready for deployment
to a remote crime scene if warranted. Professional credentials, business
cards, and other forms of professional identification should be immediately
available for presentation to law enforcement as required. The most impor-
tant preparatory step in evidence management for forensic dentists is the
establishment of excellent liaison with other forensic professionals and all
law enforcement agencies within their jurisdictions well in advance of any
evidence collection/interpretation event.
17.3 Approach the Scene
For the majority of forensic dental evidence collection events, the “scene”
typically comes to the dentist. Odontologists operating out of a medical
examiner’s facilities (or consulting from their private offices) receive evi-
dence from law enforcement or legal consultants that may have already been
entered into some type of evidence management system. The mandate is to
document the arrival of this physical evidence into the odontologist’s custody.
Should the dentist travel to a scene containing forensic dental evidence, his
or her foremost responsibility is to ensure safe entry into the scene. In some
instances the odontologist will be required to provide appropriate identifica-
tion to on-scene law enforcement or emergency responder personnel, to sign
into an entry log, and to don appropriate personal protective gear prior to
entering the scene.
17.4 Secure and Protect the Scene
Given that forensic dental evidence is more frequently subject to odon-
tologic analysis away from the scene of the original incident, securing and
protecting the scene really comprises securing and protecting the evidence
in the dentist’s possession. This may simply entail the forensic dentist’s