Disaster Victim Identification

Summary

Disaster victim identification (DVI) encompasses the processes and procedures for recovering and identifying deceased individuals and human remains in situations involving multiple fatalities. This internationally accepted term emphasizes a coordinated approach combining Ante Mortem and Post Mortem information to ensure positive identification. The process respects the needs of investigations, the bereaved families, and the community, adhering to the principles of the Charter for Families Bereaved through Public Tragedy. Effective DVI operations require collaboration with investigative officers and must maintain the integrity of both victim identification and the ongoing investigation into the incident's cause.

Key principles

• 1Provision of honest and accurate information at all times.
• 2Respect for the deceased and the bereaved.
• 3A sympathetic and caring approach throughout.
• 4Avoidance of mistaken identification.

Defined terms

Disaster victim identification (DVI)

The internationally accepted term for the processes and procedures for recovering and identifying deceased people and human remains in multiple fatality incidents.

Ante Mortem

Information collected before death regarding an individual's physical characteristics or personal history used to aid identification.

Post Mortem

Information and evidence gathered from a deceased individual's remains after death to assist in identification.

INTERPOL

An international organization that facilitates cooperation between police forces from different countries.

CONTEST

The UK government strategy for managing threats from terrorism.