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Disaster Victim Identification

WARNING: The following information may be distressing.

The 2009 Victorian bushfires had a devastating effect on the community, and the State Coroner is acutely aware of the grief and distress this tragedy has caused.

The task of the Coroners Court of Victoria was to ensure that a rigorous process of identification was followed and that the many people who have lost loved ones in this disaster were supported during the coronial process.

The information below explains the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) process that was used to formally identify people who have died in the bushfires. The process is used worldwide and is internationally recognised.

What is Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)?

The State Coroner was responsible for identifying people who have died in the Victorian bushfires. In this role, the coroner was assisted by a range of experts and investigators, including Victoria Police and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Disaster Victim Identification, also known as DVI, is the process investigators are using to provide evidence to the coroner to identify those who have lost their lives.

There is a range of ways a person can be identified, including visual identification by a relative or close friend, by scientific means, through circumstantial evidence or a combination of these.

In the case of a disaster such as the bushfires, visual identification is not likely to be scientifically rigorous on its own and, in most cases, would not be possible.

What does this mean for families and friends?

The DVI process requires that identifications be carried out by scientific means in almost all cases. This may include the following procedures:

• dental examination
• medical examination (including examination of medical records)
• DNA examination
• fingerprint examination.

In addition, there may be circumstantial evidence, such as items of property, that will form part of the evidence before the coroner.

The results of these examinations need to be compared with information about each person's life. Families are consulted throughout the DVI process. Investigators speak with families and next of kin to assist in the final identification. This process can take some time but is vital for accurate identification that meets both legal and community needs.

What does the DVI process involve?

The DVI process is divided into five phases.

Phase 1: At the scene of the fire

The DVI process begins with police officers searching for, retrieving and documenting the remains of people who have died in the fires. They will also search for other evidence that may help in the identification process. Forensic pathologists (who are doctors) and other specialists may also attend.

The site of the fire and the locations where people have died are treated as major crime scenes. They need to be photographed and recorded before any evidence is taken to the Victorian Coronial Services Centre. This ensures there is an ability to answer questions later on that may not have been raised at this early stage.

Phase 2: Victorian Coronial Services Centre

The Victorian Coronial Services Centre houses the Coroners Court of Victoria and Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, which includes the mortuary. It also houses the Victoria Police DVI team.

On arrival at the mortuary, people are handled individually with great care and respect. They are admitted to the mortuary, and kept separately and securely throughout the coronial process.

The examination will include photography, radiography using a CT scanner, fingerprinting (if possible), autopsy (if applicable), and skeletal and dental assessments. Samples taken at this stage are used to obtain DNA, if possible.

Phase 3: Gathering information about people from family and friends

The key to final identification is investigators receiving detailed information about the people who have died. Victoria Police detectives will interview families alongside counsellors to obtain this information.

This includes physical characteristics such as build, hair and eye colour, scars, tattoos, clothes and jewellery. Investigators will also want to know about people's medical and dental histories, including previous surgical and dental procedures. If possible, a DNA sample will also be collected from a parent or child of the person who has died.

This process is referred to as the 'ante mortem information collection process'.

Phase 4: Comparing scientific information with personal details

At this stage, investigators use the information obtained from phases 2 and 3 to try to make positive identifications. In the final part of this phase, police present evidence to an Identification Board headed by the coroner. The coroner will consider the information presented to make a determination of identification where possible. This process is known as 'reconciliation'.

Phase 4 is crucial to the DVI process. It is time consuming and complex. A structured, systematic approach must be undertaken to avoid mis-identification and the trauma this would inflict on families.

This process may take months to complete. The length of time depends on the number of people who have died in the bushfires and the complexity and scientific challenge of the examinations.

People who have died in the bushfires will stay at the mortuary pending final confirmation of identification and subsequent release by the coroner. Only then will they be available for collection by family-appointed funeral companies. Reaching this point may take many months in some cases.

Phase 5: Debriefing of investigators and DVI staff

Operational debriefing is conducted at the completion of any DVI incident to address issues such as the effectiveness of the operation, together with occupational health and safety issues. In addition, personal debriefing and counselling is provided to staff involved in the process.

Who is involved in DVI?

There is a wide range of investigators involved in DVI incidents, including police and forensic scientists, medical experts and examiners. Experts in many fields, from medical and scientific experts to police, have arrived from interstate and overseas.

All organisations and individuals involved are trained in the DVI process. The training is focused on their particular area of expertise.

How do I find out more?

The Coroners Court of Victoria has established an information line for families of people who have died in the Victorian bushfires.

Phone: 1800 283 292