Human identification in cadavers from Ecuador: advances and challenges in forensic techniques

Abstract

Introduction. Identification is a comparative process that aims to locate the unknown person in the known biosocial universe. Establishing the identity of the people involved in a criminal act is usually the trigger for a successful investigation, therefore, the collaboration of various forensic disciplines and the use of updated technologies and methods is required. In Ecuador, the delimitation of human identity in corpses has depended on conventional methods such as fingerprinting, forensic odontology and physical anthropology; however, the effectiveness of these techniques is compromised when the remains present significant post-mortem alterations or when comparative records are non-existent or incomplete. In line with the above, the scientific problem lies in the need to overcome the limitations of traditional methods through the integration of advanced technologies and the standardization of forensic protocols that are generally accessible and that provide an immediate response to social progress. Objective. Prepare a systematic bibliographic review of the forensic techniques used in the human identification of corpses in Ecuador, in order to establish the advances and challenges of these methods. Methodology.  It is qualitative narrative, with a type or modality of research depending on the “documentary” source, this is because for the development of this article, updated information was collected and selected from scientific databases, texts and regulatory bodies related to the subject. Results. Through the theoretical bibliographic review carried out of several scientific articles, books and regulatory bodies, it was possible to obtain, at first, current information on the methods of human identification in corpses that are applied by the entities in charge in Ecuador; investigation with which it was possible to make details about the advances and main challenges that these disciplines of criminology are going through today. Conclusion. The methods for identifying corpses that are currently used in the country are varied and depend in part on several factors - the state of the corpse, fragmentation or amputations of limbs, among others - but the one that is most frequently applied is “the technical fingerprint identification”; It is understood that genetics, anthropology or forensic odontology can also be used, as long as the first - routine method - does not allow the categorical, indubitable and infallible identification of the corpse. Regarding the advances and challenges of these methods, it must be noted that most have evolved since their beginnings, they are even betting on improvements from the personal, methodological and technological technical approach; Despite which the challenges must be aimed at optimization and speed with technology in relation to social development.