NCJ Number
89510
Journal
Detective Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1983) Pages: 6-13
Date Published
1983
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes procedures for obtaining bite mark evidence in military criminal investigations, and their application in specific cases is presented.
Abstract
Due to changes that rapidly occur in the appearance of a bite mark, the investigator should take immediate action to secure the evidence, which includes taking saliva samples from the bite mark and taking black and white as well as color photographs of the bite area. A measuring device should be used so that a life-size enlargement of the bite mark can be made. This will enable the dentist to make direct comparisons of measurements from the photograph with the life-size models of the suspect and with dental wax bites derived from the models or the suspect. A dentist is the only person who should collect dental evidence from a suspect. This should include taking a saliva sampling, taking photographs of the front and profile of the suspect's teeth, a thorough charting of the suspect's teeth, obtaining an impression of the suspect's bite pattern, and the creation of molds of both the upper and lower jaws of the suspect's mouth. The molds are used to make the comparison of the suspect's unique bite pattern with the bite mark photographs. Photographs and case studies are provided to illustrate the procedure and effects of obtaining bite mark evidence.