Course 6. The identification of an unnamed body

Introduction

This course is designed to focus on a case of an unidentified body being found. The course is referring to the final phase of the investigation process.

These are cases – those in which the reconstruction of the genesis of the violent lethal action is not immediate and obvious – more numerous than what is thought and which can only be clarified a posteriori with the application of investigative protocols which generally in all EU countries are not yet well known and have not been scientifically standardized.

A fundamental investigative tool (indeed: the fundamental tool) for ascertaining the actual causes in cases of equivocal death is the PSYCHOLOGICAL AUTOPSY, which is an in-depth study of a mainly psychological nature carried out post-mortem in order to collect, document in a systematic and analyze – precisely – from a psychological point of view the data concerning the victim in order to reconstruct a psychological profile of the same in order to ascertain with the least margin of doubt his mental state before death, to evaluate to what extent these specific (psychological) conditions , specific to the person who died violently) may have played a role in the genesis of the facts that led to his death.

Therefore, the module is focused on the Retrospective reconstruction of the life of a missing person.

At the end of the course the learner will be able to exercise the following competence that is “to be able to contribute to the identification of unnamed bodies.

In particular, the course will allow the learner to:

collect information regarding the “case”, both from official and unofficial sources;
analyze medical and forensic autopsy reports;
interrogate national, European and international databases;
access detailed information from the media and news agencies;
maintain relationships with possible victim relationship systems;

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge: Knows the elements to formulate a synthesis of the information collected and possibly propose further insights and insights; Has a knowledge of the basic elements of psychological autopsy; Has a basic understanding of the elements of psychology;
Skills: Collects useful information for a possible psychological autopsy; Acts in accordance with its role, the procedures used by associations and institutions and the protocol for the analysis of psychological conditions;
Knowledge: Knows the databases useful for the identification of missing persons; Knows what the sources of access for case studies are
Skills: Is able to gather information regarding the “case”, both from official and unofficial sources; Is able to query national, European and international databases; Is able to access detailed information from the media and news agencies; Has a high level of objectivity in examining sources of information; Makes proper use of national, European and international databases; Is able to search journalistic archives and news agencies;
Knowledge: Has a basic knowledge of forensic medicine; Has a basic knowledge of elements of psychological autopsy; Has a knowledge of the elements and types of scientific investigations: forensic genetics, forensic entomology, forensics, computer forensics, ballistics, phonetics, etc.
Skills: Is able to analyse medical and forensic autopsy reports; Takes a systemic approach to the analysis and evaluation of information; Is able to provide for the preparation of reports and summaries of the surveys carried out; Manages relations with the competent authorities.

At the end of the training course, students will be able to make its valid contribution to the investigation activity, allowing us to explain the genesis, the motive of the dynamics of the event.

In addition to that, the learner will be also able to able to take a systemic approach to the analysis and evaluation of information in order to prepare the reports and summaries of the surveys carried out starting from the Medical Records and reports.

Finally, the learner will be able to manage relations with the competent authorities and families to communicate the results of the work carried out.

Duration

3 hours and half

Requirements

Education: University degree in Law, Psychology, University diploma or master in Criminology, Certification in private Investigation, University diploma in Social Assistance; Master degree of first level (ISCED 5A) in Science of Investigation, Forensic Sciences, Criminology and Safety.

Job related competencies: Communication skills with the abilities to present clearly and logically in written and oral form.

Suggested resources for further reading

ANNON J. (1995), The Psychological Autopsy, in American Journal of Forensic Psychology.
BECCARIA C. (1764), Dei delitti e delle pene, Milano, Feltrinelli.
BONICATTO B., GARCIA PÈREZ T., ROJAS LÒPEZ R. (2006), L’autopsia psicologica. L’indagine nei casi di morte violenta o dubbia, Milano, Franco Angeli.
BRONZO P., Master di II livello in Scienze Forensi, Sapienza Università di Roma, A.A. 2021-2022.
CANTER D. (1989), Offender Profiles, The Psychologist.
DE LEO G., PATRIZI P. (2006), Lo psicologo criminologo, Milano, Giuffré.
DE RINALDIS F., Master di II livello in Scienze Forensi, Sapienza Università di Roma, A.A. 2021-2022.
EBERT B.W. (1987), Guide to conducting a psychological autopsy, in Professional psychology: research and practice.
GULOTTA G. (1976), La vittima, Milano, Giuffrè.
MONZANI M. (2013), Il sopralluogo psico-criminologico, Milano, Giuffré.
MADIA E. (1920), Tratto di medicina legale, Napoli, Detkene e Rocholl.
MERZAGORA I., TRAVAINI G., BARBIERI C., CARUSO P., CIAPPI S. (2017),
L’autopsia psicologica: contradictio in adiecto?, Rassegna Italiana di Criminologia, Anno XI n.2, Milano, Iris Air.
PICOZZI M., ZAPPALÀ A. (2001), Criminal profiling. Dall’analisi della scena del delitto al profilo psicologico del criminale, New York, McGraw-Hill Education.
PONTI G., MERZAGORA BETSOS I. (2008), Compendio di criminologia, Milano, Raffaello Cortina. ….
RIZZI V., GIANNINI A.M. (2021), Investigare 4.0, Padova, Piccin-Nuova Libraria.
ROSSI L., ZAPPALÀ A. (2004), Che cos’è la psicologia investigativa?, Roma, Carocci.
SHNEIDMAN E.S. (1994), The Psychological Autopsy, in American Psychologist.
SIDOTI F. (2006), Criminologia e Investigazione, Milano, Giuffré.
VARI E., Master di II livello in Scienze Forensi, Sapienza Università di Roma, A.A. 2021-2022.
VOLPINI L. (2012), Dal criminal profiling all’autopsia psicologica della vittima.….