Forensic Anthropology Laboratory

Forensic Anthropology Laboratory is responsible for the forensic anthropological examination and analysis of human skeletal remains found in New Jersey to assist in establishing positive identification.

This analysis involves, but is not limited to, the determination and estimation of age, sex, race, stature and other information, which may contribute to cause of death and identification.

The Laboratory also provides assistance in the search for and the controlled excavation and recovery of buried, hidden or scattered remains or other evidence. Additional assistance includes completion of N.C.I.C. reports and initial assessment of presumptive identification on the basis of medical and dental records.

The Laboratory provides three-dimensional clay facial reconstructions of unidentified deceased individuals, and assists in the preparation of composite drawings of the face based upon analysis of the skull. Forensic computer imaging for identification and investigative purposes is also provided.

The Laboratory also provides forensic anthropological assistance to the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences FBI partnered Regional Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Laboratory.

The Laboratory is also responsible for the secure, long-term curation (storage) and retrieval of unidentified human skeletal remains.

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