The Body Recovery From Water Study: The application of science to missing person search

Abstract

Missing person behaviour datasets indicate that a significant proportion of those reported missing are subsequently found deceased in water. Despite this, information about how human bodies move in an aquatic environment is limited. Created by a serving police officer and police search advisor, this study involved the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data relating to deceased human bodies found in inland water. The analysis of this data was further enhanced by experimentation. The research aimed to identify factors that might affect body movement in water and to establish if these variables could determine search parameters more effectively and increase the chances of successful search operations and associated investigations. In this manuscript, the search and investigation approach is introduced and the key findings and implications of the application of natural sciences for police practice are discussed.