Selfie identification app as a forensic tool for missing and unidentified persons.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Digital Forensics
• Human Identification

Background:

• Social media is an underutilized resource for locating missing persons.
• Existing forensic tools lack specific applications for utilizing facial photographs in human identification.
• The increasing frequency of mass casualty events necessitates advanced identification methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the "Selfie Forensic ID" mobile application.
• Demonstrate its utility in archiving dental and facial features from photographs for forensic comparison.
• Facilitate the use of antemortem (AM) data in conjunction with postmortem (PM) data for identification.

Main Methods:

• Development of a smartphone application ("Selfie Forensic ID") for archiving dental and facial data.
• Utilizing selfie and facial photographs as a source of antemortem (AM) identification markers.
• Sharing data through social networks like Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter.
• Focusing on unique dental features (e.g., diastema, tooth position, restorations) and facial anomalies.

Main Results:

• The "Selfie Forensic ID" app provides a novel method for collecting and archiving AM identification data.
• Specific dental and facial features (e.g., diastema, dental work, piercings) are highlighted as strong identifiers.
• The application aims to bridge the gap between readily available photographic data and forensic identification needs.

Conclusions:

• The "Selfie Forensic ID" app offers a valuable, accessible tool for forensic identification of missing and unidentified persons.
• Increased public awareness of identification challenges may encourage data sharing for humanitarian purposes.
• This technology can significantly aid in reducing the number of unidentified remains, easing the burden on families.