“Historical Human Remains Detection (HHRD) Canines: Another Technique in the Archaeologist’s Expanding Tool Kit,” by Lynne Englebert and Adela Morris of the Institute for Canine Forensics. The Historical Human Remains Detection (HHRD) canine is the newest in the evolution of detection canines. Its training and certification make it a unique resource available for the purpose of assisting in the search for historical and prehistoric graves. The dog’s nose is a unique tool that can aid in locating burials. It can be utilized by archaeologists who use a wide range of multidisciplinary techniques to locate historic and prehistoric burials. The specifically trained HHRD dog is an additional tool that can be layered to collaborate with other methods of detection. ICF canine resources have been requested by cultural resource management firms, archaeologists, American Indian tribes, construction companies, federal, state and local agencies, cemetery preservation foundations and families looking to locate lost family cemeteries.
Adela Morris has been involved in human remains detection with her dogs since 1986 and has deployed her dogs on over 300 searches specializing on cold cases, crime scenes and historical burials. She is the founder of the Institute for Canine Forensics, a nonprofit organization for the advancement of research and education for the use of canines in the gathering of forensic evidence. Adela is also the founder of the Canine Specialized Search Team, a volunteer resource for Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. Adela is an evaluator and instructor for Human Remains Detection, Canine Decontamination and Canine First Aid. She has served as an expert witness. Jasper is her 6th certified detection dog.
Lynne Engelbert has over 20 years of detection dog training and handling experience and is a member of the Institute for Canine Forensics. Lynne and Piper, her border collie, are certified as a Historical Human Remains Detection team. Lynne serves as an evaluator for Human Remains, Historical Human Remains Detection and FEMA disaster search dogs. Lynne and her former search partner Lucy (1991-2006) became a CA OES certified Cadaver Team in January 1999 with several major finds in their career. She is also a certified Canine Search Specialist with the FEMA and CalEMA with her disaster search dog, Sweep. Lynne is an instructor for Human Remains Detection, disaster search and canine decontamination.
