The Forensic Pathology Unit, University of Leicester, in conjunction with K9 Forensic Services Limited, Northampton, England, have developed what they believe to be the first computerized system for ear image and ear print identification. This system works on whole or partial ear images and whole or partial ear prints.

The state of its present development was presented by members of the University's Forensic Pathology Unit at a meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

Professor Guy Rutty, Head of the Forensic Pathology Unit at the University, whose knowledge and expertise are internationally recognized, spoke on a computerized system of human ear image and print identification.

Dr Ben Swift, SpR in Forensic Pathology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, who is one of two forensic pathology trainees within the Forensic Pathology Unit at Leicester spoke on Developing the 'Isotope Fingerprint' in Human Skeletal Remains.

The developments in isotope fingerprint analyses have resulted in the creation of new technologies to assist forensic investigations. From an unidentified body, estimations of the time that has elapsed since death and the geographical origin of a person across their lifetime can be made.

These new techniques have been successfully applied to police cases within the United Kingdom and, through a close association with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), have assisted in resolving issues of war crimes in Bosnia Herzegovina.

Professor Guy Rutty has worked for 13 English Police Forces. He has assisted the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) with war crime investigations in Bosnia, and the Unit is currently assisting the International Commission for Missing Persons in the Former Yugoslavia (ICMP).

He commented: "This is a very exciting development within the field of ear image and ear print identification. This breakthrough in the computerization of the identification system may ultimately allow the development of a system similar to that of the national finger print system which is used for the identification of individuals by police forces across the world."

Further information is available from Professor Guy Rutty, Head of the Forensic Pathology Unit at the University of Leicester, telephone +44 (0)116 252 3221, email gnr3@le.ac.uk