Protocol Development for the Standardization of Identification and Processing of UBC bodies along the U.S.-Mexico Border

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Arizona Board of Regents, University of Arizona, will use the grant funds to support the development of a protocol for the Standardization of Identification and Processing of Undocumented Border Crosser (UBC) Bodies along the United States and the Mexico Border. The Binational Migration Institute (BMI) will create a model for standardizing the counting, identification, and processing of deceased undocumented border crossers in the counties bordering the United States and Mexico. Using an applied approach, the project will examine established standards used to regulate the identification and processing of human remains in these counties, and use survey research and focused interview methods to gather data from medical examiners, coroners, and other pertinent officials. The data will be used as a basis for discussion and the creation of a "best practices" handbook that can be used in the expert training of those who struggle with the challenges of processing and identifying human remains along the border.

NCA/NCF