The Victim Identification Center began the processing of human remains on Nov. 29. The facility works with the Find Family National Call Center in Baton Rouge to help identify the remains of individuals who perished as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Forensic data obtained at the VIC is cross referenced against data collected from calls to the Call Center. This includes fingerprints, X-rays and dental records to identify victims. DNA analysis may also be used to identify victims when all other means have been exhausted.

Once a body’s identification is confirmed, the parish coroner must sign the death certificate. The state medical examiner will then authorize the release of the body to the funeral home of the next of kin’s choice.

In Carville, the facility sits on a 32-acre fenced compound with six dormitory-style buildings that can house 300 staff members. A 52,000 square-foot tension fabric structure also contains overflow sleeping for 186 additional staff. The facility includes a complete kitchen, dining, recreational and warehouse facilities, as well as administrative offices for federal and state workers. It also contains a 19,000 square-foot tension fabric structure housing morgue operations, casketing and re-casketing operations.

There are currently 150 Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team staff living and working at the center, as well as approximately 50 local, state and federal staff working there.