12-Step Chain of Custody Process
How We Protect Identity Every Step of the Way - Our 12-Step Chain of Custody Process
Families often ask, “How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?” It is an important and understandable question.
At Cremation Services of Lancaster, your loved one never leaves our care for cremation. Because we operate our own onsite crematory, we are able to maintain direct oversight of the entire process from the moment your loved one is brought into our care until the cremated remains are returned to your family.
We use rigorous operating policies, careful documentation, certified crematory operators, and a physical identification system to protect your loved one’s identity every step of the way.
1. Transfer Into Our Care
When your loved one is brought into our care, our staff begins the identification and documentation process immediately. This establishes the beginning of a documented chain of custody
2. Placement Into a Cremation Container
Upon arrival, every decedent is immediately placed inside a cremation container. This ensures your loved one is securely and respectfully cared for from the very beginning of the process.
3. Assignment of a Metal Cremation ID Disc With Unique Number
Each decedent is assigned a metal cremation ID disc with a unique number. This number becomes part of the cremation record and is used throughout the process to help maintain accurate identification.
4. Metal Cremation ID Disc Attached
The decedent’s name and metal cremation ID disc are attached to the cremation case and remains with the deceased throughout the entire cremation process.
5. Creation of the Cremation Record
A cremation record is created to document the decedent’s identifying information, cremation number and internal tracking details.
6. Secure Care at Our Onsite Crematory
Because we have our own onsite crematory, your loved one remains in our care. This allows our staff to maintain direct responsibility, supervision, and accountability throughout the process.
7. Review of Required Authorizations
Cremation does not take place until all required authorizations and paperwork have been completed and reviewed for accuracy. This helps ensure the proper permissions are in place before the cremation proceeds.
8. Verification Before Cremation
Before cremation begins, identifying information is reviewed again. The cremation record, authorizations, name, and unique cremation number are checked to confirm that everything matches.
9. Certified Crematory Operator Oversight
Only certified crematory operators operate our cremation equipment. Their training helps ensure the cremation is performed according to established procedures, professional standards, and our internal identity protection policies.
10. Identification Maintained During Cremation
The metal cremation ID disc accompanies the decedent through the cremation process. This provides a durable physical identification safeguard that continues the chain of custody.
11. Processing and Placement of Cremated Remains
After the cremation is complete, the cremated remains are meticulously removed from the cremation chamber, allowed to cool and then carefully processed according to our operating policies. The cremated remains are then placed into a plastic bag, zip-tied closed with the metal cremation ID disc and placed inside the selected urn or container.
12. Metal ID Disc Returned With the Cremated Remains
When the family receives their loved one’s cremated remains, the same metal cremation ID disc is zip tied to the plastic bag holding the cremated remains. This final step helps assure proper chain of custody and provides the family with confidence that the remains have been correctly identified from beginning to end.
Our Commitment to Your Family
Cremation requires trust, and we believe families deserve clear answers about how identity is protected.
At Cremation Services of Lancaster, we protect that trust through our onsite crematory, rigorous operating policies, detailed documentation, certified crematory operators, and a physical identification system that follows your loved one throughout the entire process.
From the moment your loved one enters our care until the cremated remains are returned to your family, our process is designed to provide accuracy, accountability, dignity, and peace of mind.
Your trust matters to us. We are committed to protecting your loved one’s identity every step of the way.
