Applying Anthropology: Forensic Archaeology

Forensic archaeologists at work

 
One of the most common questions anthropologists and anthropology students get is in reference to what types of employment they can get.  While many anthropologists seek employment in academia there are actually many more who not only seek but get gainful employment in the private sector.  Today’s blog post will cover one such burgeoning area: forensic archaeology.  Not to be confused with forensic anthropology forensic archaeology is the application of archaeological methods and techniques to criminal investigations.  This blog post will cover what forensic archaeology is, the impacts the profession makes within the fields of criminal justice, and the requirements to become one.

Archaeology is the study of past cultures through their material culture evidence.  It requires systematic and scientific study and excavation to ensure the collection and analysis of data that can provide not only insights but quality information about the life ways, identities, and cultures of past societies.  These same methods can and have been successfully applied to forensic investigations over the past ten years, although the discipline of forensic archaeology has been in some ways used for the past thirty to forty years.  Forensic archaeologists are employed as within law enforcement agencies or as independent contractors, and they are employed either when there is a need to locate human remains/a suspected burial or when a body has been found.  Note, when the latter occurs the job of the forensic archaeologist is not to identify the remains but to collect any evidence related to them.  If a forensic archaeologist is also a forensic anthropologist (as many often are) then both tasks can be completed.

Archaeological survey and excavation methods are key to assisting in criminal investigations, particularly in the identification and the collection of evidence related to criminal activity.  Forensic archaeologists will start by surveying an area, typically with the assistance of a law enforcement officer or coroner who has witness testimony, to determine the scope or location of a specific crime scene.  The archaeological knowledge related to locating sites and artifacts is very useful, particularly if natural (e.g. water, wind, animal intrusions) or unnatural (e.g. construction, body dumps or relocations, human tampering) situations have impacted the site.  If it is deemed necessary the forensic archaeologist will also excavate the site, typically for body recovery.  This is where some knowledge of human remains is needed as a forensic archaeologist will need to collect any and all evidence that may be useful in the investigation of the crime.  This can include insects, clothing, hair and tissue samples, clothing, leaves, root intrusions, and changes to the bones.  The careful excavation techniques employed by archaeologists allow for careful removal of any potential evidence, increasing the likelihood of being able to test it later for other forensic purposes (e.g. DNA or finger prints).  As such forensic archaeologists must undertake their excavations wearing specialized suits and masks so as not to contaminate a scene.  Forensic archaeologists can and are also often employed in evidence interpretation.  They can use their knowledge of decomposition rates of artifacts and natural taphonomic processes to provide some insights into the age of the site and/or how long remains and evidence was interred in the ground.  They can also help discern between alterations to the artifacts and/or human remains that happened at versus after the crime and/or burial happened.  Forensic archaeologists will also be responsible for writing a final report outlining their findings, as well as may be called upon to testify in court and do so in a way that provides information in a clear and precise manner to a lay audience.

Forensic archaeology is becoming quite popular within law enforcement offices.  Many precincts that find a need for a forensic archaeologist will send their officers to specialized trainings, of which there are a few offered in Oklahoma, California, or through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  But to be classified as a forensic archaeologist one must have specialized training and credentials.  These include having a graduate degree in anthropology (specialization archaeology) or archaeology (minimum Masters required, although PhD preferred), archaeological excavation experience, experience leading excavations, publications, knowledge of human remains (both in identification and general handling), training in evidence collection and handling, credentials from relevant professional organizations (not just forensic organizations), and preferably trial testimony experience.     

Works Cited

Chicora Foundation. (2008). Forensic Archaeology. Retrieved from Chicora Foundation, Inc.: http://www.chicora.org/forensic-archaeology.html

Elvidge, S. (2017, January 9). Forensic Archaeology. Retrieved from Explore Forensics: http://www.exploreforensics.co.uk/forensic-archaeology.html

Nawrocki, S. P. (2006). An Outline of Forensic Archaeology. University of Indianapolis Archeology & Forensics Laboratory.

SFU Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. (2010). Forensic Archaeology. Retrieved from Investigating Forensics: http://www.sfu.museum/forensics/eng/pg_media-media_pg/archaeologie-archaeology/