Using ground-penetrating radar to locate clandestine graves of homicide victims - Forming forensic archaeology partnerships with law enforcement

    Authors

    J. J. Schultz

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Homicide Stud.

    Keywords

    homicide; forensic archaeology; death scene; ground-penetrating radar; (GPR); GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS; EXAMPLE; SEARCH; Criminology & Penology

    Abstract

    Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has become an important forensic archaeology tool used by law enforcement agencies to search for buried bodies of homicide victims. However, these agencies most often secure outside consultants to perform searches because of equipment expense and the specialized training required to operate the equipment and interpret results. This article provides a thorough discussion of GPR methodology and implementation of this technology by law enforcement agencies for clandestine body searches. The discussion provides investigators with basic knowledge of the GPR process, enabling an understanding of how the equipment is used to search for buried bodies and how investigators can secure the services of a properly trained GPR operator. Benefits of forming forensic archaeology partnerships between law enforcement agencies and academic forensic practitioners to secure GPR equipment are also discussed, with the recently established partnership between the University of Central Florida and the Orange County Sheriff's Office as an example.

    Journal Title

    Homicide Studies

    Volume

    11

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-2007

    Document Type

    Article; Proceedings Paper

    Language

    English

    First Page

    15

    Last Page

    29

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000243601700002

    ISSN

    1088-7679

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