Forensic archaeology is an emerging area of forensic science, which is concerned with the search for, and recovery of, buried or concealed remains. Forensic archaeologists are increasingly being consulted by police forces in the search for clandestine burials, drugs, weapons, money and other physical evidence relating to criminal activity. They are also called upon to assist in international mass grave investigations and, increasingly, in mass disaster scenarios.

This one day workshop will offer an introduction to the role of the forensic archaeologist within UK criminal investigations and international mass death scenarios. This workshop will focus on the practical elements of Forensic Archaeology and offers the opportunity to excavate a mock burial in our state-of-the-art Crime Scene facility. Participants will gain experience in excavation, crime scene recording and evidence recovery. Through a series of practical exercises, participants will have the opportunity to gain new knowledge and to apply this to the mock scenario.

Topics covered include:

• Application of the range of methods used in the search for clandestine graves and other buried evidence including field survey, remote sensing and geophysical survey;
• Application of the fundamental principles of excavation, body recovery and post-recovery analysis.
• Excavation processes, including health and safety considerations and planning processes.
• Crime scene recording, including stratigraphy and context recording.

For those wanting to gain awareness of the theory of Forensic Archaeology, the Forensic Archaeology (Class session) CPD workshop offers the opportunity to gain this knowledge.

Lecturers on the course are regularly involved in casework in the UK and abroad. Therefore, participants will have the opportunity to discuss case studies and gain an overview of the latest developments in this field.

Dates

For further information about future course dates, please contact the Centre of Archaeology by email: archaeology@staffs.ac.uk or call 01782 294037.

Prices

£TBC per person (Reduced rate for current and graduated Staffordshire University students or members of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists)