Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2014
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Department (Legacy)
Department of Justice Administration
Committee Chair
Keeling, Deborah Griffith
Subject
Forensic anthropology--Methodology; Crime scene searches--Methodology
Abstract
As forensic evidence has come to be of increasing importance in the courtroom, standards and practices regarding documentation, collection, and preservation of evidence have also become increasingly necessary. This study examines forensic anthropological field methods and their incorporation into crime scene investigation. Prior research suggests that incorporation could increase evidence recovery, result in better preservation of evidence, and enhance chain of custody. Examination of baseline survey data and a specific cross-regional analysis seeks to discover how/if these methods are being utilized within crime scene investigation. Baseline results are compared with follow-up interviews from a small sample of agencies to examine relationships between criminal investigation and forensic anthropology. Discussion is focused on how the disciplines could be incorporated, and provides recommendations for training and education in interdisciplinary methods. Suggestions are made for further studies in this area, particularly on the standards and best practices currently utilized by forensic investigation units.
Recommended Citation
Rausch, Cassandra Christina 1988-, "Prevalence of knowledge in forensic anthropological field methods within traditional forensic investigation." (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1187.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/1187
