Page 16 - i1052-5173-27-9

GSA 2017 ANNUAL MEETING & EXPOSITION

LUNCHTIME ENLIGHTENMENT

Laurance Donnelly

Forensic Geology: The Applications of Geology to
Police and Law Enforcement

Wed., 25 Oct., 12:15–1:15 p.m. Washington State Convention Center, Ballroom 6A
Forensic geology (also known as forensic geoscience or geoforensics) is the application of geology to
policing and law enforcement, and may be applicable in a court of law. Forensic geologists provide advice
and support in relation to serious crimes, such as homicide and sexual assaults, organized crime, counter-
terrorism, kidnapping, humanitarian incidents, environmental crimes, wildlife crime, precious minerals,
illegal mining, metals and minerals theft, frauds, fakes, and searches.
Generally, forensic geologists may support the police by (a) providing the analysis of geological (trace)
evidence, (b) crime scene examinations, and/or (c) conducting ground and water searches.
Geological (trace) evidence involves collection from a crime scene, offender, or item, followed by anal-
ysis, interpretation, presentation, and explanation of that evidence. This may help determine what hap-
pened and where and when it occurred. Geological evidence can vary considerably and may include rock
fragments, soils, and sediments; artificial (anthropogenic) man-made materials derived from geological
raw materials, such as bricks, concrete, glass, or plaster board; or micro-fossils. These may be transferred
onto the body, person, or clothing of a victim or offender. This evidence may then be used to see if there
could be an association between different items or objects.
Forensic geologists also search for objects buried in the ground, otherwise concealed, or discarded in
water, including homicide graves, mass graves related to genocide, weapons, firearms, improvised explo-
sive device components, drugs, stolen items, money, coinage, and jewelry.
Over the past decade or so, there have been around 227 recorded international forensic geology events.
Nine textbooks have been published, along with numerous technical papers, conference proceedings, and
popular press articles. Professional working groups have been established, specially aimed at promoting
and developing forensic geology, such as the International Union of Geological Sciences Initiative on
Forensic Geology (IUGS-IFG).
This presentation will provide an overview of forensic geology. It draws on operational casework
experiences and provides information on the logistical aspects of working with the police. It should be
noted that, in the context of the theme of this presentation, images of crime scenes and human remains
will be included.

16 22–25 October 2017 • Seattle, Washington, USA