TABLE OF CONTENTS Forensic investigation using GPR has become a recognised method of forensic archaeology by means of some high profile case histories.
GPR techniques are one among a number of methods that can be used in forensic investigations and can greatly assist police investigations by pinpointing suspicious areas and thus saving unnecessary excavation.
In the UK, the Forensic Science Advisory Group provides impartial advice and technical support to the UK Police Forces. The Forensic Search Advisory Group represents a consortium of individuals with expertise in the location of buried or hidden remains. All members of the group have direct scene of crime experience and are committed to the use and development of technical and field skills for forensic purposes. The group and its aims have been recognised by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Crime, Scientific Support Sub-Committee. The group is also advancing detection and recovery methodologies through an active programme of basic and applied research. It has been involved in international investigations and has contacts with similar groups in other countries.
The group also has an active publishable research programme part of which is based on controlled burial sites using animal carcasses. Four sites are currently in operation: two of these are dedicated to geophysical survey detection (one specifically for ground penetrating radar); one for aerial interpretation; and one for thermal change and the decay of associated materials. Other research is also being conducted at the universities of Bradford, Birmingham and Bournemouth on a range of associated topics.
