Use of geophysical tools in the field of forensics
Use of geophysical tools in the field of forensics
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Issue Date
2014
Authors
Alexander, Lara M.
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Abstract
While there has been research into whether geophysical tools can be applied to the field of forensics, the research has not addressed whether police departments or crime labs actually apply these tools in the field. A study was conducted to establish the standard of practice for the use of geophysical tools by law enforcement agencies. This is the first known focused study to assess the use of geophysical tools by law enforcement.
320 geophysical tool usage surveys were submitted to both large, metropolitan law enforcement agencies as well as small, rural community police departments nationwide, and a few surveys were sent to private consulting firms. The overall response rate for the survey was 41.13%, having received 109 surveys for use.
Based on the survey responses metal detectors are by far the most widely used geophysical tool by law enforcement agencies in their search for buried forensic evidence. While ground penetrating radar is also used a significant amount, it is more typically used by larger, Federal or State run agencies. Any geophysical tool requires some amount of training, however, metal detectors require the least and as such is why they are more frequently used. This coupled with their reasonable purchase price may support their frequent usage.
Not all responding law enforcement agencies use geophysical tools, and on the survey they cited several reasons, including lack oft rained personnel, and the cost of the tools. The cost of geophysical tools can vary from one hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the type of tool and the amount oft raining that is needed to operate the unit.
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Forensic science