The use of (Forensic) Archaeology in Australia in the Search and Recovery of Buried Evidence: A Review

Australian archaeologists have played a significant role in the development of archaeological techniques being incorporated into the forensic investigation of crime scenes internationally. Australian archaeologists and anthropologists have been pivotal to investigations related to missing persons from both World Wars. The attendance of a state forensic anthropologist/archaeologist at a potential crime scene within the same state is considered part of the practitioner's professional responsibility to assist police investigations. Archaeological advice has been provided to police regarding building structural changes possibly concealing a burial. Forensic anthropologists with archaeological expertise employed by Australian forensic medical service providers have been active in developing training for both Australian police and forensic pathologists in order to raise awareness of the advantages of including an archaeologist at a scene involving human remains or other buried evidence.