ABSTRACT
For an optimal outcome, and one which will withstand professional and legal scrutiny, and for results that can be admitted as evidence in a court of law, the requirements for an ideal survey would consist of the following:
1. The criminal investigator: communicating an absolutely clear understanding of survey objectives and acting as the sole point of contact for the geophysicist
2. Management: arranging sufficient logistical support, to assure freedom from interference by supervisors and media personnel
3. The geophysicist: have a thorough understanding of survey objectives, site constraints, crime scene procedures, and law enforcement requirements
4. The site: low-noise, high-contrast targets and controlled access 5. Data acquisition: the ability to acquire data utilizing all applicable
methods 6. Time: sufficient allocation of time to reduce and interpret all data 7. Ground truth: prioritization of all pertinent geophysical anomalies
for future excavation
Table 12.1 presents a summary of the applicability of geophysical techniques for forensic investigations. The presentation of these applicable forensic investigative methods will hopefully be helpful to criminal investigators.
