Specialaizatiion within Foresic Science – the Place of Geology

Crime investigation is complex and involves the knowledge of various aspects of science and law. Forensic Science encompasses several specialties. The popular text ‘Criminalistics' (Saferstein, 2007) attests to this; within Forensic geology there are many subjects that are highly specialized (Murray, 2004); also see the wide array of topics in GSA abstracts, in last two years. The question is – where and how does geology fit into the various specializations of Forensic science?

Geology is ideally suited for forensic work because it incorporates chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and other allied sciences. Geologists have a wide background in science, compared to other science students. Forensic geology subjects range widely from soils, sand, mineral resources, pigments, paints, construction, geologic hazards, ground water and land development and many more allied subjects. In addition, they also learn some legal aspects connected with Forensic science. Because of the broad background, forensic geologists are well equipped to deal with most forensic aspects. It is impossible for one person to be able to satisfy the needs of a crime scene investigation. While some specialization is necessary, each of the specialists should be able to follow the items picked up by the other investigator/s.

A Masters degree in geology and training in general forensics would be ideal for a Forensic practitioner. A Ph.D. in geology, specializing in some aspect of geology with training in criminalistics would be better but the time one can spend in educational endeavors needs to be considered. Any one coming into Forensic work, with training in branches of science other than geology, would be limited only to that branch of science they specialized in.

References: Saferstein, R. (2007). Criminalistics, 9th Ed. Prentice Hal, 651pp; Murray, Raymond C. (2004) Evidence from the earth, Mountain Press Publishing, 226 pp.