Environmental and Criminal Geoforensics
Geological techniques are widely used in two aspects of serious criminal investigations: (1) the search for clandestine burial sites, based on near-surface geophysics or through the detection of decomposition signals and (2) the analysis of trace evidence to identify its source location or test the possible association between the trace evidence and a known location of an offence. Although geoforensics is used in such investigations world-wide there are still considerable gaps in the published literature. In addition, there is increasing concern regarding the illegal release of wastes either into the atmosphere, water courses or on to the land surface, and a growing realization that the techniques used in criminal forensics are equally useful in the investigation of environmental crime. This book bridges the gap between environmental and criminal geoforensics with conceptual, methodological and case study contributions. This demonstrates the significant potential that geoforensics holds for investigating and regulatory officers.
The design and implementation of a high-assurance forensic geology and police search following the discovery of the Staffordshire (Anglo Saxon) Gold Hoard
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Published:January 01, 2013
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CiteCitation
Laurance Donnelly, 2013. "The design and implementation of a high-assurance forensic geology and police search following the discovery of the Staffordshire (Anglo Saxon) Gold Hoard", Environmental and Criminal Geoforensics, D. Pirrie, A. Ruffell, L. A. Dawson
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Abstract
In 2009 a hoard of gold and silver objects was found in a ploughed field in Staffordshire, by a member of the public using a metal detector. The site was subjected to a detailed archaeological excavation and approximately 3940 items in total were found. Archaeologists interpreted the find as belonging to the Anglo Saxon age (seventh century AD) and probably comprising the military hilts and fixings from swords, helmets, shield, clothing and possibly books, chests and what is now thought to be a cross from the cover of a bible. Archaeologists considered that all hoard-related material that was recoverable at that time had been retrieved from the excavation. To confirm this, a forensic geology and police search was commissioned. This search provided a high level of assurance and was able to confirm that the original archaeological dig was likely to have found all/most of the buried gold that was reasonably and practicably recoverable at that time and buried in the top soil to a depth of 280 mm. In 2012, further items of interest were found in this field. These may have been buried at deeper levels or beyond the original excavation and were possibly brought to the surface by ploughing.