Buried Bodies and Surface Skeletons: Recovery Techniques

This 24-hour course provides law enforcement professionals with comprehensive training in forensic archaeology principles and practices. Participants will develop proficiency in the techniques used to search for, excavate, and recover skeletonized human remains along with associated evidence from crime scenes.

The curriculum combines classroom instruction with extensive field exercises that offer hands-on experience in locating and recovering mock burials and surface skeletal remains. Students will apply excavation methods taught during lectures to develop practical skills applicable to real-world investigations.

Course Topics

• Search methodologies for locating clandestine graves and surface skeletons
• Proper collection, packaging, and transportation protocols for skeletal material and physical evidence
• Documentation procedures including photography and detailed sketching
• Field exercises involving search, recovery, and excavation of mock burials and surface skeletons

Course Details

Dates: November 8-10, 2027

Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Location: IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Cost: $695.00

Duration: 24 hours

Instructor: Erin Morris

Intended Audience

This course serves patrol officers, both new and experienced detectives, investigations supervisors, crime scene technicians, medical examiner and coroner investigators, prosecutors, and military investigative personnel. Enrollment is restricted to active sworn and non-sworn law enforcement and medical examiner personnel.

What to Bring

Required: Work clothes suitable for outdoor exercises, gloves, appropriate footwear (shoes or boots), and rain gear

Recommended: Personal camera or photographic equipment for documenting field exercises and a metal detector

Certification: This course is IAI Crime Scene Certification approved.