FAR
Forensic Anthropology is the application of the methods and techniques of physical anthropology and archaeology to skeletal remains that are found in suspicious and unusual circumstances.
Many times, these BONES are the result of historic human activities such as food refuse, rituals or unmarked graves. Occasionally, Native American remains are unearthed. Forensic Anthropologists must distinguish between ancient remains and those originating from a forensic context that are clandestine and must be recovered utilizing archaeological techniques.
The recovery of human remains from large scale disaster sites such as the World Trade Center and the Station Night Club in Rhode Island has propelled the field of Forensic Archaeology into these high profile arenas.
As a result, the need for cross-training of archaeologists into the forensic context has lead to the development of FAR, Forensic Archaeology Recovery, a non-profit organization that enlists trained archaeologists to respond to large scale disaster scenes at the behest of law enforcement or other investigative agencies.
The application of Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology within these forensic contexts is also needed in the investigation and recovery of unfound persons where considerable time has passed since disappearance.