ANZFSS Victoria – Unveiling Hidden Truths: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Locating Clandestine Graves
February 26 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm AEDT
Currently in Australia, there are at least 2,600 long-term missing persons. While most people do not go missing under suspicious circumstances, there are some that are unfortunately the victims of homicide. After the commission of a homicide, the offender may choose to engage in ‘detection avoidance behaviours’ or, colloquially put, getting rid of the evidence, and one of the ways to do that is to bury their victims. By nature, clandestine graves are difficult to find and are a key challenge to law enforcement. While there are many techniques available for searching for graves, this talk will focus on a multidisciplinary approach that combines both technical (remote sensing) and theoretical (geographic profiling) methods. By using a multidisciplinary method, we are increasing the chances of locating clandestine graves, and thus the victims themselves, which can increase the chances of getting a successful prosecution as well as to provide families with the answers that they deserve.
Dr Victoria (Tori) Berezowski is a lecturer of forensic science at Deakin University. She is trained as a forensic anthropologist, with interest in the intersection between forensic science, criminology, and geophysical sciences. Tori’s research focuses on exploring the techniques available for clandestine grave and missing persons searches, including criminological theory, remote sensing, and 3D technologies.
Date: Wednesday, 26th February, 18:00.
Location: Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre, 31 Forensic Drive, Macleod.
Bookings essential, members or guests of members.