The importance of forensic soil science and geology being connected to mainstream forensic science

Soil science and geology are specialist disciplines that can make a valuable contribution to forensic science investigations. Despite a resurgence in earth material examination associated with criminal investigations, its full potential has probably not been realized. This paper discusses some of the issues that impact on the effective participation of soil science and geology in a broad forensic science context and why it is important for meaningful partnerships between forensic science service providers and specialist soil science and geology institutions to be established.