Forensic Anthropology:

CSI. Cold Case. What do these television shows have in common? Besides Jerry Bruckheimer, forensics. In comparison to Bruckheimer's 1984 hit movie Beverly Hills Cop starring Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) speeding around in his beat up Chevy Nova, today's crime solving series are far more serious and gory. Why the fascination with forensics? Ellen Burton Harrington suggests in her article, Nation, Identity and The Fascination with Forensic Science in Sherlock Holmes and CSI, that people feel secure knowing standard operating procedures will be followed in the event a crime is committed, thereby limiting the United State's vulnerability. What does anthropology have to do with forensics?

According to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, forensics is "the application of science to the processes of law". In July 1990, an article in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin addressed the anthropology aspect of forensics. Forensic anthropology is the study of skeletons, which makes sense since anthropology is the study of humankind. A forensic anthropologist is responsible for determining whether or not remains found are human. A human skeleton is then examined in an attempt to identify the individual. Scientists expect to establish the gender, race, physique, and cause of death after investigating clues on the body's frame.

Career preparation includes a background in physical anthropology and human osteology (human skeleton studies). Ales Hrdlicka is the man known for incorporating physical anthropology with osteology resulting in the forensic anthropology field. In 1881, he came from Bohemia to the United States and eventually studied medicine in New York. Ultimately, Hrdlicka was employed by the Smithsonian Institution and worked there for 39 years. Hrdlicka's contributions were so significant that even the FBI requested his assistance in solving crimes as early as 1936.

There are only about fifty scientists who claim the title forensic anthropologist as their sole occupation. This number seems oddly low considering the large number of crime series produced and nightly news reports on murder, but their skills are worthwhile to other areas of law enforcement and academic fields. Forensic anthropologists are not only knowledgeable in the physical and skeleton sciences but also in archeology, biology, and environmental studies. They work for the government, museum curator departments, crime labs, law enforcement agencies, and in academic institutions as instructors. Forensic anthropologists tend to work on cases when requested.

Think you have what it takes to become a forensic anthropologist or simply want to produce shows and movies about science intermingling with law? To pursue the career path, enroll in an approved program. Applicants should have an interest in science and law. They should also be organized because accurate records are an integral part of court proceedings. Since public speaking and presentations are required, good communication and writing skills are essential. Most importantly, a forensic anthropologist needs to value truth. As for the entertainment side, Bruckheimer suggested in a 2005 interview "...read everything you can possibly read about it, learn everything you can learn about it. Take a job within the industry no matter how menial it is just to get in the door, even if you have to work for nothing".

As for my opinion, forensic anthropology requires a strong stomach.