ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 12

A Professional Profile of the Physical Anthropology Section Membership, American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Wienker, CW
Associate professor, University of South Florida, FL

Stanley Rhine, J
Curator of physical anthropology, University of New Mexico, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, NM

(Received 27 July 1988; accepted 13 September 1988)

Abstract

The membership of the Physical Anthropology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences was surveyed regarding training; section activity; teaching; forensic science activities; and trial, deposition, and caseloads over the last 20 years. Over 75% of the active members responded. Over half of the respondents had formal forensic anthropology training, 70% held a Ph.D. degree and 52% had primary appointments in university and college departments of anthropology. Approximately half of those involved in teaching were producing forensic anthropology students. Local areas (36%) and states (45%) are primary sources of cases. Respondents spend nearly 60% of their professional time on forensic science activity, mostly in casework and research/writing. Over the past 20 years, there has been a revolution in the training of forensic anthropologists, in terms of formal coursework and supervision of student cases. Also in that time, caseloads, depositions given, and trial appearances have greatly increased. When region, highest degree earned, membership status, and board certification are considered, there are few significant differences in the forensic anthropology activity of members, and most of these differences are in training and Academy membership status.

Keywords:
physical anthropology, surveys, education, forensic science casework, forensic science training, forensic science activity, membership profile

Paper ID: JFS12685J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12685J
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