What is Forensic Anthropology? - a Discussion with Dr. William Belcher PHD, D-ABFA, RPA

Forensic anthropology is a branch of physical anthropology that applies the techniques and principles of anthropology to legal investigations. It primarily focuses on the study of human skeletal remains, including those that are badly decomposed or otherwise unidentified, to determine the cause of death and to provide evidence in legal cases.

Forensic anthropologists use a variety of methods to analyze skeletal remains, including the assessment of age, sex, and unique features of the decedent, and the documentation of trauma to the body. They also use their knowledge of human skeletal anatomy and biology to estimate how long a corpse has been decomposing.

Forensic anthropologists work closely with law enforcement and medical science professionals, including specialists in ballistics, explosives, pathology, serology (the study of blood and bodily fluids), and toxicology. They are often called upon to serve as expert witnesses in murder trials and other legal proceedings.

In addition to analyzing skeletal remains, forensic anthropologists may also be involved in the search for and recovery of human remains, as well as the identification of missing persons. They use a combination of scientific and investigative techniques to locate, excavate, and analyze remains, and work with law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend suspects in criminal cases.

Dr. Belcher, given his field of study and experience, provides a bit more background on the “why” behind his involvement with Resolute Promise:

What, specifically, makes the field so critical to the understanding of the human condition?  

I think that one of the primary issues for me is the concept of identification, which can be reflected in a “name”. Most of the deceased individuals we work with are unknowns or there are some questions about what happened to them to cause their death.  My key work has always been on the concept of identification – I firmly believe that it is a fundamental right of all humans to have a name.  I always work with my students so they understand we are working to give back the names of these individuals and return them to their families – especially when dealing with missing US service members. When individuals are unknown or buried in clandestine burials, the victims are hidden in an attempt to remove their identity.  This is the more insidious of our work, dealing with individuals that intentionally conceal their crimes and take the names and conditions away from the families, and the community.

Why is it critical to the work of Resolute Promise? And why is it important to you?

I can empathize a bit with the military families, waiting to hear about their loved ones.  While I was growing up between 1966 and 1969, my Dad was a heavy weapons specialist/infantryman serving with the US Army in Vietnam. He was a career military man, joining in 1946. There was always an underlying fear that a big black Lincoln Continental would pull into our rural farm driveway in Washington State.  Why would this be so fearful?  We knew that these cars would contain a military officer and a chaplain to tell us that our father was either had been killed or was missing in action. By the grace of God, our father came home to us in April 1969, but I always keep this in the back of my mind when I’m working with missing service personnel. Investigating, searching for, and recovering are all part of the identification effort – to give back their name to them.  When we are doing the recovery, we may be exhausted, hungry, or weakened by our efforts – but this was someone’s son, husband, brother, or friend – these are all things that we can relate to because this is our condition – we are all of these things.  These people could be my father and as a family member, I would want people to do the best job they could to make sure they come home.  This is what drives me.

Dr. Belcher and His father.

Thank you Dr. Belcher for providing your expertise and sharing a bit of your personal story. Part of the mission or Resolute Promise aims at telling the stories of our MIA and fallen service men and women. It is a privilege and honor to hear a bit of your story and what drives you in this endeavor.

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