Anthropology, along with chemistry, geology, physics, medicine, and mathematics consists of scientific modes of inquiry and techniques that have application for the public good beyond the boundaries of the respective disciplines. Within the past few decades the application of these sciences has emerged as a major force in scientific police investigations. The methods and techniques of archaeology are increasingly being applied by physical anthropologists and police investigators to the excavation of bodies buried during the course of criminal activity. It is argued that the potential for substantive and methodological contributions to archaeology, as well as to the criminal justice system, warrants increased participation and support of forensic research by forensically trained professional archaeologists.