The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Defense Central Identification Laboratory (DOD CIL) cosponsored the creation of the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Anthropology, or SWGANTH. The 20-member Board consists of professionals from the forensic anthropological community invited by the sponsors to represent a broad spectrum of expertise and jurisdictional involvement.  

The charter of the SWGANTH is to identify and recommend “best practice” within the forensic anthropology discipline.  To achieve this end, the SWGANTH has created Committees, which are populated by U.S. and international forensic anthropologists, to examine targeted issues for the purpose of identifying what is best practice today and what paths should be followed in the future.  Individuals wishing to participate as Committee Members may indicate their interest to either of the SWGANTH’s officers.

As the SWGANTH completes its initial charge of identifying and codifying Best Practices for our discipline, it is time to begin looking toward the next phase of our evolution as a profession.  Accordingly, the SWGANTH proposes to amend its Bylaws for the purpose of expanding its charter to include the development of future minimum standards.

The proposed amended Bylaws language is posted on the Guidelines & Documents page for public comment prior to the spring meeting of the SWGANTH Executive Board.  Comments are strongly encouraged.

Site last updated 04/13/2011