The applications of geology to police and law enforcement have been documented since the mid-nineteenth century. However, only in recent decades has forensic geology become globally established. This, in part, can be attributed to the establishment of groups such as the Geological Society of London, Forensic Geoscience Group (GSL-FGG) and the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), Initiative on forensic geology. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the advancements in forensic geology including crime scene examination; geological trace evidence; ground searches for burials related to homicide, serious organised crime and counter terrorism; illegal mining and associated minerals and metals crimes.