Ongoing advances in arson detection tools and techniques increase the importance of scientific evidence in related court proceedings. In order to assemble an airtight case, investigators and forensic scientists need a resource that assists them in properly conducting the chemical analysis and interpretation of physical evidence found at scenes of s
Fire Investigation covers the concepts and theories used to determine a specfic fire has been deliberately or accidentally set. The author clearly explains the concepts needed to gain insight into a fire scene investigation, including the dynamics of the fire, the necessary conditions for a fire to start and be maintained, the different types of co
The study of fire debris analysis is vital to the function of all fire investigations, and, as such, Fire Debris Analysis is an essential resource for fire investigators. The present methods of analysis include the use of gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, techniques which are well established and used by crime laboratories throughout the world. However, despite their universality, this is the first comprehensive resource that addresses their application to fire debris analysis.Fire Debris Analysis covers topics such as the physics and chemistry of fire and liquid fuels, the interpretation of data obtained from fire debris, and the future of the subject. Its cutting-edge material and experienced author team distinguishes this book as a quality reference that should be on the shelves of all crime laboratories. - Serves as a comprehensive guide to the science of fire debris analysis - Presents both basic and advanced concepts in an easily readable, logical sequence - Includes a full-color insert with figures that illustrate key concepts discussed in the text
This unique reference provides a primary source for osteologists and the medical/legal community for the understanding of burned bone remains in forensic or archaeological contexts. It describes in detail the changes in human bone and soft tissues as a body burns at both the chemical and gross levels and provides an overview of the current procedures in burned bone study. Case studies in forensic and archaeological settings aid those interested in the analysis of burned human bodies, from death scene investigators, to biological anthropologists looking at the recent or ancient dead. - Includes the diagnostic patterning of color changes that give insight to the severity of burning, the positioning of the body, and presence (or absence) of soft tissues during the burning event - Chapters on bones and teeth give step-by-step recommendations for how to study and recognize burned hard tissues
Every three years, worldwide forensics experts gather at the Interpol Forensic Science Symposium to exchange ideas and discuss scientific advances in the field of forensic science and criminal justice. Drawn from contributions made at the latest gathering in Lyon, France, Interpol's Forensic Science Review is a one-source reference providing a comp
Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.
This is a guide to recommended practices for crime scene investigation. The guide is presented in five major sections, with sub-sections as noted: (1) Arriving at the Scene: Initial Response/Prioritization of Efforts (receipt of information, safety procedures, emergency care, secure and control persons at the scene, boundaries, turn over control of the scene and brief investigator/s in charge, document actions and observations); (2) Preliminary Documentation and Evaluation of the Scene (scene assessment, "walk-through" and initial documentation); (3) Processing the Scene (team composition, contamination control, documentation and prioritize, collect, preserve, inventory, package, transport, and submit evidence); (4) Completing and Recording the Crime Scene Investigation (establish debriefing team, perform final survey, document the scene); and (5) Crime Scene Equipment (initial responding officers, investigator/evidence technician, evidence collection kits).
Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide provides methodologies to help investigators to think broadly when seeking out evidence at a scene and, likewise, utilize all the information from a case—especially the observable physical evidence, besides what are collectable, in reconstructing events. In the introductory chapters the author highlights the importance of crime scene reconstruction when answering the question “How something could have happened?” From there, he goes on to explain the principles of exchange, identification, individualization and reconstruction. Here, the “observe-hypothesize” model, proposed in this field-guide, is presented: outlining how every source of information ranging from laboratory reports, opinions from medical doctors, statements of witnesses, and confessions of suspects should be reconcilable with the evidence-based reconstruction made in the crime scene. In this, the author contends that qualified crime scene generalists are the ideal professionals to frame scientific hypothesis and to make reconstructions. Practical recommendations, based on best-practice general crime scene procedures are provided while the second half of the book illustrate and outline how to deal with various types of major crime scenes, including fire deaths, exhuming buried human remains, sexual assaults, death by electrocution, explosion, drowning, poisoning, hanging, and more. Since a picture is a worth thousand words, over 400 collective photographs and sketches are included throughout the book to illustrate the observational methods that are described. In addition, the field-guide provides several easy-to-follow flow-charts to serve as checklists to aid scene investigation in major types of crime scene. In this, Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide will help investigators readily recognize similar manifestations in crime scenes and to apply and use such techniques appropriately in their own work.
This title provides comprehensive coverage of modern gas chromatography including theory, instrumentation, columns, and applications addressing the needs of advanced students and professional scientists in industry and government laboratories. Chapters are written by recognized experts on each topic. Each chapter offers a complete picture with respect to its topic so researchers can move straight to the information they need without reading through a lot of background information. - Individual chapters written by recognized experts - The big picture of gas chromatography from theory, to methods, to selected applications - Provides references to other sources in associated areas of study to facilitate research - Gives access to core data for practical work, comparison of results and decision making
Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Volumes 1-4, Second Edition is a pioneering four volume encyclopedia compiled by an international team of forensic specialists who explore the relationship between law, medicine, and science in the study of forensics. This important work includes over three hundred state-of-the-art chapters, with articles covering crime-solving techniques such as autopsies, ballistics, fingerprinting, hair and fiber analysis, and the sophisticated procedures associated with terrorism investigations, forensic chemistry, DNA, and immunoassays. Available online, and in four printed volumes, the encyclopedia is an essential reference for any practitioner in a forensic, medical, healthcare, legal, judicial, or investigative field looking for easily accessible and authoritative overviews on a wide range of topics. Chapters have been arranged in alphabetical order, and are written in a clear-and-concise manner, with definitions provided in the case of obscure terms and information supplemented with pictures, tables, and diagrams. Each topic includes cross-referencing to related articles and case studies where further explanation is required, along with references to external sources for further reading. Brings together all appropriate aspects of forensic medicine and legal medicine Contains color figures, sample forms, and other materials that the reader can adapt for their own practice Also available in an on-line version which provides numerous additional reference and research tools, additional multimedia, and powerful search functions Each topic includes cross-referencing to related articles and case studies where further explanation is required, along with references to external sources for further reading
