Becoming A Crime Scene Investigator

A revealing guide to a career as a crime scene investigator written by acclaimed journalist Jacqueline Detwiler-George and based on the real-life experiences of the CSI team at the Baltimore police department—required reading for anyone considering a path to this profession. Becoming a Crime Scene Investigator takes you behind the scenes to find out what it’s really like, and what it really takes, to become a crime scene investigator. Acclaimed journalist Jacqueline Detwiler-George shadows the crime scene investigators of the Baltimore Police Department to show how this job becomes a reality. Forensic science is an essential component of any criminal investigation. CSI evidence can tip the scales of justice during trials, helping to free the innocent and convict the guilty. Discover what it’s like to process a crime scene by collecting evidence, documenting via photos, dusting for fingerprints, and analyzing blood spatter. Confront the gruesome realities of the job, tour their in-house crime labs, and watch as they process results. Gain wisdom and insight from the director of the forensic laboratory and the chief of the forensic division—and learn how this essential job is performed at the highest level.

Explores crime scene investigators, providing information about their training and techniques and procedures they use, including processing evidence, identifying victims, analyzing forensics, and more.

Crime scene investigation isn't an academic, cut-and-dry process. There is no set of ideal procedures that universally applies to all crime scene processing. Isn't it time for a textbook that reflected that? So You Want to be a CSI? presents Crime Scene Investigation as students would encounter it in the real world, where inclement weather, poor scene security, lack of proper equipment and packing materials, and rodent-invested crime scenes all impact the role of the CSI. It combines the expertise of its three authors, who have 45 years of combined crime scene investigation experience, to prepare students for the field, dismantling the myths of the profession created by television shows and the media. Chapters include four overarching, fundamental topics: Before Entering the Crime Scene, Biological Evidence, Crime Scene Photography, and Crime Scene Search. So You Want to be a CSI? not only provides a foundation for future crime scene investigators, but it also authentically explains the daily challenges and rewards of this fascinating career. In addition, there is also a virtual component available consisting of virtual crime scenes that allow students to put course concepts into practice. Check out author Leggie Boone's podcast appearance! View a webinar on the authors' experiences as Crime Scene Investigators: View Webinar

The manner in which criminal investigators are trained is neither uniform nor consistent, ranging from sophisticated training protocols in some departments to on-the-job experience alongside senior investigators in others. Ideal for students taking a first course in the subject as well as professionals in need of a refresher, Introduction to Criminal Investigation uses an accessible format to convey concepts in practical, concrete terms. Topics discussed include: The history of criminal investigation in Western society Qualifications for becoming an investigator, the selection process, and ideal training requirements Crime scene search techniques, including planning and post-search debriefing Preparing effective field notes and investigative reports Interviewing and interrogating Types of evidence found at the crime scene and how to collect, package, and preserve it The contributions of forensic science to criminal investigations and the equipment used in crime labs Investigative protocol for a range of crimes, including property crimes, auto theft, arson, financial crimes, homicide, assault, sex crimes, and robbery Specialized investigations, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and gang-related crime Legal issues involved in criminal investigations and preparing a case for trial Bringing together contributions from law enforcement personnel, academics, and attorneys, the book combines practical and theoretical elements to provide a comprehensive examination of today‘s criminal investigative process. The accessible manner in which the information is conveyed makes this an ideal text for a wide-ranging audience.

Introduces the fascinating world of becoming a crime scene investigator.

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).

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Behind the convenience store, in full view of a broken surveillance camera, a camping chair and a blood-stained blanket sit abandoned in the urban blight. A passerby peeks over the police tape and proclaims that the suspect got him three times in the back and once in the chest. But that is almost certainly not what happened. #2 Erika Harden is a civilian crime scene investigator for the Baltimore Police Department. She works nights, and is usually the first person at a crime scene. She uses a tablet to record the details of her cases, and collect evidence for analysis. #3 A tablet app for crime scene investigators, CrimePad, organizes observations, evidence, and sketches. It creates an electronic record that assists with future reconstructions. #4 Photography is a significant part of crime scene investigation. It is not only used to capture the correct compositions, but also to take photos that are high resolution, focused on the correct items, and free of blur.

Guidance and procedures for safe and efficient methods from the FBI’s Laboratory Division and Operational Technology Division. The FBI Handbook of Crime Scene Forensics is the official procedural guide for law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and tribunals who wish to submit evidence to the FBI’s Laboratory and Investigative Technology Divisions. This book outlines the proper methods for investigating crime scenes, examining evidence, packing and shipping evidence to the FBI, and observing safety protocol at crime scenes. Types of evidence discussed include: Bullet jacket alloys Computers Hairs Inks Lubricants Ropes Safe insulations Shoe prints Tire treads Weapons of mass destruction Particular attention is paid to recording the appearance of crime scenes through narratives, photographs, videos, audiotapes, or sketches. A guide for professional forensics experts and an introduction for laymen, the FBI Handbook of Crime Scene Forensics makes fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in investigative police work and the criminal justice system.