Crime Scene Forensics

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.

Bridging the gap between practical crime scene investigation and scientific theory, Crime Scene Forensics: A Scientific Method Approach maintains that crime scene investigations are intensely intellectual exercises that marry scientific and investigative processes. Success in this field requires experience, creative thinking, logic, and the correct

Crime scene investigation involves the use and integration of scientific methods, physical evidence, and deductive reasoning in order to determine and establish the series of events surrounding a crime. The quality of the immediate crime scene response and the manner in which the crime scene is examined are critical to the success of the investigation. Evidence that is missed or corrupted by incomplete or improper handling can have a devastating effect on a case and keep justice from being served. The Practice of Crime Scene Investigation covers numerous aspects of crime scene investigation, including the latest in education and training, quality systems accreditation, quality assurance, and the application of specialist scientific disciplines to crime. The book discusses a range of basic and advanced techniques such as fingerprinting, dealing with trauma victims, photofit technology, the role of the pathologist and ballistic expert, and signal processing. It also reviews specialist crime scene examinations including clandestine laboratories, drug operations, arson, and explosives.

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 offers an innovative approach to learning about crime scene investigation, taking the reader from the first response on the crime scene to documenting crime scene evidence and preparing evidence for courtroom presentation. It includes topics not normally covered in other texts, such as forensic anthropology and pathology, arson and explosives, and the electronic crime scene. Numerous photographs and illustrations complement text material, and a chapter-by-chapter fictional narrative also provides the reader with a qualitative dimension of the crime scene experience.

"An Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation" serves to eliminate warped impressions influenced by the media, and clearly identifies and explains the crime scene investigative process, components, methods, and procedures.

In a world profoundly influenced by popular media programs, the real-life duties and complexities involved in crime scene investigation are often misrepresented and misunderstood. The revised and updated second edition of An Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation serves to eliminate warped impressions and to clearly identify and accurately explain the crime scene investigative process, components, methods, and procedures. This comprehensive introductory text exposes readers to the day-to-day aspects of crime scene processing, and describes in detail the crime scene investigator responsibilities. The history related to crime scene investigation, theory, ethics, social impact, training, and educational issues are thoroughly explored as well. New and Key Features of the Second Edition: - New full-color design enhances the photos and illustrations, creating a more visually engaging experience for students! - Provides increased coverage of ethics to offer students a well-rounded introduction to the subject. - Presents straightforward and scientifically supported procedures that explain how to accurately and efficiently document what has been left behind at the scene of a crime. - Provides an in-depth look at the CSI world through over 100 photographs, illustrations, and short narrative segments that will guide the reader through investigations. - Effectively covers a variety of investigations such as burglary, homicide, sex crimes, drug cases, hazardous materials situations, arson, and more.