The Psychology Of Death Investigations

The Psychology of Death Investigations outlines definitively how behavioral evidence can often provide the necessary components and "missing pieces" to complement physical evidence as an essential tool for incident reconstruction. In order to determine the direction of an investigation and to prioritize leads, if necessary, death investigators must establish the manner of a death: natural, accident, homicide or suicide. The most overlooked aspect of death investigation is the psychological dimension, which can provide unique leads, correct false assumptions, enhance investigative awareness, and solve cases in surprising ways. In an estimated 10–20% of cases, the manner of death cannot be determined, or worse, has been erroneously categorized. Since many jurisdictions can’t afford behavioral consultants, this book has been written to provide practical information for a basic psychological analysis. If the circumstances surrounding a death are equivocal, psychological consultants can compile information retrospectively about a deceased person’s mental state and possible motive to assist with unravelling ambiguity about the manner of death. This is the primary function of a psychological autopsy, and, as such, this is the first book of its kind dedicated solely to the topic. In the event that the manner of death is determined to be a homicide, behavioral profiling can help to focus the potential pool of suspects. Professionals and students alike will benefit from the exercise of cognitive awareness and the application of psychological logic presented. Psychologists, medical examiners, coroners, attorneys, fraud examiners, law enforcement personnel, death and homicide investigators, and students enrolled in criminal profiling, forensic psychology, and criminal justice programs will find this text to be a compelling and insightful reference to add to their professional toolkit.

The best way to grasp the essence of death scene investigation (DSI) is to witness its application, called the psychological autopsy, by an expert forensic scientist/clinician. This remarkable book affords the opportunity to delve into the challenges that the forensic mental health specialist and public safety professional confront in DSI. Suicides, and often death, are complex, multidetermined events. People, whether police investigators or mental health professionals, are generally perplexed, and even confused, when they are confronted by the equivocal case. Was it a suicide? Homicide? Accident? These are critical questions. Dr. Leenaars shows that DSI is, however, not mysterious; the reader can learn the generally accepted, evidence-based protocols of the psychological autopsy. Illuminated by individual (idiographic) case studies and general (nomothetic) research, this definitive guide allows the investigator to uncover the bare bones of a suicide or death.

Nearly ten years after the first edition of Water-Related Death Investigation: Practical Methods and Forensic Applications, water death cases continue to be improperly investigated. The pathologist’s report can determine the cause of death as a drowning, but the manner of death is the most challenging to prove. The report will not determine if a victim jumped into the water to commit suicide, fell into the water accidentally, or was pushed in as a homicidal act. Many drowning cases do not reflect injury to the body, so evidence collected at the scene plays a vital role. The importance of an on-scene body assessment cannot be overemphasized. Often, the body evidence begins to change rapidly upon recovery and may not be present during an autopsy. Written statements on the scene are an effective tool to use to determine the accuracy of information given to arriving officers. These statements need to be written by the witnesses themselves as well as the reporting person. The "Show Me" technique can also help reveal discrepancies in a person’s version of what occurred as well as aid in providing the most details to an incident as is humanly possible. This second edition includes updated information on the latest technology to assist water death investigators. Parabon Snapshot can help determine the faceless identity of skeletal remains and help locate potential suspects using the science of DNA. Drones can aid in locating missing persons as well as human remains, even months after death. Updated information is provided regarding fingerprints from submerged objects, and Carbon-14 can help determine the origin of a found corpse. Key Features: Thoroughly reviews the physiological aspects of drowning Reveals the investigative characteristics inherent to various scenes of water-related deaths Highlights certain "red flag" indicators that may point to foul play or scene staging Outlines autopsy protocols, trial preparation, and expert witness testimony Provides numerous case studies and numerous illustrations to further clarify key points presented in the text Coauthored by a Master Water Death Investigator and an experienced forensic pathologist, Water-Related Death Investigation: Practical Methods and Forensic Applications, Second Edition merges the essentials of evidence collection and field investigation with autopsy best practices and laboratory testing. It will continue to serve as a valuable resource for the various professionals involved in these cases.

Autoerotic Deaths: Practical Forensic and Investigative Perspectives is a collaboration between two internationally known experts who combine their extensive experience to present a scientific, modern view of autoerotic death complete with a wide variety of exquisite case histories, photographs, and investigator tips.Chief Medical Examiner Anny Sau

Estimation of the Time Since Death remains the foremost authoritative book on scientifically calculating the estimated time of death postmortem. Building on the success of previous editions which covered the early postmortem period, this new edition also covers the later postmortem period including putrefactive changes, entomology, and postmortem r

This ground-breaking text is the first to provide a detailed overview of Investigative Psychology, from the earliest work through to recent studies, including descriptions of previously unpublished internal reports. Crucially it provides a framework for students to explore this exciting terrain, combining Narrative Theory and an Action Systems framework. It includes empirically tested models for Offender Profiling and guidance for investigations, as well as an agenda for research in Investigative Psychology. Investigative Psychology features: The full range of crimes from fraud to terrorism, including burglary, serial killing, arson, rape, and organised crime Important methodologies including multi-dimensional scaling and the Radex approach as well as Social Network Analysis Geographical Offender Profiling, supported by detailed analysis of the underlying psychological processes that make this such a valuable investigative decision support tool The full range of investigative activities, including effective information collection, detecting deception and the development of decision support systems. In effect, this text introduces an exciting new paradigm for a wide range of psychological contributions to all forms of investigation within and outside of law enforcement. Each chapter has actual cases and quotations from offenders and ends with questions for discussion and research, making this a valuable text for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Applied and Forensic Psychology, Criminology, Socio-Legal Studies and related disciplines.

This edition features a multicultural perspective and focuses on the application of psychological knowledge and research. New coverage in this edition includes relationships between mental disorders and crime and violence, sexual deviance, death penalty mitigation, restorative justice initiatives, arson and typologies of juvenile fire setters, sexual harassment, and criminal sentencing.