While there are numerous books on crime scene investigation and the processing of crime scenes, few focus on the processing of vehicles. Whether the crime took place in the car or the car was used to transport the suspect or victim—and, as such, is a secondary scene—investigating vehicles presents several unique challenges. Processing Vehicles Used in Violent Crimes for Forensic Evidence fills this void providing the technical instruction sorely needed in this area of crime scene investigation. The book is geared not only to investigators who process vehicles involved in general crimes but also with a specific focus on violent crimes. Coverage includes details as to how investigators should document the vehicle in a logical and methodical manner that is easily understood and replicated for various scenes. By identifying the unique challenges caused by working in the tight quarters of a vehicle—especially in photographing the vehicle, the evidence within it, and how to best find, collect, document, and preserve the evidence—the author provides a unique reference for investigators. Special attention is paid to documenting shooting incidents, the proper detailing and documentation of bullet trajectories, bloodstain documentation, and processing vehicles for other biological, impression, and physical evidence. Key Features Presents crime scene collection and preservation techniques and methodology specific to vehicle-related considerations Outlines the unique challenges, and step-by-step procedural requirements, necessary to conduct a vehicle or vehicle-related scene investigation Addresses types of various evidence for vehicles—including fingerprint, blood, DNA, bullet and casing, and fire debris—which are common primary or secondary crime scenes While the book is geared toward crime scene investigators and forensic technicians who process vehicles used in crimes, it will be an invaluable resource for criminal justice and forensic science students, attorneys, death investigators, fire investigators, accident scene investigators, and scene reconstructionists.

Forensic Investigation of Stolen-Recovered and Other Crime-Related Vehicles provides unique and detailed insights into the investigations of one of the most common crime scenes in the world. In addition to a thorough treatment of auto theft, the book covers vehicles involved in other forms of crime—dealing extensively with the various procedures and dynamics of evidence as it might be left in any crime scene. An impressive collection of expert contributors covers a wide variety of subjects, including chapters on vehicle identification, examination of burned vehicles, vehicles recovered from under water, vehicles involved in terrorism, vehicle tracking, alarms, anti-theft systems, steering columns, and ignition locks. The book also covers such topics as victim and witness interviews, public and private auto theft investigations, detection of trace evidence and chemical traces, vehicle search techniques, analysis of automotive fluids, vehicle registration, document examination, and vehicle crime mapping. It is the ultimate reference guide for any auto theft investigator, crime scene technician, criminalist, police investigator, criminologist, or insurance adjuster. - Extensively researched and exceptionally well-written by internationally-recognized experts in auto theft investigation and forensic science - All the principles explained in the text are well-illustrated and demonstrated with more than 450 black and white and about 100 full-color illustrations, many directly from real cases - Serves as both a valuable reference guide to the professional and an effective teaching tool for the forensic science student

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).

"Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation is a staple for any forensic science library and is routinely referenced by professional organizations as a study guide for certifications. It is professionally written and provides updated theoretical and practical applications using real casework. This text is a must-have for any CSI Unit or course teaching Crime Scene Investigation." – Kevin Parmelee, PhD, Detective (ret.), Somerset County, NJ Prosecutor’s Office Since the first English-language edition of Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation was published in 1964, the book has continued to be a seminal work in the field of forensic science, serving as a foundational textbook and reference title for professionals. This Ninth Edition includes several new chapters and has been fully updated and organized to present the effective use of science and technology in support of justice. New coverage to this edition addresses the debunking of a few forensic science disciplines, long thought to have been based on sound science. The book provides students, crime scene investigators, forensic scientists, and attorneys the proper ways to examine crime scenes and collect a wide variety of physical evidence that may be encountered. While it is not possible to cover every imaginable situation, this book is a comprehensive guide that details and promotes best practices and recommendations. In today’s challenging environment, it is essential that law enforcement personnel thoroughly understand and meticulously comply with the forensic evidence procedures that apply to their function in the investigation process. Criminal investigations remain as complex as ever and require professionals from many disciplines to work cooperatively toward the fair and impartial delivery of justice. Practitioners and students alike need to be aware of the increased scrutiny that they will face in the judicial system. Judges are taking a more involved role than ever before as far as the evidence and testimony that they allow into their courtrooms. No longer will substandard forensic science or crime scene investigation be acceptable. Key features: Newly reorganized contents—including 4 brand new chapters—reflects a more logical flow of crime scene processes and procedures Provides an overview of the crime scene investigation process and procedures, from the first officer on the scene through the adjudication of the case Includes several new cases, photos, and updates in technological advances in both digital evidence and DNA in particular Science and technology applied to CSI solves crimes and saves lives. Investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys must be able to use forensic tools and resources to their fullest potential and Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation serves as an invaluable resource to further this cause.

The ability to thoroughly and accurately photograph a crime scene is a mandate for all investigators, regardless of the time of day, weather conditions, or confines within which a piece of evidence is concealed. Evidence is commonly found in locations that are some of the most difficult to access and photograph. Having the knowledge, wherewithal, and skills necessary to photograph evidence in less-than-accommodating environments is vital to a photographer’s effectiveness and success. Advanced Crime Scene Photography, Third Edition takes a somewhat different approach to the subject over prior editions. Rather than assuming a crime scene investigator’s or photographer’s comfort with the operation of their cameras—and a basic understanding of apertures, shutter speeds, ISO values, and basic exposure calculations—the author has added coverage to provide a thorough review of basic photographic concepts, as a refresher to readers. And, for those less familiar or otherwise new to photography, such background makes the foundational concepts more understandable for those readers who require such information to understand the more advanced techniques covered later in the book. In addition to this background coverage, an entirely new chapter has been added to provide essential guidance on how to prepare and testify in court. Anyone with a camera phone can take a photograph in perfect lighting, with the subject sitting out in the open, and already positioned for the best composition. This book provides crime scene photographers with the skills necessary to record those same beautiful photographs in adverse condition, surrounded by tragedy, utilizing all the tools available to the investigator. The greatest tool a photographer has available to them is their brain. From start to finish, the value of quality crime scene photographs cannot be overemphasized; photographers must take control of their photographic endeavors, identify the challenges, design a plan to capture the image correctly, and then execute that plan. As such Advanced Crime Scene Photograph, Third Edition is written to help photographers achieve the goal of capturing the best possible images—especially in those difficult-to-capture, real-world environments and conditions—for utilization in capture illustrative images as admissible evidence and for usage in court. All photographers need to practice their craft, whether they are actively working cases as seasoned veterans or are just beginning their careers. This book provides the knowledge and skills essential to achieve career and professional success in crime scene photography.

Uniting forensics, law, and social science in meaningful and relevant ways, Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice, by Kevin J. Strom and Matthew J. Hickman, is structured around current research on how forensic evidence is being used and how it is impacting the justice system. This unique book—written by nationally known scholars in the field—includes five sections that explore the demand for forensic services, the quality of forensic services, the utility of forensic services, post-conviction forensic issues, and the future role of forensic science in the administration of justice. The authors offer policy-relevant directions for both the criminal justice and forensic fields and demonstrate how the role of the crime laboratory in the American justice system is evolving in concert with technological advances as well as changing demands and competing pressures for laboratory resources.

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.