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.

This remarkable book affords the opportunity to delve into the challenges that the forensic mental health specialist and public safety professional confront in death scene investigations.

A collaboration between two internationally known experts, this volume presents a scientific, modern view of autoerotic death, complete with a variety of case histories and investigator tips. Enhanced with more than 100 color photos, the book begins by exploring the evolution of the concept of sexual asphyxia and autoerotic death. It then examines death scene characteristics and the importance of recognizing clues to the autoerotic nature of a death. Using a case history format to describe methods as well as typical and atypical victims, the book is an unparalleled resource for all those involved in the investigation of these peculiar incidents.

Death Investigation: Systems and Procedures is the first book dedicated to the topic of death investigation from a legal standpoint as well as the administrative and operational procedures that pertain to the medical examiner and the coroner system in the United States. Unique in its perspective, this book is the only one not concerned with instruc

The sudden or unexplained death of an individual has a profound impact on families and friends of the deceased and places significant responsibility on the agencies tasked with determining the cause of death. Responsibility for conducting death investigations may rest with pathologists, medical examiners, or coroners, and there is little training available in the best procedures for handling these crucial and sensitive tasks. These guidelines were developed to help fill this gap. By adhering to these standards, death investigators can arrive at the truth about a suspicious death, and families and friends can know what happened to their loved one.