The Most Dangerous Animal of All was co-written by the estranged son of California's infamous Zodiac killer to reveal his father's true identity. When the book hit the streets the skeptics were in full force. Just like those who mocked the boy who cried wolf, no one could blame them. Too many people had already claimed to either be the killer or to know who he really was. The problem is-the skeptics weren't considering the handwriting comparisons skillfully performed by Document Examiner, Michael Wakshull, to finally crack the case. The End of the Zodiac Mystery will enable you to reach your own conclusion whether this decades-long cold case has finally been solved. In it, Wakshull walks you step-by-step through his intriguing forensic analysis, revealing the methodology he used to solve the case other document examiners refused to accept. There is a twist to every story, and his methodology required a twist, too, in order to ensure a credible conclusion. Where The Most Dangerous Animal of All leaves off, The End of the Zodiac Mystery picks up, sharing actual handwriting comparisons between Earl Van Best Jr. and the self-named Zodiac killer. It is virtually certain the documents were written by the same man. If you like surprise endings, don't start reading from the back of the book. Save the thrill in the epilogue for the end

Training manual for forensic examination of questioned handwriting, signatures and documents to accompany distance course taught by Reed Hayes. Full payment of tuition includes cost of the printed material. NOTE: This publication is not available for purchase without enrolling in the full Training Course in Questioned Handwriting and Document Examination. For detailed course information, go to: http: //www.reedwrite.com

Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice-winner of a 2015 Textbook Excellence Award (Texty) from The Text and Academic Authors Association-approaches forensic anthropology through an innovative style using current practices and real case studies drawn from the varied experiences, backgrounds, and practices of working forensic anthropologists. This text guides the reader through all aspects of human remains recovery and forensic anthropological analysis, presenting principles at a level that is appropriate for those new to the field, while at the same time incorporating evolutionary, biomechanical, and other theoretical foundations for the features and phenomena encountered in forensic anthropological casework. Attention is focused primarily on the most recent and scientifically valid applications commonly employed by working forensic anthropologists. Readers will therefore learn about innovative techniques in the discipline, and aspiring practitioners will be prepared by understanding the necessary background needed to work in the field today. Instructors and students will find Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice comprehensive, practical, and relevant to the modern discipline of forensic anthropology.

This workbook is designed to assist the Crime Scene Analyst, Technician or Investigator in documenting bloodstained patterns that are located at the crime scene or on bloodstained items that are submitted for an analysis. It is also designed to assist the Crime Scene Analyst, Technician or Investigator in reconstructing or analyzing a bloodstained crime scene or a bloodstained item for which a bloodstain pattern analysis is requested The documentation could be accomplished with overall, midrange photographs and close-up photographs with 2, 3 or 6 centimeter stick-on tapes that should be placed in the center of each rectangular area. The documentation should also consist of notes and rough sketches with measurements. The close-up photographs of the rectangular areas with the 2, 3 or 6 inches stick-on tapes that were placed in the center of those areas should be taken with a parallel film /camera plane. The stick-on tapes should be labeled according to the surface on which they would be placed. Example: West wall of living room #1 (ww of lr #1) and west wall of living room #2 (ww of lr #2) etc. The number of close-up photographs would be determined by the number of rectangular areas with the stick-on tapes. Example: At least ten (10) close-up photographs should be taken if ten (10) stick-on tapes were placed on the bloodstained surface. The bloodstain pattern reconstruction or analysis should be done by first recognizing and or identifying the many different types of patterns in a bloodstained scene or on a bloody item. The next step should involve the reconstruction of the points or areas of convergence and origin and then a determination of how the other patterns were most likely created. The workbook contains several tasks and assignments that would provide the student with the tools to accomplish the documentation and analysis. The Crime Scene Analyst, Technician or Investigator after successfully completing the workbook / workshop should be aware that: 1.0 Single drops of blood in a crime scene or on an item were influenced by the surface from which the blood fell (the volume); the diameter, the shape, the impact angle, the scalloping of the perimeter and the direction of travel of the dropped blood that impacted the target surface (the volume, the height from which the blood fell, the texture of the target surface on which the blood fell, the angle of the targeted bloodstained surface and the horizontal speed of the source that issued the blood). 2.0 Numerous drops of blood in the same pattern in a crime scene or on an item were influenced by the force or the impact (less than 25 feet per second - dropped blood and cast-off bloodstain); (25 to 100 feet per second - medium velocity bloodstain); (over 100 feet per second - high velocity bloodstain); projected blood (arterial bleeding); transfer of blood from one object to another (contact or transfer bloodstains, imprint bloodstains, smears or swipes and wipes); large volumes of blood (splashed or pooled blood) 3.0 The reconstruction or analysis of the points or areas of origin could be determined by strings, scaled drawings or calculations. The interpretation of the other patterns (non impact) along with the Medical Examiner's autopsy report should allow the crime scene analyst, technician or Investigator to complete a bloodstain pattern analysis report and if possible explain and or testify to the sequence of events that occurred at the crime scene.

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the fundamental building block for an individual's entire genetic make-up. DNA is a powerful tool for law enforcement investigations because each person's DNA is different from that of every other individual (except for identical twins). DNA can be extracted from a number of sources, such as hair, bone, teeth, saliva, and blood. As early as the 1980s, states began enacting laws that required collecting DNA samples from offenders convicted of certain sexual and other violent crimes. The samples were then analysed and their profiles entered into state databases. Meanwhile, the FBI laboratory convened a working group of federal, state, and local forensic scientists to establish guidelines for the use of forensic DNA analysis in laboratories. This book provides an overview of how DNA is used to investigate crimes and help protect the innocent. It reviews current statutory law on collecting DNA samples, sharing DNA profiles, and providing access to post-conviction DNA testing.

The field of digital forensics is rapidly evolving and continues to gain significance in both the law enforcement and the scientific community. Being intrinsically interdisciplinary, it draws upon a wide range of subject areas such as information & communication technologies, law, social sciences and business administration. With this in mind, the workshop on Digital Forensics and Incident Analysis (WDFIA) specifically addresses this multi-facetted aspect, with papers invited from the full spectrum of issues relating to digital forensics and incident analysis. This book represents the proceedings from the 2012 event, which was held in Crete, Greece. A total of 13 papers are included, spanning a range of topics including systems and network investigation, services and applications and supporting the forensic process. All of the papers were subject to double-blind peer review, with each being reviewed by at least two members of the international programme committee.

"Forensic Investigations" is an anthology designed to address the information gaps found in typical forensic textbooks. The articles selected for this text provide a deeper understanding of both the theory and the practical applications of forensic-investigation skills. Divided into five topical areas, these readings include some of the most up-to-date research studies and suggested practices in the field. Topics include The CSI Effect, Views on the Needs for Forensics, Photography, DNA/Fingerprints, and Digital Evidence. This book also includes historical articles that provide contextual background related to current trends. Joe LeFevre has worked as both a police officer and firefighter during his professional career. He has held positions as a police officer, patrol supervisor, field training officer, evidence technician, firefighter II, fire department engineer, and fire investigator.
After becoming a police field training officer Joseph LeFevre was certified to instruct Wisconsin Police Academy classes. After receiving a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice, LeFevre began teaching at University Wisconsin-Platteville, where he is now a full-time instructor. He is currently working to complete his PhD, and he continues to conduct in-service training and academy classes for police officers and firefighters.

Over the last 100 years the way in which crime is detected and criminals are identified and convicted has changed radically owing to the development of forensic science. Written by leading forensic scientist Dr Zakaria Erzinclioglu and updated by Dr Sharon Erzinclioglu, this book presents a gripping study of the techniques that are familar to us from media reports or television dramas. Many recent and historical cases are discussed in detail, including those in which the author himself was an expert witness.

The riveting front-page news story of an FBI agent falsely accused of ordering four mob hits.
FBI agent Lin DeVecchio was a key player in the New York Mafia wars from the late seventies through the early nineties. Yet despite his stunning success fighting organized crime, DeVecchio was accused of taking bribes, selling information to the man who was his informant, and even personally ordering four mob hits.
Who went after Lin DeVecchio and why? How did a highly respected FBI agent become suspected of corruption and charged with four counts of murder? DeVecchio and bestselling author Charles Brandt go behind the front-page headlines and tell the fascinating story of a law enforcement officer who beat the mob bosses, only to end up fighting for his own freedom.

Handbook of Human Rights Investigation, 374 pp. The Handbook of Human Rights Investigation is a comprehensive guide to the investigation and documentation of serious abuses of human rights and violations of international criminal law. Experts in the field have been uniform in their praise for the Handbook of Human Rights Investigation: "Professor Groome has put together an impressive and thoughtful compendium of best practice in the investigation of human rights and humanitarian law violations...I commend this book to all who are or will become engaged in this growing and important field." Justice Richard J. Goldstone "The Handbook is a comprehensive guide for human rights investigators. It is practical, accessible and an invaluable tool for those committed to doing thorough documentation of human rights abuses." Salil Shetty - Secretary General, Amnesty International "This handbook will serve as an essential guide to human right investigators. In this updated volume, Dermot Groome, a highly experienced and regarded international criminal prosecutor, has brought together the practical knowledge necessary for investigating human rights abuses. Just as importantly he has placed this highly useful information in an understandable and clear legal and ethical framework. I am glad to highly recommend the Handbook; it should be by the side of all those involved in human rights investigations in the future." David Tolbert - President, International Center for Transitional Justice "One of the most acclaimed monitoring manuals...." Jonathan Horowitz, One World Research "Considered a cornerstone text by many leading human rights investigators and activists." The Humanitarian Law Centre "The First Edition of Dermot Groome's Handbook of Human Rights Investigation established itself as an indispensable tool for the human rights investigator. The Second Edition surpasses it, and cements Dermot's reputation as an attorney/investigator who can clearly and concisely explain how to conduct these complex and difficult inquiries. The Handbook is an essential guide for human rights investigators worldwide." John Ralston, Institute for International Criminal Investigations "Groome uses his extensive experience in investigating and prosecuting heinous crimes to provide a step-by-step guidebook to anyone investigating and documenting human rights abuses or violent crimes - a 'must have' for anyone interested in the field." Dr. Kelly Askin, Open Society Justice Initiative The Handbook of Human Rights Investigation is a comprehensive guide to best practices in the field of international criminal investigation and includes the following topics: an overview of the relevant law; an overview of the investigative process; the documentation and collection of physical evidence; the documentation and identification of physical injuries; interviewing witnesses; the identification of suspects and the writing of investigative reports. The Handbook has two appendices; Appendix A is a compilation of 20 commonly used investigation forms and Appendix B is a collection of important international instruments and protocols including model procedures for autopsies, investigations into massacres, torture and the disinterment of mass graves.

After the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, and the anthrax attacks in the fall of 2001, federal and state personnel provided response, recovery and remediation under trying circumstances, including unprecedented demand on their capabilities to analyse environmental samples. In reviewing these events, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified several areas where the country could better prepare itself in the event of future terrorist incidents. The need to improve the nation's laboratory capacity and capability to analyse environmental samples following a homeland security event was one of the most important areas identified. This book examines the standardised analytical methods and criteria for environmental restoration following homeland security events.

"Rape Investigation Handbook" details specific investigative and forensic processes related to sex crimes casework invaluable to those in law enforcement, the legal community, and the private sector. It takes the reader through these processes in a logical sequence, showing how investigations of rape and sexual assault can and should be conducted from start to finish. The second edition is reorganized to flow from the alleged assault to a courtroom trial. Section heads have been introduced and it includes six new chapters on sex crimes, sex trafficking, forensic victimology, eyewitness reports, rape trauma syndrome and rapist motivations. The remaining 12 chapters are entirely overhauled and in some cases completely rewritten by new, highly qualified contributors, such as "Sexual Assault Examination and Reconstruction" by Brent E. Turvey and Charla Jamerson and "Rapist Motivations" by Brent E. Turvey and Jodi Freeman. An additional appendix was added to provide current case studies.
* Includes six new chapters on sex crimes, sex trafficking, forensic victimology, eyewitness reports, rape trauma syndrome and rapist motivations
* Written in a clear, practical style, ideal for sex crime investigators including: professionals in forensic nursing, forensic laboratories, law enforcement and the legal community
*Authored by qualified investigators and forensic professionals with over 30 years of collective experience working cases, preparing them for court and offering testimony

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

Policymakers are increasingly coming to grips with legal issues related to taking DNA samples from people who have not been convicted of crimes. The practice of taking DNA samples from convicted criminals is now largely uncontroversial. The courts have routinely upheld laws that authorise DNA collection from both current and former convicts, and the resulting databases of DNA have become powerful tools to analyse forensic evidence collected from crime scenes. The databases help to clear innocent suspects and redirect law enforcement officials away from unproductive investigations. A trend that is causing significant debate is gathering DNA samples from people who are arrested but not convicted. Some people worry that collecting DNA creates the potential for abuse of genetic information stored in databases. This book explores the background and issues of DNA collection and testing.

Criminal identification through the use of fingerprints is one of the most valued tools for obtaining the capture of criminal fugitives; determining the prior arrest records of arrested individuals; and identifying amnesia victims, missing persons, and unknown deceased. As a method of identification, fingerprinting has been by far the least fallible and most feasible method developed in the past century. "The Science of Fingerprints: Classification and Uses" was developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a concise reference source regarding the analysis, classification, and taking of fingerprints by law enforcement personnel. This profusely illustrated handbook covers: Types of patterns and their interpretation; The classification formula and extensions; Filing, searching, and referencing; The National Crime Information Center Fingerprint Classification System. In addition to this valuable overview of fingerprint theory and analysis, "The Science of Fingerprints" provides detailed explanations of: The techniques for taking a good fingerprint; Problems in taking inked fingerprints; Problems and practices in fingerprinting the dead; Latent impressions; Powdering and lifting latent prints; Preparation of fingerprint charts for court testimony. The science of fingerprints constitutes an eloquent drama of human lives, both good and evil. Federal, state, and local law enforcement professionals who deal with the real-life apprehension of criminals and identification of crime and disaster victims will find "The Science of Fingerprints" an invaluable ally in this ongoing effort.

The "Handbook of Forensic Services" provides guidance and procedures for safe and efficient methods of collecting, preserving, packaging, and shipping evidence and describes the forensic examinations performed by the FBI's Laboratory Division and Operational Technology Division.

Constructing graves is a uniquely human activity. When the grave is hidden it is most likely done so to conceal a murder or the wrongful disposal of a body. Finding these buried bodies is vital for both a successful legal prosecution as well as the emotional closure required for family and friends of the victim. This unique text provides a compact reference for those who find themselves called upon to search for missing persons who have met a tragic fate. Other readers will find a greater understanding of the science and culture that lies behind clandestine graves, so often a key component of both real life and fiction. Hidden bodies deserve to be found and this book outlines techniques that increase the likelihood of success with professional patience, persistence and a knowledge-based approach.

In addition to supplementing existing analysis techniques in serious crime cases, trace DNA can allow investigation of volume crime cases such as burglary or vehicle theft, where previously DNA evidence was not considered usable. However, despite the widespread use of trace DNA, at present there are very few specific validated methods. This has lead to controversy in the use of trace DNA, and particularly the low copy number amplification technique. It has been established that the use of existing methodology (developed for high-copy number samples) leads to significant levels of artefacts with trace DNA, including allele drop-out and drop-in, stutter, and allelic/locus imbalance. To minimise these, there are numerous modifications that can be made to existed methods to increase the success of trace DNA analysis. This book presents advances in the field of DNA research as an aid in Forensic studies and Genetics.

In the #1 "New York Times" bestseller "Mindhunter," John Douglas, who headed the FBI's elite Investigative Support Unit, told the story of his brilliant and terrifying career tracking down some of the most heinous criminals in history. Using behavioral profiling and criminal investigative analysis to get into the head and psyche of both the criminal and victim -- to feel what they felt at the critical moment -- Douglas helped crack many high profile cases, including the Trailside Killer, the Atlanta child murders, and the Tylenol murders. Now, working again with his co-author Mark Olshaker, Douglas delves further into the criminal mind with a series of chilling new cases in "Journey into Darkness" Follow the FBI's premier investigative profiler as he penetrates the minds and motives of the most terrifying serial killers.

In "Journey into Darkness," Douglas profiles vicious serial killers, rapists, and child molesters. He is straightforward, blunt, often irreverent, and outspoken, but takes pains not to glorify any of these murderers. Some of the unique cases Douglas discusses include:

With "Journey into Darkness, " Douglas provides more than a glimpse into the minds of serial killers; he demonstrates what a powerful weapon behavioral science has become. Profiling criminals helps not only to capture them, but also helps society understand how these predators work and what can be done to prevent them from striking again. Douglas focuses especially on pedophiles and child abductors, fully explaining what drives them, and how to keep children away from them. As he points out, "The best way to protect your children is to know your enemy." He includes eight rules for safety, a list of steps parents can take to prevent child abduction and exploitation, tips on how to detect sexual exploitation, basic rules of safety for children, and a chart, based on age, which details the safety skills children should have to protect themselves.

In his review for "Mindhunter" in "The New York Times Book Review, " Dean Koontz said, "Because of his insights and the power of the material, he leaves us shaken, gripped by a quiet grief for the innocent victims and anguished by the human condition." Journey into Darkness continues this perilous trip into the psyche of the serial killer, but also offers a glimmer of hope that profiling may enable law enforcement to see the indicators of a serial killer's mind and intervene before he kills, or kills again.

Behind today’s most lurid headlines… A timely look at the fascinating realm of high-tech sleuthing Beyond the Crime Lab The New Science of Investigation Revised Edition The science of criminal investigation is evolving at an astonishing rate. Gone are the days of merely dusting for fingerprints and checking for lipstick traces. Today’s forensics experts use DNA typing, computer and physical anthropologic reconstructions, and other highly sophisticated techniques—techniques that some critics believe have dire implications for every citizen’s right to privacy and individual freedom. Completely updated to address the latest trends and developments in the field, this revised edition of Beyond the Crime Lab takes you on an entertaining and sometimes alarming journey through the incredible and perpetually advancing world of criminal investigation.

How are forensic investigations conducted? What are the latest techniques in forensic methods? This book provides a comprehensive resource for the study of forensic science and its approaches to the investigation of death, disaster, and abuse. Editor Marc Oxenham has drawn together scientists and practitioners from the Asia-Pacific region with a range of specialties who provide a context to understand how their various approaches and processes in forensic investigation contribute to a successful outcome. The book has been structured into four sections comprising: forensic archaeology, techniques of human identification, determining time, manner and cause of death, legal, ethical and procedural issues. As a background to understanding the main issues, problems, solutions, debates, controversies and everyday practical approaches to the practice of forensic science, Forensic Approaches to Death, Disaster and Abuse is an invaluable aid to students, academics and practitioners.