Improve your use of tire imprint evidence with the work of an expert. McDonald discusses methods for examining, capturing, and recording imprints, outlines standard procedures for identification, shows how to prepare expert testimony, and provides detailed technical information helpful in identifying imprints.

Now in its second edition, Nuclear Forensic Analysis provides a multidisciplinary reference for forensic scientists, analytical and nuclear chemists, and nuclear physicists in one convenient source. The authors focus particularly on the chemical, physical, and nuclear aspects associated with the production or interrogation of a radioactive sample. They consolidate fundamental principles of nuclear forensic analysis, all pertinent protocols and procedures, computer modeling development, interpretational insights, and attribution considerations. The principles and techniques detailed are then demonstrated and discussed in their applications to real-world investigations and casework conducted over the past several years. Highlights of the Second Edition include: A new section on sample analysis considerations and interpretation following a post-detonation nuclear forensic collection New case studies, including the most wide-ranging and multidisciplinary nuclear forensic investigation conducted by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to date Expanded treatments of radiologic dispersal devices (RDDs) and statistical analysis methodologies The material is presented with minimal mathematical formality, using consistent terminology with limited jargon, making it a reliable, accessible reference. The broad-based coverage provides important insight into the multifaceted changes facing this recently developed science.

Law and Evidence: A Primer for Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Legal Studies, Third Edition introduces the complex topic of evidence law in a straightforward and accessible manner. The use and function of evidence in both criminal and civil cases is examined to offer a complete understanding of how evidence principles play out in the real world of litigation and advocacy. This revised Third Edition includes new discussions of rules and case law analysis, forensic cases, and evidentiary software programs. Key Features: Every chapter contains new legal authority that apples to traditional legal principles relevant to evidence law Offers full coverage of evidentiary codes and statutes Provides practical forms, checklists, and additional tools throughout for use by current and future practitioners Course ancillaries including PowerPointTM lecture slides and an Instructor's Manual with Test Bank are available with qualified course adoption.

'I think you have something here' I said, 'This could lead to a whole new way of understanding criminal behaviour. As far as I know no one's ever tried to figure out why serial killers kill. The implications are profound.' Haunting, heartfelt, and deeply human, Dr Ann Burgess's remarkable memoir combines a riveting personal narrative of fearless feminism and ambition, bone-chilling encounters with real-life monsters, and a revealing portrait of the ever-evolving US criminal justice system. A Killer By Design will inspire, terrify, and enlighten you in equal measure. It forces us to confront the age-old question 'What drives someone to kill, and how can we stop them?' 'Of all the colleagues I've worked with, Ann is one of the sharpest - and one of the toughest ... She taught us how to harness the chaos of serial killers' minds and helped us decipher the undecipherable. I'd recommend that everyone read A Killer By Design; not only is it a great page-turner, but it's about time Ann's story was heard' - JOHN E. DOUGLAS, former FBI criminal profiler and bestselling author of Mindhunter.

Serial Killers and the Phenomenon of Serial Murder examines and analyses some of the best known (as well as lesser) cases from English criminal history, ancient and modern. It looks at the lifestyles, backgrounds and activities of those who become serial killers and identifies clear categories of individuals into which most serial killers fall.Led by Professor David Wilson the authors are all experts and teachers concerning the ever-intriguing subject of serial killing: why, when and how it happens and whether it can be predicted. Taking some of the leading cases from English law and abroad they demonstrate the patterns that emerge in the lives and backgrounds of those who kill a number of times over a period. The book is designed for those studying the topic at advanced level, whether as an academic discipline on one of the many courses now run by universities and colleges or as a private quest for understanding. It contains notes on key terms and explanations of topics such as co-activation, Munchausen syndrome, cooling-off period, psychopathy checklist, social construction, case linkage, family annihilation, activity space, rational choice theory, medicalisation and rendezvous discipline. As the first textbook of its kind it will be an invaluable resource for teachers and students of serious crime.

This book, the second volume of Crime Scene Management in Forensic Sciences, reviews the role and impact of forensic evidence in criminal investigations. It also addresses the importance of post mortem examination in criminal cases. The book investigates the use of insects and arthropods to estimate post mortem intervals during forensic investigations. Further, it discusses the physiological effects of xenobiotics at the time of death, based on their concentration and distribution in the body at autopsy. Importantly, it also discusses digital forensic investigation, which can be used for the analysis of digital evidence produced at a court of law. Lastly, it defines the structure and legal framework of these forensic evidences for the effective administration of the criminal justice system. It is an excellent source of information for forensics scientists and legal professionals.

This book offers a comprehensive and integrative introduction to cybercrime. It provides an authoritative synthesis of the disparate literature on the various types of cybercrime, the global investigation and detection of cybercrime and the role of digital information, and the wider role of technology as a facilitator for social relationships between deviants and criminals. It includes coverage of: * key theoretical and methodological perspectives; * computer hacking and malicious software; * digital piracy and intellectual theft; * economic crime and online fraud; * pornography and online sex crime; * cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking; * cyber-terrorism and extremism; * the rise of the Dark Web; * digital forensic investigation and its legal context around the world; * the law enforcement response to cybercrime transnationally; * cybercrime policy and legislation across the globe. The new edition has been revised and updated, featuring two new chapters; the first offering an expanded discussion of cyberwarfare and information operations online, and the second discussing illicit market operations for all sorts of products on both the Open and Dark Web. This book includes lively and engaging features, such as discussion questions, boxed examples of unique events and key figures in offending, quotes from interviews with active offenders, and a full glossary of terms. It is supplemented by a companion website that includes further exercises for students and instructor resources. This text is essential reading for courses on cybercrime, cyber-deviancy, digital forensics, cybercrime investigation, and the sociology of technology.

'Absolutely gripping. Impeccably researched and written with the pace and narrative drive of a thriller, but attentive too to the dignity of the victims.' - Daragh Carville, creator of ITV's The BayThe true story of the shocking 1930s murder case, and the revolutionary investigation that changed forensics forever. Lancaster, 1935. In a jealous rage, Dr Buck Ruxton kills his wife, Isabella, and their children's nanny, Mary, before dismembering the bodies in the bathtub. When walkers discover the remains scattered in a ravine in the Scottish Borders, police are confronted with a gruesome jigsaw puzzle that they must piece together - not only to give the women their names back, but also to catch their killer. Using new research, Jeremy Craddock tells the full story of this landmark case in British criminal history. The Jigsaw Murders brings to life Dr Ruxton, the investigators, the legal figures, and silent witnesses Isabella and Mary, recreating the dramatic scenes that shook the world.

This book addresses the multidisciplinary challenges in biodiversity conservation with a focus on wildlife crime and how forensic tools can be applied to protect species and preserve ecosystems. Illustrated by numerous case studies covering different geographical regions and species the book introduces to the fundamentals of biodiversity conflicts, outlines the unique challenges of wildlife crime scenes and reviews latest techniques in environmental forensics, such as DNA metagenomics. In addition, the volume explores the socio-economic perspective of biodiversity protection and provides an overview of national and international conservation laws. The field of conservation medicine stresses the importance of recognizing that human health, animal health, and ecosystem health are inextricably interdependent and the book serves as important contribution towards achieving the UN Sustainable Developmental Goals, in particular SDG 15, Life on Land. The book addresses graduate students, scientists and veterinary professionals working in wildlife research and conservation biology.

Psychopathy and Criminal Behavior: Current Trends and Challenges fills a gap in the market by covering new topics and angles not addressed in other literature. The book's authors approach the interaction of psychopathy with different types of crime, reflecting on comorbidity with other disorders, symptoms and emotional function. In addition to examining questions of prevention and treatment, they present new developments with solid theory and scientific evidence, also addressing forensic realities. This is a must-have guide for practitioners, students or anyone interested in psychopathy, criminal behavior and the various avenues of treatment.

The revolutionary way in which modern technologies have enabled us to exchange information with ease has created a demand for interdisciplinary research in digital forensics and investigations aiming to combat the abuse of computer technologies. Emerging Digital Forensics Applications for Crime Detection, Prevention, and Security presents various digital crime and forensic disciplines that use electronic devices and software for crime prevention and detection. This book provides theoretical and empirical research articles and case studies for a broad range of academic readers as well as professionals, industry consultants, and practitioners involved in the use, design, and development of techniques related to digital forensics and investigation.

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.

Practical Analysis and Reconstruction of Shooting Incidents, Second Edition presents a holistic approach to shooting incident analysis and reconstruction, covering the entire spectrum of related sub-disciplines of forensic science. The book reviews basic firearm design and function, ammunition components, and terminology, explaining what constitutes pertinent evidence and appropriate results relative to autopsies, forensic laboratory analysis, and reenactments. The second edition features numerous additions including: Four new chapters Complete and extensive updates to all 16 original chapters Three case studies contributed by renowned professionals in the field New and revised exercises at the ends of chapters, with answers provided An expanded glossary of terminology Nearly 340 figures and illustrations, with several in full color New and updated references and suggested readings Appendices containing relevant terminology, checklists, and other resources The book details the mathematics of shooting reconstruction in clear, precise language that allows readers-both those with and without extensive science backgrounds-to apply a logical thought process to the evaluation of shooting scene evidence in order to establish the probable related events to the shooting incident. This new edition provides up-to-date information for field investigators to recognize, preserve, document, and interpret the physical evidence typically found after shooting incidents. In addition to the hundreds of illustrations, the book uses both case studies and step-by-step outlines to clearly describe the required analytical processes involved in reconstructing and interpreting shooting incident scenes.

Now in its second edition, Forensic DNA Evidence Interpretation is the most comprehensive resource for DNA casework available today. Written by leaders in the fields of biology and statistics, including a contribution from Peter Gill, the father of DNA analysis, the book emphasizes the interpretation of test results and provides the necessary formulae in an easily accessible manner. This latest edition is fully updated and includes current and emerging techniques in this fast-moving field. The book begins by reviewing all pertinent biology, and then provides information on every aspect of DNA analysis. This includes modern interpretation methods and contemporary population genetic models available for estimating DNA frequencies or likelihood ratios. Following a chapter on procedures for validating databases, the text presents overviews and performance assessments of both modern sampling uncertainty methods and current paternity testing techniques, including new guidelines on paternity testing in alignment with the International Society for Forensic Genetics. Later chapters discuss the latest methods for mixture analysis, LCN (ultra trace) analysis and non-autosomal (mito, X, and Y) DNA analysis. The text concludes with an overview of procedures for disaster victim identification and information on DNA intelligence databases. Highlights of the second edition include: New information about PCR processes, heterozygote balance and back and forward stuttering New information on the interpretation of low template DNA, drop models and continuous models Additional coverage of lineage marker subpopulation effects, mixtures and combinations with autosomal markers This authoritative book provides a link among the biological, forensic, and interpretative domains of the DNA profiling field. It continues to serve as an invaluable resource that allows forensic scientists, technicians, molecular biologists and attorneys to use forensic DNA evidence to its greatest potential.

EMS in Crime Scene: Role of Medical Emergency Teams in Forensic Cases addresses the different settings that occur in pre-hospital environments, along with the medical-forensic relevance surrounding evidence preservation. The book identifies the main difficulties in this subject to promote proper intervention. The main role of EMS will always be medical assistance, but it is also their job to ensure their safety, the safety of the victim and the protection of the local scene. This means of preserving evidence, even though it is an ancillary activity and is not meant to compromise care of the victim, is an important role of EMS. The objective of preserving where a crime has occurred is, from the outset, to keep the environment as unchanged as possible, that is, not to move and/or subtract objects from their original position (even if it is a firearm) and not to add elements that were not present at the scene, such as shoe trail marks, earth, hair strands, cigarette butts, etc.

Handbook of Analytical Techniques for Forensic Samples: Current and Emerging Developments discusses in detail the current trends and latest analytical techniques and methods commonly employed in forensic analysis in order to ensure the proper facilitation of justice. This book is useful for readers who wish to stay updated on the latest trends in the forensic analysis of samples encountered at crime scenes. Technological advancements, such as biosensors, nanotechnology, and taggant technology have upped the level of analysis in forensic science. These emergent technologies, incorporated with existing analytical techniques, are leading to more precise, accurate, and specific examination of forensic samples. Lab-on-a-chip technology has also eased several kinds of on-site analyses done by investigating teams at different types of crime scenes. This book covers the evolution of forensic sample analysis as well as these emerging trends and new technologies.

Long 'on' the Tooth: Dental Evidence of Diet addresses human dental macroscopic and microscopic wear, as well as dental disease, as indicators of diet. The book focuses primarily on 350 pre-contact humans from North America dating from approximately 5,500 to 600 years ago. These populations had subsistence strategies ranging from terrestrial foraging to intensive maize agriculture. The study makes intra- and intergroup comparisons to elucidate dietary nuances that are largely beyond the reach of other means of dietary reconstruction. Finally, the book discusses the importance of using multiple dietary indicators in unison in order to provide paleodietary insights.

This book presents the multidisciplinary field of forensic archaeology as complementary but distinct from forensic anthropology. By looking beyond basic excavation methods and skeletal analyses, this book presents the theoretical foundations of forensic archaeology, novel contexts and applications, and demonstrative case studies from practitioners active in the field. Many of the chapters present new approaches and methods not previously covered in other forensic archaeology books, some of which may be of direct use to those conducting criminal investigations.

Forensic Pathology Case Studies features 8-13 case studies from the author's 19-year career as both a forensic pathologist and anthropologist in northern Italy. Every case will be presented as an extended version of a professional report, where the descriptions of circumstances, the scientific approach to investigation techniques, their results, the critical interpretation of results, and the case resolution are combined. Photos are available for most cases and will help clarifying the cases to the reader. References will inspire further reading.

Forensic Handwriting Identification: Fundamental Concepts and Principles teaches the law enforcement and legal communities the major principles involved in handwriting and hand-printing analysis as applied to many types of investigations, including fraud, homicide, suicide, drug trafficking/clandestine labs, sexual offenses, threats and extortion, blackmail, arson, bombings, and theft. Lawyers and investigators will learn how to interpret an examiner's report, the significance of various handwriting opinions and the influencing factors which must be considered.

This book tackles the contentious issue of policing in an age of controversy and uncertainty. It is a timely book written by police scholars - predominantly former practitioners from Europe, Australia and North America - who draw from their own research and operational experiences to illuminate key issues relating to police reform in the present day. While acknowledging some relevance of usual proposed models, such as problem-solving, evidence-based policing and procedural justice, the contributors provide an insider look at a variety of perspectives and approaches to police reform which have emerged in recent decades. It invites university students, criminologists, social scientists, police managers, forensic scientists to question and adapt their perspectives on a broad range of topics such as community policing, hate crime, Islamic radicalisation, neighborhood dynamics, situational policing, antidiscrimination and civil society, police ethics, performance measures, and advances in forensic science, technology, intelligence and more in an accessible and comprehensive manner.

Behavioral Forensics: Using Applied Behavior Analysis in Psychological Court Evaluations presents the first compendia on the application of behavioral principles for the assessment and analysis of criminal behavior in court-ordered psychological evaluations. The book explains criminal motivation, risk behaviors, custody, criminal responsibility, and competence to stand trial. BFA employs principles and techniques of standard behavioral assessment in deducing causal evidence from interview and psychometric data. Sections cover evidence-based concepts and principles of BFA vs. obsolete forensic evaluation models, also including ten case studies that illustrate BFA in pre and post-sentencing evaluations that demonstrate how to determine risk of criminal recidivism or competency. Considering the unprecedented numbers of psychologists turning to forensic work and influx of graduate programs offering degrees in criminal behavior analysis, this book is a timely resource for a variety of readers.