Forensic botany is the application of plant science to the resolution of legal questions. A plant's anatomy and its ecological requirements are in some cases species specific and require taxonomic verification; correct interpretation of botanical evidence can give vital information about a crime scene or a suspect or victim. The use of botanical evidence in legal investigations in North America is relatively recent. The first botanical testimony to be heard in a North American court concerned the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh's baby boy and the conviction of Bruno Hauptmann in 1935. Today, forensic botany encompasses numerous subdisciplines of plant science, such as plant anatomy, taxonomy, ecology, palynology, and diatomology, and interfaces with other disciplines, e.g., molecular biology, limnology and oceanography. Forensic Plant Science presents chapters on plant science evidence, plant anatomy, plant taxonomic evidence, plant ecology, case studies for all of the above, as well as the educational pathways for the future of forensic plant science.

Developing a knowledge model helps to formalize the difficult task of analyzing crime incidents in addition to preserving and presenting the digital evidence for legal processing. The use of data analytics techniques to collect evidence assists forensic investigators in following the standard set of forensic procedures, techniques, and methods used for evidence collection and extraction. Varieties of data sources and information can be uniquely identified, physically isolated from the crime scene, protected, stored, and transmitted for investigation using AI techniques. With such large volumes of forensic data being processed, different deep learning techniques may be employed. Confluence of AI, Machine, and Deep Learning in Cyber Forensics contains cutting-edge research on the latest AI techniques being used to design and build solutions that address prevailing issues in cyber forensics and that will support efficient and effective investigations. This book seeks to understand the value of the deep learning algorithm to handle evidence data as well as the usage of neural networks to analyze investigation data. Other themes that are explored include machine learning algorithms that allow machines to interact with the evidence, deep learning algorithms that can handle evidence acquisition and preservation, and techniques in both fields that allow for the analysis of huge amounts of data collected during a forensic investigation. This book is ideally intended for forensics experts, forensic investigators, cyber forensic practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students interested in cyber forensics, computer science and engineering, information technology, and electronics and communication.

Sexual Assault Kits and Reforming the Response to Rape curates the current state of untested sexual assault kit research and highlights emerging best practices by exploring the past, the present, and the future of our collective response to rape. This book is the first to address the most critical topics related to untested sexual assault kits and the Department of Justice's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, bringing together leading US scholars, practitioners, policy makers, and survivors. In a series of well-researched and thoughtful thematic chapters, the book explores the current state of knowledge related to untested kits, survivors, and perpetrators, while also documenting fundamental and necessary changes in how societal systems respond to rape. It provides an opportunity to learn from our past, highlight what we could do differently now, and envision a better future for victims of rape and those tasked with ensuring justice. It may also serve as a cautionary tale for those jurisdictions that have yet to face their backlog or who have failed to embrace the practice and policy changes that have emerged from the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. Sexual Assault Kits and Reforming the Response to Rape is essential reading for practitioners (including law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, mental health providers, forensic nurses, and forensic scientists), stakeholders, legislators, and policy makers. It will also be of interest to upper-level students and scholars working on interpersonal violence, gender-based violence, and forensic nursing in social/behavioral science fields.

- Highlights the work of rising stars in the field - Strikes a balance between chapters that are at the very core of legal/forensic psychology and chapters that present new exciting developments within the field - The proposed volume is born out of the world's first and so far only international doctoral program devoted to legal/forensic psychology: The House of Legal Psychology, funded by the EU

- Highlights the work of rising stars in the field - Strikes a balance between chapters that are at the very core of legal/forensic psychology and chapters that present new exciting developments within the field - The proposed volume is born out of the world's first and so far only international doctoral program devoted to legal/forensic psychology: The House of Legal Psychology, funded by the EU

Death, Decomposition, and Detector Dogs: From Science to Scene, Second Edition is designed to help canine handlers, detectives, death investigators, crime scene personnel (including forensic laboratory personnel, technicians, and supervisors), and attorneys understand the science involved when utilizing human remains detector (HRD) canines as a locating tool. The book covers the basic anatomy and physiology of canine olfaction and the unique characteristics of their scenting ability that allows dogs to be trained to locate distinct odors. Using concise and clear explanations and photographs, the book reviews the science of forensic taphonomy. Factors that may affect the decomposition process are highlighted along with what the potential outcomes that may be encountered. The book examines how the odor of human remains is generated through various stages of decomposition and the manner in which environmental conditions in both land and water settings may affect that odor. Different types of background information that may help in determining possible search locations for missing individuals are included as well as assist the HRD canine handler in developing search plans are covered. Different tools and technologies that may be used in addition to an HRD canine team are included to help readers understand that are many ways to address searching for a decedent. Several case reports involving decedents, found in both land and water settings in addition to different weather conditions, are included to help the reader understand how the environment may have affected the condition of the decedent. This edition includes more case reports explaining how environmental factors were considered in HRD canine deployments in both land and water settings. Understanding which variables-and how such variables-can affect the state and condition of human remains, as well as dispersion of odor from human remains, will help canine handlers utilize their HRD canine more effectively as a locating tool. Death, Decomposition, and Detector Dogs, Second Edition will help HRD canine handlers and other law enforcement personnel be better prepared to meet the challenges of their jobs before, during, and after searches for the missing.

Exploring the dynamics between victim and offender is paramount to answering important issues of character and vital for forensic research. This involves examining the role of the victim during and after victimization; this process is especially important for spousal violence because of the interactive process between the victim and the offender. Forensic Psychology of Spousal Violence covers the phenomenon of spousal violence and its different forms, discussing the consequences of abuse, providing research tips to be used in the field, including relevant case studies and much more. The innovative approach of this text fills a void in the current understanding of spousal violence.

The ability to preserve electronic evidence is critical to presenting a solid case for civil litigation, as well as in criminal and regulatory investigations. Preserving Electronic Evidence for Trial provides everyone connected with digital forensics investigation and litigation with a clear and practical hands-on guide to the best practices in preserving electronic evidence. Corporate management personnel (legal & IT) and outside counsel need reliable processes for the litigation hold - identifying, locating, and preserving electronic evidence. Preserving Electronic Evidence for Trial provides the road map, showing you how to organize the digital evidence team before the crisis, not in the middle of litigation. This practice handbook by an internationally known digital forensics expert and an experienced litigator focuses on what corporate and litigation counsel as well as IT managers and forensic consultants need to know to communicate effectively about electronic evidence. You will find tips on how all your team members can get up to speed on each other's areas of specialization before a crisis arises. The result is a plan to effectively identify and pre-train the critical electronic-evidence team members. You will be ready to lead the team to success when a triggering event indicates that litigation is likely, by knowing what to ask in coordinating effectively with litigation counsel and forensic consultants throughout the litigation progress. Your team can also be ready for action in various business strategies, such as merger evaluation and non-litigation conflict resolution.

This book describes the detailed processes and techniques essential for the scientific investigation of atrocity crimes. It includes methods for the location, evaluation, excavation, recovery, and recording of mass graves and the analysis of human remains and other evidence in order to establish the identity of victims and the cause and manner of their deaths. This volume establishes protocols and standard operating procedures to guide standards and approaches that can be used for both judicial and humanitarian contexts. The procedures for field and mortuary application are flexible and can meet specific project aims, constraints, and contexts. The phases of activity and detailed methodological approaches set out in this book describe components of a complex scientific process. Chapters examine the evaluation of possible sites, scene of crime management, health and safety, key roles, excavation of graves, forensic sciences, mortuary management, analysis of human remains, and ante-mortem data collection.

Hiding Behind the Keyboard: Uncovering Covert Communication Methods with Forensic Analysis exposes the latest electronic covert communication techniques used by cybercriminals, along with the needed investigative methods for identifying them. The book shows how to use the Internet for legitimate covert communication, while giving investigators the information they need for detecting cybercriminals who attempt to hide their true identity. Intended for practitioners and investigators, the book offers concrete examples on how to communicate securely, serving as an ideal reference for those who truly need protection, as well as those who investigate cybercriminals.

Scientists have long been looking for alternative methods for the cleaning of historical and cultural museum objects as conventional methods often fail to completely remove surface films, leaving contamination and surface residues behind. Low-temperature plasmas have recently been found to provide a new, efficient and durable approach that maintains the safety of both the materials and personnel. This book is the first to introduce the emerging use of low-temperature plasmas in the cleaning and decontamination of cultural heritage items. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the new possibilities of cleaning objects with plasma, before providing a practice guide to the individual cleaning methods and an overview of the technologies and conditions used in the different cleaning regimes. It is an ideal reference for researchers in plasma physics, in addition to professionals working in the field of historical and cultural conservation. Features: Provides a thorough overview of the cleaning potential of emerging plasma technologies in accessible language for professional restorers and conservators without a scientific background Includes the latest case studies from the field, which have not been published elsewhere yet Authored by a team of experts in the field About the Authors: Dr. Radko Tino is an Associate Professor at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia. Dr. Katarina Vizarova is an Associate Professor at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia. Dr. Frantisek Krcma is an Associate Professor at Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic. Dr. Milena Rehakova is an Associate Professor at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia. Dr. Viera Jancovicova is an Associate Professor at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia. Dr. Zdenka Kozakova is an Associate Professor at Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic.

Forensic Toxicology: Principles and Concepts takes the reader back to the origins of forensic toxicology providing an overview of the largely unchanging principles of the discipline. The text focuses on the major tenets in forensic toxicology, including an introduction to the discipline, fundamentals of forensic toxicology analysis, types of interpretations based on analytical forensic toxicology results, and reporting from the laboratory to the courtroom. Forensic Toxicology also contains appendices covering the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, immunology and immunological assays, toxicogenomics, and case studies.

Lawyers frequently encounter clients and/or cases of bizarre behavior, mental illness, substance abuse, psychopathy, sexual offenses, learning disorders, birth defects, and other behavioral and emotional issues. Often they are ill-prepared to understand the nature of the psychiatric report, how the psychiatric assessment was structured, and how to best utilize and challenge these reports in court. Forensic Psychiatry: A Lawyer's Guide provides legal professionals the tools to identify mentally ill clients and help them navigate through the psychiatric information and language in reports and testimony. Topics include why a forensic psychiatrist is necessary, applications of psychiatry to law, various psychiatric disorders, and utilizing the expert witness.

Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Laboratories, Second Edition is fully updated to address all aspects of the forensic investigation of clandestine laboratories. While, the first edition focused on the domestic clandestine manufacture of contraband substances, this edition expands the scope to more fully address the clandestine manufacture of explosives that have become a threat that is global in nature. In clandestine laboratory operations, equipment is often simple, household chemical products are utilized, and the education of the operators basic. In fact, most of the time these elements individually are perfectly legal to sell and possess. However, the combination of all these elements is what becomes the scene of illicit activity and a criminal operation. In response to the increase in use of homemade explosive mixtures by terrorists, both domestically and internationally, the section clandestine manufacture of explosives is greatly enhanced. Topics are presented in a manner which, while detailed, will not compromise the tactics, techniques, or procedures utilized by law enforcement and military personnel in their ability to combat the clandestine manufacture of contraband substances and the battle against domestic and international terrorism. Key features: * Examines tell-tale signs to look for in recognizing a clandestine lab * Outlines how to safely process the site of a clandestine lab * Details how to analyze collected evidence in the examination laboratory * Provides guidelines as to what to derive from the physical evidence * Offers specific tactics to effectively present the opinions associated with evidence that has been collected during the investigation in a written report, military style briefing or to a jury in a legal proceeding. Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Laboratories, Second Edition guides the reader through the process of recognizing these illegal manufacturing operations. Then it examines the methods as to how to compile the volume of associated evidence into a package that can be presented in a court of law, or to military commanders for decisive action. It is an invaluable resource, that will prove useful to chemistry lab technicians, forensic investigators, fire and first responder professionals, military personnel, police investigative agencies and narcotics units, and lawyer trying cases involving clandestine labs.

Professional Issues in Forensic Science will introduce students to various topics they will encounter within the field of Forensic Science. Legal implications within the field will focus on expert witness testimony and procedural rules defined by both legislative statute and court decisions. These decisions affect the collection, analysis, and court admissibility of scientific evidence, such as the Frye and Daubert standards and the Federal Rules of Evidence. Existing and pending Forensic Science legislation will be covered, including laws governing state and national DNA databases. Ethical concerns stemming from the day-to-day balancing of competing priorities encountered by the forensic student will be discussed. Such competing priorities may cause conflicts between good scientific practice and the need to expedite work, meet legal requirements, and satisfy client's wishes. The role of individual morality in Forensic Science and competing ethical standards between state and defense experts will be addressed. Examinations of ethical guidelines issued by various professional forensic organizations will be conducted. Students will be presented with examples of ethical dilemmas for comment and resolution. The management of crime laboratories will provide discussion on quality assurance/quality control practices and the standards required by the accreditation of laboratories and those proposed by Scientific Working Groups in Forensic Science. The national Academy of Sciences report on Strengthening Forensic Science will be examined to determine the impact of the field. Professional Issues in Forensic Science is a core topic taught in forensic science programs. This volume will be an essential advanced text for academics and an excellent reference for the newly practicing forensic scientist. It will also fit strategically and cluster well with our other forensic science titles addressing professional issues.

Portrays material through multidisciplinary lens of psychology, criminal justice, law, and security Provides consistent, practical information about online criminals and victims Compares online to offline versions of the same crime Discusses adequacy of current laws for prosecuting cybercriminals Considers elements of the online environment that foster criminal activity Describes social engineering techniques Considers the role of intimate partner violence in cybercrimes Reviews 21st century skills needed to educate and protect potential targets

The role of a forensic science defence expert is often referred to by those working for the police/state/government forensic labs as being on the 'dark side.'In Joining the Dark Side, author David Schudel outlines the evolution of a fascinating career that starts out in the dark side and looks at what problems can appear in forensic cases. The book delves into the problems inherent to forensic science, in particular cognitive bias and scientific philosophy. It also looks at the emotional impact and specific challenges behind forensic science and provides the reader with some sage advice on giving evidence in Court.

Anabolic Steroid Abuse in Public Safety Personnel: A Forensic Manual provides readers with information on both the history and overwhelming evidence relating to steroid abuse in the law enforcement subculture. The text raises awareness regarding the pervasiveness of the problem that has grown into a systemic and nationwide phenomenon, and then addresses the consequences of anabolic steroid abuse on individual health, agency liability, and public safety. Particular attention is paid to forensic issues, including investigative, evidentiary, and legal concerns, facilitating just and lawful outcomes when these crimes are suspected or exposed.

Data Mining and Predictive Analysis: Intelligence Gathering and Crime Analysis, 2nd Edition, describes clearly and simply how crime clusters and other intelligence can be used to deploy security resources most effectively. Rather than being reactive, security agencies can anticipate and prevent crime through the appropriate application of data mining and the use of standard computer programs. Data Mining and Predictive Analysis offers a clear, practical starting point for professionals who need to use data mining in homeland security, security analysis, and operational law enforcement settings. This revised text highlights new and emerging technology, discusses the importance of analytic context for ensuring successful implementation of advanced analytics in the operational setting, and covers new analytic service delivery models that increase ease of use and access to high-end technology and analytic capabilities. The use of predictive analytics in intelligence and security analysis enables the development of meaningful, information based tactics, strategy, and policy decisions in the operational public safety and security environment.

This book analyses the usefulness of terrorist profiling utilised by law enforcement officers as a pre-emptive means to assist them in the detection, prevention and deterrence of terrorism and/or its preparatory activities. It explores two main themes arising from the phenomenon of terrorist profiling: the lawfulness of terrorist profiling and the utility of profiling. These two themes are explored in three separate parts. Firstly, the book begins by drawing upon human rights concerns arising from the use of terrorist profiling by law enforcement officers. Secondly, an analytical framework capable of making determinations on the usefulness of terrorist profiling. This framework develops a profiling spectrum that ranges from formal and informal manifestations of terrorist profiling that forms the basis for evaluating its usefulness. Finally, the book presents an examination of various manifestations of terrorist profiling by separating the analysis of the 'construction' of profiles on the one hand, from their 'application,' on the other, so as to be able to identify and examine profiling's usefulness as a technique to assist law enforcement officers make predictions about likely offender characteristics. This book ultimately concludes that terrorist profiling should only be conducted by undertaking a systematic assessment of the construction of profiles separate from the application of profiles whilst simultaneously taking into account fundamental human rights concerns with the practice of terrorist profiling. The work will be an essential resource for academics, law enforcement officers and lawyers in the disciplines of law, criminology, human rights, criminal justice and policing. As the book engages with terrorist profiling, it will also be of interest to those engaged in the psychology of terrorism.

Cyber Security Threats and Challenges Facing Human Life provides a comprehensive view of the issues, threats, and challenges that are faced in the cyber security domain. This book offers detailed analysis of effective countermeasures and mitigations. The financial sector, healthcare, digital manufacturing, and social media are some of the important areas in which cyber-attacks are frequent and cause great harm. Hence, special emphasis is given to the study and analysis of cyber security challenges and countermeasures in those four important areas. KEY FEATURES * Discusses the prominence of cyber security in human life * Discusses the significance of cyber security in the post-COVID-19 world * Emphasizes the issues, challenges, and applications of cyber security mitigation methods in business and different sectors * Provides comphrension of the impact of cyber security threats and challenges in digital manufacturing and the internet of things environment * Offers understanding of the impact of big data breaches and future trends in data security This book is primarily aimed at undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers, academicians, and professionals who are interested in exploring their research and knowledge in cyber security domain.

Forensic science is in crisis and at a cross-roads. Movies and television dramas depict forensic heroes with high-tech tools and dazzling intellects who-inside an hour, notwithstanding commercials-piece together past-event puzzles from crime scenes and autopsies. Likewise, Sherlock Holmes-the iconic fictional detective, and the invention of forensic doctor Sir Arthur Conan Doyle-is held up as a paragon of forensic and scientific inspiration-does not "reason forward" as most people do, but "reasons backwards." Put more plainly, rather than learning the train of events and seeing whether the resultant clues match those events, Holmes determines what happened in the past by looking at the clues. Impressive and infallible as this technique appears to be-it must be recognized that infallibility lies only in works of fiction. Reasoning backward does not work in real life: reality is far less tidy. In courtrooms everywhere, innocent people pay the price of life imitating art, of science following detective fiction. In particular, this book looks at the long and disastrous shadow cast by that icon of deductive reasoning, Sherlock Holmes. In The Sherlock Effect, author Dr. Thomas W. Young shows why this Sherlock-Holmes-style reasoning does not work and, furthermore, how it can-and has led-to wrongful convictions. Dr. Alan Moritz, one of the early pioneers of forensic pathology in the United States, warned his colleagues in the 1950's about making the Sherlock Holmes error. Little did Moritz realize how widespread the problem would eventually become, involving physicians in all other specialties of medicine and not just forensic pathologists. Dr. Young traces back how this situation evolved, looking back over the history of forensic medicine, revealing the chilling degree to which forensic experts fail us every day. While Dr. Young did not want to be the one to write this book, he has felt compelled in the interest of science and truth. This book is measured, well-reasoned, accessible, insightful, and-above all-compelling. As such, it is a must-read treatise for forensic doctors, forensic practitioners and students, judges, lawyers adjudicating cases in court, and anyone with an interest in forensic science.

Although serial offenders have been a recognized problem in society for centuries, only recently have the complexities of these individuals come to light. Serial Offenders: Current Thought, Recent Findings presents current and inclusive information on serial offending in a clear and straightforward manner. Citing numerous case examples, this book will provide forensic psychologists and psychologists, as well as criminologists, social workers and corrections officials with relevant and informative data. Author Louis B. Schlesinger presents current thinking on serial offenders in the first of three parts contained in the text. In Part I, he covers serial homicide, child molestation, rape, arson, and the nonviolent serial offender, while offering new information and perspectives on these traditional problems. Part II reverses thought, and takes a look at recent clinical and research findings. From profiling by law-enforcement and health-care workers to the neurobiological approach to understanding why people continually commit these crimes, Part II delves beyond right and wrong to illuminate and identify the many shades of gray. Part III focuses on the unusual aspects of serial offending and on special populations of offenders. From infantophilia to serial offending by females, adolescents and members of the clergy, Schlesinger provides insight into a world that few have witnessed in such a comprehensive manner.

Portrays material through multidisciplinary lens of psychology, criminal justice, law, and security Provides consistent, practical information about online criminals and victims Compares online to offline versions of the same crime Discusses adequacy of current laws for prosecuting cybercriminals Considers elements of the online environment that foster criminal activity Describes social engineering techniques Considers the role of intimate partner violence in cybercrimes Reviews 21st century skills needed to educate and protect potential targets

The Sudarium of Oviedo throws new light on the last hours of Jesus of Nazareth. It provides a better understanding of the gospel John 20:5-7 and some characteristics of the Shroud of Turin that explain since when the use of the Sudarium is known. During the past few decades, those interested in the Shroud of Turin have also been eager to know what this book reveals about the Sudarium of Oviedo, because it reinforces the possibility that both cloths were used on the same Man. This book presents to English-speaking readers the research on the Sudarium of Oviedo, most of which has only been available in Spanish so far. It includes a thorough critical analysis and new unpublished studies. The bloodstained cloth is claimed to be a relic of Christ. This text discusses its trace through history, the many tests performed directly on it or on its samples, its devotional value, and its comparison with the Shroud of Turin.