While it has always been legal for a citizen in the United States to manufacture their own firearm, the sale and distribution of such items is illegal under current U.S. law. The primary impediment to individuals making their own weapons has been access to the tooling and machinery required to convert raw materials into finished parts for assembly. However, in the last fifteen years this paradigm has changed drastically. Home builders and companies have emerged to support individuals who choose to produce their own firearm. Kits with receivers and gun components are available for hobbyists, as are 3-D printable gun designs, downloadable from the Internet in some cases. This phenomenon has led to the term ghost guns: firearms whose existence is not reported to any third party and therefore whose existence is unknown and, largely, untraceable. A Field Guide to Ghost Guns: For Police and Forensic Investigators provides a useful brief for field investigators on the technical aspects of the self-made firearm, so-called "ghost guns. The first book to focus on the emergent issue of ghost guns, coverage addresses the history of firearms making and manufacture in the U.S.-including regulated and nonregulated manufacturing, details firearm components and accessories, how to assemble a Firearm, an overview of common Types of ghost guns, and investigative considerations. Though there have been increased calls to regulate guns in the wake of numerous mass shootings, the proliferation of ghost guns-and their increasing use in crimes-would likely require additional laws and regulatory measures. Since there are few knowledgeable firearm practitioners in the field, who can render qualified opinions on the subject, author Robb Walker has taken a practical, pragmatic approach to the topic. The book defines terminology, provides photographs, and explains the concepts surrounding homemade firearm in clear, easy to understand terms. Key Features: Addresses the technology and technical aspects in creating, assembling, and/or modifying homemade firearms-both printable and assembled from pre-fabricated components Discusses the rationale and motivations behind making one's own firearm Outlines what is currently legal and illegal under U.S. law, providing indicators for investigators for illegally configured firearms A Field Guide to Ghost Guns addresses the pressing need for a practical reference on the topic. The book provides police investigators and forensic ballistics experts a useful aid to understand legal aspects and to identify ghost guns, and the paraphernalia-tooling and machinery, and otherwise-indicative of gun making in a non-formal, factory setting.

Today's increasingly sophisticated psychological and neuropsychological assessments allow for a greater understanding, and improved evaluations, in forensic psychology. By integrating discussions of modern psychological and neuropsychological tests, with extant civil and criminal cases, Forensic Psychology and Neuropsychology for Criminal and Civil Cases, Second Edition serves as a fully-updated, professional resource outlining modern behavioral science's impact on the legal system. This second edition synthesizes the theoretical, empirical, and clinical literature, examining it through the lens of case application. The book is divided into three parts to look at foundational legal, ethical and applied issues; criminal forensic evaluations; and civil forensic evaluations. Chapters new to this edition address substance abuse and intoxication, interviewing and interrogation, criminal profiling, faked amnesia and recall skills, post-concussive syndrome (PCS), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and trends and research directions. Clinicians, researchers and psychologists practicing in any number of related fields will be able to address relevant questions from both criminal-forensic and civil-forensic perspectives. Key features: Presents the latest advances in methodology and technology to assist forensic professional in assessment and case formulation in the search for ground truth in applied settings Outlines base rates for forensic areas of concern, especially helpful in evaluation, report writing and courtroom testimony as an expert witness Addresses complex criminal issues such as competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, mitigating defenses, and violence risk Forensic Psychology and Neuropsychology for Criminal and Civil Cases, Second Edition is an invaluable resource to clinicians, experts witnesses, and legal professionals-a helpful adjunct for mental health experts to formulate sound direct and cross-examination strategies, and eliciting suggestions for forensically-related treatment and intervention.

Written by leading international experts in field of cybercrimnology Provides a global socio-legal perspective Written in non-technical style without jargon Suitable for use as a textbook in cyber victimology courses Presents practical solutions for the problem

Provides a strong foundation of cybercrime knowledge along with the core concepts of networking, computer security, Internet of Things (IoTs), and mobile devices. Addresses legal statutes and precedents fundamental to understanding investigative and forensic issues relative to evidence collection and preservation. Identifies the new security challenges of emerging technologies including mobile devices, cloud computing, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), VMware, and the Internet of Things. Strengthens student understanding of the fundamentals of computer and network security, concepts that are often glossed over in many textbooks, and includes the study of cybercrime as critical forward-looking cybersecurity challenges.

Outlines the latest advances in the collection and forensic hair fibers, and with their microscopic features illustrated in full-color throughout Covers the criteria for selecting hairs suitable for DNA testing Addresses all forensic aspects of hair evidence include recovery, collection, examination, analysis, testing, and presentation of such results in court

Provides a strong foundation of cybercrime knowledge along with the core concepts of networking, computer security, Internet of Things (IoTs), and mobile devices. Addresses legal statutes and precedents fundamental to understanding investigative and forensic issues relative to evidence collection and preservation. Identifies the new security challenges of emerging technologies including mobile devices, cloud computing, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), VMware, and the Internet of Things. Strengthens student understanding of the fundamentals of computer and network security, concepts that are often glossed over in many textbooks, and includes the study of cybercrime as critical forward-looking cybersecurity challenges.

Mobile devices are ubiquitous; therefore, mobile device forensics is absolutely critical. Whether for civil or criminal investigations, being able to extract evidence from a mobile device is essential. This book covers the technical details of mobile devices and transmissions, as well as forensic methods for extracting evidence. There are books on specific issues like Android forensics or iOS forensics, but there is not currently a book that covers all the topics covered in this book. Furthermore, it is such a critical skill that mobile device forensics is the most common topic the Author is asked to teach to law enforcement. This is a niche that is not being adequately filled with current titles. An In-Depth Guide to Mobile Device Forensics is aimed towards undergraduates and graduate students studying cybersecurity or digital forensics. It covers both technical and legal issues, and includes exercises, tests/quizzes, case studies, and slides to aid comprehension.

Police success in linking vehicles to the scene of a crime through the impressions and tracks those vehicles leave behind has long served as a successful and reliable forensic tool. The collection and forensic evaluation of that evidence, however, requires specialized knowledge, training, and expertise. Drawing from the author's 34 years of experience, first as an FBI examiner and currently as a private consultant in the area of tire evidence, Tire and Tire Track Evidence: Recovery and Forensic Examination is the most comprehensive and up-to-date volume available on the subject. Covering all aspects of the field, the book begins with general information on the modern pneumatic tire and basic terminology. For both the crime scene technician and the forensic examiner, the author addresses information on both how to recover tire track evidence and how to photograph and cast the individual tread detail from those impressions. The book explains and illustrates the necessary information on obtaining known exemplars; tire manufacturing, and retreading tires. It explains important aspects of tires including their tread design and dimension, noise treatment, general wear and individual acquired characteristics. The author instructs on applying that knowledge while conducting a structured examination procedure, resulting in the final evaluation of evidence and report writing as well as the presentation of tire evidence in court. He provides information on databases and resources along with case examples, including the Oklahoma City bombing. Informative and useful, this book gives crime scene technicians and forensic examiners the tools to accurately and reliably collect, recover, and examine tire evidence.

Quality refers to the amount of the unpriced attributes contained in each unit of the priced attribute. Leffler, 1982 Quality is neither mind nor matter, but a third entity independent of the two, even though Quality cannot be defined, you know what it is. Pirsig, 2000 The continuous formulation of good practices and procedures across fields reflects the importance of the recognition and maintenance of "quality" for nearly every profession. The widespread introduction of point-of-care testing, centralization of activities in large core laboratories, and the increase in number and complexity of diagnostic testing worldwide has driven changes in the organization of laboratory diagnostics over the past decades. As such, laboratory diagnostics, continuously catching up to updated techniques and complex procedures, need to stay vigilant about safety and good practices adjustments. Although widely defined and quantified, the concept of quality is an intrinsic feature of the human psyche and decision making. Written to improve laboratory work, Quality Assurance in the Pathology Laboratory examines: Quality assurance of quantifiable methods applied in laboratory medicine and toxicology Quality aspects of emerging disciplines including personalized therapy and virtopsy Regulatory and logistic instrumentation that ensure quality in laboratory methods Professional education at the graduate and postgraduate levels Laboratory diagnostics substantially contributes to clinical decision making by providing valuable information for the screening, diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and follow-up of most-if not all-human disorders. Providing general insights into the quality assurance aspects of pathology and laboratory medicine, this book aids in improving laboratory work and, at the same time, shows the possibilities and limits of all logistic and legal tools related to quality issues.

Reinforces basic principles of digital forensic science with examples of current trends and future prospects Broadens the readers understanding of digital forensic investigations and information security techniques using crime science Shares many tips and insights into unexplored areas of digital forensics and information security from scholars, practitioners and policy makers. Provides a level of language that suits all audiences across the globe Supplies opportunities to practice techniques which demonstrate how crime science can be used to enrich digital forensics and information security

* Focuses on human identification using traditional DNA typing methods targeting short tandem repeats (STRs) * Applies the technology and usage to law enforcement investigations and identity and ancestry single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for investigational leads, mass disaster, and ancestry cases * Introduces the underlying principles of NGS, focusing forensic application and the introduction of NGS into forensic labs in the coming years

* Solid research basis, drawing on findings from a 4-year research project with in-depth interviews with judges, attorneys, and seasoned forensic neuropsychologists and psychologists as well as further interviews with professionals in other fields such as engineering, physics and economics. * Provides focused attention on how experts interact with judges, attorneys, and juries * Challenges experts to avoid the traps of professional jargon and traditional manners of presenting information/knowledge/opinions. * Provides a step-by-step approach to orienting the new academic to expert witnessing

Threat actors, be they cyber criminals, terrorists, hacktivists or disgruntled employees, are employing sophisticated attack techniques and anti-forensics tools to cover their attacks and breach attempts. As emerging and hybrid technologies continue to influence daily business decisions, the proactive use of cyber forensics to better assess the risks that the exploitation of these technologies pose to enterprise-wide operations is rapidly becoming a strategic business objective. This book moves beyond the typical, technical approach to discussing cyber forensics processes and procedures. Instead, the authors examine how cyber forensics can be applied to identifying, collecting, and examining evidential data from emerging and hybrid technologies, while taking steps to proactively manage the influence and impact, as well as the policy and governance aspects of these technologies and their effect on business operations. A world-class team of cyber forensics researchers, investigators, practitioners and law enforcement professionals have come together to provide the reader with insights and recommendations into the proactive application of cyber forensic methodologies and procedures to both protect data and to identify digital evidence related to the misuse of these data. This book is an essential guide for both the technical and non-technical executive, manager, attorney, auditor, and general practitioner who is seeking an authoritative source on how cyber forensics may be applied to both evidential data collection and to proactively managing today's and tomorrow's emerging and hybrid technologies. The book will also serve as a primary or supplemental text in both under- and post-graduate academic programs addressing information, operational and emerging technologies, cyber forensics, networks, cloud computing and cybersecurity.

* Solid research basis, drawing on findings from a 4-year research project with in-depth interviews with judges, attorneys, and seasoned forensic neuropsychologists and psychologists as well as further interviews with professionals in other fields such as engineering, physics and economics. * Provides focused attention on how experts interact with judges, attorneys, and juries * Challenges experts to avoid the traps of professional jargon and traditional manners of presenting information/knowledge/opinions. * Provides a step-by-step approach to orienting the new academic to expert witnessing

* Focuses on human identification using traditional DNA typing methods targeting short tandem repeats (STRs) * Applies the technology and usage to law enforcement investigations and identity and ancestry single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for investigational leads, mass disaster, and ancestry cases * Introduces the underlying principles of NGS, focusing forensic application and the introduction of NGS into forensic labs in the coming years

Presents a history of fingerprint evidence and current best practices and limits on characterizing fingerprint evidence in court The first book to focus solely on testifying on fingerprint evidence as a comparative science Provides current guidelines and recommendations for standards and appropriate nomenclature in the courtroom Illustrates how experts can work with attorneys so that the testimony process educates and informs jurors and judges, rather than perpetuating an adversarial dynamic Addresses important issues such as cognitive bias, subjectivity, error rates, probability models, and ethics

Forensic Forestry: A Guidebook for Foresters on the Witness Stand is a one-of-a-kind, hands-on resource for those forestry and land use professionals called upon to work on legal cases and testify in court. Land use and forestry issues in the United States, in particular-and likewise around the world-have become increasingly contentious, scrutinized, and debated. There is little to suggest that conflicts over forestlands will cease in the near future, in fact, quite the opposite. There are already a number of informative books available on land use and forestry, and related issues under the broader heading of environmental science. As such, while this book will not go into these concepts in detail, if someone is already an expert in land use and forestry, this book will tell them the ins and outs of the legal system and how they can best serve to make a case, using evidence, in a court of law. Coverage addresses the necessary background, and legwork involved, in providing technical expertise for such cases to be adjudicated. Since professionals' expertise is often focused on ecological issues, chapters look at the economic factors and how money, policy, and corporate interests come into play-the crux of where the professional forester's ability to present evidence and expertise becomes critical. The author provides an overall understanding of the courts, and the legal process. Coverage includes recommendations to professionals working on cases-and in the courtroom-in how to present evidence and testify in cases over land use and forestland rights, forestry management and safety, criminal and civil cases in liability in forest fires-among myriad others. Key Features: A book by a professional for professionals in the field of forestry and those called to testify in cases of forest and wildfires, eminent domain, land disputes, tort, and liability cases Written in easy-to-read, non-technical jargon to provide tools to best serve as an expert witness and consultant to support attorneys in civil and criminal cases Details unique, real-world cases study examples, detailing how they were adjudicated based on evidence and testimony provided Presents a legal background into the court system, courtroom procedure, the types of legal cases as they relate to forensic forestry As such, Forensic Forestry is a welcome addition to those professionals called upon to consult on, and testify in, such cases including land use professionals, foresters and forestry managers, ecologists, environmentalists, environmental policy advocates, and those in related fields.

Outlines the latest advances in the collection and forensic hair fibers, and with their microscopic features illustrated in full-color throughout Covers the criteria for selecting hairs suitable for DNA testing Addresses all forensic aspects of hair evidence include recovery, collection, examination, analysis, testing, and presentation of such results in court

Crime perpetrated by healthcare professionals is increasingly pervasive in today's hospitals and other healthcare settings. Patients, coworkers, and employers are vulnerable to exploitation, fraud, abuse, and even murder. Investigative journalist Kelly M. Pyrek interviews experts who provide accounts concerning the range of criminality lurking in the healthcare setting in Healthcare Crime: Investigating Abuse, Fraud, and Homicide by Caregivers. Examines the root causes and the opportunities The book begins by offering perspectives on how the stressors inherent in the healthcare profession can contribute to aberrant behavior by medical practitioners. It then examines breaches of patient privacy, which can easily occur in today's age of technology. Highlighting appalling cases of exploitation, the book also suggests guidelines to safeguard patient privacy. Identifies the victims most at risk, and those who are their greatest threats In a chapter on abuse and assault, the book cites psychological studies that explain the root causes of victimization. It highlights the patient populations most at risk: disabled, psychiatric, and elderly, and identifies the chief victimizers: physicians, psychiatrists, dentists, pediatricians, and nursing assistants and aides. The book also examines the types of financial fraud and theft that can be perpetrated against not only patients but also employers and government agencies, and provides expert insight on how to take preventative measures. Discusses notorious serial murders in the medical profession Providing accounts of well-known healthcare-related homicides and suspicious deaths, the book also presents insights from forensic and serial murder experts as to why these incidents occur, warning signs to watch out for, and how to conduct a proper investigation. The final chapter examines simple, straightforward strategies for improving the level of quality of care and safety provided by healthcare institutions. With greater accountability and oversight, patients can once again feel secure that their providers are embracing the maxim "Above all, do no harm."

Investigative Interviewing: Adopting a Forensic Mindset is a straight-forward, practical textbook outlining proper interview planning and techniques, detailing all relevant case law concerning confessions. Being a forensic professional infers that investigator apply the highest standards in collecting, analyzing, preserving, and presenting evidence to a court of law or other tribunals. The author contends that the key to a proper forensic interviewing methodology is the elimination of the term "interrogation," and the confession-obtaining mindset it creates. Forensic interviewers can achieve all interview objectives, including truthful confessions that stand up to the scrutiny of the courts and public opinion, by adhering to best-practice, ethical standards. What transpires during the interview must stand up to the scrutiny of the courts and public opinion. In this regard, due process, documenting the procedure, and practicing proven, effective techniques is paramount to getting to the truth-the ultimate goal of any investigation. The book addresses important issues in the field such as false confessions, due to its criticality and frequent occurrences of this. Coverage also includes the desired qualities of an investigative interviewer and strategies to break down barriers and gain trust with reluctant, uncooperative, and hostile interviewees. Proper report writing, an underrated key to any interview and investigation, is addressed in detail. Lastly. the book provides training on best practice interview steps and strategies to lead the interviewee to the truth. Numerous case examples, and transcripts of real interviews, are provided illustrate real-world interviewing practices and concepts. Features includes: Examines the human factor in the qualities of a good investigative interviewer such as understanding the offender and strategies to gain the interviewees trust Shares practical experience and best practices, noting traditional pitfalls and mistakes that can impede the truth and lead to false confessions Discusses legal considerations, case law, and the intent behind entering an interview situation with a forensic mindset, prioritizing due process and documenting procedure Presents a notable and extensive case study that includes six informative interviews denoting effective techniques in practice Provides pedagogical elements including chapter learning objectives and end of chapter review with discussion questions Investigative Interviewing: Adopting a Forensic Mindset promotes legal and ethical investigative interviewing methods and is a welcome addition to the literature for use in forensic science and criminal justice curricula and programs.

"Having worked with Erik on some of the most challenging computer forensic investigations during the early years of this industry's formation as well as having competed with him earnestly in the marketplace...I can truly say that Erik is one of the unique pioneers of computer forensic investigations. He not only can distill complex technical information into easily understandable concepts, but he always retained a long-term global perspective on the relevancy of our work and on the impact of the information revolution on the social and business structures of tomorrow."
--From the Foreword by James Gordon, Managing Director, Navigant Consulting, Inc.

Get the knowledge you need to make informed decisions throughout the computer forensic investigation process

"Investigative Computer Forensics" zeroes in on a real need felt by lawyers, jurists, accountants, administrators, senior managers, and business executives around the globe: to understand the forensic investigation landscape "before" having an immediate and dire need for the services of a forensic investigator.

Author Erik Laykin--leader and pioneer of computer forensic investigations--presents complex technical information in easily understandable concepts, covering: A primer on computers and networksComputer forensic fundamentalsInvestigative fundamentalsObjectives and challenges in investigative computer forensicsE-discovery responsibilitiesThe future of computer forensic investigations

Get the knowledge you need to make tough decisions during an internal investigation or while engaging the capabilities of a computer forensic professional with the proven guidance found in" Investigative Computer Forensics."

The Basics of Investigating Forensic Science: A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition presents foundational concepts in forensic science through hands-on laboratory techniques and engaging exercises. The text offers numerous lab projects on a range of subjects including fingerprinting, shoeprint analysis, firearms, pathology, anthropology, forensic biology and DNA, drugs, trace evidence analysis, and more. This Second Edition is fully updated to include extensive full-color photos and diagrams to reflect current best-practices focussing on laboratory procedure, techniques, and interpretation of results. Each laboratory illustrates processes and concepts, and how the equipment should be set up for a given exercise. Many of the exercises can be done with minimal laboratory equipment and material while certain exercises also have additional options and advanced lab exercises-for those education institutions with access to more specialized or advance laboratory equipment. While the sequencing of laboratory exercises in the book is designed to follow The Basics textbook, the lab exercises are intentionally modular can be performed in any sequence desired by an instructor. The Basics of Investigating Forensic Science, Second Edition is an excellent resource for introduction to forensic sciences courses, including the companion textbook it was designed to accompany, Forensic Science: The Basics, Fourth Edition (ISBN: 9780367251499). The book can be used alongside any textbook, and even serve as a stand-alone text for two- and four-year college programs, as well as course at the high school level.

Understanding the latest capabilities in the cyber threat landscape as well as the cyber forensic challenges and approaches is the best way users and organizations can prepare for potential negative events. Adopting an experiential learning approach, this book describes how cyber forensics researchers, educators and practitioners can keep pace with technological advances, and acquire the essential knowledge and skills, ranging from IoT forensics, malware analysis, and CCTV and cloud forensics to network forensics and financial investigations. Given the growing importance of incident response and cyber forensics in our digitalized society, this book will be of interest and relevance to researchers, educators and practitioners in the field, as well as students wanting to learn about cyber forensics.

Would your company be prepared in the event of:
* Computer-driven espionage
* A devastating virus attack
* A hacker's unauthorized access
* A breach of data security?
As the sophistication of computer technology has grown, so has the rate of computer-related criminal activity. Subsequently, American corporations now lose billions of dollars a year to hacking, identity theft, and other computer attacks. More than ever, businesses and professionals responsible for the critical data of countless customers and employees need to anticipate and safeguard against computer intruders and attacks.
The first book to successfully speak to the nontechnical professional in the fields of business and law on the topic of computer crime, Computer Forensics: An Essential Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Managers provides valuable advice on the hidden difficulties that can blindside companies and result in damaging costs.
Written by industry expert Michael Sheetz, this important book provides readers with an honest look at the computer crimes that can annoy, interrupt--and devastate--a business. Readers are equipped not only with a solid understanding of how computers facilitate fraud and financial crime, but also how computers can be used to investigate, prosecute, and prevent these crimes.
If you want to know how to protect your company from computer crimes but have a limited technical background, this book is for you. Get Computer Forensics: An Essential Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Managers and get prepared.

This new resource focuses on many recent advances in recycling and reuse of materials, outlining basic tools and novel approaches. It covers such important issues as e-waste recycling, bio-mass recycling, vermitechnology, recovery of metals, polymer recycling, environmental remediation, waste management, recycling of nanostructured materials, and more. Also included is coverage of new research in the use of laser spectroscopy, pyrolysis, and recycled biomaterials for biomedical applications.