Reviewed and recognized as the most authoritative source in the field, this book describes the methods used worldwide to recover and identify footwear impressions from the scene of a crime. In this new edition, everything, including the original twelve chapters, bibliography, appendix, etc., has been clarified, updated and expanded. This edition includes updated and new information on recovery procedures and materials such as lifting, photography and casting; chemical enhancement; updated information about footwear manufacturing; footwear sizing; and known impression techniques and materials. WHAT'S NEW IN THE SECOND EDITION: Besides updating and expanding the twelve original chapters, Footwear Impression Evidence: Detection, Recovery and Examination, Second Edition adds three new chapters: one chapter on barefoot evidence, which concerns impressions made by the naked or sock-clad foot or those which remain in abandoned or discarded footwear; another new chapter on several cases in which the footwear impression evidence was of primary importance in bringing about a conviction or confession; and finally, a new chapter on the footwear impression evidence in the O.J. Simpson criminal and civil cases.

This reference, now in its second edition, is a comprehensive guide that focuses on the practical aspects of excavating and recovering human remains, as well as any associated evidence, from crime scenes. It highlights the protocols and techniques that are used to successfully survey, map, recover, document, collect, and transport evidence. New additions to the reference include discussion questions and suggested readings, updated mapping and measuring techniques, including a section on GIS and backpack differential GPS systems, expanded information on botany, DNA, and soil, and non-forensic burial contexts. Almost 200 illustrations are included to help clarify concepts.

Neurocriminology: Forensic and Legal Applications, Public Policy Implications explores the dramatic impact of advances in neuroscience research and practice to our present understanding of criminality and crime control. Contemporary, cutting-edge research in neuroscience is cited and explained. Studies and cases are clearly and concisely outlined with potential uses for practical applications detailed. This will be framed in the context of criminological foundations, theory, and the notion of the nature of crime itself. This comprehensive and engaging book also delves into recent developments in modern neurology, and connections between neuroscience and its criminal, legal, and forensic implications and ramifications. The book poses various questions about what insight neurology can provide to human cognition, to motivation and-in particular-criminal motivation. From biological observations is there a pattern, or are there similarities, in what the brainscan of a criminal looks like? What are the treatment implications and are their valid assessments or treatments that can be used in a corrections environment to curb, or even modify, behavior definitively? And, ultimately, what are the moral, legal and social implications of all? Coverage throughout incorporates leading research that links neurological and biological factors to heightened risk for criminality. This includes coverage of suboptimal arousal (low heart rate), testosterone, neurotransmitters, and variations in MAOA-the so-called "warrior gene"-and more. Neurocriminology will offer a thought-provoking analysis of the broad-reaching implications of this science to better inform the prevention, investigation, monitoring, and control of crime. This includes the remarkable potential for neuroscience to serve as a resource and potential tool to criminology and penology researchers, psychologists, forensic psychologists, forensic scientists, legal professionals, and investigators of crime and criminal behavior.

In Decoding Madness, forensic neuropsychologist and psychoanalyst Dr. Richard Lettieri gives a behind-the-scenes look at criminal psychology through case studies from his over 30 years of experience as a court-appointed and privately retained psychologist dealing with some of the most heinous crimes imaginable. From cases like Tina, who seriously injured her boyfriend and stabbed his son to death, to Michael who stabbed his mother in the back, believing she was the evil force causing the sun to descend upon the earth and gobble him up, Decoding Madness is filled with gripping stories and forensic analysis told from the author's perspective. Through psychological examination, it is his job to conclude whether these individuals are truly guilty and understand their actions are wrong, or if these individuals are not guilty due by reason of insanity and instead require treatment. Integrating insights from psychoanalysis, psychology and neuroscience, Dr. Lettieri contends that the legal system's view of human nature as governed by rationality is anachronistic. Nonetheless, he argues that our criminal justice system is slowly bending towards the humane. Decoding Madness offers a nuanced and in-depth psychological understating of defendants and their personal complexities beyond the usual clinical accounts offered by forensic psychologists. The book introduces the novel idea of the daimonic as a basic force of human nature that is the source of our constructive and destructive capacities. The venue of the criminal justice system, with its daily exposure to primal emotions, serves as a petri dish to investigate the full spectrum of our basic makeup.Dr. Lettieri brings these points home by presenting a nuts-and-bolts look into what it takes to complete psychological examinations of defendants accused of committing heinous crimes.

Intended for those who train and handle cadaver dogs, this book also encompasses information for those who work closely with them, such as police, death investigators, and anthropologists. Its interdisciplinary approach is useful to any member of a forensic team who regularly participates in or evaluates the results of the human remains search effort. Cadaver Dog Handbook sets out the principles and procedures for the training and handling of dogs for the location of human remains. It explains scent theory and its applications, introduces basic training and searching strategies/tactics, and covers the legal and taphonomic issues associated with dog searches. Intended for those who train and handle cadaver dogs, this book also encompasses information for those who work closely with them, such as police, death investigators, and anthropologists. Its interdisciplinary approach is useful to any member of a forensic team who regularly participates in or evaluates the results of the human remains search effort.

Every action performed by a crime scene investigator has an underlying purpose: to both recover evidence and capture scene context. It is imperative that crime scene investigators must understand their mandate-not only as an essential function of their job but because they have the immense responsibility and duty to do so. Practice Crime Scene Processing and Investigation, Third Edition provides the essential tools for what crime scene investigators need to know, what they need to do, and how to do it. As professionals, any investigator's master is the truth and only the truth. Professional ethics demands an absolute adherence to this mandate. When investigators can effectively seek, collect, and preserve information and evidence from the crime scene to the justice system-doing so without any agenda beyond seeking the truth- not only are they carrying out the essential function and duty of their job, it also increases the likelihood that the ultimate goal of true justice will be served. Richly illustrated-with more than 415 figures, including over 300 color photographs-the Third Edition of this best-seller thoroughly addresses the role of the crime scene investigator in the context of: Understanding the nature of physical evidence, including fingerprint, biological, trace, hair and fiber, impression, and other forms of evidence Assessing the scene, including search considerations and dealing with chemical and bioterror hazards Crime scene photography; scene sketching, mapping, and documentation; and the role of crime scene analysis and reconstruction Bloodstain pattern analysis and discussion of the body as a crime scene Special scene considerations, including fire, buried bodies, and entomological evidence Coverage details the importance of maintaining objectivity, emphasizing that every action the crime scene investigator performs has an underlying purpose: to both recover evidence and capture scene context. Key features: Outlines the responsibilities of the responding officer, from documenting and securing the initial information to providing emergency care Includes three new chapters on light technology and crime scene processing techniques, recovering fingerprints, and castings Addresses emerging technology and new techniques in 3-D Laser scanning procedures in capturing a scene Provides a list of review questions at the end of each chapter Practice Crime Scene Processing and Investigation, Third Edition includes practical, proven methods to be used at any crime scene to ensure that evidence is preserved, admissible in court, and persuasive. Course ancillaries including PowerPoint (R) lecture slides and a Test Bank are available with qualified course adoption.

A decade after publication of the first edition, Handbook of Venoms and Toxins of Reptiles responds to extensive changes in the field of toxinology to endure as the most comprehensive review of reptile venoms on the market. The six sections of this new edition, which has nearly doubled in size, complement the original handbook by presenting current information from many of the leading researchers and physicians in toxinology, with topics ranging from functional morphology, evolution and ecology to crystallography, -omics technologies, drug discovery and more. With the recent recognition by the World Health Organization of snakebite as a neglected tropical disease, the section on snakebite has been expanded and includes several chapters dealing with the problem broadly and with new technologies and the promises these new approaches may hold to counter the deleterious effects of envenomation. This greatly expanded handbook offers a unique resource for biologists, biochemists, toxicologists, physicians, clinicians, and epidemiologists, as well as informed laypersons interested in the biology of venomous reptiles, the biochemistry and molecular biology of venoms, and the effects and treatment of human envenomation.

A variety of disciplines and professions have embraced geospatial technologies for collecting, storing, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying spatial data to investigate crime, prosecute and convict offenders, exonerate suspects, and submit evidence in civil lawsuits. The applications, acceptability and relevance, and procedural legality of each geospatial technologies vary. The purpose of this book is to explain the nature of geospatial technologies, demonstrate a variety of geospatial applications used to investigate and litigate civil and criminal activities, and to provide a reference of current acceptability of geospatial technology in the production of evidence. This book is an introductory overview designed to appeal to researchers and practitioners across disciplinary boundaries. The authors of this book are researchers and practitioners across disciplines and professions, experts in the field.

Veterinary Forensics: Investigation, Evidence Collection, and Expert Testimony will provide anyone involved in an investigation of an animal involved crime or civil action with the knowledge and tools that can give guidance for their actions in completing a forensic investigation. All 50 U.S. states, and numerous countries around the world, have laws against animal abuse and cruelty. Law enforcement agents, veterinarians, the judiciary, attorneys and forensic scientists may be involved in cases of animal cruelty, neglect or human crimes that may have an animal element. Additionally, the animal can be the victim, suspect or in some instances the witness of a crime. Given that acquittal or conviction is dependent upon the nature and veracity of the evidence, the quality of the evidence in an animal-related crime investigation must be beyond reproach. The book begins with a discussion of animal abuse and crimes against animals, crime scene investigation, and, from there, discusses various types of forensic examinations of the animal, culminating in a review of the judicial system and testimony in a court of law. All contributing authors are practicing professionals in law, veterinary medicine, and the private sector who provide current, best-practice evidence collection and forensic techniques. Chapters provide in-depth detail about the forensic clinical examination and forensic necropsy of small and large animal species, forensic radiology, forensic toxicology, bitemark analysis and animal behavior. Various, relevant forensic disciplines such as bloodstain pattern analysis, DNA analysis, animal sexual abuse, agroterrorism, animal hoarding, ritual crimes against animals, and animal fighting are discussed. Key Features: Presents established and accepted police techniques in animal crime scene investigation including identification, documentation and packaging of physical evidence and scene photography and videography Includes essential techniques to collect and preserve biological and DNA evidence for animal DNA testing Review of the forensic clinical examination and forensic necropsy of small and large animals Provides methods of evidence presentation in the courtroom, the nature of court room testimony, and the development of an expert report Veterinary Forensics: Investigation, Evidence Collection, and Expert Testimony fills the void of applied, real-world investigative techniques for the collection and presentation of veterinary forensic medical and scientific information. It will be a welcome reference to both the student and professional in the understanding all relevant evidentiary, investigative, and legal elements of the discipline.

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.

In order for forensic fibre examiners to fully utilize fibre and textile evidence during their analysis, they require not only specialised forensic knowledge but also in-depth knowledge of fibres, yarns and fabrics themselves. Production, both the chemical and physical structure, and the properties of these materials is required in order to determine the value of fibre evidence. This includes knowing production figures, fashion changes, sudden arrivals of new materials, dye variability, and numerous other factors that may have a bearing on the information obtained. Fully updated with the latest advances, Forensic Examination of Fibres, Third Edition continues in the tradition of the First (1992) and Second Editions (1999) as the premier text on the subject of forensic fibre analysis. The international team of contributing authors detail the recovery of the evidence-through the different stages of laboratory examination-to the evaluation of the meaning of findings. The coverage has been considerably expanded, and all material, has been revised and wholly updated. Topics covered include examining damaged textiles, infrared microspectroscopy and thin layer chomatography, and colour analyses. This edition also highlights the critical role of quality assurance in ensuring the reliability of the technical observations and results, and, in doing so, looks at the implications of supervisory managers and labs in the accurate and responsible analysis of such evidence. Features include: Outlining evidentiary process from collecting and preserving the evidence at the crime scene through the laboratory analysis of fibres Detailing the latest developments and emerging technologies including Kevlar and other such advances in fibre technology Coverage of a broad array of fibres both, natural (cellulose, protein, and mineral) and man-made fibres including synthetic, inorganic and regenerated Forensic Examination of Fibres, Third Edition is a much-needed update to the classic book, serving as an indispensable reference to crime scene technicians, laboratory forensic scientists and microscopists, students in police, forensic, and justice science programs.

Autoerotic Deaths: Practical Forensic and Investigative Perspectives is a collaboration between two internationally known experts who combine their extensive experience to present a scientific, modern view of autoerotic death-complete with a wide variety of exquisite case histories, photographs, and investigator tips. Chief Medical Examiner Anny Sauvageau of Alberta, Canada and retired NYPD Lieutenant Commander Vernon J. Geberth bring considerable insight to this volume, providing practical and conventional information based on scientific research and case experience from the field. Enhanced with more than 100 color photos, the book explores: The evolution of the concept of sexual asphyxia and autoerotic death The definition and epidemiology of autoerotic death, pitfalls involved in the application of the term autoerotic, and best practices for approaching these death scenes Death scene characteristics and the importance of recognizing clues to the autoerotic nature of a death Methods of autoerotic death, including hanging, plastic bags, chemical substances, and other less-common scenarios Atypical victims of autoerotic deaths Using a case history format, the book presents a complete analysis of all aspects of this unusual and unfortunate type of death. The combination of theory and practice, along with up-to-date science, makes this book an unparalleled resource for all those involved in the investigation of these peculiar incidents.

Now in its second edition, Forensic Investigation of Explosions draws on the editor's 30 years of explosives casework experience, including his work on task forces set up to investigate major explosives incidents. Dr. Alexander Beveridge provides a broad, multidisciplinary approach, assembling the contributions of internationally recognized experts who present the definitive reference work on the subject. Topics discussed include: The physics and chemistry of explosives and explosions The detection of hidden explosives The effect of explosions on structures and persons Aircraft sabotage investigations Explosion scene investigations Casework management The role of forensic scientists Analysis of explosives and their residues Forensic pathology as it relates to explosives Presentation of expert testimony With nearly 40 percent more material, this new edition contains revised chapters and several new topics, including: A profile of casework management in the UK Forensic Explosives Laboratory, one of the world's top labs, with a discussion of their management system, training procedures, and practical approaches to problem solving Properties and analysis of improvised explosives An examination of the Bali bombings and the use of mobile analytical techniques and mobile laboratories The collection, analysis, and presentation of evidence in vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cases, as evidenced in attacks on US overseas targets This volume offers valuable information to all members of prevention and post-blast teams. Each chapter was written by an expert or experts in a specific field and provides well-referenced information underlying best practices that can be used in the field, laboratory, conference room, classroom, or courtroom.

Modern technology using state-of-the-art equipment can now identify almost any toxin relevant to a legal issue. Techniques include gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, high-pressure liquid chromatography, and the combination of these methods. Forensic Toxicology: Medico-legal Case Studies demonstrates how the science of forensic toxicology acts as a bridge between medicine and law. Tracking the progression of toxicology findings from the laboratory to the courtroom, it prepares practicing toxicologists to write reports and testify at depositions and in court. The book explains the organization of clinical laboratories and includes sections on accreditation, quality control, method validation, and other critical topics. It provides an overview of the U.S. legal system, describes the process of writing a toxicology report, and offers techniques for deposition and courtroom testimony. Covering a broad range of topics, the book offers detailed analysis of situations ranging from the rare and unusual to those that toxicologists most often confront, including: Determining serum/blood ethanol levels Ethylene glycol poisoning Plant and animal toxins Alcohol intoxication and breathalyzer tests Synergistic effects of alcohol and drugs Prescription drug overdose Toxic torts Workers' compensation issues Written in an accessible and well-organized style, this volume is an essential guide for forensic toxicologists at all levels who need to understand how to best present the science of toxicology in the forensic arena.

Chemical Analysis of Firearms, Ammunition, and Gunshot Residue, Second Edition continues in the tradition of the popular first edition, filling the void in forensic texts on the subject. While most books on firearms focus solely on the physical aspects of firearms, this book addresses forensic issues relating to the chemical aspects of firearms and ammunition. It draws on the latest published literature including books, scientific papers, technical reports, manufacturer's literature, newspaper articles, and personal observations and research conducted by the author. This edition is fully updated, introducing the history and development of firearms and ammunition including advances in the chemical analysis of them. Several changes in primer compositions and the particle classification system are addressed with new techniques added on evidence collection and testing methods. Coverage details chemical aspects of forensic firearms casework with particular emphasis on the detection of gunshot residues (GSR), firearm discharge residues (FDR), and cartridge discharge residues (CDR) on a suspect's skin and clothing surfaces. Two new chapters have been added. One deals with unusual firearms case while the other summarizes a controversial, high-profile Australian case involving inorganic and organic gunshot residue, highlighting the dangers of incorrect forensic evidence and the increased need for careful training of forensic scientists. Fully updated to reflect the latest techniques and tests for particle and chemical classification Provides a complete history of firearms and ammunition development as well as advances in the chemical analysis involved in forensic firearm casework Features a one-of-a-kind chapter on processing suspects, a crucial component in many firearms and explosives residue cases The book will serves as a useful to forensic chemists, investigators, ballistics experts, among other professionals serving in a variety of forensic disciplines.

A myriad of different scenarios await those entering the field of forensic pathology, ranging from gunshot wounds to asphyxiation to explosives to death from addiction. Essential Forensic Pathology: Core Studies and Exercises helps prepare pathologists in training by establishing what they must know about the most common death scenes they will encounter. The book begins by discussing the coaching objectives in medical education and follows with a description of the 15 different rotations of the forensic pathology resident. Using a consistent and concise format, the book describes the facility where the rotation takes place, the necessary skills, the laboratory equipment, and other components of the rotation. The main portion of the book presents forensic pathology essentials in the form of learning objectives-each delineated with a code: "M" for items students must know, and "S" for those they must do. This section begins by discussing the government's role, describes medical examiner and coroner systems, and analyzes the academic discipline of forensic pathology. Next, the book focuses on hands-on elements of forensic pathology, with chapters on scene investigation, identification, and postmortem changes (signs of death). Objectives are also presented for various causes of death, including gunshot wounds, stab wounds, asphyxiation, sex-related death, and death from addiction. Additional chapters cover bombs and explosive devices, mental disease, epidemics, and issues related to forensic entomology. Each chapter contains a list of pertinent vocabulary and references for further study. By mastering the objectives contained in each chapter of this manual, forensic pathology students will be ready to pass certification exams and work confidently in the field.

While gun design has undergone only minimal change over the centuries, investigative tools surrounding firearm use have grown significantly in sophistication. Now in its third edition, Firearms, the Law, and Forensic Ballistics has been updated to reflect recently published research and new technology developed since the last volume. Beginning with a discussion of the development of arms and ammunition from the fourteenth century to the present day, this book examines: Firearms laws around the world, including legal challenges raised in the U.S. by the Daubert decision Firearms manufacturing processes, the mechanisms of various firearms, and the linking of a particular bullet or spent cartridge with a suspected weapon The origins and development of new science in firearms, including controversies, pioneers, and an expose of the "quack" purveyors of pseudo-science Internal, external, and terminal (wound) ballistics The nature, composition, and analytical detection of discharge residue left on a suspect The role of the ballistics expert at all stages of a case, ranging from the scene of the shooting incident, the post mortem examinations, the examination and testing of exhibits at the laboratory, and the presentation of evidence in court Recently introduced computer search techniques applied to captured and digitally stored images of marks left on fired bullets and spent cartridge cases Manual microscopic comparison work and computer-based searches on digital images of bullet and cartridge case marks to determine if a particular weapon has been fired in previous cases Written by an expert with more than 50 years of experience using and handling firearms, this text is enhanced with nearly 250 illustrations, making it a premier guide to the fundamentals of firearms and related evidentiary considerations.

This volume examines how new cutting edge forensic techniques are currently being applied or have the potential to be applied in judicial proceedings. Examples include new applications of Raman spectroscopy, quantum chemistry, lithium in DNA analysis, and the burgeoning area of toxicogenetics. In each case legal issues are addressed, including the such as admissibility of evidence resulting from these techniques. A comparison between the American Judiciary system and the European system is included. Contributors offer their expertise from scientific and legal perspectives.

In recent years, the use of illegally produced firearms has increased exponentially worldwide. These are often cheap, nonstandard firearms that defy known classification and identification criteria. The use of unusual firearms in crimes has frequently led to unpredictable and misleading reconstruction of shooting incidents. In this book, internationally known forensic firearm expert, J.K. Sinha, presents a detailed forensic study of unusual firearms, with the goal of helping crime-scene investigators to minimize erroneous conclusions in cases where these types of firearms are used. Based on his extensive experimentation with more than 1,000 nonstandard firearms, the author identifies new class characteristic parameters needed to establish linkage of projectiles with irregular rifled and smoothbore barrels. The book begins with an introduction to unusual firearms and proceeds to discuss forensic investigation of fired bullets, medico-legal evidence, barrel marks on fired shots, and investigation of fired cartridges and shot charge. Chapters also cover topics such as timing of firing, unusual rifling marks, shooter identification, and unusual bullet hole evaluations. Providing concise yet complete techniques for making forensic analyses and conclusions, this is the first book of its kind to critically examine the use of unusual, nonstandard firearms in perpetrating crimes. It is intended for professionals and academicians working in the field: forensic firearm experts and consultants, forensic medicine professionals and medico-legal experts, prosecution and defense attorneys, enforcement agencies and judiciary, university students and researchers studying forensic science, forensic medicine, criminology and law.

This book covers Munchausen and Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) though the terms have recently changed. The 2013 DSM-V-the update to the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) diagnostic and classification tool-has classified both Munchausen and MBP as "Factitious Systematic Abuse." While thought to have occurred primarily with children and their caregivers, recent research shows a more widespread problem: such medical abuse to spouses, the disabled, the elderly-even pets. Many involve repeat and long-term instances of hospital and medical fraud. This book covers the syndrome itself, interviewing and investigative aspects, victimology, as well indicators in the event of homicide and death.

New technologies, including DNA and digital databases that can compare known and questioned exemplars, have transformed forensic science and greatly impacted the investigative process. They have also made the work more complicated. Obtaining proper resources to provide quality and timely forensic services is frequently a challenge for forensic managers, who are often promoted from casework duties and must now learn a whole new set of leadership skills. The interdisciplinary and scientific nature of laboratories requires strong leadership ability to manage complex issues, often in adversarial settings. Forensic Laboratory Management: Applying Business Principles provides laboratory managers with business tools that apply the best science to the best evidence in a manner that increases the efficiency and effectiveness of their management decision making. The authors present a performance model with seven recommendations to implement, illustrating how forensic managers can serve as leaders and strategically improve the operation and management in scientific laboratories. Topics include: Key business metrics and cost-benefit analyses Ethical lapses: why they occur, possible motives, and how problems can be prevented Forensic training, education, and institutes ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation implementation The book includes case studies simulating a working laboratory in which readers can apply business tools with actual data reinforcing discussion concepts. Each chapter also includes a brief review of current literature of the best management theories and practice. The downloadable resources supply two mock trial transcripts and associated case files along with PowerPoint (R) slides from Dr. George Carmody's workshop on Forensic DNA Statistics and Dr. Doug Lucas's presentation on ethics.

Approximately 80 percent of the world's population now owns a cell phone, which can hold evidence or contain logs about communications concerning a crime. Cameras, PDAs, and GPS devices can also contain information related to corporate policy infractions and crimes. Aimed to prepare investigators in the public and private sectors, Digital Forensics for Handheld Devices examines both the theoretical and practical aspects of investigating handheld digital devices. This book touches on all areas of mobile device forensics, including topics from the legal, technical, academic, and social aspects of the discipline. It provides guidance on how to seize data, examine it, and prepare it as evidence for court. This includes the use of chain of custody forms for seized evidence and Faraday Bags for digital devices to prevent further connectivity and tampering of evidence. Emphasizing the policies required in the work environment, the author provides readers with a clear understanding of the differences between a corporate investigation and a criminal investigation. The book also: Offers best practices for establishing an incident response policy and seizing data from company or privately owned digital devices Provides guidance in establishing dedicated examinations free of viruses, spyware, and connections to other devices that could taint evidence Supplies guidance on determining protocols for complicated crime scenes with external media and devices that may have connected with the handheld device Considering important privacy issues and the Fourth Amendment, this book facilitates an understanding of how to use digital forensic tools to investigate the complete range of available digital devices, including flash drives, cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, and netbooks. It includes examples of commercially available digital forensic tools and ends with a discussion of the education and certifications required for various careers in mobile device forensics.

A unique book on recognition and investigation of criminal poisoning for investigators of all backgrounds and stages of their careers. Poisons: An Introduction for Forensic Investigators is a concise yet comprehensive overview of toxicants and unanticipated circumstances in which poisoning occurs. This book expands awareness of poisoning possibilities, heightens recognition of the toxic potential of many substances, and provides information to aid in focusing investigations. Poisons discusses life-threatening toxic substances and agents that modify behavior to achieve criminal goals. These include drugs that facilitate sexual assaults and robberies, and those found in medical child abuse and drug-product tampering. More than 230 case studies illustrate both unintentional and intentional poisoning and highlight situations where poisoning may not immediately be apparent. Information is included in pertinent criminal poisoning cases to illustrate the temperament of poisoners, their relationship to victims, their basis for poison selection, and their method of administration. Since Poisons is written by a single author, the discussions, format, educational level, and terminology remain consistent to aid crime scene investigators, homicide detectives, forensic scientists, death investigators, toxicologists, medical examiners, attorneys, and students. The book's more than 650 references are an asset to frame knowledge as well as a resource to return to again and again.

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.