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.

Building on the success, and maintaining the format, of Comparative Bone Identification: Human Subadult and Non-Human (ISBN: 9780367777883), Comparative Bone Identification: Human Subadult and Non-Human - A Field Guide presents new images of human bones representing many states of maturation from neonate to 20 years old in comparison to a variety of animal species' bones. Highly illustrated, the book takes a visual approach and provides full annotations pointing out salient features of the most commonly discovered bones. This includes smaller bones of fetuses and subadult humans in comparison to bones of birds, reptiles, marine mammals, fish, and a frog that human bones may most be confused with. Full-color photos provide clear examples for use by law enforcement, medicolegal death investigators, forensic anthropologists, students, and readers who wish to distinguish between human bones and those of a variety of animal species. The book is not intended to be an exhaustive guide to human and nonhuman skeletons. It offers myriad photos and illustrations to help aid in identification and avoid some of the more commonly confused animal bones for human. The book begins with an introduction section on general osteology and explains the major anatomical differences between humans and other animals. The second section compares human and nonhuman bones, categorized by type of bone, and includes most of the major bones in humans and nonhumans. The third section presents of radiographs illustrated documented age in humans. Conveniently designed for field use, Comparative Bone Identification: Human Subadult to Nonhuman - A Field Guide offers users a practical comparative guide that presents the differences among species for nearly all bones in the body. The book serves as a valuable resource of easy-to-access information to investigators and forensic anthropologists for use in the laboratory or in the field.

Presents crime scene collection and preservation techniques and methodology specific to vehicle-related considerations Outlines the unique challenges, and step-by-step procedural requirements, necessary to conduct a vehicle or vehicle-related scene investigation Addresses types of various evidence for vehicles-including fingerprint, blood, DNA, bullet and casing, and fire debris-which are common primary, or secondary crime scenes

One of the single greatest challenges to security professionals in the 21st century is terrorism. In the last several years, we have heard a lot about the importance of preparing for terrorist attacks. This book offers a way to prevent terrorist attacks. Providing security managers with a clear and simple methodology to protect their organizations, Antiterrorism and Threat Response uses an adaptation of the U.S. Department of Defense's antiterrorism fundamentals and applies it to the private sector to protect companies, facilities, and infrastructures. The book's antiterrorism planning strategies enable security professionals to seize the initiative away from terrorists-setting them off balance and keeping them off balance-thereby disrupting their planning cycle and thwarting attack. The book helps security managers to: Understand the terrorist attack planning cycle Conduct a terrorism threat vulnerability assessment Develop an observation plan and the corresponding verification plan Understand how surveillance detection works Learn how pattern analysis wheels can be used to find weaknesses in security operations Appreciate the role of random antiterrorism measures and learn how to develop them Establish response plans for a wide variety of contingencies related to terrorist attack Adapt this methodology to maritime operations against piracy, individual protection, and travel security in high-risk environments Work with other security departments, the police, and the public to create infrastructure protection zones that will enhance the detection of suspicious events and reduce the likelihood of terrorist attack The book aims to show that terrorists are not defeated by technology alone, but instead by collaboration and the timely passage of relevant information and intelligence. Terrorism is, above all, an act of communication. The terrorists communicate to us through their acts and their carefully crafted communiques. Security professionals need to send the terrorists a clear and simple message in the language they understand: You will not succeed here.

Philosophers of science have long used reconstructive reasoning to develop historical explanations covering the origins of natural phenomenon. The application of the scientific method is a powerful tool for solving crimes through reconstruction of the events. Scientific Foundations of Crime Scene Reconstruction: Introducing Method to Mayhem demonstrates how to use the scientific method and exercise the critical thinking that is essential for the development of sound data and the construction of reliable explanations. Provides a clear yet rigorous account of the scientific method accessible to non-philosophers Supplies examples showing the application of scientific methods to the reconstruction of events that leave physical evidence at crime scenes Presents self-contained chapters-each with specific points about how a scene reconstruction is built upon the analysis of specific physical evidence Discusses the scope and limitations of physical evidence and the resulting analyses that they support in crafting scientific crime scene reconstructions Includes case studies of crime scene reconstructions from Dr. Nordby's experience, complete with color photographs and laboratory notes Moving systematically from case to case, this volume is an essential reference for forensic and law enforcement professionals who need to step into new or unfamiliar areas to understand how science can help them do their jobs. It enables forensic scientists to apply the natural sciences to casework in shooting and nonshooting cases. It also educates attorneys who need to understand scientific evidence and the process of crime scene reconstruction from the scientific point of view.

This book identifies, traces, and interrogates contemporary American culture's seemingly endless fascination with forensic science. It looks to the many different sites, genres, and media where the forensic has become a cultural commonplace. It turns firstly to the most visible spaces where forensic science has captured the collective imagination: crime films and television programmes. In contemporary screen culture, crime is increasingly framed as an area of scientific inquiry and, even more frequently, as an area of concern for female experts. One of the central concerns of this book is the gendered nature of expert scientific knowledge, as embodied by the ubiquitous character of the female investigator. Steenberg argues that our fascination with the forensic depends on our equal fascination with (and suspicion of) women's bodies--with the bodies of the women investigating and with the bodies of the mostly female victims under investigation.

Professionalization has come to the field of threat management. It has developed a systematic theory unique to the field, recognized authorities have emerged, and it is finding its own ethical code of conduct. It is also beginning to grow its own culture, complete with a vocabulary of its own. Although the field has a way to go, it is well along the path to becoming a profession. One product of this ongoing professionalization is the identification of certain key concepts that, until now, have been unidentified or undefined. Concepts and Case Studies in Threat Management explores the salient themes essential to the practice and profession of threat management. These concepts include case dynamics and intervention synergy, the importance of determining key factors in each situation, the power of inhibitors, differences among the various venues of violence, and avoiding myopic management strategies and isolationism. The authors illustrate these concepts and more, with detailed examples and real-life case studies that give readers practical, concrete perspectives on the myriad threat management scenarios they may encounter as they practice their profession. The book also introduces a glossary of terms, developed in a joint effort between the authors and researchers at the University of Nebraska's Public Policy Center, that have emerged during the current professionalization of threat management. Moving the field towards a more pragmatic approach, the book explores in depth the current state of the threat management process. With a full understanding of the components and challenges in each threat management situation, those charged with protecting the public will improve their approach to the tasks of identifying, assessing, and managing individuals who pose a risk of violence.

This volume presents a sophisticated set of archival, forensic, and excavation methods to identify both individuals and group affiliations--cultural, religious, and organizational--in a multiethnic historical cemetery. Based on an extensive excavation project of more than 1,000 nineteenth-century burials in downtown Tucson, Arizona, the team of historians, archaeologists, biological anthropologists, and community researchers created an effective methodology for use at other historical-period sites. Comparisons made with other excavated cemeteries strengthens the power of this toolkit for historical archaeologists and others. The volume also sensitizes archaeologists to the concerns of community and cultural groups to mortuary excavation and outlines procedures for proper consultation with the descendants of the cemetery's inhabitants. Copublished with SRI Press.

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.

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.

The Daubert trilogy of U.S. Supreme Court cases has established that scientific expert testimony must be based on science grounded in empirical research. As such, greater scrutiny is being placed on questioned document examination generally, and handwriting comparison in particular. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, The Neuroscience of Handwriting: Applications in Forensic Document Examination examines the essential neuroscientific principles underlying normal and pathological hand motor control and handwriting.

Topics discussed include:

• Fundamental principles in the neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of hand motor control and their application to research in handwriting
• The epidemiology, pathophysiology, and motor characteristics of neurogenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, essential tremor, and motor neuron disease and their effects on handwriting
• Psychotropic medications prescribed for depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis; their mechanisms of action; and their effect on motor behavior and handwriting
• The impact of substance abuse on handwriting
• An overview of the aging process and its effects on motor control and handwriting
• The kinematic approach and new findings on the kinematic analyses of genuine, disguised, and forged signatures
• The authors' laboratory research on authentic and forged signatures

An essential resource for professionals and researchers in the forensic documentation examination and legal communities, this volume provides a window on the scientific process of signature and handwriting authentication, integrating the extensive research on neural processes and exploring how disease, medication, and advanced age alter these processes.

This book explores applied research methods used in forensic settings prisons, the probation service, courts and forensic mental health establishments and provides a comprehensive 'how-to' guide for forensic practitioners and researchers.
It provides practitioners and researchers with grounding in the practical techniques appropriate for research in applied forensic settings. This includes knowledge and skills of the research process and the wide range of research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) being applied in this arena. The text provides a critical understanding of the problems, challenges and ethical issues which can arise and ideas for managing these. Specific attention is paid to empirical research within forensic populations and settings including researching vulnerable groups (e.g. offenders and the mentally ill in secure settings), evaluating treatment programmes, and the uses and problems of randomised control trials.

The book is clearly structured, with each methodology chapter describing the background of the approach; the type of research questions addressed; design principles and issues; the types of analysis that can be utilised; strengths and limitations of the method; future directions and further sources of information. Through the inclusion of case studies and illustrative examples from forensic researchers and practitioners who have extensive experience of conducting applied research, this book tackles real-life problems typically faced by researchers and practitioners.

Research in Practice for Forensic Professionals is an essential one-stop resource for practitioners (such as psychologists, nursing and medical staff, prison and probation workers, social workers, occupational therapists) who have an interest in research and in evaluating their own work and the services in which they work. It will also be of interest to students studying areas of applied research, such as forensic psychology or applied criminology and those teaching them.

* PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY * The compelling and moving memoir of forensic psychiatrist Dr Duncan Harding

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.

The most exhaustive book on forensic dentistry, the fourth edition of this volume covers the latest advances in the field, including regulations affecting forensic dental practice and procedures in light of the Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act, updated ABFO guidelines, and new digital radiographic and photographic developments. The book also discusses computer-assisted record management, multiple fatality incident preparedness, and Disaster Mortuary Operation Response Team in a post-9/11, tsunami, and Hurricane Katrina world.

This book explores applied research methods used in forensic settings - prisons, the probation service, courts and forensic mental health establishments - and provides a comprehensive 'how-to' guide for forensic practitioners and researchers. It provides practitioners and researchers with grounding in the practical techniques appropriate for research in applied forensic settings. This includes knowledge and skills of the research process and the wide range of research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) being applied in this arena. The text provides a critical understanding of the problems, challenges and ethical issues which can arise and ideas for managing these. Specific attention is paid to empirical research within forensic populations and settings including researching vulnerable groups (e.g. offenders and the mentally ill in secure settings), evaluating treatment programmes, and the uses and problems of randomised control trials. The book is clearly structured, with each methodology chapter describing the background of the approach; the type of research questions addressed; design principles and issues; the types of analysis that can be utilised; strengths and limitations of the method; future directions and further sources of information. Through the inclusion of case studies and illustrative examples from forensic researchers and practitioners who have extensive experience of conducting applied research, this book tackles real-life problems typically faced by researchers and practitioners. Research in Practice for Forensic Professionals is an essential one-stop resource for practitioners (such as psychologists, nursing and medical staff, prison and probation workers, social workers, occupational therapists) who have an interest in research and in evaluating their own work and the services in which they work. It will also be of interest to students studying areas of applied research, such as forensic psychology or applied criminology and those teaching them.

The book discusses various necropsy procedures for wild animals both for the disease investigation and forensic usage. The list of various wildlife crimes, the role of each member of wildlife crime team investigation in general and the role of pathologist in particular, (the forensic veterinary pathology)and the salient features of methodology of crime investigation is given. Information on the mistakes and omissions in forensic necropsy, negative necropsy, common errors committed by pathologist while performing forensic necropsy, postmortem appearances of common pathological conditions and estimation of age of some of the domestic animals and their foetuses is given for guidance. Various types of wounds, and the types of firearms and their terminology are also given for easy understanding about the wounds and fire arms. Note: T&F does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Building on the success, and maintaining the format, of the best-selling Human and Nonhuman Bone Identification: A Color Atlas (ISBN: 978-1-4200-6286-1), Comparative Bone Identification: Human Subadult to Nonhuman presents new images of human bones representing many states of maturation from neonate to 20 years old. It also extends the scope of the former work by focusing on the smaller bones of fetuses and young humans and comparing them to bones of birds, reptiles, marine mammals, fish, and a frog that may be confused with those of a subadult human. The book begins with a section on general osteology and explains the major anatomical differences between humans and other animals. The second section compares human and nonhuman bones, categorized by type of bone, and includes most of the major bones in humans and nonhumans. The third section presents skeletons within species. Containing nearly 3,500 color photographs, the book provides examples of similar bones in nonhuman species that may be confused with the human bone in question. The bone images are also taken from different angles to enhance detailed understanding. A practical comparative guide to the differences among species for nearly all bones in the body, this book is a valuable resource for the laboratory or in the field. It uses a visual approach with annotations pointing out salient features of the most commonly discovered bones, giving clear examples for use by law enforcement, medicolegal death investigators, forensic anthropologists, students, and readers who wish to distinguish between human bones and those of the a variety of animal species.

Disaster management has become an increasingly global issue, and victim identification is receiving greater attention. By raising awareness through past events and experiences, practitioners and policymakers can learn what works, what doesn't work, and how to avoid future mistakes. Disaster Victim Identification: Experience and Practice presents a selection of key historical incidents in the United Kingdom and includes candid discussions of potential areas for improvement in preparedness and future deployment capabilities. Real disasters and lessons learned Each chapter in the book addresses a specific disaster and covers a number of main points in relation to the incident. For each event, the book presents data such as the manpower available at the time of the disaster, the number of officers involved in the deployment, and their relevant experience at the time. Details of the disaster follow, as well as the recovery and identification methods employed, the number of fatalities and casualties, and lessons learned. The book also explores the short- and long-term effects that the disaster had on the response team and the community. Finally, each chapter examines important present-day developments in relation to the event. The book summarizes important aspects of the particular disaster in terms of legislative, moral, practical, or other contribution to the field of mass disaster planning, preparation, and deployment on a wider scale. Global input Viewing disaster management from a global perspective, this volume contains the combined input of academics, forensic specialists, trainers, and law enforcement professionals who focus on actual cases to honestly assess events and provide recommendations for improvement.

Reflecting the myriad changes and advancements in the technologies involved in FTIR, particularly the development of diamond ATRs, this second edition of Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy has been extensively rewritten and expanded to include new topics and figures as well as updates of existing chapters. Designed for those new to FTIR, but with enough reference material to appeal to journeyman and expert spectroscopists, this book does not demand any extensive familiarity with chemistry or physics. Specializing in concise and comprehensible explanations of FTIR topics, the author introduces the field of infrared spectroscopy, including the strengths and weaknesses of FTIR as a chemical analysis technique. He then describes the instrument itself and explores topics such as how an interferometer generates a spectrum, optimization of spectral quality, and which tests are used to monitor instrument health. The book discusses how to properly use spectral processing to increase the information of a spectrum without damaging the data and takes considerable care in instructing on sample preparation, as good sample preparation constitutes half the battle in extracting good data. The final chapters examine single analyte quantitative analysis and conclude with an overview of infrared microscopy. Drawing on the experience and knowledge of the author as both a professor and practitioner, Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy offers up-to-date information given in clear, easily understood language to appeal to beginner and expert spectroscopists alike. The author maintains a website and blog with supplemental material. His training course schedule is also available online.

The field of forensic neuropathology covers such controversial topics as the effects of repeated brain trauma in football players and how babies probably cannot die from being shaken. Jan Leestma is one of the most respected voices in this area. A timely update to his classic reference, Forensic Neuropathology: Third Edition presents an encyclopedic exposition of neuropathological conditions that may have forensic import. Reflecting the latest research, this edition includes expanded sections on multiple trauma, one punch/one hit arterial injuries, and the physiology of respiratory control. It presents new perspectives and rules regarding expert testimony and evidence admissibility occasioned by Daubert and related Supreme Court cases. The book explores how these rulings affect forensic pathologists, neuropathologists, and other potential experts as well as how they interact with the legal system. Several chapters examine the mechanisms and pathophysiology of neuropathological conditions and discuss the biomechanical basis for neurological injury. Where possible, aging and dating methodology is included for various processes. More than 325 updated full-color illustrations complement the text along with diagrams, tables, and figures that illustrate the textual material and can be useful as exhibits in court. An extensive bibliography provides background information and facilitates further research.

Designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate-level courses, Forensic Toxicology: Mechanisms and Pathology introduces toxicology concepts from a forensic perspective. The book provides an understanding of the mechanistic basis of the action of drugs and toxins, addressing their physiologic and pathologic consequences on the affected organ system. It is this essential connection of toxicology to physiology and biological systems that provides the basis for the toxicologist to understand the basis of behavioral effects of drugs, and for the forensic pathologist to determine cause of death when drugs may be involved. The book gives an overview of organ system physiology and pathology, and the ways in which toxins and drugs affect those systems. Case histories, photographs of gross pathology, and photomicrographs further illustrate the processes and effects of toxic substances on the body. The book also focuses on technological advances in the field and includes cases that demonstrate real-world consequences of the effects of toxins upon organ systems, such as impairment in a DUI case or the fatal induction of cardiac arrhythmia. A comprehensive introduction to pathology and toxicologic concepts, Forensic Toxicology: Mechanisms and Pathology describes the means for identifying types of toxins as well as the key patterns and impacts of drug and toxin processes within the body.

The utilization of footwear impression evidence continues to evolve with new materials, equipment and techniques, providing an increased ability to detect, record, enhance, and examine this form of evidence. Recently developed technology now allows investigators to more efficiently or, in some cases, instantly link multiple crime scenes where impressions have been produced by the same perpetrator. Forensic Footwear Evidence covers a wide range of relevant topics, including historical references, general information about the formation and investigative use of footwear impressions, and the best practices and considerations that apply to the recovery, enhancement, and examination of this evidence. Drawing on the author's 44 years of acquired knowledge and experience, it is the most comprehensive and authoritative text published to date on this topic. Highlighted topics covered within the book include Three chapters covering footwear manufacturing Shoe grading, sizing, and the forensic application of sizing information Examination and reporting procedures Casting impressions in snow Barefoot evidence Topics of interest for both prosecution and defense attorneys The book includes more than 300 color photographs and illustrations throughout, as well as case examples that apply theoretical concepts to the real world. A single, complete reference on the subject, Forensic Footwear Evidence presents a wide range wealth of information that will serve as an invaluable reference to novice and experienced examiners, crime scene technicians, investigators, and prosecution and defense counselors alike.

A truly international and multi-disciplinary compendium of current best practices authored by top practitioners from around the world, the book covers current trends and technology advances in the following disciplines within forensic science: bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic photography, ballistics, latent prints, forensic genetics and DNA, questioned documents, forensic toxicology, forensic clinical medicine, forensic pathology, forensic odontology, forensic anthropology, forensic entomology, forensic biometry, forensic psychology and profiling, law comparison and ethics, and much more. The book serves as an invaluable resource and handbook for forensic professionals throughout the world.