Written for courses in forensic technology and crime scene investigation, @lt;B@gt;@lt;I@gt;@lt;B@gt;CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION: THE FORENSIC TECHNICIAN'S FIELD MANUAL, 1/e @lt;/B@gt;@lt;/I@gt;@lt;/B@gt;addresses the tasks performed by the person who identifies, photographs, documents, collects, preserves, and transports evidence at and from a crime scene. Covering a range of techniques and processes, it follows the guidelines established by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors and the International Association for Identification. The latest technological advancements are emphasized throughout and chapters includes numerous photographs, diagrams, learning objectives, case studies, lab exercises and more!

Remember: Do it right the first time. You only get one chance. -Vernon J. Geberth, M.S., M.P.S., 1980, Homicide and Forensic Consultant, Author of Practical Homicide Investigation (R), and the Series Editor of Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations. In Practical Homicide Investigation, renowned author and investigator Vernon J. Geberth provided thousands of law enforcement professionals with invaluable techniques for investigation of sudden and violent death. Now he shares his practical and clinical expertise related to the unique characteristics of sex-related homicide and death investigations. Renowned for being THE definitive source on these types of cases, this volume has been revised and expanded to provide additional case histories to emphasize the essential procedures and techniques on which to build a solid, prosecutable case. This comprehensive volume is an incredible compilation that exhausts the subject. Vern's remarkable experience and unmatched expertise have given him unparalleled insight into the investigation of sexually deviant crimes and the psyche of those who perpetrate violent sex related crimes. -Michigan Assistant Attorney General Donna Pendergast Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation is truly a chronicle of practical and clinical case studies, combined with invaluable investigative guidelines, that takes the reader to another level of knowledge in this unique field. It represents an accomplishment that no other author has yet achieved. - Legendary criminal profiler Robert K. Ressler, commenting on the First Edition In typical Vernon Geberth style, we do not merely read of sexual murder...We are thrust into the horror...transported to the crime scene. We live it, smell it, experience it and feel it. -From the Foreword by Larry Welch, Retired Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation What's New in the Second Edition: A completely revised chapter on human sexuality and sexual deviance: Research versus Reality A completely revised chapter on the Significance of Fantasy in sex-related events A completely new chapter on the infamous 30-year BTK investigation New case histories and/or research added to fourteen of the fifteen chapters New research developed from the Working Group of Human Asphyxia (WGHA) A revised chapter on Criminal Personality Profiling and Investigative Analysis An analysis of the typology of offenders and the "Signature Aspect" of specific crimes A total of 386 full-color photographs and illustrations representing an additional 126 new photos Vernon Geberth discusses the book in a video on the CRC Press YouTube channel. Vernon Geberth was recently interviewed for an article entitled, The Hunt for a Serial Killer: Revisting the Gilgo Beach Murders.

Countless facial images are generated everyday through digital and cell phone cameras, surveillance video systems, webcams, and traditional film and broadcast video. As a result, law enforcement and intelligence agencies have numerous opportunities to acquire and analyze images that depict persons of interest. Computer-Aided Forensic Facial Comparison is a comprehensive exploration of the scientific, technical, and statistical challenges facing researchers investigating courtroom identification from facial images.

Supported by considerable background material, research data, and prototypic statistical and applications software, this volume brings together contributions from anthropologists, computer scientists, forensic scientists, and statisticians. Topics discussed include:

• Face database collection in 3D
• Error and distinguishing power associated with craniofacial landmarks
• Statistical analysis of face shape variation
• Comparison of instrumentation
• Court admissibility issues
• Missing data
• Computer applications development

Based on the quantification and analysis of more than 3000 facial images, this seminal work lays the foundation for future forensic facial comparison, computer applications development, and research in face shape variation and analysis. Using experimental and real case data, it demonstrates the influence of illumination, image resolution, perspective, and pose angle on landmark visibility. Two DVDs are included which contain the raw 3D landmark datasets for 3000 faces, additional datasets used in 2D analysis, and computer programs and spreadsheets used in analysis and in the development of prototypic applications software.

Food fraudsters be warned! Sophisticated science was at the centre of detecting and prosecuting this new crime of food fraud. The ground-breaking case, a first of its kind, needed new sentencing guidelines for judges, new working arrangements for prosecutors and police and an EU-wide agreement on techniques and standards used for prosecution, which were agreed on the hoof in response to a crime detected in over 40 countries. In 2013 thousands of consumers, retailers and food businesses were ripped-off by insiders - thieves who substituted and sold horse-meat in place of beef. They used a web of deception that involved unwitting suppliers passing off their fraudulent produce to some of Britain's largest retailers and international food business. Following so-called Horsegate, the enforcement world had to change. There is now a team focussing on food fraud and a desire to put the perpetrators behind bars. Much tougher sanctions have been introduced with the aim of discouraging such crimes. This book is a timely look at the web of deception and how it can be stopped. Aimed at food enforcement professionals, lay readers with an interest in crime, students studying food fraud, criminology or forensics and anyone who eats food. Once again, life emulated art, this deception mirrors the story of the thief who came to dinner, gained inside knowledge and stole priceless artefacts from the host. So, who will come to dinner next time? This is the second book by the author, a scientist sharing his inside knowledge on this food crime.

The range of species that fall within the realm of wildlife crimes is extensive, ranging from ferns and orchids to bald eagles and great whales. Solving these crimes is rarely dependent on the testimony of witnesses or victims. An ever-increasing number of research groups are applying scientific tests to animal and plant studies alike. However, until now, whatever progress is available in this area has remained scattered through the literature.

Forensic Science in Wildlife Investigations focuses on the developing test methods that can be applied to wildlife crimes. In large part, the tests described are drawn from human-based research. Edited by Adrian Linacre, a noted forensic researcher and one of the principal pioneers active in wildlife forensics, this volume collects the work of others working across the world with both plant and animal investigations.

While the book contains valuable approaches that lab investigators can employ, the scientific material is written at a level that requires no more than a fundamental knowledge of biology. Any required scientific information is provided in separate boxes.

Offering practical guidance, it helps investigators and lab technicians decide on best methods, including a determination of when basic microscopy is sufficient, when DNA testing should occur, and what tests or combination of tests should be executed in a particular circumstance. The text illustrates how to identify the species and geographic region of origin of an unknown sample.

Demonstrating the latest methods through real-world case studies, this volume provides the direction and practical advice needed by legal and police professionals seeking to gain the evidence needed to prosecute wildlife crimes.

Elder Abuse: Forensic, Legal and Medical Aspects focuses on the psychological, financial and physical abuse and neglect that is widespread in elder abuse across socioeconomic levels. It provides expert information on forensic and legal topics that professionals need to understand to confront these crimes. The topics included are those most important in the detection and prosecution of elder abuse. Identification and epidemiology are discussed, as are types and presentations of abuse. Written at a level for both professionals and students who wish to gain a broader understanding of specific forensic topics in elder maltreatment, this book is an ideal source.

A woman lays unconscious on the floor surrounded by charcoaled symbols, burning candles, a bowl of viscous red liquid, and an array of dried herbs. Was this a healing ritual gone wrong or just straightforward foul play? Increasingly, first responders must deal with foreign practices and cultures that are often disturbing in their unfamiliarity. Understanding cultural variations and nuances can make the difference between much-needed emergency treatment and the aggravation of an already sensitive situation.
The first book of its kind, Magico-Religious Groups and Ritualistic Activities: A Guide for First Responders provides a cultural bridge for emergency personnel when interacting with various magico-religious cultures. More than just a litany of artifacts, rituals, and symbols, this valuable book draws from cultural anthropology and religious studies to unearth hidden meanings and place the information in a context relevant for the first responder. It offers crucial keys for improving communication, assessment, and treatment in culturally sensitive situations.
Beginning with an introduction to the importance of trans-cultural communication, the book devotes subsequent chapters to the common and contrasting elements of several magico-religious groups. It considers the practices of Neo-Paganism, Santeria, Bantu religion (Palo Mayombe), Voodoo, and Curanderismo. The book separates fact from fantasy regarding sacred spaces and dates, ceremonies, group structure, sacred objects, cultural taboos, and beliefs about sickness and healing. It also includes a detailed review of the common herbs used in healing and ritual, as well as a glossary of cultural terms and an index ofsymbols.
Promoting functional cultural competency, this book gives public service agencies and emergency responders the tools to properly assess situations, open lines of communication, protect cultural diversity and beliefs and, above all, provide effective emergency treatment.

Encouraged by the medicinal success of quinine, early 19th century scientists hoped strychnine, another plant alkaloid with remarkable properties, might also become a new weapon against disease. Physicians tried for over a century, despite growing evidence to the contrary, to treat everything from paralysis to constipation with it. But strychnine proved only to be disappointingly deadly-relegating its fate almost entirely to animal control, the dangerous adulteration of foods, and criminal exploits. The NOTORIOUS and TRUE story of how a POISONOUS alkaloid... Bitter Nemesis: The Intimate History of Strychnine presents a scholarly and compelling history of this fascinating chemical substance from its discovery to present times. A renowned editor for the Dictionary of Natural Products, Dr. John Buckingham fuses his eclectic interests into an extraordinary mix of original research spanning the realms of history, medicine, literature, chemistry, and forensics. ...Changed the course of HISTORY! Uncovering details and logistics from the earliest experiments performed in an era when proper scientific trials for testing new drugs were still in their infancy, the author explores strychnine's trial-and-error contributions to scientific, medical, and forensic developments. He also investigates historical milestones and the perception of strychnine in popular culture-including criminal notoriety, accidental misuse, and new claims of strychnine's benefits that extend through to the present day. Juxtaposing the real trials, mistrials, and persistent curiosity associated with one of history's most notorious pharmaceutical failures, Bitter Nemesis offers rare insight into the anarchic, yet inspiredlandscape, practices, and legacy of 19th century science.

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.

Communication in Forensic Contexts provides in-depth coverage of the complex area of communication in forensic situations. Drawing on expertise from forensic psychology, linguistics and law enforcement worldwide, the text bridges the gap between these fields in a definitive guide to best practice. * Offers best practice for understanding and improving communication in forensic contexts, including interviewing of victims, witnesses and suspects, discourse in courtrooms, and discourse via interpreters * Bridges the knowledge gaps between forensic psychology, forensic linguistics and law enforcement, with chapters written by teams bringing together expertise from each field * Published in collaboration with the International Investigative Interviewing Research Group, dedicated to furthering evidence-based practice and practice-based research amongst researchers and practitioners * International, cross-disciplinary team includes contributors from North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, and from psychology, linguistics and forensic practice

Many advances have been made since the publication of Drug Testing in Hair. The mid-1990s witnessed the progress in cannabis detection while the late 1990s focused on benzodiazepines detection and the applications in doping control. In more recent years, toxicologists centered on the detection in hair of a single exposure and the related applications in drug-facilitated crimes. Presenting these topics as well as the latest findings from the international community, Analytical and Practical Aspects of Drug Testing in Hair reviews all new developments, the validation of analytical procedures, and the interpretation of data. Written by well-known, international authors, this comprehensive reference provides practical coverage of the best drug testing techniques and examines the drugs themselves. Some of the applications discussed include doping, drug-facilitated crime investigating, workplace testing, and the granting of drivers' licenses. The authors describe specific drugs, such as opiates, cocaine, and cannabis, and discuss the different testing methods for them. The book also covers postmortem toxicology, pitfalls created by passive exposure, and testing for metals, including inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS), hair multielementary analysis, and the new speciation analysis. A complete, up-to-date resource that explains numerous drug testing techniques, Analytical and Practical Aspects of Drug Testing in Hair provides useful information for toxicologists, forensic scientists, sports medicine specialists, and pathologists.

This book explores how forensic psychology has come to inhabit a central unifying discursive presence in the life world of modern carceral institutions. Providing a sociological and qualitative account of forensic practitioner psychologists, the author looks both in, and alongside, the work of such practitioners to explore how they simultaneously occupy positions of power and vulnerability. Focusing not only on how practitioners themselves come to embody a pervasive system of disciplinary expertise, but also on how they experience other forms of penal control, the book offers a novel and complete exploration of forensic psychology, the modern prison, and power. This is an accessible text for prison practitioners, criminological and sociological researchers and forensic psychologists on the nature and reality of forensic psychological practice in the contemporary prisons of England and Wales.

Pathology of Sharp Force Trauma illustrates and details sharp force trauma as seen in forensic pathology case work as well as in the clinical setting, outlining how one informs the other in interpreting such trauma for medico-legal purposes. For the purposes of discussion, the author defines sharp force trauma as: "The application of force to produce an injury which results in a clear division or separation of the skin and underlying tissues". Sharp force trauma may be caused by all manner of implements with a sharp edge and/or pointed end, whether or not they have been produced for use as a weapon, and includes knives, broken glass, scissors and many others, to name but a few. Certain tools, such as axes or machetes, combine a sharp edge with heavy weight and produce injuries with both sharp and blunt impact elements. In many countries, with the exception of those where firearms are readily available, sharp force trauma-particularly the use of knives-is the most common method of homicide and a frequent source of morbidity seen in emergency departments. Also, there has recently been an alarming upsurge in the use of knives in gang-related assaults and in terrorist incidents. As such, the book takes a comprehensive approach in explaining the different aspects of such trauma, most importantly the manner in which the victim has died. This includes cases of homicide, suicide or accident, indicating the type of weapon responsible, explaining how it was used, and presenting other such information to the investigation of such cases. Features: * Includes over 400 full-color graphic and illustrative images throughout * Addresses all aspects of the investigation including trauma, crime scene findings, post-mortem examination, characteristics of injuries and categorization into homicide, suicide or accident * Covers the biomechanics of knife trauma and tool mark examination techniques to identify implements used * Illustrates penetrating injuries caused by pointed implements which have linear components, such as arrows, nails, spears, stakes and others * Details cutting, penetrating, and other sharp force injuries resulting from medical intervention in a healthcare environment, such as might occur during surgical procedures * Examines sharp injuries caused by domesticated and wild animals * Written by one of the premier forensic pathologists in the world with over 40 years of first-hand case experience Pathology of Sharp Force Trauma is the first substantive book published in English to look exclusively at this subject. Although primarily intended for pathologists and clinicians who are involved in the examination of such injuries in the post-mortem room or in a hospital environment, it will also be of interest to medical examiners, police and criminal investigators, attorneys and legal professionals, personnel in other forensic disciplines, and all doctors and medical students with an interested in trauma and its management.

A rare behind-the-scenes look at the work of forensic scientists The findings of forensic science-from DNA profiles and chemical identifications of illegal drugs to comparisons of bullets, fingerprints, and shoeprints-are widely used in police investigations and courtroom proceedings. While we recognize the significance of this evidence for criminal justice, the actual work of forensic scientists is rarely examined and largely misunderstood. Blood, Powder, and Residue goes inside a metropolitan crime laboratory to shed light on the complex social forces that underlie the analysis of forensic evidence. Drawing on eighteen months of rigorous fieldwork in a crime lab of a major metro area, Beth Bechky tells the stories of the forensic scientists who struggle to deliver unbiased science while under intense pressure from adversarial lawyers, escalating standards of evidence, and critical public scrutiny. Bechky brings to life the daily challenges these scientists face, from the painstaking screening and testing of evidence to making communal decisions about writing up the lab report, all while worrying about attorneys asking them uninformed questions in court. She shows how the work of forensic scientists is fraught with the tensions of serving justice-constantly having to anticipate the expectations of the world of law and the assumptions of the public-while also staying true to their scientific ideals. Blood, Powder, and Residue offers a vivid and sometimes harrowing picture of the lives of highly trained experts tasked with translating their knowledge for others who depend on it to deliver justice.

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.

In Forensic Science: An Illustrated Dictionary, the author of the critically acclaimed Forensic Science Glossary expands his coverage to provide the widest possible view of this growing discipline. He defines words in the forensic areas of pathology, ontology, anthropology, entomology, computer crime, arson investigation, engineering, and psychology. He also expands the word-base for DNA, questioned documents, fingerprint technology, and all other areas of criminalistics. With over 150 photographs and line drawings, this dictionary provides clear, concise definitions easily understood by non-scientific professionals.

Although methods and techniques that will help solve various analytical problems do exist, they are often difficult to perform. Using polarized light microscopy as the method of choice, Color Atlas and Manual of Microscopy for Criminalists, Chemists, and Conservators offers swift, simple, yet irrefutable analytical tests and testing procedures that can be used to identify organic and inorganic particles. Seasoned forensic microscopists Nicholas Petraco and Thomas Kubic have lent their expertise as consultants to forensic scientists, analytical chemists, art historians, pathologists, customs agents, detectives, gemologists, numismatists, and art conservators. Now they share their extensive photomicrograph collection of minute specimens along with clear, concise, and simple methods to help solve your analytical problems.

Estimation of the Time Since Death remains the foremost authoritative book on scientifically calculating the estimated time of death postmortem. Building on the success of previous editions which covered both the early and later postmortem periods this edition includes a new chapter on DNA/RNA degradation and further new content on drug testing in hair, thus widening the scope of the material. Chapters have been improved, updated and expanded, and include new and additional images to enhance the text. A unique work of synthesis combining rigorous science with practical guidance, this update reinforces the book's reputation as an invaluable resource - and also the standard - for the estimation of the time since death.

Advances in forensic odontology have led to improvements in dental identification for individual cases as well as in disaster victim identification (DVI). New and updated technologies mean advances in bitemark analysis and age estimation. Growth in the field has strengthened missing persons' networks leading to more and faster identifications of unidentified individuals. A product of the American Society of Forensic Odontology, the Manual of Forensic Odontology, Fifth Edition provides comprehensive and up-to-date information involving all facets of forensic dentistry and explores critical issues relating to the scientific principles supporting the field's evaluations and conclusions. New information in the Fifth Edition includes Scientific principles and the need for more and better research in the field Oral and maxillofacial radiographic features of forensic interest Forensic pathology and its ties to forensic odontology New techniques and improved technologies for age estimation Advances in bitemark evidence management Animal bitemarks National and international forensic dental organizations Tips for becoming involved in forensic odontology The manual has been an important source of forensic dentistry information for more than 20 years. This new edition is edited by a past president of the American Board of Forensic Odontology and a past Chair of the Odontology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Expanded and enhanced with extensive color illustrations, this volume is designed to provide essential information based on sound scientific principles for experienced forensic odontologists and for those new to the discipline.

Crime and Intelligence Analysis: An Integrated Real-Time Approach, 2nd Edition, covers everything crime analysts and tactical analysts need to know to be successful. Providing an overview of the criminal justice system as well as the more fundamental areas of crime analysis, the book enables students and law enforcement personnel to gain a better understanding of criminal behavior, learn the basics of conducting temporal analysis of crime patterns, use spatial analysis to better understand crime, apply research methods to crime analysis, and more successfully evaluate data and information to help predict criminal offending and solve criminal cases. A new chapter provides expert advice about terrorist threats and threat assessment. Criminal justice and police academy students, as well as civilians, sworn officers, and administrators, can build the skills to be credible crime analysts who play a critical role in the daily operations of law enforcement.

This volume represents an approach to the analysis of glass and paint as they occur as trace evidence in forensic cases. Each chapter is written by an expert in their particular area. The book is divided into two sections: one referring to paint and one referring to glass. Each section covers an introduction to the composition of these materials and the analytical approach to obtaining information from these types of exhibits, together with an interpretation of that evidence in the context of the forensic cases.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203483588

With the skyrocketing popularity of TV crime shows like CSI and CSI-Miami, interest in forensic science has reached unprecedented levels. However compelling these programs are as dramas, they spread many misconceptions about the real world of the forensic scientist. Students who wish to pursue a career in this field are often unaware of the many diverse career choices available or have superficial notions of the rigors involved.
In this in-depth insider's guide to this crucial area of criminal investigation, renowned forensic scientist Henry C. Lee, along with veteran forensic experts Elaine M. Pagliaro and Katherine Ramsland, provides a realistic picture of the education, skills, challenges, and rewards involved in the many specialties that encompass forensic science. All are used to unravel seemingly baffling crimes.
The first part of the book highlights Dr. Lee's personal story and forty-year career to demonstrate how forensic science developed in the twentieth century and came to be recognized by the courts and law enforcement as a crucial approach to investigating crimes. Dr. Lee shares many interesting stories about his experiences and those of his colleagues, who were instrumental in developing forensic science laboratories in the United States.
The second part focuses on careers in forensic science, illustrated by descriptions of high profile cases that required different forensic disciplines, including engineering, accounting, psychology, crime scene investigation, and DNA analysis. These cases also underscore the importance of forensic evidence in criminal and civil cases, national security, environmental protection, and public safety.
The third part presents the various specialties in forensic science created by the American Academy of Forensic Science; describes the types of evidence generally analyzed in each area; and lays out the steps one should take to prepare for a career in a particular specialty. Also included is useful information about professional organizations, certification programs and requirements, laboratory opportunities, and university forensic science programs.
For those who wish to pursue a career in forensic science or for anyone who is interested in how criminal investigation is really done, this book is a must read.

The tremendous world-wide interest in intelligent biometric techniques in fingerprint and face recognition is fueled by the myriad of potential applications, including banking and security systems, and limited only by the imaginations of scientists and engineers. This growing interest poses new challenges to the fields of expert systems, neural networks, fuzzy systems, and evolutionary computing, which offer the advantages of learning abilities and human-like behavior.
Biometric Techniques in Fingerprint and Face Recognition presents a thorough treatment of established and emerging applications and techniques relevant to this field so rich with opportunity.

The examination of human hairs in the forensic science setting is a highly specialist forensic discipline. To date the topic has not been covered in a single volume in which all aspects of hair examination are brought together. In this volume an international group of authors have dealt with all aspects of the examination of human hair. The volume opens with the basic foundation accidence covering the physiology, growth and structure of hair. Forensic specific aspects of hair structure are then dealt with and a protocol for examination is presented. The remaining chapters deal with non microscopy approaches to hair examination covering historical and contemporary knowledge. These chapters include biochemical approaches to hair examination, the use of elemental analysis, the analysis of cosmetic treatments, the analysis of hairs for drugs and the use of DNA analysis. In the final chapter the value of hair examination as evidence is assessed. The book will be of value to students forensic science, to members of the legal profession and to practitioners of forensic science. Written in an open accessible style it promises to be the standard text for human hair for the foreseeable future.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203483529

The rise of scientific thinking in finding, catching, and convicting criminals and, just as important, freeing the innocent has transformed society's assault on crime. Before scientific detective work, early attempts to maintain public safety relied on the severity of punishment rather than any probability of apprehension. But with the rapid development of the sciences in the nineteenth century, some techniques began to spill over into more effective police work. Michael Kurland's engrossing history of forensic science recounts this remarkable progress, which continues to the present. He traces the history of the major techniques of criminal detection and many of the minor ones. Here are Bertillon's physical measurements used to recognize habitual criminals; the study of fingerprints identifying criminals long after they have left the scene of the crime; Gravelle's comparison microscope comparing bullets to determine if they have been fired from the same gun; the development of bloodstain identification and, ultimately, the blood type involved. Mr. Kurland explains how once accepted techniques have fallen by the wayside handwriting analysis, for example and how methods such as lie detectors, voice spectrum analysis, bite mark evidence, and other methods have proven unworthy. Finally " Irrefutable Evidence " explores the rise of modern DNA typing techniques, which have proven the innocence of many persons convicted of major crimes and resulted in the exoneration of more than two hundred on death row. With 12 black and white illustrations.