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.

Forensic science combines analytical science with the requirements of law enforcement agencies and legislation. This can often pose challenges within the development of novel analytical methods, particularly with the drive to have more in-field and in-situ applications to facilitate the investigation of criminal cases. This book will explore the specific challenges encountered by forensic scientists and the developments that are being made to address these within the framework of the legislative requirements. It will provide a critical appraisal of the current challenges facing analytical approaches for the detection of forensic evidence and the state of the art technologies used to address these challenges. Providing an excellent combination of current research and how this pertains to forensic investigations, the book will also highlight key obstacles within this ever-changing environment. Aimed at graduates and forensic professionals, this is a unique oversight of the current work being undertaken within the development of analytical methods and also in the interpretation of complex crime scene samples.

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.

Forensic DNA analysis plays a central role in the judicial system. A DNA sample can change the course of an investigation with immense consequences. Because DNA typing is recognized as the epitome of forensic science, increasing public awareness in this area is vital. Through several cases, examples and illustrations, this book explains the basic principles of forensic DNA typing, and how it integrates with law enforcement investigations and legal decisions. Written for a general readership, Understanding Forensic DNA explains both the power and the limitations of DNA analysis. This book dispels common misunderstandings regarding DNA analysis and shows how astounding match probabilities such as one-in-a-trillion are calculated, what they really mean, and why DNA alone never solves a case.

Forensic DNA analysis plays a central role in the judicial system. A DNA sample can change the course of an investigation with immense consequences. Because DNA typing is recognized as the epitome of forensic science, increasing public awareness in this area is vital. Through several cases, examples and illustrations, this book explains the basic principles of forensic DNA typing, and how it integrates with law enforcement investigations and legal decisions. Written for a general readership, Understanding Forensic DNA explains both the power and the limitations of DNA analysis. This book dispels common misunderstandings regarding DNA analysis and shows how astounding match probabilities such as one-in-a-trillion are calculated, what they really mean, and why DNA alone never solves a case.

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

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.

Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Interpretation builds upon the previous two editions of John Butler's internationally acclaimed Forensic DNA Typing textbook with forensic DNA analysts as its primary audience. Intended as a third-edition companion to the Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing volume published in 2010 and Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology published in 2012, this book contains 16 chapters with 4 appendices providing up-to-date coverage of essential topics in this important field. Over 80 % of the content of this book is new compared to previous editions.

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.

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.

Digital Forensics Trial Graphics: Teaching the Jury Through Effective Use of Visuals helps digital forensic practitioners explain complex technical material to laypeople (i.e., juries, judges, etc.). The book includes professional quality illustrations of technology that help anyone understand the complex concepts behind the science. Users will find invaluable information on theory and best practices along with guidance on how to design and deliver successful explanations.

The rapidly increasing number of different ignitable liquid formulations available today poses a new challenge to fire debris analysts and other forensic chemistry specialists - that of accurately identifying and classifying ignitable liquids with unfamiliar chromatographic patterns.

GC-MS Guide to Ignitable Liquids addresses that challenge with a selection of more than 100 different ignitable liquid formulations designed to supplement the laboratory's standard collection. Both total ion chromatograms and extracted ion chromatograms (mass chromatograms) are included.

Written by authors who are also experienced forensic chemists, this complete reference is the only single source of information on ignitable liquids - a must for students of fire science, forensic chemists, and anyone conducting fire debris analysis.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the area of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), focusing on its application to biological, forensic and materials sciences. LIBS, which was previously mainly used by physicists, chemists and in the industry, has now become a very useful tool with great potential in these other fields as well. LIBS has a unique set of characteristics including minimal destructiveness, remote sensing capabilities, potential portability, extremely high information content, trace analytical sensitivity and high throughput. With its content divided into two main parts, this book provides not only an introduction to the analytical capabilities and methodology, but also an overview of the results of recent applications in the above fields. The application-oriented, multidisciplinary approach of this work is also reflected in the diversity of the expert contributors. Given its breadth, this book will appeal to students, researchers and professionals interested in solving analytical/diagnostic/material characterization tasks with the application of LIBS.

*Presents a user-friendly wealth of useable, practical, and viable malpractice solutions *Explains in-depth advice on avoiding malpractice claims and their negative consequences for doctors in every field *Offers a valuable resource of precise and practical strategies to prepare for depositions, court testimony, and a doctor's defense in the event of litigation

Windows Registry Forensics: Advanced Digital Forensic Analysis of the Windows Registry, Second Edition, provides the most in-depth guide to forensic investigations involving Windows Registry. This book is one-of-a-kind, giving the background of the Registry to help users develop an understanding of the structure of registry hive files, as well as information stored within keys and values that can have a significant impact on forensic investigations. Tools and techniques for post mortem analysis are discussed at length to take users beyond the current use of viewers and into real analysis of data contained in the Registry. This second edition continues a ground-up approach to understanding so that the treasure trove of the Registry can be mined on a regular and continuing basis.

This book outlines for the first time in a single volume the theoretical and methodological tools for a study of human remains resulting from episodes of mass violence and genocide. Despite the highly innovative and contemporary research into both mass violence and the body, the most significant consequence of conflict - the corpse - remains absent from the scope of existing research. Why have human remains hitherto remained absent from our investigation, and how do historians, anthropologists and legal scholars, including specialists in criminology and political science, confront these difficult issues? By drawing on international case studies including genocides in Rwanda, the Khmer Rouge, Argentina, Russia and the context of post-World War II Europe, this ground-breaking edited collection opens new avenues of research. Multidisciplinary in scope, this volume will appeal to readers interested in an understanding of mass violence's aftermath, including researchers in history, anthropology, sociology, law, politics and modern warfare. The research program leading to this publication has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP/2007-2013) / ERC Grant Agreement n Degrees 283-617. -- .

In 2009, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) authored the report Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward. In it, the Committee expressed the need for accreditation and certification. Accreditation, long recognized by public labs as an important benchmark in quality, was recognized as an important way to standardize laboratories that provide forensic services. Certification can play an important role as a method of oversight in the forensic sciences-something also recommended by the - National Commission on Forensic Science in October 2014. The Complete Guide to the ABC's Molecular Biology is a professional certification examination preparation text for forensic scientists taking the American Board of Criminalistics Examination in Molecular Biology. The book serves as a resource for forensic scientists-who are facing more and more pressure to become certified-to support them in their pursuit of forensic certification. In the years since the NAS report was published, there has been increased discussion of forensic certification requirements. ABC's Molecular Biology exam is a quality certification, and learning the concepts for it will invariably help any professional working in the field. The book prepares readers in all relevant topic areas, including: accreditation, safety, biological screen principles, anatomy and cell biology, crime scene and evidence handling, concepts in genetics, biochemistry, statistics, DNA evidence, and DNA testing. The book will be particularly helpful for forensic science laboratory technicians, police and investigations professionals, forensic serology and DNA analysts, attorneys, and forensic science students. This study guide follows the guidelines for the exam and presents all the information necessary to prepare individuals to pass the exam.

Security is always a concern with any new technology. When we think security we typically think of stopping an attacker from breaking in or gaining access. However, based on the broad reach of wireless, stopping someone from passively listening is just as critical. Intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and forensics are just a few of the key areas that must be understood and applied to proactively solve the wireless problem. From short text messaging to war driving, Wireless Crime and Forensic Investigation explores all aspects of wireless technology, how it is used in daily life, and how it will be used in the future. The book provides a one-stop resource on the types of wireless crimes that are being committed and forensic investigation techniques for wireless devices and wireless networks. The author's straightforward and easy to read style seamlessly integrates the topics of wireless security and computer forensics. He provides a solid understanding of modern wireless technologies, wireless security techniques and wireless crime techniques, as well as conducting forensic analysis on wireless devices and networks. Each chapter, while part of a greater whole, can stand on its own, making researching wireless technologies, security, crime, or forensics easy. With a problem space as big and complex as wireless, proactive measures must be put in place, and put in place immediately. To protect your organization, you need to be well versed in the new technology sooner rather than later. You can pay now or you can pay later. Later always costs more. This book not only has all the information required to become proficient in wireless technology, but also provides the information required for conducting a forensic analysis in a wireless environment.

This book addresses the role of statistics and probability in the evaluation of forensic evidence, including both theoretical issues and applications in legal contexts. It discusses what evidence is and how it can be quantified, how it should be understood, and how it is applied (and, sometimes, misapplied). After laying out their philosophical position, the authors begin with a detailed study of the likelihood ratio. Following this grounding, they discuss applications of the likelihood ratio to forensic questions, in the abstract and in concrete cases. The analysis of DNA evidence in particular is treated in great detail. Later chapters concern Bayesian networks, frequentist approaches to evidence, the use of belief functions, and the thorny subject of database searches and familial searching. Finally, the authors provide commentary on various recommendation reports for forensic science. Written to be accessible to a wide audience of applied mathematicians, forensic scientists, and scientifically-oriented legal scholars, this book is a must-read for all those interested in the mathematical and philosophical foundations of evidence and belief.

David Houston Jones builds a bridge between practices conventionally understood as forensic, such as crime scene investigation, and the broader field of activity which the forensic now designates, for example in performance and installation art as well as photography. Contemporary work in these areas responds both to forensic evidence, including crime scene photography, and to some of the assumptions underpinning its consumption. It asks how we look, and in whose name, foregrounding and scrutinising the enduring presence of voyeurism in visual media and instituting new forms of ethical engagement. Such work responds to the object-oriented culture associated with the forensic and offers a reassessment of the relationship of human voice and material evidence. It displays an enduring debt to the discursive model of testimony which has so far been insufficiently recognised, and which forms the basis for a new ethical understanding of the forensic. Jones's analysis brings this methodology to bear upon a strand of contemporary visual activity that has the power to significantly redefine our understandings of the production, analysis and deployment of evidence. Artists examined include Forensic Architecture, Simon Norfolk, Melanie Pullen, Angela Strassheim, John Gerrard, Julian Charriere, Trevor Paglen, Laura Poitras and Sophie Ristelhueber. The book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, visual culture, literary studies, modern languages, photography and critical theory.

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY FUNDAMENTALS strives to help scientists & lawyers, & students, understand how their two disciplines come together for forensic science, in the contexts of analytical chemistry & related science more generally, and the common law systems of Canada, USA, UK, the Commonwealth. In this book, forensics is considered more generally than as only for criminal law; workplace health & safety, and other areas are included. And, two issues of Canadian legal process are argued as essays in the fi nal two chapters.

In the course of researching her best-selling books, McDermid has become familiar with many branches of forensics, and now she uncovers the history of this science and the people who make sure that for murderers, there is no hiding place. Forensic scientists can unlock the mysteries of the past and help serve justice using the messages left by a corpse, a crime scene, or the faintest of human traces. Now available in paperback, Forensics goes behind the scenes with some of these top-level professionals and their groundbreaking research, drawing on original interviews and firsthand experience on scene with top forensic scientists. Along the way, we discover how maggots collected from a corpse can help determine time of death; how a DNA trace a millionth the size of a grain of salt can be used to convict a killer; and how a team of young Argentine scientists led by a maverick American anthropologist were able to uncover the victims of a genocide. The journey takes us to war zones, fire scenes, and autopsy suites, reveals both extraordinary bravery and true wickedness, as we trace the history of forensics from its earliest beginnings to the cutting-edge science of the modern day.

The lives of kings, poets, authors, criminals and celebrities are a perpetual fascination in the media and popular culture, and for decades anthropologists and other scientists have participated in 'post-mortem dissections' of the lives of historical figures. In this field of biohistory, researchers have identified and analyzed these figures' bodies using technologies such as DNA fingerprinting, biochemical assays, and skeletal biology. This book brings together biohistorical case studies for the first time, and considers the role of the anthropologist in the writing of historical narratives surrounding the deceased. Contributors theorize biohistory with respect to the sociology of the body, examining the ethical implications of biohistorical work and the diversity of social theoretical perspectives that researchers' work may relate to. The volume defines scales of biohistorical engagement, providing readers with a critical sense of scale and the different paths to 'historical notoriety' that can emerge with respect to human remains.