Crime scene investigators are the foundation for every criminal investigation. The admissibility and persuasiveness of evidence in court, and in turn, the success of a case, is largely dependent upon the evidence being properly collected, recorded, and handled for future analysis by investigators and forensic analysts in the lab. Complete Crime Scene Investigation Handbook is the most complete, one-stop practical reference for law enforcement and crime scene professionals as well as students looking to enter the field. The book provides step-by-step methods and best practice protocols for effectively finding, recognizing, recording, collecting, preserving, handling, and packaging evidence. With more than 650 full color photos and illustrations the book covers: The investigative team and its responsibilities The rules for forensic search and seizure Proper documentation of evidence via note-taking, photography, and sketching Search patterns and the special considerations for various searches The use of alternative light sources Presumptive tests via luminol and other methods Latent fingerprint processing Evidence collection and packaging Serological, trace, firearms, toolmark, footwear, tire, and digital evidence Injury documentation Appendices with a full compliment of sample forms, equipment lists, and checklists to assist in crime scene investigation A special considerations section reviews topics such as shooting scene and bloodstain documentation, clandestine graves and scattered human remains, fire scenes, and questioned document evidence. The final chapters examine how to develop a working plan and processing methodology as well as effective report writing. This book is a must-have reference for experienced forensic, crime scene, and investigative professionals as well as students in forensic science programs looking to enter the field. A specially developed companion lab exercise workbook-The Complete Crime Scene Investigation Workbook (ISBN: 978-1-4987-0142-6)-is also available for purchase and can be used in conjunction with this handbook, both for group training purposes or for individuals looking for hands-on self-study.

This specially developed workbook can be used in conjunction with the Complete Crime Scene Investigation Handbook (ISBN: 978-1-4987-0144-0) in group training environments, or for individuals looking for independent, step-by-step self-study guide. It presents an abridged version of the Handbook, supplying both students and professionals with the most critical points and extensive hands-on exercises for skill enhancement. Filled with more than 350 full-color images, the Complete Crime Scene Investigation Workbook walks readers through self-tests and exercises they can perform to practice and improve their documentation, collection, and processing techniques.Most experienced crime scene investigators will tell you that it is virtually impossible to be an expert in every aspect of crime scene investigations. If you begin to "specialize" too soon, you risk not becoming a well-rounded crime scene investigator. Establishing a complete foundation to the topic, the exercises in this workbook reinforce the concepts presented in the Handbook with a practical, real-world application.As a crime scene investigator, reports need to be more descriptive than they are at the patrol officer level. This workbook provides a range of scenarios around which to coordinate multiple exercises and lab examples, and space is provided to write descriptions of observations. The book also supplies step-by-step, fully illustrative photographs of crime scene procedures, protocols, and evidence collection and testing techniques. This lab exercise workbook is ideal for use in conjunction with the Handbook, both in group training settings, as well as a stand-alone workbook for individuals looking for hands-on self-study. It is a must-have resource for crime scene technicians, investigators, and professionals who want a complete manual of crime scene collection and processing techniques.

Crime scene investigators are the foundation for every criminal investigation. The admissibility and persuasiveness of evidence in court, and in turn, the success of a case, is largely dependent upon the evidence being properly collected, recorded, and handled for future analysis by investigators and forensic analysts in the lab. Complete Crime Scene Investigation Handbook is the most complete, one-stop practical reference for law enforcement and crime scene professionals as well as students looking to enter the field. The book provides step-by-step methods and best practice protocols for effectively finding, recognizing, recording, collecting, preserving, handling, and packaging evidence. With more than 650 full color photos and illustrations the book covers: The investigative team and its responsibilities The rules for forensic search and seizure Proper documentation of evidence via note-taking, photography, and sketching Search patterns and the special considerations for various searches The use of alternative light sources Presumptive tests via luminol and other methods Latent fingerprint processing Evidence collection and packaging Serological, trace, firearms, toolmark, footwear, tire, and digital evidence Injury documentation Appendices with a full compliment of sample forms, equipment lists, and checklists to assist in crime scene investigation A special considerations section reviews topics such as shooting scene and bloodstain documentation, clandestine graves and scattered human remains, fire scenes, and questioned document evidence. The final chapters examine how to develop a working plan and processing methodology as well as effective report writing. This book is a must-have reference for experienced forensic, crime scene, and investigative professionals as well as students in forensic science programs looking to enter the field. A specially developed companion lab exercise workbook-The Complete Crime Scene Investigation Workbook (ISBN: 978-1-4987-0142-6)-is also available for purchase and can be used in conjunction with this handbook, both for group training purposes or for individuals looking for hands-on self-study.

This specially developed workbook can be used in conjunction with the Complete Crime Scene Investigation Handbook (ISBN: 978-1-4987-0144-0) in group training environments, or for individuals looking for independent, step-by-step self-study guide. It presents an abridged version of the Handbook, supplying both students and professionals with the most critical points and extensive hands-on exercises for skill enhancement. Filled with more than 350 full-color images, the Complete Crime Scene Investigation Workbook walks readers through self-tests and exercises they can perform to practice and improve their documentation, collection, and processing techniques. Most experienced crime scene investigators will tell you that it is virtually impossible to be an expert in every aspect of crime scene investigations. If you begin to "specialize" too soon, you risk not becoming a well-rounded crime scene investigator. Establishing a complete foundation to the topic, the exercises in this workbook reinforce the concepts presented in the Handbook with a practical, real-world application. As a crime scene investigator, reports need to be more descriptive than they are at the patrol officer level. This workbook provides a range of scenarios around which to coordinate multiple exercises and lab examples, and space is provided to write descriptions of observations. The book also supplies step-by-step, fully illustrative photographs of crime scene procedures, protocols, and evidence collection and testing techniques. This lab exercise workbook is ideal for use in conjunction with the Handbook, both in group training settings, as well as a stand-alone workbook for individuals looking for hands-on self-study. It is a must-have resource for crime scene technicians, investigators, and professionals who want a complete manual of crime scene collection and processing techniques.