Criminalistics is that sub-field of Forensic Science dealing with the collection, preservation, examination, and interpretation of physical evidence. Introduction to Criminalistics: The Foundation of Forensic Science covers the basics of Criminalistics in a textbook for a one or two semester course with the intention of preparing the student for a future in forensic science. The role of the Criminalist is to analyze, compare, identify, and interpret physical evidence in the crime lab. These crime labs, or forensic labs, have two primary functions: identifying evidence, and linking suspect, victim, and crime scene through physical evidence. This new primer introduces the learner to the structure and organization of the crime lab and to the role of the Criminalist. Topics covered include how to process a crime scene and preserve evidence, the basic principles of firearm examination, latent fingerprints, and rudimentary toxicology, or how to determine the presence or absence of drugs and poisons.
Well organized and methodical, this colorful textbook, written by an eminent professional, has the potential to become the standard text for applying techniques of the physical and natural sciences to examining physical evidence.
* Uses real cases recent and historic to illustrate concepts
* Colorful pedagogy clearly defines chapter elements and sets this text apart from next best
* Presents the basics of forensic sciences in a one-semester or one-year course
* Offers excellent preparation for professional examinations
* Delivers the latest in laboratory technique while acknowledging the limits of technology"

The only A–Z reference work on forensic science, one of the most intriguing and exciting fields in criminological studies. From dandruff to DNA, from ammunition to infrared spectrophotometry, forensic scientists employ the commonplace and the esoteric to get their man or woman. Forensic Science is the only comprehensive reference work accessible to nonexperts on this fast-changing and ever-fascinating field of criminological study. Readers will learn how the latest scientific breakthroughs and the well-honed instincts of forensics experts come together to provide the clues and amass the evidence to bring America's most notorious criminals to justice. From famous firsts in forensics to possible future developments in the science, the expert team of contributors put together by William Tilstone, executive director of the National Forensic Science Technology Center, examines techniques and technologies, key cases, critical controversies, and ethical and legal issues.

Barry Fisher s Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation has long been considered the "bible" of the crime-solving profession, drawing from the author s 40-year career in forensic science, including his time spent as the crime laboratory director for the Los Angeles County Sheriff s Department. Now for the first time, commissioned authors working out of the United Kingdom and Denmark present Fisher s Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation First International Edition the latest edition of a classic volume, now oriented specifically to an international audience.

Maintaining the same format as the U.S. editions, the book focuses on international procedures, laws, and cases. The book s three-part structure highlights the importance of approaching the topic from three consecutive perspectives. The first is that crime scene investigation is a subdiscipline of forensic science, and thus the first section, entirely new to this edition, explores the forensic process and the basic principles and practices of crime scene investigation.

The second perspective is that crime scene investigation is about identifying and recovering different forms of evidence, each with its own methods for identification, recovery, and analysis. To that end, the book discusses trace and impression evidence, establishing personal identity, forensic biology, and evidence associated with firearms, arson, and explosions.

Lastly, crime scene investigation is ultimately about describing the location, modus operandi, time frame and sequence of events, identity of persons involved, and motive for different types of crime. Highlighting this focus, the final section presents chapters on the investigation of various crime scenarios, including those involving illicit drugs, sexual assault, burglary, motor vehicles, and homicide. The book closes with new appendices exploring the cutting-edge world of digital evidence.

Enhanced with hundreds of diagrams and color photos of actual crime scenes, this volume combines time-tested procedures with an international scope to provide an essential resource for investigators in Europe, Australasia, and Canada charged with solving crimes and bringing offenders to justice. William Tilstone talks about the book on the CRC Press YouTube Channel.