Physical Evidence in Forensic Science

This new edition of the classic by America's leading forensic scientists gives you an insider's understanding of physical evidence at the crime scene.

Written in an easy-to-understand format, this outstanding guide, by the nation's foremost forensic scientists, introduces you to the basics of crime scene evaluation. They teach you excellent ways to make your investigation solid and successful. This extensive resource is packed with valuable information about the details of collecting, storing, and analyzing all types of physical evidence. You'll learn how to connect the victim(s) and suspect(s) to the crime scene, and to the physical evidence left behind. They also instruct you on how to use this information to provide convincing testimony based on scientific facts.

The book is divided into three parts plus appendices for easy access to the information you need. Part I offers an overview of forensic science and discusses the future path of forensic science and its applications in the courtroom and society. Part II gives you an exhaustive list of physical evidence typically left behind at crime scenes and explains the correct methods for processing this evidence. Part III discusses current issues in search and seizure, and how to effectively utilize it in court. The appendices discuss common blood screening test reagents and how to use the druggist's fold for sealing evidence in paper.

This in-depth reference provides you with a wealth of details regarding many different topics including light, smoke, bullet identification, transient and pattern evidence, postmortem lividity marks and other special imprints and indentations, odors, wet versus dry blood samples, crime scene reconstruction techniques, and recognition and coordination of all elements of the crime scene during and after investigation.

This new edition of a classic is a must have for all crime scene investigators, law enforcement agencies, trial lawyers, and others involved in the investigative process.

Topics include:

Introduction to forensic science
Arson
Bite marks
Blood and body fluids
Bombs and explosives
Computers and electronic data as evidence
Chemical substances
Crime scene reconstruction
DNA analyses
Documents
Drugs and controlled substances
Firearms
Fibers
Fingerprints
Glass
Gunshot residue
Hair
Imprint and impression evidence
Fingerprints
Paints
Pattern evidence
Plastics
Sexual assault and sex crime evidence
Soil
Tape
Toolmarks
Video evidence
Voice identification
Legal aspects of forensic science
Some screening test reagents
The druggist's fold