Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations – serie

The first two editions of Forensic Pathology have been highly touted as the definitive, go-to text reference on forensic pathology and this latest edition is no exception.DiMaio’s Forensic Pathology, Third Edition is fully updated to include the many advancements that have occurred in the field over the last 20 years since the last edition was published. Joining Dr. Vincent DiMaio is practicing forensic pathologist Dr. Kimberley Molina who brings her expertise to the latest edition of this all-time best-selling work. Historical chapters have been reviewed and updated, and the natural disease and toxicology chapters have been streamlined, so as to expand on the new improvements in the field. New content includes discussions on chronic traumatic encephalopathy, sudden unexplained infant deaths, deaths in the elderly and blast injuries – among other topics. Chapters incorporate changes to death investigation, forensic DNA typing and other relevant fields relative to forensic pathology and determination of death. In addition, the third edition includes an entirely new – and long-sought-after – chapter summarizing Dr. DiMaio’s world-renowned expertise on gunshot wounds.Key Features Includes over 400 full-color images illustrating key concepts Boasts new chapters on gunshot wounds, mass fatality incidents and the application of forensic science principles to forensic pathology practice Provides updated and expanded coverage of medicolegal death investigation, postmortem changes, time of death, deaths in custody, deaths in the elderly and drug-related deaths Presents new research and advanced techniques, ranging from chronic traumatic encephalopathy to new and emerging drugs DiMaio’s Forensic Pathology, Third Edition maintains its concise, easy-to-read format with completely updated references and over 400 full-color demonstrative photographs and photomicrographs to illustrate concepts – making it appealing not only to forensic pathologists, but also law enforcement personnel and attorneys. This highly anticipated work continues Dr. DiMaio’s long legacy of producing invaluable educational and professional resources.

Now in its Third Edition, Practical Bomb Scene Investigation explores the investigative process that improvised explosive device (IED) specialists undertake at the scene of an explosion. Providing easy-to-understand, step-by-step procedures for managing and processing a bomb scene, it enables investigators to find the evidence and then make sense of what is found. The book is not only a roadmap on how to find and collect evidence and assess the scene, but also provides instruction on identifying the bombmaker's signature through latent print, DNA, explosive residue, metallurgical, and toolmark examination and forensic analysis.

The utilization of footwear impression evidence continues to evolve with new materials, equipment and techniques, providing an increased ability to detect, record, enhance, and examine this form of evidence. Recently developed technology now allows investigators to more efficiently or, in some cases, instantly link multiple crime scenes where impressions have been produced by the same perpetrator.Forensic Footwear Evidence covers a wide range of relevant topics, including historical references, general information about the formation and investigative use of footwear impressions, and the best practices and considerations that apply to the recovery, enhancement, and examination of this evidence. Drawing on the author’s 44 years of acquired knowledge and experience, it is the most comprehensive and authoritative text published to date on this topic. Highlighted topics covered within the book includeThree chapters covering footwear manufacturingShoe grading, sizing, and the forensic application of sizing informationExamination and reporting proceduresCasting impressions in snowBarefoot evidenceTopics of interest for both prosecution and defense attorneysThe book includes more than 300 color photographs and illustrations throughout, as well as case examples that apply theoretical concepts to the real world. A single, complete reference on the subject, Forensic Footwear Evidence presents a wide range wealth of information that will serve as an invaluable reference to novice and experienced examiners, crime scene technicians, investigators, and prosecution and defense counselors alike.

Practical Analysis and Reconstruction of Shooting Incidents, Second Edition presents a holistic approach to shooting incident analysis and reconstruction, covering the entire spectrum of related sub-disciplines of forensic science. The book reviews basic firearm design and function, ammunition components, and terminology, explaining what constitutes pertinent evidence and appropriate results relative to autopsies, forensic laboratory analysis, and reenactments.The second edition features numerous additions including:Four new chaptersComplete and extensive updates to all 16 original chaptersThree case studies contributed by renowned professionals in the fieldNew and revised exercises at the ends of chapters, with answers providedAn expanded glossary of terminologyNearly 340 figures and illustrations, with several in full colorNew and updated references and suggested readingsAppendices containing relevant terminology, checklists, and other resourcesThe book details the mathematics of shooting reconstruction in clear, precise language that allows readers—both those with and without extensive science backgrounds—to apply a logical thought process to the evaluation of shooting scene evidence in order to establish the probable related events to the shooting incident.This new edition provides up-to-date information for field investigators to recognize, preserve, document, and interpret the physical evidence typically found after shooting incidents. In addition to the hundreds of illustrations, the book uses both case studies and step-by-step outlines to clearly describe the required analytical processes involved in reconstructing and interpreting shooting incident scenes.

Autoerotic Deaths: Practical Forensic and Investigative Perspectives is a collaboration between two internationally known experts who combine their extensive experience to present a scientific, modern view of autoerotic death—complete with a wide variety of exquisite case histories, photographs, and investigator tips.Chief Medical Examiner Anny Sauvageau of Alberta, Canada and retired NYPD Lieutenant Commander Vernon J. Geberth bring considerable insight to this volume, providing practical and conventional information based on scientific research and case experience from the field. Enhanced with more than 100 color photos, the book explores:The evolution of the concept of sexual asphyxia and autoerotic deathThe definition and epidemiology of autoerotic death, pitfalls involved in the application of the term autoerotic, and best practices for approaching these death scenesDeath scene characteristics and the importance of recognizing clues to the autoerotic nature of a deathMethods of autoerotic death, including hanging, plastic bags, chemical substances, and other less-common scenariosAtypical victims of autoerotic deathsUsing a case history format, the book presents a complete analysis of all aspects of this unusual and unfortunate type of death. The combination of theory and practice, along with up-to-date science, makes this book an unparalleled resource for all those involved in the investigation of these peculiar incidents.

Crime scene reconstruction (CSR) is today’s hot topic. The immense proliferation of television, print, and electronic media directed at this area has generated significant public interest, albeit occasionally encouraging inaccurate perceptions. Practical Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction bridges the gap between perception and reality, helping readers understand the nature of the scientific method and teaching the proper application of its components.A proven methodology The book begins by recounting the history of crime scene analysis and exploring fundamental principles. Then the authors introduce their proven methodology, known as Event Analysis. This technique defines specific actions, discusses the order of those actions, and offers significant insight into determining what did or did not happen in the course of the incident under investigation. Using case studies and more than 200 color photos, the book demonstrates this method and how it can be used to explain clues that would otherwise be puzzling or ambiguous. Practical advice from the crime scene to the courtroomThe authors show how to resolve significant questions that arise in the course of CSR through the use of an event analysis worksheet. The book also discusses crime scene protocol, bloodstain pattern analysis, gunshot investigation, and forensic pathology and the human body. The final chapters provide instruction on writing crime scene reports, discuss ethical issues, and give advice on courtroom presentation.Includes color photos demonstrating the science of CSR on: SuperpositionTiming and sequenceBloodstain analysisBallisticsWound patterns

Reviewed and recognized as the most authoritative source in the field, this book describes the methods used worldwide to recover and identify footwear impressions from the scene of a crime.In this new edition, everything, including the original twelve chapters, bibliography, appendix, etc., has been clarified, updated and expanded. This edition includes updated and new information on recovery procedures and materials such as lifting, photography and casting; chemical enhancement; updated information about footwear manufacturing; footwear sizing; and known impression techniques and materials. WHAT’S NEW IN THE SECOND EDITION: Besides updating and expanding the twelve original chapters, Footwear Impression Evidence: Detection, Recovery and Examination, Second Edition adds three new chapters: one chapter on barefoot evidence, which concerns impressions made by the naked or sock-clad foot or those which remain in abandoned or discarded footwear; another new chapter on several cases in which the footwear impression evidence was of primary importance in bringing about a conviction or confession; and finally, a new chapter on the footwear impression evidence in the O.J. Simpson criminal and civil cases.

The use of informants has been described as the "black hole of law enforcement." Failures in the training of police officers and federal agents in the recruitment and operation of informants has undermined costly long-term investigations, destroyed the careers of prosecutors and law enforcement officers, and caused death and serious injuries to innocent citizens and police. In many cases, the events leading to disaster could have been avoided had the law enforcement agency followed the time-tested procedures examined in this book.Informants, Cooperating Witnesses, and Undercover Investigations: A Practical Guide to Law, Policy, and Procedure, Second Edition covers every aspect of the informant and cooperating witness dynamic—a technique often shrouded in secrecy and widely misunderstood. Quoted routinely in countless newspaper and magazine articles, the first edition of this book was the go-to guide for practical, effective guidance on this controversial yet powerful investigative tool. Extensively updated, topics in this second edition include: Sweeping changes in the FBI and ICE informant and undercover programsNew informant recruiting techniquesReverse sting operationsEntrapment issues Examination of recent high-profile cases where the misuse of informants resulted in lawsuits and legislationThe changing nature of compensation and cooperation agreementsForfeiture, informants, and rewardsThe management of controlled undercover purchases of evidence Challenges posed by fabricated information, phantom informants and police corruptionWitness security measuresNew whistleblower reward programs Authoritative, scholarly, and based on boots-on-the-ground experience, this book is written by an author who has been a police supervisor, an informant recruiter and handler, an undercover agent, and an attorney. Supported by statutes, case law, and previously unpublished excerpts from law enforcement agency manuals, it is essential reading for every police officer, police manager, prosecutor, police academy trainer, criminal justice professor, and defense attorney. This book is part of the Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations series.

This book, now in its second edition, is the first and most exhaustive text covering the still growing popularity of cold case investigations which locate perpetrators and free the innocent. The new edition adds approximately 80 pages of content, including material on clandestine graves and investigating cold gang cases. The book merges theory with practice through the use of case histories, photographs, illustrations and checklists that convey essential, fundamental concepts while providing a strong, practical basis for the investigative process.

This latest edition addresses rape and sexual assaults from all clinical, pathological, medical, and legal aspects. The book focuses on the victim and covers contemporary issues in sexual violence, investigative aspects of rape and sexual assault, offender fantasy, the personality of the offender, collection of evidence, medical examinations, and treatment, as well as trial preparation issues. Special topics include pedophiles, female and juvenile offenders, drug-facilitated rape, sexual sadism, elder abuse, and sexual assault within the military.

Written by the nation's foremost authority on gunshot wounds and forensic techniques as they relate to firearm injuries, this third edition of a bestseller provides critical updates to information on gunshot wounds and the weapons and ammunition used to inflict them. The book describes practical aspects of ballistics, wound ballistics, and the classification of various wounds caused by handguns, rifles, and shotguns. It also explains autopsy techniques and procedures and laboratory analyses relating to weapons and gunshot evidence. A much-needed update after nearly 20 years, the third edition of Gunshot Wounds provides the latest and most thorough information on firearms and best practices for examining firearm-related wounds.

A thumb print left at the scene of a grisly murder. Fingerprints taken from a getaway car used in a bank robbery. A palm print recovered from the shattered glass door of a burglarized home. Indeed, where crimes are committed, careless perpetrators will invariably leave behind the critical pieces of evidence—most likely in the form of fingerprints—needed to catch and convict them. But the science of fingerprint identification isn’t always as cut and dry as detective novels and movies make it out to be.Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, a new book in the ongoing Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations series, examines the latest methods and techniques in the science of friction ridge identification, or ridgeology. David R. Ashbaugh examines every facet of the discipline, from the history of friction ridge identification and its earliest pioneers and researchers, to the scientific basis and the various steps of the identification process. The structure and growth of friction skin and how it can leave latent or visible prints are examined, as well as advanced identification methods in ridgeology, including Poroscopy, Edgeoscopy, Pressure Distortion and Complex or Problem Print Analysis. The book, which features several detailed illustrations and photographs, also includes a new method for Palmar Flexion Crease Identification (palm lines) designed by the author and which has helped solve several criminal cases where fingerprints were not available. For crime scene technicians, forensic identification specialists, or anyone else pursuing a career in forensic science, this book is arguably the definitive source in the science of friction ridge identification.

This book covers Munchausen and Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) though the terms have recently changed. The 2013 DSM-V—the update to the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) diagnostic and classification tool—has classified both Munchausen and MBP as "Factitious Systematic Abuse." While thought to have occurred primarily with children and their caregivers, recent research shows a more widespread problem: such medical abuse to spouses, the disabled, the elderly—even pets. Many involve repeat and long-term instances of hospital and medical fraud. This book covers the syndrome itself, interviewing and investigative aspects, victimology, as well indicators in the event of homicide and death.

This book provides police investigators and homicide detectives with a practical method of analyzing 911 homicide calls to uncover the truth. A structured analysis of 911 homicide calls can directly aid in developing investigative leads, planning interviews, and solving cases. Case examples provide practice in analyzing calls to determine the likelihood of the caller’s innocence or guilt. Every member of the investigative team, from call-taker to first responder, investigator, coroner’s investigator, and prosecutor, can contribute to the success of investigations through their knowledge of 911 call analysis.

Because of the sensitive nature of sex crimes, police officials must develop a specialized set of interviewing skills to effectively investigate them. Written by former Commanding Officer of the Manhattan Special Victims Squad Thomas P. Carney, Practical Investigation of Sex Crimes: A Strategic and Operational Approach provides a day-to-day guide for investigating sex crimes. Using actual case histories, this comprehensive resource demonstrates the need for policymakers to create separate sex crime units within their jurisdictions and provides law enforcement officials with the tools necessary to thoroughly investigate these unique crimes.

Forensic professionals, particularly medical examiners—often working through heavy caseloads—require quick and easy access to reliable sources of information to help interpret toxicology results. While several in-depth resources are available, they are often large, cumbersome, and contain more information than is often needed. The Handbook of Forensic Toxicology for Medical Examiners is a concise handbook referencing the most common toxic substances and their reported non-toxic, toxic, and lethal concentrations, making it an ideal text for quick reference in the lab or autopsy room.Features of the Second Edition: Explains the principles of postmortem toxicology and the factors which must be considered Provides tables of toxicologic data for over 200 commonly encountered substances, including drugs of abuse, poisons, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications Includes discussion and description of the novel psychoactive drugs—including synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, stimulants and hallucinogens Supplemental appendices provide additional information regarding specimen types and selection, testing methodologies, normal laboratory values, and conversion charts The busy forensic professional needs a concise handbook that provides critical information quickly and accurately. This heavily referenced text offers an easy-to-use format allowing for rapid access for both routine daily use and preparation for courtroom testimony.

The threat variables associated with military ordnance are enormous, requiring the application of a structured process to identify unknown munitions. The focus of Practical Military Ordnance Identification, Second Edition is the application of a practical deductive process to identify unknown ordnance items that are commonly recovered outside military control.The author supplies a seven-step procedure to identify unknown munitions by their category, group, and type. Detailed logic trees help users narrow down the possibilities in order to accurately identify ordnance. The book covers the safety precautions associated with each category and group of ordnance. It describes many ordnance construction characteristics and explains the fundamentals of military ordnance fuzing. Appendices define terms and supply abbreviations and acronyms used to describe military ordnances.Coverage new to this edition include: a list of conventional markings; additional safety precautions to take; an expanded list of high explosives; additional technical details on explosives effects; hazards associated with pyrotechnics, pyrophorics, smoke compounds, and incendiaries; a section on pre-1870 projectiles, hand grenades, landmines, underwater ordnances, and rockets; and details on Man-Portable-Air-Defense-Systems (MANPADS) missile systems.

The threat variables associated with military ordnance are enormous, requiring the application of a structured process to identify unknown munitions. The focus of Practical Military Ordnance Identification, Second Edition is the application of a practical deductive process to identify unknown ordnance items that are commonly recovered outside military control.The author supplies a seven-step procedure to identify unknown munitions by their category, group, and type. Detailed logic trees help users narrow down the possibilities in order to accurately identify ordnance. The book covers the safety precautions associated with each category and group of ordnance. It describes many ordnance construction characteristics and explains the fundamentals of military ordnance fuzing. Appendices define terms and supply abbreviations and acronyms used to describe military ordnances.Coverage new to this edition include: a list of conventional markings; additional safety precautions to take; an expanded list of high explosives; additional technical details on explosives effects; hazards associated with pyrotechnics, pyrophorics, smoke compounds, and incendiaries; a section on pre-1870 projectiles, hand grenades, landmines, underwater ordnances, and rockets; and details on Man-Portable-Air-Defense-Systems (MANPADS) missile systems.

What makes a person confess to a crime he did not commit? Was he coerced? Is he trying to protect someone else? Interrogation has come under attack as opponents focus on false confessions. However, most cases are still resolved by confession, not forensic evidence. Among the new topics covered in the Second Edition of this bestselling book, Practical Aspects of Interview and Interrogation focuses on why false confessions exist and how to avoid them.Written by two experts who have conducted over 15,000 interviews and interrogations from theft to homicide, this book expands on the valuable topics in the previous edition to include discussions of:Telephone interviewingFalse ConfessionsField InterviewingSexual Harassment InterviewingConfronting the Alleged HarrasserPre-employment InterviewingNew Legal AspectsFrequently Asked QuestionsCovering the entire sequence of events that occur during the interview and interrogation process, this book provides a realistic building block approach that allows you to move from a preliminary accusation to an ultimate confession by applying practical rules to the process. It gives you the flexibility to select a number of different paths to proceed in an interrogation of a suspect. Useful in both the law enforcement and private sectors, Practical Aspects of Interview and Interrogation, Second Edition allows you to deal effectively with the complex problems of interviewing and interrogating victims, witnesses, suspects, and even potential employees.

Reviewed and recognized as the most authoritative source in the field, this book describes the methods used worldwide to recover and identify footwear impressions from the scene of a crime.In this new edition, everything, including the original twelve chapters, bibliography, appendix, etc., has been clarified, updated and expanded. This edition includes updated and new information on recovery procedures and materials such as lifting, photography and casting; chemical enhancement; updated information about footwear manufacturing; footwear sizing; and known impression techniques and materials. WHAT’S NEW IN THE SECOND EDITION: Besides updating and expanding the twelve original chapters, Footwear Impression Evidence: Detection, Recovery and Examination, Second Edition adds three new chapters: one chapter on barefoot evidence, which concerns impressions made by the naked or sock-clad foot or those which remain in abandoned or discarded footwear; another new chapter on several cases in which the footwear impression evidence was of primary importance in bringing about a conviction or confession; and finally, a new chapter on the footwear impression evidence in the O.J. Simpson criminal and civil cases.

How do you interpret a person’s behavior during their interview? Some people say it’s an innate quality that can’t be taught. But anyone who’s read Stan Walters’ Principles of Kinesic Interview and Interrogation knows that is FALSE. The overwhelming success of the first edition and the numerous success stories credited to the book prove that the art of kinesic interview, or behavioral analysis, is indeed learnable, and Walters shows you how to master it.Why are some interviewers more successful than others? Why do certain techniques work only part of the time? Why did the subject confess? Why didn’t he confess? With information based on firsthand observations from over 900 interviews and interrogations, Principles of Kinesic Interview and Interrogation, Second Edition provides even more insight than the bestselling first edition into how people behave during interviews, what their behaviors reveal, and why they exhibit those mannerisms. New to this edition: · Extensive references, including law enforcement magazines and peer-reviewed journals · 50% more high quality photos depicting various nonverbal symptoms · Advances in the area of kinesic statement analysis, with more examples · Discussion of the phenomenon of false confessions, including contributing factors · A new chapter addressing the basic concepts of interview and interrogation, making the book more rounded and suitable for beginners · A short section on schizophrenia, brain disease, clinical depression, and suicidal personalities and their behaviors Explore the complex challenges of basic and advanced interview and interrogation techniques. Determine behavior from body language, speech, and written statements. Thousands of readers gained invaluable skills from the first edition.

AN INSIDE LOOK INTO INVESTIGATING THE MOST VIOLENT SUB-CULTURE IN THE WORLDOnce an offender is behind bars, many people believe that he is no longer a threat to society. However, the felonious activities of confined inmates reach out into society every day. These inmates run lucrative drug operations, commit fraud, hire contract murders, and commit a multitude of criminal offenses from inside the walls of our prisons. This book provides an in-depth resource guide to the relatively new field of corrections investigation.Illustrating the differences between street and prison investigations, Practical Criminal Investigations in Correctional Facilities provides a detailed list of how tos as well as numerous captivating case histories and photographs of actual crime scenes and evidentiary items. Chapters on intelligence gathering, undercover operations, and the use of confidential informants will aid you in the complex crimes that sometimes even involve officers and civilians. The book also covers legal aspects such as warrants, court preparation, and testimony to help you take a case from investigation to prosecution.Prison investigators must be able to respond effectively to every crime imaginable, from a grizzly homicide to a complex fraud case. Whether you're a long-time administrator or a novice criminal justice professional, Practical Criminal Investigations in Correctional Facilities gives you sound advice on how to handle crime in a community in which 100% of the population are convicted felons.ABOUT THE AUTHORComing from a family whose involvement with law enforcement dates back to the Civil War, William Bell's own education and career spans more than thirty years. Greatly influenced by his father, a retired Police Inspector, he began with the Dearborn, Michigan, Police Department where his responsibilities included work in road patrol, SWAT, undercover narcotics, and pattern crime. For nearly twenty years the author has been employed by the Colorado Department of Corrections, where he ultimately gained his expertise with the Criminal Investigation Division. He is noted for taking the investigation of prison crime into the streets.

Because of the sensitive nature of sex crimes, police officials must develop a specialized set of interviewing skills to effectively investigate them. Written by former Commanding Officer of the Manhattan Special Victims Squad Thomas P. Carney, Practical Investigation of Sex Crimes: A Strategic and Operational Approach provides a day-to-day guide for investigating sex crimes. Using actual case histories, this comprehensive resource demonstrates the need for policymakers to create separate sex crime units within their jurisdictions and provides law enforcement officials with the tools necessary to thoroughly investigate these unique crimes.

It's a national epidemic and an international conspiracy. Drugs have infested our society with a vengeance, making the drug enforcement agent a central figure in the war on drugs. International training teams of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have traditionally taught the special skills required by all drug agents. Until now, there has never been a book for public consumption devoted strictly to this specialized field of criminal investigation.Global Drug Enforcement: Practical Investigative Techniques provides basic and advanced methods for conducting modern drug investigations. With coverage of source countries, drug identification, conspiracy investigations, clandestine laboratories, drug intelligence, and money laundering, the book includes the topics that every detective assigned to a drug investigation unit must know. The chapter on drug identification discusses the drugs that all law enforcement officers are likely to encounter including heroin, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, PCP, and the emerging club drugs of Ecstasy, GHB, and Ketamine. A glossary of common terms used in drug enforcement and chapters on the nexus between drugs and terrorism provide additional insight.Based on the training and experiences of a recently retired Supervisory Special Agent of the DEA who was a former instructor for DEA's Office of Training at the FBI Academy, this book provides domestic and international agencies with a comprehensive reference on contemporary drug enforcement. It greatly expands on many of the topics that DEA employees receive in their training and covers the areas that investigators need to understand in order to conduct safe and effective drug operations.

The Second Edition of this bestseller combines directions for the old tried and true methods of photographic documentation (cameras, films, lighting sources) with analyses of the latest methods used in the practice (video, thermography,digital imaging). Specifically, Redsicker discusses the "how-to" of basic photography, shows the essentials of videography, and offers the fundamentals of aerial, underwater, and surveillance photography as they relate to the presentation of evidence in court. Redsicker presents this information in a practical, step-by-step fashion that is bound to enable students and professionals alike to use any camera to produce their own documentations of forensic evidence.The introduction to each chapter approaches the subject of forensic photography from its "how to" basics to the proper and accepted methods of presentation of forensic photographic evidence in court. The subject matter is then presented-accompanied by illustrations and numerous examples-as a medium against which practitioners can compare their work. The glossary of terms provided at the end of the book is beneficial to the forensic photographer in the preparation of reports and courtroom testimony. Overall, The Practical Methodology of Forensic Photography, Second Edition is both a learning tool for the student of this specialized field and a necessary reference manual for the professional community. It is as useful in the classroom, laboratory, and attorney's library as it is in the field during investigation.

A thumb print left at the scene of a grisly murder. Fingerprints taken from a getaway car used in a bank robbery. A palm print recovered from the shattered glass door of a burglarized home. Indeed, where crimes are committed, careless perpetrators will invariably leave behind the critical pieces of evidence—most likely in the form of fingerprints—needed to catch and convict them. But the science of fingerprint identification isn’t always as cut and dry as detective novels and movies make it out to be.Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, a new book in the ongoing Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations series, examines the latest methods and techniques in the science of friction ridge identification, or ridgeology. David R. Ashbaugh examines every facet of the discipline, from the history of friction ridge identification and its earliest pioneers and researchers, to the scientific basis and the various steps of the identification process. The structure and growth of friction skin and how it can leave latent or visible prints are examined, as well as advanced identification methods in ridgeology, including Poroscopy, Edgeoscopy, Pressure Distortion and Complex or Problem Print Analysis. The book, which features several detailed illustrations and photographs, also includes a new method for Palmar Flexion Crease Identification (palm lines) designed by the author and which has helped solve several criminal cases where fingerprints were not available. For crime scene technicians, forensic identification specialists, or anyone else pursuing a career in forensic science, this book is arguably the definitive source in the science of friction ridge identification.

Police success in linking vehicles to the scene of a crime through the impressions and tracks those vehicles leave behind has long served as a successful and reliable forensic tool. The collection and forensic evaluation of that evidence, however, requires specialized knowledge, training, and expertise.Drawing from the author’s 34 years of experience, first as an FBI examiner and currently as a private consultant in the area of tire evidence, Tire and Tire Track Evidence: Recovery and Forensic Examination is the most comprehensive and up-to-date volume available on the subject. Covering all aspects of the field, the book begins with general information on the modern pneumatic tire and basic terminology. For both the crime scene technician and the forensic examiner, the author addresses information on both how to recover tire track evidence and how to photograph and cast the individual tread detail from those impressions. The book explains and illustrates the necessary information on obtaining known exemplars; tire manufacturing, and retreading tires. It explains important aspects of tires including their tread design and dimension, noise treatment, general wear and individual acquired characteristics. The author instructs on applying that knowledge while conducting a structured examination procedure, resulting in the final evaluation of evidence and report writing as well as the presentation of tire evidence in court. He provides information on databases and resources along with case examples, including the Oklahoma City bombing.Informative and useful, this book gives crime scene technicians and forensic examiners the tools to accurately and reliably collect, recover, and examine tire evidence.

Practical Investigation Techniques is useful for new as well as veteran investigators to establish a practical standard for conducting a wide range of diverse criminal investigations. Written by a veteran investigator, the book teaches the proper investigative techniques for such criminal activities as extortion, blackmail, credit card fraud, check fraud, fencing operations, employee theft, sports gambling, money laundering, and shoplifting rings. Practical Investigation Techniques is presented in an easy-to-read format and provides a wealth of specific investigation techniques, checklists, and case studies.

The Sexual Exploitation of Children: A Practical Guide to Assessment, Investigation, and Intervention, Second Edition discusses the new and different developments in the manifestation of problems involved in investigation and assessment of sexual cases and offers advice on dealing with these issues. Although many of the difficulties involved in investigation and assessment of sexual abuse allegations have remained unchanged since the first edition of this book appeared in 1987, the manner in which investigations are conducted must adapt to these new and different developments.