Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation (Crc Series in Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations.) (Hardcover)
Product Description
This text provides a one-source practical guide to basic crime scene processing and investigation. Although the author discusses theories and concepts of crime scene investigation, his primary goal is to provide a concise manual covering the how tos of crime scene processing. The book gives an overview of forensics, although it concentrates on processing. This includes procedures such as officer safety, emergency care to injured, securing and controlling the scene, search methods, scene documentation and photography, and more. The author introduces a tried and true 18-step crime scene processing methodology based on his experience in the field.
This book is an outstanding reference on crime scene investigation. Gardner writes from experience after many years with the US Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, an agency known for their superb crime scene skills. Gardner’s book covers the many facets of crime scene investigation with particular emphasis on documentation, one of the most important aspects. He presents the Army’s 18-step method for crime scene processing which the reader will find to be an excellent model to follow.
I am a working police detective and have received a great deal of training in crime scene investigation and own numerous texts on the subject. Gardner’s book is far better than anything else I have seen to date.
This book fails on many levels. First and foremost is the content of the book. The methods put forth are anything but practical! The author goes into mass casualty processing with intricate badge systems and talks about chemical processing of fingerprints at crime scenes. The approach to investigation seems overwrought and idealistic with no consideration given to the operating budget, staffing and forensic knowledge required of the staff to accomplish the investigation in this manner.
Secondly, the level of detail and background information on forensic analysis techniques is not consistent. The author gives only a survey of some forensic techniques, but goes into the trigonometric background of blood stain pattern analysis.
If the book is meant to give ‘how to’ instruction on forensic analysis techniques, it lacks sufficient depth. If the book means to give investigative methodology, it goes too deep on forensic analysis techniques.
Lastly, the editing in the book is atrocious. One example can be found on page 238, where the author states “In the lab, the fumed print can be dyed using rhodamine 6G, Androx, or basic yellow dyes…”
Androx is a libido enhancer according to Google. ARDROX is what he meant to say. There are also non industry standard terms used to reference fingerprint concepts. It made the content lack credibility in my opinion, as it appeared the author was not in the know about the industry of which he was writing.
All and all, I’d say there are many books out there on crime scene investigation that are 1000% better. Barry Fisher’s Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, Seventh Edition, and Spitz And Fisher’s Medicolegal Investigation Of Death: Guidelines For The Application Of Pathology To Crime Investigation are my two favorites.