The Encyclopedia of Crime Scene Investigation (Paperback)

From Booklist

Yellow tape indicates that a law has been broken and thus a crime scene investigator has most likely visited the scene to gather evidence. Many different procedures are used during the investigation of a crime; The Encyclopedia of Crime Scene Investigation contains more than 300 entries discussing applications and techniques of crime scene investigation. Author Newton is a longtime Baltimore Police Department crime scene investigator and contributor to more than 200 texts in the area of crime. Arranged A–Z, each entry is a concise description of the topic. There are no further-reading suggestions, although a lengthy bibliography is included. Many entries lack the depth of discussion that other related reference texts supply. For example, the entry on Footprints is one short paragraph within the larger discussion of Impression evidence. Also, the index does not have see also references from shoe print or other synonyms readers might be using. This is unlike Suzanne Bell’s entry for Shoe prints in the Encyclopedia of Forensic Science (Facts On File, 2003). Bell provides a half-page discussion and an image, along with two suggested texts. Newton’s text does contain biographical entries about pioneers in the field, such as James Marsh, developer of the “Marsh test” for arsenic. Entries also include key cases, such as that of Larry Mayes, the 100th U.S. inmate exonerated by DNA evidence. Appendixes list organic and inorganic compounds. There is also a concise glossary. This text is stronger than similar titles in the areas of biographical entries and cases; however, the Encyclopedia of Forensic Science is suggested as an overall text on crime scene techniques as the articles are more in-depth and include further-reading suggestions. –Kristen Mastel
–This text refers to the

Hardcover
edition.


Product Description

Recent years have brought numerous developments in crime and crimefighting, such as DNA evidence, designer drugs, computer viruses, and online fraud and theft. As criminals get more sophisticated, police must develop new techniques to stop them. “The Encyclopedia of Crime Scene Investigation” is a comprehensive, accessible reference to one of today’s most fascinating topics. More than 300 clearly written entries cover all aspects of crime scene investigations, including ballistics, counterfeiting, forensic medicine, firearms, hijacking, identification, poisons, scandals, sex crimes, smuggling, tool marks, and trace evidence. Also featured are many case studies that highlight facets of criminal investigation, as well as historical and biographical entries about key breakthroughs and pioneers in the field of forensic science. Entries include: Accident reconstruction; Arson investigation; DNA evidence; Explosives; Forensic anthropology; Forensic chemistry; Forgery; Identi-Kit; Medical examiners; Organic compound analysis; Spectroscopy; and, Victimology.

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