Designed as an on-scene reference for processing death scenes, this field guide walks readers through the steps of death investigations. The text begins with the initial notification of a death and continues through the processing of the scene and the body. It covers the investigator's role at an autopsy and analyzes the scene indicators of evidence. Mechanism of injury, wound, and disease dynamics are covered in order to aid in determining the cause and manner of death. A separate section provides information on child and infant deaths. The book is presented in an outline format for ease of reference and understanding.

Table of Contents:
Death Scene Investigation Initial Response Scene Evaluation, Analysis, Strategy, and Direction Natural Deaths Accidental Deaths Suicidal Deaths Homicidal Deaths The Role of Medical Examiner Autopsy Protocol and Investigator’s Role Recovery of Remains Searching for Human Remains Surface Recovery of Human Remains Recovery of Buried Human Remains Aquatic Recovery of Human Remains Estimating Postmortem Interval Wound Dynamics and Mechanisms of Injury Asphyxiation Sharp Force Injuries Blunt Force Injuries Chopping Injuries Firearms: Handgun and Rifle Wounds Firearms: Shotgun Wounds Explosive Injuries Thermal Injuries Electrical Injuries Special Death Scene Investigations Infant Deaths Child and Infant Deaths: Physical Abuse and Neglect Child Deaths: Sexual Abduction and Murder Sexual Activities Resulting in Death Sexual Assaults Resulting in Death Death Scenes with Multiple Victims Death Scene Management, Tasks, and Responsibilities Death Scene Management Death Scene Sketching Death Scene Photography and Videography Death Scene Notes and Observations Death Scene Search Procedures Death Scene Evidence Processing Documenting and Processing Bloodstain Patterns Documenting Shooting Scenes Recovery of Firearm Evidence from Scene Entomological Evidence Biological Evidence Trace Evidence at the Scene Friction Ridge Evidence at the Scene Impression Evidence Appendix Universal Precautions for Blood Borne Pathogens Death Scene Notes Death Scene Notes: Supplemental Biological Evidence Notes Friction Ridge Evidence Impression Evidence Notes Trace Evidence Notes Death Scene Entry Log Photographic Log Photographic Head Slate Immersion Burn Worksheet SUID Scene Worksheet Firearms Documentation Worksheet Post Blast Worksheet Druggist Fold Post Mortem Indicators Worksheet