Now in its second edition, this tremendously popular text explains every aspect of crime scene investigation, moving from basic areas of criminalistics to pathology, anthropology, and engineering. It also explores new and emerging areas such as forensic entomology. The text requires no previous knowledge of either science or law. The information is self-contained and conveyed at the lowest possible non-scientific level, making it suitable for both lower level students as well as for a general audience. It also offers a complete package of ancillary material for instructors. This forensic primer works well in conjunction with current CRC laboratory manuals. New to this edition: New co-author who is high school teacher of forensic science Computer forensic science Engineering with an emphasis on accident reconstruction and failure analysis Mini-glossary and list of acronyms Comprehensive and simple hands-on laboratory activities at the end List of websites in 'further readings' throughout that include free videos, demonstrations, etc. More end of chapter questions More figures and pictures Crime scene scenarios and how to set them up at the end of each chapter More case studies and existing case studies set off in boxes New boxes: on the Internet New boxes: a bit of history New boxes: forensic science and the law Embedded and highlighted references to material in other chapters.

Table of Contents:
Part I: Forensic Science and Investigation Introduction to Forensic Science Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction What Is Forensic Science? History and Development of Forensic Science What Is a Forensic Scientist? Career Information The United States Forensic Science System Other Forensic Science Systems The Organization of Forensic Science Laboratories Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Crime Scene Investigation Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction The Crime Scene as Recent History Crime Scene Investigation Process Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web The Nature of Evidence Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction Classification of Evidence Identification The DNA Typing Situation Positive and Negative Controls Summary Test Yourself Further Reading Part II: Tools of the Trade Separating Complex Mixtures Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction Physical Separation of Solid Mixtures Solid Phase Extractions Chromatography Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Light and Matter Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction What Is Light? Light as a Wave: The Electromagnetic Spectrum Properties of Waves The Energy of Light: The Photon Interactions of Light Energy and Matter Mass Spectrometry Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Microscopy Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction Types of Microscopes Forensic Microscopy The Lens: How Objects Are Magnified The Compound Microscope Modifications of the Compound Microscope Electron Microscopy Summary Test Yourself Laboratory Activities for Chapter Six Further Reading On the Web Part III: Patterns and Impressions Fingerprints and Other Impressions Learning Objectives Mini Glossary National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Introduction The Quest for a Reliable Method of Personal Identification The Origin of Fingerprints The Anatomy of Fingerprints Detection and Visualization of Fingerprints Comparison of Fingerprints Comparison of Single Fingerprints Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS and IAFIS) Common Questions about Fingerprints Other Impressions: Footwear and Tire Treads Summary Test Yourself Mini Laboratory Activities Further Reading On the Web Questioned Documents Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction What Is a Questioned Document? The Questioned Document Examiner Handwriting Analysis Fraud and Forgery Erasures, Obliterations, and Alterations Typewriters, Photocopiers, and Computer Printers Paper Examination Ink Examinations Physical Matches on Torn Paper Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Firearms and Toolmarks Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction Firearms Identification The Anatomy of a Live Round (Cartridge) Examination of Firearms Evidence Digital Imaging Systems for Ammunition Distance of Fire Determinations Toolmarks Summary Test Yourself Further Readings On the Web Part IV: Forensic Biology Forensic Pathology Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction How to Become a Forensic Pathologist Investigation of Death: Coroners and Medical Examiners Death Investigation Process The Postmortem Interval (PMI)—Time of Death Exhumations The Teamwork Approach Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Anthropology and Odontology Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction The Human Skeleton Identification of Skeletal Remains The Significance of Age The Biological Profile Individualization of Human Bone Collection of Bones Forensic Odontology Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Forensic Entomology Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction Becoming a Forensic Entomologist The PMI: The Life Cycle of the Blowfly Decomposition of a Body after Death Factors that Affect PMI Entomological Investigation and Evidence Collection Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Serology Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction Blood Analysis of Blood Other Biological Fluids and Stains Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Summary Appendix A Test Yourself On the Web Further Reading DNA Typing Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction What Is DNA? Collection and Preservation of DNA Evidence DNA Typing The Polymerase Chain Reaction Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) Mitochondrial DNA CODIS: The Combined DNA Index System Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Hair Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction What Is Hair? Hair Growth Hair Color The Structure of Human Hair Human v. Non-Human Hairs Hair Treatment and Damage Comparison of Human Hairs What Can Be Determined from the Structure of Hair? DNA Analysis of Hair Hair as a Source of Drugs Summary Test Yourself Laboratory Activities for Chapter Fifteen Further Reading On the Web Part V: Forensic Chemistry Illicit Drugs Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction Illicit Drugs The Control of Illicit Drugs in the United States Classification of Illicit Drugs Analysis of Illicit Drugs Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Forensic Toxicology Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction Forensic Toxicology Principles of Pharmacology Pharmacology and Toxicology of Ethyl Alcohol Drunk Driving Laws Field Sobriety Testing Measurement of BAC Summary Test Yourself Laboratory Activities for Chapter Seventeen Further Reading On the Web Fibers, Paints, and Other Polymers Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction What Is a Polymer? Textile Fibers Types of Fibers Fiber Morphology Analysis of Synthetic Fibers Chemical Analysis of Fibers Interpretation of Fiber Evidence Paints and Other Coatings Types of Paint How Cars Are Painted Collection of Paint Evidence Analysis of Paint The Evidentiary Value of Paint Summary Test Yourself Further Readings On the Web Glass and Soil Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Introduction Glass Glass as Forensic Evidence Analyzing Broken Glass Soil Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Fires and Explosions Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction What Is a Fire? Extinguishing a Fire Incendiary Fires Investigation of a Fire The Role of Accelerants Analysis of Fire Scene Evidence Analysis of Accelerants Explosions Investigation of Bombing Scenes Summary Test Yourself Laboratory Activities for Chapter Twenty Further Reading On the Web Part VI: Legal Aspects of Forensic Science Forensic Science and the Law Learning Objectives Miniglossary Admissibility of Evidence Laboratory Reports Expert Testimony Summary Test Yourself Laboratory Activities for Chapter Twenty-one Further Reading On the Web INDEX