Synopsis
This new edition of the classic by America's leading forensic scientists gives you an insider's understanding of physical evidence at the crime scene. Written in an easy-to-understand format, this outstanding guide by the nation's foremost forensic scientists introduces you to the basics of crime scene evaluation. This extensive resource is packed with valuable information about the details of collecting, storing, and analyzing all types of physical evidence. You'll learn how to connect the victim(s) and suspect(s) to the crime scene, and to the physical evidence left behind. The book also teaches you how to use this information to provide convincing testimony based on scientific facts. Discover if the police and prosecution have done their jobs properly when processing all crime scene materials. Part I offers an overview of forensic science and discusses the future path of forensic science and its applications in the courtroom and society. Part II gives you an exhaustive list of physical evidence typically left behind at crime scenes and explains the correct methods for processing this evidence. Part III discusses current issues in search and seizure, and how to effectively utilize it in court. The appendices discuss common blood screening test reagents and how to use the druggist's fold for sealing evidence in paper.Details often make the difference between winning and losing that important case. This in-depth reference also provides a wealth of details regarding: light and smoke at the crime scene, bullet identification, the difference between transient and pattern evidence, noting post-mortem lividity marks and other special imprints and indentations, how odors offer clues to the crime, studying dry versus wet blood samples, how to reconstruct a crime scene, and most importantly how to recognize and co-ordinate all the elements of the crime scene. Written by the foremost experts in the field of forensic science, you will learn from the best how to make your investigation solid and successful. Topics include: Physical evidence and forensic science Introduction to forensic science Arson Bite marks Blood and Body fluids Bombs and explosives Computers and electronic data as evidence Chemical substances Crime scene reconstruction DNA analyses Documents Drugs and controlled substances Firearms Fibers Fingerprints Glass Gunshot residue Hair Imprint and impression evidence Fingerprints Paints Pattern evidence Plastics Sexual assault and sex crime evidence Soil Tape Toolmarks Video evidence Voice identification Legal aspects of forensic science Some screening test reagents The druggist's fold
About the Author
Dr. Henry C. Lee is one of the world s foremost forensic scientists. He has been a prominent player in many of the most challenging cases of the last forty-five years. Dr. Lee has worked with law enforcement agencies in helping to solve more than 6,000 cases worldwide, and lectures throughout the world to police, universities, and civic organizations. He has authored hundreds of articles in professional journals and has co-authored more than thirty books, covering such area as DNA, fingerprints, trace evidence, crime scene investigation, and crime scene reconstruction.Dr. Lee is currently the Chief Emeritus for the Scientific Services, was the Commissioner of Public Safety for the State of Connecticut from 1998 to 2000, and served as Chief Criminalist for the State of Connecticut from 1979 to 2000. In 1975, he joined the University of New Haven, where he created the school s Forensic Sciences program. Dr. Lee has also been the recipient of medals and awards, including the 1996 Medal of Justice from the Justice Foundation; the 1998 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Science and Engineer Association; the Distinguished Criminalist Award from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences; the J. Donero Award from the International Association of Identification; and in 1992 was elected a distinguished Fellow of the AAFS.Dr. Lee was born in China and grew up in Taiwan. Dr. Lee first worked for the Taipei Police Department, attaining the rank of Captain. With his wife, Margaret, Dr. Lee came to the United States in 1965, and he earned his B.S. in Forensic Science from John Jay College in 1972. Dr. Lee continued his studies in biochemistry at NYU where he earned his Masters degree in 1974, and Ph.D. in 1975. He has also received special training from the FBI Academy, ATF, RCMP, and other organizations. Dr. and Mrs. Lee have been married for forty years and have two grown children, a daughter, Sherry, and a son, Stanley.Dr. Howard A. Harris is currently the Director of the Forensic Science Program at the University of New Haven. His educational background is in chemistry (A.B. Western Reserve University, M.S. and Ph.D. Yale University) and law (J.D. St. Louis University). He was admitted to and has maintained his membership in the Missouri Bar. Dr. Harris was a research chemist for seven years before entering the forensic field as the Director of the New York City Police Department Police Laboratory. After holding that position for twelve years, he moved upstate to become the Director of the Monroe County Public Safety Laboratory in Rochester. He held that position for eleven years before taking early retirement to make a career change to academics. He assumed his current position at the University of New Haven in the fall of 1996. Dr. Harris and his wife, Carolyn, have one daughter who graduated from Northwestern University.
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