Books in the International Forensic Science and Investigation series

Focusing on forensic engineering, this title explains how scientific investigative methods can best be used to determine why and how a particular failure occurred. Using principles and ideas that are applicable to most of the forensic sciences, it examines the role of the failure investigator and discusses the optimal way to organize evidence.

Forensic metrology is the application of scientific measurement to the investigation and prosecution of crime. It provides a framework for the performance and critical evaluation of all forensic measurements. It enables forensic scientists to better develop, perform and communicate forensic measurements; lawyers to better understand, present and cross-examine the results of forensic measurements; and judges to better subject testimony and evidence based on forensic measurements to the appropriate gatekeeping analysis. This book sets forth the metrological framework required to reach sound conclusions based on measured results and the inferences those results support.

Presents an introduction to the basic science underlying the field of non-human DNA typing. This book demonstrates the recognition, collection, and preservation of biological evidence, techniques of DNA fingerprinting, and DNA profiling. It describes the STR analysis of canine and feline samples, insects, and fungi, and their role as evidence.

The examination of human hair in the forensic science setting is a highly specialist discipline. This volume brings together for the first time all aspects of hair examination. Contributions have come from an international panel of experts.

This is the ideal book for GIS users in law enforcement who want to learn more about the technology or who wish to get started using GIS in their agency.

Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this volume examines the essential neuroscientific principles underlying normal and pathological hand motor control and handwriting. The book discusses fundamental principles in the neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of hand motor control and their application to research in handwriting. It examines the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and motor characteristics of neurogenerative diseases and their effects on handwriting and also describes the impact of psychotropic medications, substance abuse, and aging. The authors present new findings on the kinematic analyses of genuine, disguised, and forged signatures and include their laboratory research on authentic and forged signatures.

After 9/11, the forensic epidemiology field emerged as a leading investigative tool. This book begins with a brief overview of epidemiological science and the history of forensic epidemiology before examining the multiple functions of death certificates and the signature role of forensic epidemiologist's in death investigations.

Offers an in-depth look at the field of wildlife forensic examination. This title helps investigators and lab technicians decide on best methods, including a determination of when basic microscopy is sufficient, when DNA testing should occur, and what tests or combination of tests should be executed in a particular circumstance.

Offers coverage of some of the best hair drug testing techniques. This work reviews developments, the validation of analytical procedures, and the interpretation of data. It describes specific drugs, such as opiates, cocaine, and cannabis, and discuss the different testing methods of them.

Firearms, the Law, and Forensic Ballistics, Third Edition describes what happens when a weapon is fired in terms of internal, external, terminal, or wound ballistics and the importance of these events for the forensic scientist both at the scene of the shooting incident and in the laboratory. With revised and updated information, this third edition includes a new section on crime scene investigation, other forms of explosive devices, up-to-date case studies, and a full color insert.

A valuable source of information for all those who are required to facilitate decisions regarding the cause and effects of fire. Students of forensic science will also find this text a useful insight into fire scene investigation.

A voice is much more than just a string of words. Voices, unlike fingerprints, are inherently complex. They signal a great deal of information in addition to the intended message: speakers' sex, for example, or their emotional state, or age. It is these features that contribute to the interest and importance of Forensic Speaker Identification.

From describing the fundamentals of computer crimes and the scenes left in their wake to detailing how to build an effective forensic investigative force, this book presents a guide on how to beat cyber criminals at their own game. It also contains a chapter that deals with investigating Internet crimes against children.

Statistical methods provide a logical, coherent framework in which data from experimental science can be analyzed. Minimizing theory and mathematics, this book focuses on the application and practice of statistics used in data analysis. The book includes a refresher on basic statistics and an introduction to R, techniques for the visual display of data through graphics, an overview of statistical hypothesis tests, a comprehensive guide to the use of the linear model, an introduction to extensions to the linear model for commonly encountered scenarios, and instruction on how to plan and design experiments.

Covers numerous aspects of crime scenes investigation, including aspects in education and training, quality systems accreditation, quality assurance, and the application of specialist scientific disciplines to crime. This book includes discussion on fingerprinting, dealing with trauma victims, photofit technology, and clandestine laboratories.

Summarizes the history of firearms and ammunition as it relates to the development of modern weapons. This book details chemical aspects of forensic firearms casework with particular emphasis on the detection of gunshot residues (GSR) on a suspect's skin and clothing surfaces. It includes more than 100 figures and tables complementing the text.