NCJ Number
144209
Date Published
1993
Length
882 pages
Annotation
This book, written by a Florida forensic investigator who has participated in more than 10,000 death investigations, provides detailed guidelines on the conduct of death investigations and crime scene analysis.
Abstract
Topics include determining if death is the result of homicide, accident, or natural causes; identifying, locating, and interviewing witnesses; photographing bodies and crime scenes; collecting and preserving evidence; and conducting body fluid, DNA, and dental analyses. Additional topics focus on mastering reconstruction techniques; securing crime scenes; dealing with the media; evaluating blood spatter; using the latest computer technology; running toxicology tests; handling dumped, buried, or decomposed bodies; canvassing neighborhoods; investigating mass or serial murders; and preparing cases and testifying for trials. The forensic and investigative techniques should be useful to novice or experienced detectives, forensic pathologists, crime scene technicians, prosecuting attorneys, public defenders, rescue personnel, reporters, private investigators, and criminal justice instructors and students. References, tables, and figures