NCJ Number
146669
Date Published
1994
Length
1018 pages
Annotation
This book intends to bring the reader to an intermediate knowledge of the main branches of criminal investigation.
Abstract
The section on general investigative knowledge reviews investigative methods, the investigator's notebook, and report writing. Chapters on the initial steps in an investigation address the crime scene search, photographing the crime scene, the crime scene sketch, and the care of evidence. Another section contains nine chapters on various means of obtaining information pertinent to a criminal investigation. Ten chapters provide detailed guidance on the investigation of each of the following crimes: arson, narcotics violations, sex offenses, larceny, burglary, robbery, forgery, homicide, assault, and criminal explosion. Other major sections focus on the investigator in court, identification and reproduction, and specialized scientific methods. This sixth edition has been extensively revised, incorporating the latest technical and scientific methods while maintaining the structure and spirit of the original text. Among the most recent investigative developments discussed in this edition are DNA analysis, automated fingerprint identification system, cognitive interviewing, and expert systems. Many traditional investigative topics that were either overlooked or not adequately covered in previous editions have now been included, such as neighborhood canvassing, glass fracture analysis, laser and cyanoacrylate fingerprint techniques, sexual asphyxia, bitemarks, earprints, chemical etching, and gunshot primer residue analysis. Many subjects have been rewritten, including evidence collection, crime scene photography, lineups, and safe-breaking techniques. Two new chapters, "Assault" and "Broken Glass," have been introduced and the references for each chapter have been improved, updated, and expanded. "Additional Reading" sections at the end of each chapter direct the student to specialized reading material.