NCJ Number
72965
Date Published
1980
Length
197 pages
Annotation
This textbook on crime scene investigation for police officers discusses securing and searching crime scenes, recognizing and protecting evidence, footprint casting and photography, investigating crime scenes, interviewing witnesses, and testifying in court.
Abstract
Discussion of evidence covers direct and indirect evidence and testimonial and physical evidence. Evidence search may use tools such as x-ray equipment, fingerprint materials, casting equipment, and other equipment. A chapter on securing the crime scene emphasizes the importance of isolating and protecting crime scenes before and during evidence taking. Discussion covers notetaking, coordinating evidence search, and recording information about the crime scene for future reference. Three methods of careful searching for evidence are outlined and illustrated. Discussion of the nature and criteria for physical evidence provides a list of possible evidence and discusses common evidence substances such as cloth, body tissue, and glass. A chapter on collecting, preserving, and marking physical evidence covers the use of containers, handling suspicious weapons, transporting evidence, and data to include in marking. Discussion of crime scene sketches and drawings specifies the information and objects to include in the sketch and describes different types of sketches. A section on finger printing covers physical and chemical methods of developing latent prints, and how to search for and lift prints, while a section on footprints and casting covers footprint formation, and making and using the cast. Other topics include trace evidence, photography, and crime scene chemicals and weapons. Types of special crime scenes examined include vehicular accidents, violent death, arson, burglary, and sex crimes. Illustrations, tables, an index, and 14 references are included.