NCJ Number
155345
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 68 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1995) Pages: 168-170
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the role British police officers have had in solving notorious murder cases involving the administration of poisons.
Abstract
Homicidal poison cases often reveal extraordinary real life dramas in which police officers play a key role in bringing the perpetrator to justice. Police officers, in addition to pathologists, coroners, general practitioners, and forensic analysts, can determine the cause of death, the means of administration, and the motive behind the murder. In some cases, the murderer exposes himself or herself, for example, by revealing information that could be known only to the criminal. In other cases, sharp police observation is needed to induce a confession.