NCJ Number
181323
Date Published
2000
Length
447 pages
Annotation
This book is an introduction to the basics of criminal investigation.
Abstract
The book includes information on underwater investigation, explosion investigation, and forensic and legal considerations of an investigation. It describes the essential elements of investigating a crime scene and how investigators interact with patrol officers, evidence technicians, forensic specialists, medical examiners, pathologists and prosecutors. Included in the book’s 20 chapters are details on investigating specific offenses: homicide, assault, robbery, sexual assault, theft and burglary, drug offenses, arson, terrorism, organized crime and white-collar crime. A chapter on the law of search and seizure discusses the U.S. Constitution and due process, the exclusionary rule and search warrants. An examination of investigative tools reviews physical evidence, mental health specialists and law enforcement, and firearms and forensics. There is a separate chapter on bloodstain interpretation and mechanics and testifying about the interpretation of bloodstains. Sources of information cover eyewitnesses and victims, informants, surveillance, interviewing, interrogation and psychological profiling. Some chapters include glossaries and review questions. Tables, references, figures, bibliographies, key legal cases, appendixes, index