NCJ Number
220042
Date Published
2008
Length
646 pages
Annotation
This overview text provides updated and comprehensive coverage of how crimes are committed, discovered, and investigated, and examines contemporary methods of investigation through the use of modern technology and recent advances in forensic science.
Abstract
Written with the perception that crime detection is a field that relies heavily on the past experiences of investigators as well as recent practical, forensic, and technological innovations, this textbook is intended to be engaging, as well as descriptive of the duties of modern-day crime detection and police professionalism. The textbook is divided into six parts: fundamentals of criminal investigation, the investigative process, interpersonal violence, property crimes, vice crimes and related offenses, and prosecution. This edition also includes a new chapter on Missing and Abducted Persons, a new full-color design with new photos and illustrations, and new learning tools throughout including chapter objectives, chapter summaries, key terms lists, case studies, and suggested readings. Highlights of new or updated topics include: legal considerations of crime scene evidence, digital imaging, photo identification/lineups, statistical crime data, pharmaceutical diversion, processing the crime scene, evidence assessment and collection, infected evidence, legal aspects of rape, and preparing for trial. The book is intended to meet the needs of students and others interested in criminal justice by presenting information in a logical flow, paralleling the steps and considerations observed in an actual investigation. It provides the fundamentals of criminal investigation as practiced by police officers on the job. Figures, appendix A and B and glossary