Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide

Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide provides methodologies to help investigators think broadly when seeking out evidence at a scene and utilize all the information from a case to reconstruct events. The "observe-hypothesize" model is presented, outlining how every source of information should be reconcilable with the evidence-based reconstruction. Practical recommendations are provided, along with over 400 collective photographs and sketches to illustrate observational methods. The field-guide also includes easy-to-follow flow-charts to aid scene investigation in major types of crime scenes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 396 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide provides methodologies to help investigators to think broadly when seeking out evidence at a scene and, likewise, utilize all the information from a case—especially the observable physical evidence, besides what are collectable, in reconstructing events. In the introductory chapters, the author highlights the importance of crime scene reconstruction when answering the question, “How something could have happened?” From there, he goes on to explain the principles of exchange, identification, individualization, and reconstruction. Here, the “observe-hypothesize” model, proposed in this field-guide, is presented: outlining how every source of information ranging from laboratory reports, opinions from medical doctors, statements of witnesses, and confessions of suspects should be reconcilable with the evidence-based reconstruction made in the crime scene. In this, the author contends that qualified crime scene generalists are the ideal professionals to frame scientific hypotheses and to make reconstructions. Practical recommendations, based on best-practice general crime scene procedures, are provided while the second half of the book illustrates and outlines how to deal with various types of major crime scenes, including fire deaths, exhuming buried human remains, sexual assaults, death by electrocution, explosion, drowning, poisoning, hanging, and more. Since a picture is a worth thousand words, over 400 collective photographs and sketches are included throughout the book to illustrate the observational methods that are described. In addition, the field-guide provides several easy-to-follow flow-charts to serve as checklists to aid scene investigation in major types of crime scenes. In this, Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide provides methodologies to help investigators to think broadly when seeking out evidence at a scene and, likewise, utilize all the information from a case—especially the observable physical evidence, besides what are collectable, in reconstructing events. In the introductory chapters, the author highlights the importance of crime scene reconstruction when answering the question, “How something could have happened?” From there, he goes on to explain the principles of exchange, identification, individualization, and reconstruction. Here, the “observe-hypothesize” model, proposed in this field-guide, is presented: outlining how every source of information ranging from laboratory reports, opinions from medical doctors, statements of witnesses, and confessions of suspects should be reconcilable with the evidence-based reconstruction made in the crime scene. In this, the author contends that qualified crime scene generalists are the ideal professionals to frame scientific hypotheses and to make reconstructions. Practical recommendations, based on best-practice general crime scene procedures, are provided while the second half of the book illustrates and outlines how to deal with various types of major crime scenes, including fire deaths, exhuming buried human remains, sexual assaults, death by electrocution, explosion, drowning, poisoning, hanging, and more. Since a picture is a worth thousand words, over 400 collective photographs and sketches are included throughout the book to illustrate the observational methods that are described. In addition, the field-guide provides several easy-to-follow flow-charts to serve as checklists to aid scene investigation in major types of crime scenes. In this, Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide provides methodologies to help investigators to think broadly when seeking out evidence at a scene and, likewise, utilize all the information from a case—especially the observable physical evidence, besides what are collectable, in reconstructing events. In the introductory chapters, the author highlights the importance of crime scene reconstruction when answering the question, “How something could have happened?” From there, he goes on to explain the principles of exchange, identification, individualization, and reconstruction. Here, the “observe-hypothesize” model, proposed in this field-guide, is presented: outlining how every source of information ranging from laboratory reports, opinions from medical doctors, statements of witnesses, and confessions of suspects should be reconcilable with the evidence-based reconstruction made in the crime scene. In this, the author contends that qualified crime scene generalists are the ideal professionals to frame scientific hypotheses and to make reconstructions. Practical recommendations, based on best-practice general crime scene procedures, are provided while the second half of the book illustrates and outlines how to deal with various types of major crime scenes, including fire deaths, exhuming buried human remains, sexual assaults, death by electrocution, explosion, drowning, poisoning, hanging, and more. Since a picture is a worth thousand words, over 400 collective photographs and sketches are included throughout the book to illustrate the observational methods that are described. In addition, the field-guide provides several easy-to-follow flow-charts to serve as checklists to aid scene investigation in major types of crime scenes. In this, Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide provides methodologies to help investigators to think broadly when seeking out evidence at a scene and, likewise, utilize all the information from a case—especially the observable physical evidence, besides what are collectable, in reconstructing events. In the introductory chapters, the author highlights the importance of crime scene reconstruction when answering the question, “How something could have happened?” From there, he goes on to explain the principles of exchange, identification, individualization, and reconstruction. Here, the “observe-hypothesize” model, proposed in this field-guide, is presented: outlining how every source of information ranging from laboratory reports, opinions from medical doctors, statements of witnesses, and confessions of suspects should be reconcilable with the evidence-based reconstruction made in the crime scene. In this, the author contends that qualified crime scene generalists are the ideal professionals to frame scientific hypotheses and to make reconstructions. Practical recommendations, based on best-practice general crime scene procedures, are provided while the second half of the book illustrates and outlines how to deal with various types of major crime scenes, including fire deaths, exhuming buried human remains, sexual assaults, death by electrocution, explosion, drowning, poisoning, hanging, and more. Since a picture is a worth thousand words, over 400 collective photographs and sketches are included throughout the book to illustrate the observational methods that are described. In addition, the field-guide provides several easy-to-follow flow-charts to serve as checklists to aid scene investigation in major types of crime scenes. In this, Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide provides methodologies to help investigators to think broadly when seeking out evidence at a scene and, likewise, utilize all the information from a case—especially the observable physical evidence, besides what are collectable, in reconstructing events. In the introductory chapters, the author highlights the importance of crime scene reconstruction when answering the question, “How something could have happened?” From there, he goes on to explain the principles of exchange, identification, individualization, and reconstruction. Here, the “observe-hypothesize” model, proposed in this field-guide, is presented: outlining how every source of information ranging from laboratory reports, opinions from medical doctors, statements of witnesses, and confessions of suspects should be reconcilable with the evidence-based reconstruction made in the crime scene. In this, the author contends that qualified crime scene generalists are the ideal professionals to frame scientific hypotheses and to make reconstructions. Practical recommendations, based on best-practice general crime scene procedures, are provided while the second half of the book illustrates and outlines how to deal with various types of major crime scenes, including fire deaths, exhuming buried human remains, sexual assaults, death by electrocution, explosion, drowning, poisoning, hanging, and more. Since a picture is a worth thousand words, over 400 collective photographs and sketches are included throughout the book to illustrate the observational methods that are described. In addition, the field-guide provides several easy-to-follow flow-charts to serve as checklists to aid scene investigation in major types of crime scenes. In this,
Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide is a comprehensive resource that provides invaluable methodologies to help investigators approach evidence-gathering at a crime scene with a broad mindset and effectively utilize all available information, including observable physical evidence, to reconstruct events. In the introductory chapters, the author emphasizes the significance of crime scene reconstruction in answering the crucial question, "How something could have happened?" The author then proceeds to explain the principles of exchange, identification, individualization, and reconstruction, which serve as the foundation for this field guide.

One of the key concepts introduced is the "observe-hypothesize" model, which outlines how every source of information, ranging from laboratory reports, medical opinions, witness statements, and suspect confessions, should be reconcilable with the evidence-based reconstruction made at the crime scene. The author argues that qualified crime scene generalists are the ideal professionals to frame scientific hypotheses and carry out reconstructions. Throughout the book, practical recommendations based on best-practice general crime scene procedures are provided, accompanied by detailed illustrations and outlines of how to handle various types of major crime scenes, including fire deaths, exhumation of buried human remains, sexual assaults, death by electrocution, explosions, drownings, poisoning, hanging, and more.

To enhance understanding and aid in scene investigation, over 400 collective photographs and sketches are included throughout the book, illustrating the observational methods described. Additionally, easy-to-follow flow-charts are provided as checklists to assist investigators in major crime scene types.

This field guide is a valuable tool for law enforcement professionals, forensic scientists, and anyone interested in crime scene investigation and reconstruction. It offers a comprehensive and practical approach to gathering and analyzing evidence, enabling investigators to piece together the events that led to a crime and provide justice to the victims.

Weight: 930g
Dimension: 280 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032211664