Crime Science: Methods of Forensic Detection

Crime Science is a comprehensive guide to forensics that explains the science behind criminal investigations. It is written by nationally respected investigators Joe Nickell and John Fischer and introduces readers to the work of firearms experts, document examiners, fingerprint technicians, medical examiners, and forensic anthropologists. Each topic is treated in a separate chapter, in a clear and understandable style, and each chapter closes with a study of a well-known case.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2022
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky

The O.J. Simpson trial. The Lindbergh kidnapping. The death of Marilyn Monroe. The assassination of the Romanovs. The Atlanta child murders. All controversial cases. All investigated with the latest techniques in forensic science. Nationally respected investigators Joe Nickell and John Fischer explain the science behind the criminal investigations that have captured the nation's attention. Crime Science is a comprehensive guide to forensics. Without being overly technical or treating scientific techniques superficially, the authors introduce readers to the work of firearms experts, document examiners, fingerprint technicians, medical examiners, and forensic anthropologists. Each topic is treated in a separate chapter, in a clear and understandable style. Nickell and Fisher describe fingerprint classification and autopsies, explain how fibers link victims to their killers, and examine the science underlying DNA profiling and toxicological analysis. From weapons analysis to handwriting samples to shoe and tire impressions, Crime Science outlines the indispensable tools and techniques that investigators use to make sense of a crime scene. Each chapter closes with a study of a well-known case, revealing how the principles of forensic science work in practice.

Forensic science has played a pivotal role in investigating some of the most controversial cases in history, including the O.J. Simpson trial, the Lindbergh kidnapping, the death of Marilyn Monroe, the assassination of the Romanovs, and the Atlanta child murders. In this comprehensive guide, nationally respected investigators Joe Nickell and John Fischer delve into the science behind these investigations, providing readers with a deep understanding of the tools and techniques used by forensic experts.

The book begins by introducing readers to the work of firearms experts, document examiners, fingerprint technicians, medical examiners, and forensic anthropologists. Each topic is treated in a separate chapter, ensuring that readers can easily grasp the complexities of each field. Nickell and Fischer provide clear and concise explanations of fingerprint classification and autopsies, explaining how fibers link victims to their killers and how DNA profiling and toxicological analysis are used to identify suspects.

From weapons analysis to handwriting samples to shoe and tire impressions, Crime Science outlines the indispensable tools and techniques that investigators use to make sense of a crime scene. Each chapter closes with a study of a well-known case, revealing how the principles of forensic science work in practice. For example, in the chapter on fingerprint classification, Nickell and Fischer discuss the different methods used to identify fingerprints, including the use of latent fingerprints and the comparison of fingerprints taken at the crime scene with those in the criminal database.

Similarly, in the chapter on autopsies, Nickell and Fischer provide a detailed explanation of the process, including the collection of evidence, the examination of the body, and the interpretation of findings. They also discuss the importance of forensic anthropology in identifying victims and determining the cause of death.

DNA profiling and toxicological analysis are two of the most important tools in forensic science, and Nickell and Fischer provide a comprehensive explanation of these techniques. They discuss the process of DNA extraction, the analysis of DNA samples, and the use of DNA profiling to identify suspects. They also examine the science behind toxicological analysis, including the identification of drugs and alcohol in the body and the interpretation of drug concentrations.

Weapons analysis is another indispensable tool in forensic science, and Nickell and Fischer provide a detailed explanation of the process, including the collection of evidence, the examination of weapons, and the interpretation of findings. They discuss the importance of ballistics analysis in determining the trajectory of a bullet and the use of firearms identification to identify the make and model of a weapon.

Handwriting samples are also an important source of evidence in forensic investigations, and Nickell and Fischer provide a comprehensive explanation of the process of handwriting analysis. They discuss the different methods used to analyze handwriting, including the comparison of handwriting samples with known samples and the use of forensic software to analyze handwriting patterns.

Shoe and tire impressions are also important sources of evidence in forensic investigations, and Nickell and Fischer provide a detailed explanation of the process of footprint analysis. They discuss the different methods used to identify footprints, including the use of photography and the comparison of footprints with known samples.

Crime Science is a valuable resource for anyone interested in forensic science, law enforcement, or criminal justice. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the field, covering the essential tools and techniques used by forensic experts. The authors' clear and concise explanations make the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds, and the study of well-known cases provides real-world examples of how forensic science works in practice.

In conclusion, Crime Science is a comprehensive guide to forensics that provides readers with a deep understanding of the science behind criminal investigations. By introducing readers to the work of firearms experts, document examiners, fingerprint technicians, medical examiners, and forensic anthropologists, the book provides a clear and understandable introduction to the field. The study of well-known cases provides real-world examples of how forensic science works in practice, and the authors' clear and concise explanations make the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Whether you are a law enforcement professional, a criminal justice student, or simply interested in the field of forensic science, Crime Science is a must-read.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813197005