Analysis and Interpretation of Fire Scene Evidence

Analysis and Interpretation of Fire Scene Evidence
Author: Jose R. Almirall
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 276
Release: 2004-02-11
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0203492722

Ongoing advances in arson detection tools and techniques increase the importance of scientific evidence in related court proceedings. In order to assemble an airtight case, investigators and forensic scientists need a resource that assists them in properly conducting the chemical analysis and interpretation of physical evidence found at scenes of s

Fire Investigation

Fire Investigation
Author: Niamh Nic Daeid
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2004-01-27
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0203646959

Fire Investigation covers the concepts and theories used to determine a specfic fire has been deliberately or accidentally set. The author clearly explains the concepts needed to gain insight into a fire scene investigation, including the dynamics of the fire, the necessary conditions for a fire to start and be maintained, the different types of co

Fire Debris Analysis

Fire Debris Analysis
Author: Eric Stauffer
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 683
Release: 2007-12-10
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0080556264

The study of fire debris analysis is vital to the function of all fire investigations, and, as such, Fire Debris Analysis is an essential resource for fire investigators. The present methods of analysis include the use of gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, techniques which are well established and used by crime laboratories throughout the world. However, despite their universality, this is the first comprehensive resource that addresses their application to fire debris analysis.Fire Debris Analysis covers topics such as the physics and chemistry of fire and liquid fuels, the interpretation of data obtained from fire debris, and the future of the subject. Its cutting-edge material and experienced author team distinguishes this book as a quality reference that should be on the shelves of all crime laboratories. - Serves as a comprehensive guide to the science of fire debris analysis - Presents both basic and advanced concepts in an easily readable, logical sequence - Includes a full-color insert with figures that illustrate key concepts discussed in the text

The Analysis of Burned Human Remains

The Analysis of Burned Human Remains
Author: Christopher W. Schmidt
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 313
Release: 2011-10-10
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 008055928X

This unique reference provides a primary source for osteologists and the medical/legal community for the understanding of burned bone remains in forensic or archaeological contexts. It describes in detail the changes in human bone and soft tissues as a body burns at both the chemical and gross levels and provides an overview of the current procedures in burned bone study. Case studies in forensic and archaeological settings aid those interested in the analysis of burned human bodies, from death scene investigators, to biological anthropologists looking at the recent or ancient dead. - Includes the diagnostic patterning of color changes that give insight to the severity of burning, the positioning of the body, and presence (or absence) of soft tissues during the burning event - Chapters on bones and teeth give step-by-step recommendations for how to study and recognize burned hard tissues

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 348
Release: 2009-07-29
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0309142393

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

Crime Scene Investigation

Crime Scene Investigation
Author: National Institute of Justice (U.S.). Technical Working Group on Crime Scene Investigation
Publisher:
Total Pages: 64
Release: 2000
Genre: Crime scene searches
ISBN:

This is a guide to recommended practices for crime scene investigation. The guide is presented in five major sections, with sub-sections as noted: (1) Arriving at the Scene: Initial Response/Prioritization of Efforts (receipt of information, safety procedures, emergency care, secure and control persons at the scene, boundaries, turn over control of the scene and brief investigator/s in charge, document actions and observations); (2) Preliminary Documentation and Evaluation of the Scene (scene assessment, "walk-through" and initial documentation); (3) Processing the Scene (team composition, contamination control, documentation and prioritize, collect, preserve, inventory, package, transport, and submit evidence); (4) Completing and Recording the Crime Scene Investigation (establish debriefing team, perform final survey, document the scene); and (5) Crime Scene Equipment (initial responding officers, investigator/evidence technician, evidence collection kits).

Forensic Cremation Recovery and Analysis

Forensic Cremation Recovery and Analysis
Author: Scott I. Fairgrieve
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 220
Release: 2007-10-18
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1420008749

This book provides a synopsis of the challenges involved in the recovery and interpretation of cremains from the point of discovery to the end of the analysis. It considers the capacity and mechanism of fire to alter the chemical and physical properties of materials, particularly those of human tissues, and emphasizes a flexible approach to the collection of cremains. A significant portion of the book examines the effects of fire on bone and the ability to determine trauma. It also evaluates the practical use of dental tissue and DNA for identification and as an aid to the investigation.

Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scenes, Second Edition

Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scenes, Second Edition
Author: William G. Eckert
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 366
Release: 1998-07-14
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9780849381263

As witnessed in landmark criminal cases, the quality and integrity of bloodstain evidence can be a crucial factor in determining a verdict. Since the first edition of Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scenes was published nearly a decade ago, bloodstain pattern interpretation has continued to grow as a branch of forensic science. Revised and updated to reflect new technology and developments in the field, the second edition is packed with new information and illustrations-including 421 photographs and diagrams of improved quality that will aid in interpretation of evidence. Expanding on a single chapter presented in the bestselling first edition, the second edition details, in four chapters, an introduction to bloodstain interpretation; low-velocity impact and angular considerations; medium and high-velocity impact; and the significance of partially dried, clotted, aged, and physically altered bloodstains in four new chapters. A full chapter on the detection of blood with luminol, featuring high-quality, full-color photographs of luminol reactions, has been added. This new edition also includes 12 new case studies in addition to 8 original case studies from the first edition that have been retained for their interpretative value. Everyone involved in crime scene evaluation and interpretation-law enforcement officers, criminologists, medical examiners, forensic pathologists, medicolegal personnel, and prosecutors and defense attorneys-will benefit from the improved and expanded second edition of this definitive reference.

Chemical Analysis for Forensic Evidence

Chemical Analysis for Forensic Evidence
Author: Arian van Asten
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 576
Release: 2022-11-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0128207213

Chemical Analysis for Forensic Evidence provides readers with the fundamental framework of forensic analytical chemistry, describing the entire process, from crime scene investigation to evidence sampling, laboratory analysis, quality aspects, and reporting and testifying in court. In doing so, important principles and aspects are demonstrated through the various forensic expertise areas in which analytical chemistry plays a key role, including illicit drugs, explosives, toxicology, fire debris analysis and microtraces such as gunshot residues, glass and fibers. This book illuminates the underlying practical framework that governs how analytical chemistry is used in practice by forensic experts to solve crime. Arian van Asten utilizes a hands-on approach with numerous questions, examples, exercises and illustrations to help solidify key concepts and teach them in an engaging way. - Provides a forensic analytical chemistry framework based on how professionals actually use chemistry to solve crimes - Introduces leading principles necessary to forensic practice understanding - Answers key questions with a wealth of illustrations and real-world examples