SUSPICIOUS DEATH - SCENE INVESTIGATION

SUSPICIOUS DEATH - SCENE INVESTIGATION
Author: Peter Vanezis
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 193
Release: 1996-03-29
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9780340558638

Examination of the "the scene" is an integral part of the investigation in most suspicious deaths. Traditionally, pathologists have not been involved in this process, waiting instead for the body of the deceased to be brought to their laboratory. The current trend, internationally, is that the pathologist should work as part of the investigative team that visits the death scene, and thus collaborate more effectively with the other professionals involved, particularly the police. The editors of this book, both forensic pathologists, set out to outline a practical set of instructions for the pathologist at the scene of the crime. They draw upon their extensive experience to discuss scene management, the assessment of findings, successful documentation, continuity, and presentation of evidence. Amply illustrated with over 90 photographs, this immensely practical guide incorporates numerous case studies, pragmatic advice such as how to instruct the photographer to record the scene in a way that will provide useful back-up to the autopsy findings, and useful appendices detailing the handling and storing of evidence.

Medicolegal Death Investigation System

Medicolegal Death Investigation System
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 85
Release: 2003-08-22
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0309167043

The US Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice (NIJ) asked the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of The National Academies to conduct a workshop that would examine the interface of the medicolegal death investigation system and the criminal justice system. NIJ was particularly interested in a workshop in which speakers would highlight not only the status and needs of the medicolegal death investigation system as currently administered by medical examiners and coroners but also its potential to meet emerging issues facing contemporary society in America. Additionally, the workshop was to highlight priority areas for a potential IOM study on this topic. To achieve those goals, IOM constituted the Committee for the Workshop on the Medicolegal Death Investigation System, which developed a workshop that focused on the role of the medical examiner and coroner death investigation system and its promise for improving both the criminal justice system and the public health and health care systems, and their ability to respond to terrorist threats and events. Six panels were formed to highlight different aspects of the medicolegal death investigation system, including ways to improve it and expand it beyond its traditional response and meet growing demands and challenges. This report summarizes the Workshop presentations and discussions that followed them.

Postmortem

Postmortem
Author: Stefan Timmermans
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Total Pages: 378
Release: 2008-11-15
Genre: True Crime
ISBN: 0226804003

As elected coroners came to be replaced by medical examiners with scientific training, the American public became fascinated with their work. From the grisly investigations showcased on highly rated television shows like C.S.I. to the bestselling mysteries that revolve around forensic science, medical examiners have never been so visible—or compelling. They, and they alone, solve the riddle of suspicious death and the existential questions that come with it. Why did someone die? Could it have been prevented? Should someone be held accountable? What are the implications of ruling a death a suicide, a homicide, or an accident? Can medical examiners unmask the perfect crime? Postmortem goes deep inside the world of medical examiners to uncover the intricate web of pathological, social, legal, and moral issues in which they operate. Stefan Timmermans spent years in a medical examiner’s office, following cases, interviewing examiners, and watching autopsies. While he relates fascinating cases here, he is also more broadly interested in the cultural authority and responsibilities that come with being a medical examiner. Although these professionals attempt to remain objective, medical examiners are nonetheless responsible for evaluating subtle human intentions. Consequently, they may end—or start—criminal investigations, issue public health alerts, and even cause financial gain or harm to survivors. How medical examiners speak to the living on behalf of the dead, is Timmermans’s subject, revealed here in the day-to-day lives of the examiners themselves.

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).

CRIME SCENE STAGING

CRIME SCENE STAGING
Author: Arthur S. Chancellor
Publisher: Charles C Thomas Publisher
Total Pages: 371
Release: 2016-12-02
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0398091390

This unique text has been written as a practical reference for detectives, crime scene investigators, and prosecutors on how to recognize a staged scene and how this offender behavior could be used as evidence in subsequent trials. The book is designed to help those actively engaged in conducting criminal investigations identify the red flags or those common findings at a crime scene that point to the scene being staged or altered and thereby assist the investigative process. The text is not only research based but also includes the authorsf 30-year experience and personal observations in conducting hundreds of different crime scene investigations ranging from homicide and death, burglary and other property crimes, to rape and other sexual crimes. This experience also includes interviewing hundreds of victims and suspects, and conducting investigations from initiation of cases through prosecution. The authors have located hundreds of examples of staging and have included many of them as case studies throughout the text. Many of the case studies presented are based on the authorsf personal involvement in them. In addition to defining and categorizing the various aspects of staging, the reader is also introduced to new terminology describing the different elements of staging based on offender motive and the dynamics of the events. Other major discussions include primary and secondary staging as well as the two subcategories of primary staging: premeditated and ad hoc staging. Staging by individuals other than the offender and victim, described as tertiary/incidental scene alterations, are included as are several chapters on a variety of crimes and how to identify the red flags relevant to them. A final chapter is written especially for prosecutors and offers suggestions and references on how the concept of staging might be introduced in court. A very thorough Appendix provides reviews of many appellant court decisions from across the U.S. and Canada specifically addressing issues of staging.

Estimation of the Time Since Death

Estimation of the Time Since Death
Author: Burkhard Madea
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 292
Release: 2015-09-08
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1444181777

Estimation of the Time Since Death remains the foremost authoritative book on scientifically calculating the estimated time of death postmortem. Building on the success of previous editions which covered the early postmortem period, this new edition also covers the later postmortem period including putrefactive changes, entomology, and postmortem r

Homicide Investigation Field Guide

Homicide Investigation Field Guide
Author: D'Michelle P. DuPre
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 177
Release: 2013-05-25
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0124104401

This practical field guide contains many of the checklists necessary to guide the first responder step-by-step through procedures, tactics, and forensic techniques used in sudden death and violent death investigations. Using these protocols, techniques and checklists will ensure that a proper and complete investigation is undertaken at the death scene. - Covers basic investigation protocols as well as protocols for sexual assault - Contains diagrams on how to search the scene, how to sketch the scene, and physical evidence guidelines as well as a forensic photography primer - Includes a detailed checklist of who, what, where, when, why and how

Introduction to Criminal Investigation

Introduction to Criminal Investigation
Author: Michael Birzer
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 390
Release: 2018-07-31
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1439897484

The manner in which criminal investigators are trained is neither uniform nor consistent, ranging from sophisticated training protocols in some departments to on-the-job experience alongside senior investigators in others. Ideal for students taking a first course in the subject as well as professionals in need of a refresher, Introduction to Criminal Investigation uses an accessible format to convey concepts in practical, concrete terms. Topics discussed include: The history of criminal investigation in Western society Qualifications for becoming an investigator, the selection process, and ideal training requirements Crime scene search techniques, including planning and post-search debriefing Preparing effective field notes and investigative reports Interviewing and interrogating Types of evidence found at the crime scene and how to collect, package, and preserve it The contributions of forensic science to criminal investigations and the equipment used in crime labs Investigative protocol for a range of crimes, including property crimes, auto theft, arson, financial crimes, homicide, assault, sex crimes, and robbery Specialized investigations, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and gang-related crime Legal issues involved in criminal investigations and preparing a case for trial Bringing together contributions from law enforcement personnel, academics, and attorneys, the book combines practical and theoretical elements to provide a comprehensive examination of today‘s criminal investigative process. The accessible manner in which the information is conveyed makes this an ideal text for a wide-ranging audience.

Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation

Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation
Author: Vernon J. Geberth
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 798
Release: 2010-06-24
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1439826560

Remember: Do it right the first time. You only get one chance.Vernon J. Geberth, M.S., M.P.S., 1980, Homicide and Forensic Consultant, Author of Practical Homicide Investigation and the Series Editor of Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations.In Practical Homicide Investigation, renowned author and investigator Vernon J. Gebert

Pearls and Pitfalls in Forensic Pathology

Pearls and Pitfalls in Forensic Pathology
Author: Darin P. Trelka
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 91
Release: 2016-08-31
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9781107040403

This practical text guides the reader in infant and child death investigation from the moment the phone rings to the final signature on the death certificate. Using an easily understood conversational writing style, the text imparts up-to-date, practice-based information on approaches to death investigation, clarifying misunderstandings and supplementing training gaps. Chapters also impart personal experiences relating to policy, procedure, standards, and the anticipation of problems during death investigations. Interspersed throughout the text are procedural standards from the National Association of Medical Examiners and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as high-quality images and observations of effective administrative and management strategies for offices involved with death investigations. The book is packaged with a password, giving users online access to all text and images. Pearls and Pitfalls in Forensic Pathology: Infant and Child Death Investigation is an essential resource for medicolegal death investigators, coroners, medical examiners, forensic pathologists, forensic laboratorians and attorneys.