Mute Witnesses

Mute Witnesses
Author: Max M. Houck
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 232
Release: 2001
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9780123567604

Using case studies, some of a high-profile nature, the contributors to this expert guide show how trace evidence, when handled correctly, can change the course of a criminal investigation and often affect the final outcome.

Trace Evidence Analysis

Trace Evidence Analysis
Author: Max M. Houck
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 270
Release: 2003-12-03
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0080474624

Trace Evidence Analysis continues and builds upon the tradition of its successful companion title Mute Witnesses (2000). The book contains nine entirely new cases, each self-contained in its own chapter, covering everything from homicides to accident reconstruction. It includes contributions from some of the premier forensic scientists in the field who provide detailed accounts of the process of collection, classification, and analysis of microscopic evidence to draw definitive conclusions that solved actual cases. The book discusses the role of evidence in solving cases and explores the legal and ethical responsibility of the forensic scientist. It examines real-world application of scientific methods and analytic principles, including evidence gathering, instrumentation, sampling methods, analysis, and interpretation; and features over 160 full-color figures that illustrate the relevant case evidence. This book is a recommended resource for forensic microscopists and trace evidence analysts, crime laboratories, crime scene technicians, criminal investigators, forensic science professionals and students, and the legal community. Contains contributions from some of the premier forensic scientists in the field Discusses the role of evidence in solving cases and explores the legal and ethical responsibility of the forensic scientist Explores real-world application of scientific methods and analytic principles including evidence gathering, instrumentation, sampling methods, analysis, and interpretation Includes over 160 full-color figures that illustrate the relevant case evidence

Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge

Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge
Author: Robert D. Blackledge
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 490
Release: 2007-07-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0470166908

This title brings forensic scientists and chemists up-to-date on the latest instrumental methods for analysing trace evidence, including mass spectrometry, image analysis, DIOS-MS, ELISA characterization, statistical validation, and others. Illustrates comparative analysis of trace evidence by both old and new methods. Explains why some newer methods are superior to older, established methods. Includes chapters on analysis of DNA, ink, dyes, glitter, gun powder traces, condom trace evidence, footwear impressions, toolmark impressions, surveillance videos, glass particles, and dirt. Discusses applications such as mass spectrometry, image analysis, desorption-ionization on silicon mass spectrometry (DIOS-MS), ELISA characterization, and statistical validation.

Polymers on the Crime Scene

Polymers on the Crime Scene
Author: Valerio Causin
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 364
Release: 2015-04-20
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 331915494X

This book approaches the analysis of forensic contact traces from a polymer science perspective. The development of characterization methods of new or unusual traces and the improvement of existing protocols is described. The book starts with a general introduction to polymers and the issues related to transfer, persistence and recovery of polymeric traces. The chapters present a distinctive feature of polymers, discussing how it can be measured, what the practical difficulties which can be encountered in the analysis, and how useful that information is for comparison or identification purposes. Practical tips for the realization of the forensic analyses are included.

Handbook of Trace Evidence Analysis

Handbook of Trace Evidence Analysis
Author: Vincent J. Desiderio
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Total Pages: 464
Release: 2020-06-17
Genre:
ISBN: 9781119373438

Covers new trace evidence techniques and expanding areas of analysis, along with key theory and applications Developed around the need for updated information in the disciplines of trace evidence the Handbook of Trace Evidence Analysis focuses on the increasing awareness and need for validation, modern methods for addressing and controlling contamination, the shift towards incorporating statistical analyses into the interpretation phase and cutting edge research into new forensic science methods and their application. Beginning with an overview of the topic and discussing the important role that information derived from trace materials can provide during investigations, the book then presents chapters on key techniques. The first being the critical nature of microscopy, and the methods employed for the recognition, collection, and preservation of trace evidence. Subsequent chapters review the core disciplines of trace evidence examination: paints and polymers, hairs, fibers and textiles and glass. Each chapter contains in-depth discussions on the origin of the materials involved, including any natural or synthetic processes involved in their production, the nuances involved in their detection, and the methods of analysis that are used to extract valuable information from samples. In addition, suggested workflows in method and testing selections, as well as addressing specific scientific challenges as well as the limitations of knowledge on the transfer, persistence and background abundance of trace materials are discussed. The book ends by examining the interpretation of trace evidence findings from a historical perspective and examining the methods that are currently being developed. Provides an in-depth introduction to the general area of trace evidence and discusses current and new techniques Consolidates trace evidence and materials categories of testing into one reference series Offers a detailed focus on technical approaches and guidelines to trace evidence Includes analytical schemes/workflows and valuable guides for the interpretation of data and results The Handbook of Trace Evidence will appeal to forensic science academics, students, and practitioners in the trace evidence and materials science disciplines, as well as DNA analysts, toxicologists, forensic anthropologists, crime laboratory managers, criminal justice students and practitioners, and legal professionals. It would also be a valuable resource for every crime laboratory reference library.

Emerging Technologies for the Analysis of Forensic Traces

Emerging Technologies for the Analysis of Forensic Traces
Author: Simona Francese
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 275
Release: 2019-09-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030205428

This book provides a line of communication between academia and end users/practitioners to advance forensic science and boost its contribution to criminal investigations and court cases. By covering the state of the art of promising technologies for the analysis of trace evidence using a controlled vocabulary, this book targets the forensics community as well as, crucially, informing the end users on novel and potential forensic opportunities for the fight against crime. By reporting end users commentaries at the end of each chapter, the relevant academic community is provided with clear indications on where to direct further technological developments in order to meet the law requirements for operational deployment, as well as the specific needs of the end users. Promising chemistry based technologies and analytical techniques as well as techniques that have already shown to various degrees an operational character are covered. The majority of the techniques covered have imaging capabilities, that is the ability to visualize the distribution of the target molecules within the trace evidence recovered. This feature enhances intelligibility of the information making it also accessible to a lay audience such as that typically found with a court jury. Trace evidence discussed in this book include fingermarks, bodily fluids, hair, gunshot residues, soil, ink and questioned documents thus covering a wide range of possible evidence recovered at crime scenes.

Mark & Trace Analysis

Mark & Trace Analysis
Author: William Hunter
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 112
Release: 2014-09-02
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 1422289575

Crimes happen every day all around the world. Sometimes, criminals think they have taken every possible precaution to avoid capture, but they are often mistaken. Every crime leaves a trace, and forensic science has evolved to find the tiniest bits of evidence imaginable at a crime scene. Mark & Trace Analysis gives readers some insights about the tricks and techniques used by forensic scientists and crime-scene investigators when evidence is scarce. Criminals always leave a trail. The trick is finding it.

Introduction to Forensic Chemistry

Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
Author: Kelly M. Elkins
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 434
Release: 2018-09-03
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0429845995

Chemistry/Forensic Science Forensic chemistry is a subdiscipline of forensic science, its principles guide the analyses performed in modern forensic laboratories. Forensic chemistry’s roots lie in medico-legal investigation, toxicology and microscopy and have since led the development of modern forensic analytic techniques and practices for use in a variety of applications. Introduction to Forensic Chemistry is the perfect balance of testing methods and application. Unlike other competing books on the market, coverage is neither too simplistic, nor overly advanced making the book ideal for use in both undergraduate and graduate courses. The book introduces chemical tests, spectroscopy, advanced spectroscopy, and chromatography to students. The second half of the book addresses applications and methods to analyze and interpret controlled substances, trace evidence, questioned documents, firearms, explosives, environmental contaminants, toxins, and other topics. The book looks at innovations in the field over time including the latest development of new discernible chemical reactions, instrumental tools, methods, and more. Key features: Nearly 300 full-color figures illustrating key concepts and over 20 case studies Addresses all the essential topics without extraneous or overly advanced coverage Includes full pedagogy of chapter objectives, key terms, lab problems, end of chapter questions, and additional readings to emphasize key learning points Includes chemical structures and useful spectra as examples Fulfils the forensic chemistry course requirement in FEPAC-accredited programs Includes a chapter on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) materials Comprehensive and accessible, without being overly technical, Introduction to Forensic Chemistry will be a welcome addition to the field and an ideal text designed for both the student user and professor in mind. Course ancillaries including an Instructor’s Manual with Test Bank and chapter PowerPoint® lecture slides are available with qualified course adoption.

Leading Edge Techniques in Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis

Leading Edge Techniques in Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis
Author: Robert D. Blackledge
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 373
Release: 2022-10-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1119591619

Leading Edge Techniques in Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis In-depth exploration of the latest methodologies, tools, and techniques for analyzing trace evidence In Leading Edge Techniques in Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis, distinguished and highly qualified contributors cover the significant advances in methodology and instruments that are now being used to analyze trace evidence in forensic laboratories, including new techniques used to determine authenticity of objects and artifacts (such as Combined Raman/LIBS Microscopy) and those used to analyze surface treatments (such as py-GC-PARCI-MS). The work also covers new evidence types, such as surface-modified fibers, microscopic particles, and shimmer, and provides detailed explanations and practical examples of all of the aforementioned topics. Among the topics covered are: Forensic analysis of shimmer particles in cosmetics samples, glitter and other flake pigments, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy Surface acoustic wave nebulization mass spectrometry, forensic applications of gas chromatography vacuum ultraviolet, and spectroscopy paired with mass spectrometry Density determination and separation via magneto-Archimedes levitation and elemental imaging of forensic traces with macro and micro XRF Characterization of human head hairs via proteomics and Raman and surface-enriched Raman scattering (SERS) for trace analysis With detailed explanations of modern methodologies, tools, techniques, and evidence types in trace evidence forensics, along with helpful guidance to put covered concepts into practice, Leading Edge Techniques in Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis serves as an invaluable hands-on reference for scientists in forensic laboratories worldwide.

Trace Evidence, Revised Edition

Trace Evidence, Revised Edition
Author: Max Hauck
Publisher: Infobase Holdings, Inc
Total Pages: 132
Release: 2019-10-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1438182643

Evidence that can barely be seen with the naked eye routinely plays a crucial part in the search for—and the conviction of—some of the most dangerous criminals known to society. From the hairs of a dog to tiny fiber fragments, forensic analysts study these trace materials and interpret them for use in legal proceedings. Hairs and fibers are two of the most commonly found types of trace evidence and the focus of this eBook. Trace Evidence, Revised Edition explores the microscopic world in which the forensic scientist works by addressing the issues of what constitutes evidence; important methods of trace analysis, including spectroscopy and chromatography; human and animal hairs and what can be determined by examining them; and manufactured and natural fibers and the many ways in which they appear in textiles and are analyzed in the laboratory. Written by a well-respected author with extensive knowledge in the field, this eBook is essential for students fascinated by this area of forensic science. Chapters include: What Is Evidence? Forensic Applications Hairs Fibers.