Complete Crime Scene Investigation Handbook - Hardcover

"Baxter specializes in crime scene investigation, and his expertise is apparent throughout the handbook he authored to accompany his courses on the subject. The volume illustrates and discusses, step-by-step, best practices for recognizing evidence and recording, collecting, and preserving it. Forget the CSI television programs―this volume provides a fascinating look at crime scene investigation by a real expert."
―K. Evans, Indiana State University, in CHOICE

Crime scene investigators are the foundation for every criminal investigation. The admissibility and persuasiveness of evidence in court, and in turn, the success of a case, is largely dependent upon the evidence being properly collected, recorded, and handled for future analysis by investigators and forensic analysts in the lab. Complete Crime Scene Investigation Handbook is the most complete, one-stop practical reference for law enforcement and crime scene professionals as well as students looking to enter the field.

The book provides step-by-step methods and best practice protocols for effectively finding, recognizing, recording, collecting, preserving, handling, and packaging evidence. With more than 650 full color photos and illustrations the book covers:

• The investigative team and its responsibilities
• The rules for forensic search and seizure
• Proper documentation of evidence via note-taking, photography, and sketching
• Search patterns and the special considerations for various searches
• The use of alternative light sources
• Presumptive tests via luminol and other methods
• Latent fingerprint processing
• Evidence collection and packaging
• Serological, trace, firearms, toolmark, footwear, tire, and digital evidence
• Injury documentation
• Appendices with a full compliment of sample forms, equipment lists, and checklists to assist in crime scene investigation

A special considerations section reviews topics such as shooting scene and bloodstain documentation, clandestine graves and scattered human remains, fire scenes, and questioned document evidence. The final chapters examine how to develop a working plan and processing methodology as well as effective report writing. This book is a must-have reference for experienced forensic, crime scene, and investigative professionals as well as students in forensic science programs looking to enter the field.

A specially developed companion lab exercise workbook―The Complete Crime Scene Investigation Workbook (ISBN: 978-1-4987-0142-6)―is also available for purchase and can be used in conjunction with this handbook, both for group training purposes or for individuals looking for hands-on self-study.