Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations 2nd Edition pdf download

Fundamentals of Forensic Science, Second Edition, provides an introduction to the basic principles of forensic science. The book begins at a crime scene and ends in the courtroom. The book is divided into six parts. Part 1 provides an overview of criminal justice and forensic science, covering the basics of crime scene investigation and the nature of evidence.

Part 2 discusses analytical tools, including microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, and separation methods. Parts 3 to 5 discuss the various types of forensic. It encompasses current forensic DNA analysis methods, as well as biology, technology and genetic interpretation. Furthermore, it explains the. As forensic science continues to play a wider role in the investigation of crimes and apprehension of criminals, those without crime scene or crime lab training must now become familiar with the techniques and language of the forensic scientist.

Avoiding the complicated science and graphic violence typical of most forensic references, this book is written specifically for those without forensic science experience.

While it provides a professional reference for those not steeped in the details of forensic science, the wealth. Forensic Chemistry is a comprehensive overview of the subject aimed at those students who have a basic understanding of the underlying principles and are looking for a more detailed reference text. May 10, Forensic Science Fundamentals and Investigations is an excellent book on forensics.

South Western Cengage learning is the book publisher. This book is interesting and easy to understand. It provides the basics of forensic science. It also introduces the students with the investigation techniques. Forensic Science Fundamentals and Investigations 2nd Edition is a handy book for crime studies. This book has a unique style and is more practical in nature. Moreover, it offers the study of forensic studies from all its aspects.

You should also study: Essentials of Abnormal Psychology. There are 17 chapters in the book and comprise of investigation skills in different fields of crime study. So ist das zumindest im Fernsehen, aber wie sieht es in der Wirklichkeit aus? Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations Update. Forensic Science. Studyguide for Forensic Science. Cram Just the FACTS studyguides gives all of the outlines, highlights, and quizzes for your textbook with optional online comprehensive practice tests.

Only Cram is Textbook Specific. Focus first on evidence that could be lost or 34 Crime Scene Investigation damaged; leave the more robust evidence for last. All personnel should consider the variety of possible evidence, not just evidence within their specialties. Look for hidden items, secret compartments, and false fronts. Things may not be what they seem, and crime scene personnel must evaluate whether evidence appears to have been moved or altered.

Remember, things at a crime scene are just things until they are designated as evidence and then recorded and collected. Another important reminder is that the scene may not even be the scene—the scene may be contrived to look like an accident or some other type of crime. Photography The photography of the crime scene should begin as soon as possible.

A progression of establishing overall or perspective views , medium within 6 feet , and close-up within 12 inches views of the crime scene should be collected. Multiple views, such as eye level, top, side, and bottom, help to represent what the scene or a piece of evidence looked like in place. Start with the most fragile areas of the crime scene first; move through the scene as evidence is collected and processing continues.

Document the process itself, including stages of the crime scene investigation, discoveries, and procedures. Photographs must at least be taken before the evidence is recovered. Photographs should be taken with and without a scale. This is easily accomplished by using a disposable plastic ruler and writing the pertinent information case number, item number, etc.

Scales allow photographs to be reproduced at defined scales , , , etc. All these images can help later with reconstruction questions. Photograph entrances and exits.

Prior photographs, blueprints, or maps of the scene may be of assistance, and they should be obtained, if available. Distances, angles, time, temperature—all these elements make the crime scene sketch, an example of which is shown in Figure 2.

Sketches complement photographs and vice versa. Items of evidence can be located on the sketch as it is made to help establish locations later. Although sketches are quantitative, they are normally not drawn to scale. However, sketches should have measurements and details for a drawn-to-scale diagram. This form, an example of which is shown in Figure 2.

The most compelling evidence in the world can be rendered useless if inaccuracies or gaps exist in a chain of custody. Where was the evidence? Who had control of it? Who last had this item? Could it have been tampered with during this gap in time? Having to document each exchange of an item from person, to evidence locker, to person, to agency may seem to be a nuisance, but it is the foundation that permits forensic science results to enter into a courtroom.

The choice of pattern may be dictated by the location, size, or conditions of the scene. Typical patterns are spiral, strip or lane, and grid and are shown in Figure 2.

Measurements showing the location of evidence should be taken with each object located by two or more measurements from non-movable items, such as doors or walls. These measurements should be taken from perpendicular angles to each other to allow for triangulation. Be alert for all evidence: The perpetrator had to enter or exit the scene!

Mark evidence locations on the sketch and complete the evidence log with notations for each item of evidence. If possible, having one person serving as evidence custodian makes collection more regular, organized, and orderly. Again, if possible, two persons should observe evidence in place, during recovery, and being marked for identification. Use tags, or if feasible, mark directly on the evidence.

Wear gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints—but be aware that after about 30 minutes, it is possible to leave fingerprints through latex gloves! Evidence should not be handled excessively after recovery. Seal all evidence packages with tamper-evident tape at the crime scene. An important activity often overlooked is the collection of known standards from the scene, such as fiber samples from a known carpet or glass from a broken window. Monitor the paperwork, packaging, and other information throughout the process for typographic errors, clarity, and consistency.

Simple geometry can help locate and reconstruct where things were in a sketch. Always take measurements from at least two locations. The strip or lane , the spiral, and the grid are three of the most common patterns. In many ways, measuring a crime scene is surveying, the art and science of accurately determining the position of points and the distances between them; the points are usually on the surface of the earth. Surveying is often used to establish land boundaries for ownership such as buying a house or governmental purposes geographic surveys.

Large crime scenes may require standard surveying and the prepared CSI would do well to learn a bit of surveying , but processing an indoors crime scene is much the same except for issues of points guns, not mountains and scale inches, not miles. Final Survey When the crime scene is finished, there is still work to be done! A final survey is recommended to review all aspects of the search.

Discuss the search and ask questions of each other. Read over the paperwork for a final check for completeness. Take photographs of the scene showing the final condition. Secure all evidence and retrieve all equipment. A final walkthrough with at least two people from different agencies if possible as a check on completeness is a must.

The crime scene can be released after the final survey; this event should be documented in the paperwork, including the time and date of release, to whom and by whom it was released. Remember that other specialists, such as a bloodstain pattern analyst or medical examiner, may need access to the scene before it is released. Once the scene has been released, reentry may require a warrant; therefore, the scene should be released only when all personnel are satisfied that the scene was searched correctly and completely.

A form is typically filled out or a letter written detailing what is submitted, under what criminal circumstances, who is submitting the items, and what laboratory examinations are requested. Safety Walking into a crime scene is one of the most hazardous activities a forensic scientist or CSI can do. Chemical and biological threats abound, not to mention knives, firearms, explosives.

Add in the prospect of intentional manufacture or use of chemical or biological agents or explosives by terrorists, and the issue of safety for crime scene personnel becomes of paramount concern, as shown in Figure 2. The increase in bloodborne pathogens AIDS and hepatitis, for example and other pathogens that may be encountered at crime scenes like the Hanta virus has made law enforcement and CSIs more aware of personal protection when responding to crime scenes. Associated Press file photo.

To accomplish this, federal and state governments must work in partnership with the more than million working men and women and their six and a half million employers who are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of The Centers for Disease Control, www.

The CDC serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States. The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, www.

The reporting week concludes at close of business on Friday; compiled data on a national basis are officially released to the public on the succeeding Friday. An electronic subscription to MMWR is free. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, www. NIOSH is responsible for conducting research on the full scope of occupational disease and injury ranging from lung disease in miners to carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users.

In addition to conducting research, NIOSH investigates potentially hazardous working conditions when requested by employers or employees; makes recommendations and disseminates information on preventing workplace disease, injury, and disability; and provides training to occupational safety and health professionals. Sources and Forms of Dangerous Materials Inhalation At a crime scene, airborne contaminants can occur as dust, aerosol, smoke, vapor, gas, or fume.

Immediate respiratory irritation or trauma might ensue when these contaminants are inhaled; some airborne contaminants can enter the bloodstream through the lungs and cause chronic damage to the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, heart, and other organs. Remember that some of these inhalants may be invisible! Skin Contact Because processing a crime scene requires the physical collection of items, skin contact is a frequent route of contaminant entry into the body. Direct effects can result in skin irritation or trauma at the point of contact, such as a rash, redness, swelling, or burning.

Systemic effects, such as dizziness, tremors, nausea, blurred vision, liver and kidney damage, shock, or collapse, can occur once the substances are absorbed through the skin and circulated throughout the body. The use of appropriate gloves, safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and protective clothing can prevent this contamination. Ingestion Ingestion is a less common route of exposure.

Ingestion of a corrosive material can cause damage to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. When swallowed, toxic chemicals can be absorbed by the body through the stomach and intestines. Also, do not bring food, drink, or cigarettes into areas where contamination can occur. Injection Needlesticks and cuts from contaminated glass, hypodermic syringes, or other sharp objects can inject contaminants directly into the bloodstream.

Extreme caution should be exercised when handling objects with sharp or jagged edges. Those occupations at risk for exposure to BBPs include law enforcement, emergency response, and forensic laboratory personnel Title 29 CFR, Fundamental to the BBP standard is the primary concept for infection control called Universal Precautions. These measures require employees to treat all human blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials as if they are infected with diseases such as hepatitis B virus HBV , hepatitis C virus HCV , and human immunodeficiency virus HIV.

Gloves should be worn, especially if there are cuts, scratches, or other breaks in the skin. Similar precautions should be followed when collecting dried bloodstains.

Do not bend, recap, remove, or otherwise handle contaminated needles or other sharps. Remove gloves and other PPE in a manner that will not result in the contamination of unprotected skin or clothing.

Non-corrosive disinfectants are commercially available. Allow sufficient contact time to complete disinfection. Packaging examples include puncture-resistant containers used for storage and disposal of sharps. Chemical Safety A wide variety of health and safety hazards can be encountered at a crime scene. Some of those hazards are listed in Table 2. Remember, when working with chemicals, be aware of hazardous materials, disposal techniques, personal protection, packaging and shipping procedures, and emergency preparedness.

Personal Protective Equipment Hand Protection Hand protection should be selected on the basis of the type of material being handled and the hazard or hazards associated with the material. Detailed information can be obtained from the manufacturer. Nitrile gloves provide Table 2. Material Examples Flammable or combustible materials Gasoline, acetone, ether, and similar materials ignite easily when exposed to air and an ignition source, such as a spark or flame.

Explosive materials Over time, some explosive materials, such as nitroglycerine and nitroglycerine-based dynamite, deteriorate to become chemically unstable. In particular, ether will form peroxides around the mouth of the vessel in which it is stored. All explosive materials are sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, which are employed to initiate explosives. Oxidizers Nitrates, hydrogen peroxide, concentrated sulfuric acid, and similar materials are a class of chemical compounds that readily yield oxygen to promote combustion.

Avoid storage with flammable and combustible materials or substances that could rapidly accelerate its decomposition. Source: National Research Council, It is also cut resistant.

Neoprene gloves offer protection from acids, solvents, alkalies, bases, and most refrigerants. Polyvinyl chloride PVC is resistant to alkalies, oils, and low concentrations of nitric and chromic acids.

Latex or natural rubber gloves resist mild acids, caustic materials, and germicides. Latex will degrade if exposed to gasoline or kerosene and prolonged exposure to excessive heat or direct sunlight. Latex gloves can degrade, losing their integrity. Some people are allergic to latex and can avoid irritation by wearing nitrile or neoprene gloves.

Gloves should be inspected for holes, punctures, and tears before use. Rings, jewelry, or other sharp objects that can cause punctures should be removed. If a glove is torn or punctured, replace it. Remove disposable gloves by carefully peeling them off by the cuffs, slowly turning them inside out. Discard disposable gloves in designated containers and, it should go without saying, do not reuse them.

Eye Protection Safety glasses and goggles should be worn when handling biological, chemical, and radioactive materials. Face shields can offer better protection when there is a potential for splashing or flying debris. Face shields alone are not sufficient eye protection; they must be worn in combination with safety glasses. Contact lens users should wear safety glasses or goggles to protect their eyes. Protective eyewear is available for those with prescription glasses and should be worn over them.

Foot Protection Shoes that completely cover and protect the foot are essential—no sandals or sneakers! Protective footwear should be used at crime scenes when there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects or to objects piercing the sole and when feet are exposed to electrical hazards. In some situations, shoe covers can provide protection to shoes and prevent contamination to the perimeter and areas outside the crime scene. Other Protection Certain crime scenes, such as bombings and clandestine drug laboratories, can produce noxious fumes requiring respiratory protection.

In certain crime scenes, such as bombings or fires where structural damage can occur, protective helmets should be worn. Transporting Hazardous Materials Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations codifies specific requirements that must be observed in preparing hazardous materials for shipment by air, highway, rail, or water. All air transporters follow these regulations, 44 Crime Scene Investigation which describe how to package and prepare hazardous materials for air shipment.

Title 49 CFR Training is required to properly package and ship hazardous materials employing any form of commercial transportation. Summary The crime scene is the center of the forensic world. The importance of a carefully processed crime scene cannot be overstated. The processing of a crime scene is a one-way street; there is no going back. Standard operating procedures and protocols guide the crime scene investigator, but training, experience, and education all play a role in adapting to each unique crime scene.

What is a crime scene? What should the first officer or CSI at the crime scene do? Name four safety issues for CSIs. Is it okay to only take photographs or only draw sketches? Why not? How many photographs should you take at a crime scene? Name three agencies that regulate worker safety. What is a datum? What is provenance? When is it acceptable to release a crime scene?

What is an MSDS? Who should be involved in the final walkthrough of a crime scene? What should be included in a crime scene sketch? Should you take photographs with or without a scale?

Which type of protective gloves should be used when handling bases and oils? Why is it important to have a plan for a crime scene? Consider This. How would you process an underwater crime scene? A homicide scene on a beach? Outside during a thunderstorm? What protocols would change?

How would you process and package evidence? How would you maintain the integrity of the evidence? How would you process a crime scene use Figure 2. Assign tasks and duties. How would you process the same scene with 10 people? What would you do the same or do differently?

Would the quality of the scene processing be the same? Take one of the extreme examples in Consider This 1. Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division. Gorman, C ed. Genium, Schenectady, New York. Kirk, PL Criminalistics.

Science : — Laboratory Survival Manual. National Institute of Justice. National Research Council. Department of Labor. Respiratory Protection, U. Foot Protection, U. Department of Transportation. Upfal, MJ Stuart, JR ed. Evidence is critical to a trial; it provides the foundation for the arguments the attorneys plan to offer.

It is viewed as the impartial, objective, and, yes, stubborn, information that leads a judge or jury to their conclusions. Evidence is a complicated thing and much goes into getting evidence ready before it can go into court. In a trial, the jury or judge hears the facts or statements of the case to decide the issues; whoever determines guilt or innocence is called the trier-of-fact.

During the trial, the trier-of-fact must decide whether or not the statements made by witnesses are true. This is done mainly through the presentation of information or evidence.

For example, someone is seen leaving the scene of a homicide with a gun, and it is later shown by scientific examination that bullets removed from the body of the victim were fired from that gun. This could be considered evidence that the accused person committed the homicide. In this chapter we will explore the nature of evidence, how it is classified, and how we decide what value the evidence has in proving or disproving a proposition.

Kinds of Evidence Most evidence is real; that is, it is generated as a part of the crime and recovered at the scene or at a place where the suspect or victim had been before or after the crime. Hairs, fingerprints, paint, blood, and shoeprints are all real evidence. Sometimes, however, items of evidence may be created to augment or explain real evidence.

For example, diagrams of hair characteristics, a computer simulation of a crime scene, or a demonstration of bloodstain pattern mechanics may be prepared to help the trier-of-fact understand complex testimony. Such demonstrative evidence was not generated directly from the incident but is created later. Because it helps explain the significance of real evidence, it does help make a proposition more or less probable and is, therefore, evidence.

In More Detail: Kinds of Evidence Circumstantial evidence: Evidence based on inference and not on personal knowledge or observation. Conclusive evidence: Evidence so strong as to overbear any other evidence to the contrary.

Conflicting evidence: Irreconcilable evidence that comes from different sources. Corroborating evidence: Evidence that differs from but strengthens or confirms other evidence.

Derivative evidence: Evidence that is discovered as a result of illegally obtained evidence and is therefore inadmissible because of the primary taint. Hearsay: Testimony that is given by a witness who relates not what he or she knows personally, but what others have said, and that is therefore dependent on the credibility of someone other than the witness.

Incriminating evidence: Evidence tending to establish guilt or from which a fact-trier can infer guilt. Presumptive evidence: Evidence deemed true and sufficient unless discredited by other evidence. Probative evidence: Evidence that tends to prove or disprove a point in issue.

Rebuttal evidence: Evidence offered to disprove or contradict the evidence presented by an opposing party. Tainted evidence: Evidence that is inadmissible because it was directly or indirectly obtained by illegal means.

Source: Garner Levels of Evidence Not all evidence is created equal—some items of evidence have more importance than others.

The context of the crime and the type, amount, and quality of the evidence will dictate what can be determined and interpreted. Most of the items in our daily lives are produced or manufactured en masse, including biological materials you have thousands of hairs on your body, for example. This has implications for what can be said about the relationships between people, places, and things surrounding a crime.

Forensic Science Is History Forensic science is a historical science: The events in question have already occurred and are in the past. Many sciences, such as geology, astronomy, archaeology, paleontology, and evolutionary biology, work in the same way: No data are seen as they are created, but only the remnants, or proxy data, of those events are left behind. Archaeologists, for example, analyze cultural artifacts of past civilizations to interpret their activities and practices.

Likewise, forensic scientists analyze evidence of past 51 Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Table 3. In this way, forensic science is similar to other historical sciences such as geology, astronomy, paleontology, and archaeology. Forensic Science Archaeology Geology Time frame Hours, days, months Hundreds to thousands of years Millions of years Activity level Personal, individual Social, populations Global Proxy data Mass-produced Hand-made Natural criminal events to interpret the actions of the perpetrator s and victim s ; Table 3.

Just as archaeologists must sift through layers of soil and debris to find the few items of interest at an archaeological site, forensic scientists must sort through all the items at a crime scene think of all the things in your home, for example to find the few items of evidence that will help reconstruct the crime.

The nature and circumstances of the crime will guide the crime scene investigators and the forensic scientists to choose the most relevant evidence and examinations.