Renowned for being THE definitive resource for homicide investigators, Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques details the recognized protocols used by investigative divisions of major police departments throughout the world. The text is used in most police academies, including the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Now in its fifth edition, the book begins with a comprehensive discussion of homicide crime scenes and moves chronologically from initial police notification, the correct police response that follows, and the subsequent steps necessary to conduct an intelligent investigation. It then delves into the more technical aspects of homicide investigation, augmented with numerous pictures and full-color illustrations that involve pertinent case histories. This latest edition includes three new chapters along with fully revised chapters with new case histories and techniques that reflect the latest forensic methods and modern investigative procedures. Highlights of the Fifth Edition Include: Newly revised "Homicide Investigator’s Checklist" A new chapter on the latest DNA technology A rewritten chapter on equivocal death investigations that includes staged crime scenes Additional information on modes of death Fully updated chapters on death notifications, sex-related homicide, management for police administrators, suicide investigation, and narcotics-related and homosexually based homicides Over 920 photos and illustrations, 250 new photographs, and several new case histories Eminent author, lecturer, consultant, and expert witness Vernon J. Geberth incorporates his more than four and a half decades of real-world law enforcement experience in this quintessential reference. This classic and must-have resource provides the most vital information needed by detectives and police investigators responsible for cases in violent and sudden death. Remember: do it right the first time. You only get one chance.—Vernon J. Geberth, M.S., M.P.S., Homicide and Forensic Consultant, Author of Practical Homicide Investigation, and Series Editor of The Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations

Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques, Fourth Edition has long been considered the "bible of homicide investigation." Designed to accompany this bestselling work, Practical Homicide Investigation Checklist and Field Guide, Second Edition provides first responders, police personnel, and medical examiners and coroners with essential checklists that proceed step-by-step through the tactics, procedures, and forensic techniques that are mandatory in sudden and violent death inquiries. This new edition contains twice the material of the first edition, yet maintains its concise, practical format. Topics include: Specific investigative duties at the death scene Suicide and equivocal death investigation Autoerotic fatalities and other sex-related deaths Fatal fires SIDS and Munchausen syndrome by proxy Police-related shootings and deadly force incidents Crime scene photograph documentation and videotaping protocols Guidelines for proper death notification to family members Supplemented by color anatomical diagrams and indexed by type of crime for quick and easy reference, this second edition has been newly revised with the most current information and updates in technology. The appendix contains collection procedures for specific types of evidence, ensuring that a proper and complete investigation can be undertaken in all cases. Forensic professionals who master the material in this guide can be assured that death scenes are handled professionally and expeditiously and no evidence is overlooked.

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

This book provides protocols for suicide and equivocal death investigation, police action shooting investigations and a homicide supervisor's checklist. It contains state-of-the-art anatomical graphics in full color to assist the investigator in describing any injuries or wounds to the body.

The ultimate goal of collecting, preserving, and examining physical evidence is individualization - associating each piece with its responsible source. Firearms evidence in particular has the potential to individualize its source. Accessible and comprehensive, Practical Analysis and Reconstruction of Shooting Incidents provides the foundation necessary to develop and sharpen the skills used to investigate shooting incidents. It provides an explanation of what constitutes pertinent evidence and appropriate results pertaining to autopsies, forensic laboratory analysis, and reenactments. The text also reviews basic firearm design, function, ammunition components, and the terminology required for understanding evidence encountered at the scene. The book explains the basic mathematics of shooting reconstruction and includes sample problems at the end of each chapter. It presents case studies that feature those involving the John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy assassinations. It also details proper photographic documentation and effective courtroom techniques used to present the results of shooting reconstructions to juries, with examples of acceptable demonstrative evidence. Arming the investigator with the means to successfully examine and evaluate what transpired at the scene, Practical Analysis and Reconstruction of Shooting Incidents is an important resource to have accessible at all times.

Criminal Investigation, Fourth Edition, offers a comprehensive and engaging examination of criminal investigation and the vital role criminal evidence plays in the process. The text focuses on the five critical areas essential to understanding criminal investigations: background and contextual issues, criminal evidence, legal procedures, evidence collection procedures, and forensic science. In this new edition, esteemed author Steven G. Brandl goes beyond a simple how-to on investigative procedures and analyzes modern research and actual investigative cases to demonstrate their importance in the real world of criminal justice. New to the Fourth Edition: New and updated statistical information, research findings, investigative procedures, and legal cases ensure you are learning about the most current research in the field. Several new “From the Case File” chapter introductions and 25 new in-chapter “Case-in-Point” investigative case examples make it easier for you to connect the content to the real world. More than 75 new photos, most of which are case photos from actual investigations, illustrate key concepts to help keep you engaged with the content. New material on documenting evidence via reports provides examples of well-written police reports to help you build better writing skills. New material on social media and evidence from electronic digital devices discusses how to use new technology as a source of information. A stronger focus on terrorism and the use of technology in investigations encourages you to discuss and critically analyze the future of criminal investigations. New sections titled “Mental Mistakes in Criminal Investigations,” “Perspectives on the Criminal Investigation Process,” and “Qualities and Characteristics of Investigators” offer you tips and advice for conducting successful investigations. New material on touch DNA helps you see the benefits and limitations of scientific evidence gathered from a crime scene.

Individuals who perpetrate murder sometimes pose or reposition victims, weapons, and evidence to make it look like events happened in a different way than what actually transpired. Until now, there has been scarce literature published on crime scene staging.Crime Scene Staging Dynamics in Homicide Cases is the first book to look at this practice, p

Medicolegal investigation of death is the most crucial and significant function of the medical examiner within the criminal justice system. The medical examiner is primarily concerned with violent, sudden, unexpected, and suspicious deaths and is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death, identifying the deceased, determining the ap

U.S. Justice Department statistics indicate that only 26 percent of all rapes or attempted rapes are reported to law enforcement officials, and only slightly more than half of these result in the arrest of a suspect. Part of the problem lies in the public’s lack of faith in the criminal justice system’s ability to effectively deal with rape, victims, and the offenders. Practical Aspects of Rape Investigation: A Multidisciplinary Approach, Fourth Edition presents several new research findings and forensic techniques which enable agencies to overcome past impediments to successful intervention and prosecution. This revision of the perennial bestseller adds several new chapters and expertly advances the state of knowledge for police, health professionals, rape crisis staffs, and other criminal justice professionals. The book begins with a focus on the victim and reviews contemporary issues in the field of sexual violence, discusses the impact of sexual assault on the victim, and outlines victim care services. Then, from an investigative perspective, the book examines the relevance of fantasy, impulsive and ritualistic behavior, the personality of the offender, victim and offender interviews, geographic profiling, false allegations, and false confessions. A discussion of forensics and the court includes topics on collection of evidence, medical examinations and treatment, and trial preparation issues. Lastly, the book examines special populations with sections on pedophiles, female and juvenile offenders, drug-facilitated rape, sexual sadism, abuse of the elderly, and the timely topic of educator misconduct. This work was compiled by former FBI Agent Robert R. “Roy” Hazelwood and Ann Wolbert Burgess, Professor of Psychiatric Nursing at Boston College. The comprehensive text they have assembled is the definitive resource for those who must contend with the crimes of rape and other sexual assaults.