Download or read book Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2009-07-29 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

Download or read book Forensic Evidence Management written by Ashraf Mozayani and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2021-03-31 with total page 191 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Evidence management has become a crucial component for the law enforcement community. I truly believe this book is essential in assisting criminal investigators and a valuable resource for managing evidence."-Jeremiah Sullivan, Chairman, Board of Directors, Texas Division of the International Association for Identification; Senior Crime Scene Specialist (Retired). Austin Police Department As technology and technical applications continue to advance in the forensic sciences, the undertakings at crime scenes have become even more critical. Crime scene investigators must ensure that evidence is properly collected, document, packaged, and stored in a manner that maximizes the ability of laboratories to derive meaning and results from the evidence provided them. Forensic Evidence Management: From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom provides best practices policies for forensic science entities and their employees to maintain chain of custody and evidence integrity throughout the course of evidence collection, storage, preservation, and processing. The focus of the book will be to address the issues related with evidence handling and analysis inside the forensic laboratory, in particular, and to offer best practices and guidelines from leading forensic experts in the field. Forms of evidence covered include biological, chemical, trace, firearm, toolmark, fingerprint, and a host of others types recovered at crime scenes. The book concludes with a chapter on ethics, bias, and ethical practices in evidence handling in the field and laboratory analysis. Test Bank and PowerPointTM slides are available for download from the Taylor & Francis ancillary Web site for qualifying course adopters.

Download or read book Digital Evidence and the U S Criminal Justice System written by Sean E. Goodison and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 31 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report describes the results of a National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-sponsored research effort to identify and prioritize criminal justice needs related to digital evidence collection, management, analysis, and use. With digital devices becoming ubiquitous, digital evidence is increasingly important to the investigation and prosecution of many types of crimes. These devices often contain information about crimes committed, movement of suspects, and criminal associates. However, there are significant challenges to successfully using digital evidence in prosecutions, including inexperience of patrol officers and detectives in preserving and collecting digital evidence, lack of familiarity with digital evidence on the part of court officials, and an overwhelming volume of work for digital evidence examiners. Through structured interaction with police digital forensic experts, prosecuting attorneys, a privacy advocate, and industry representatives, the effort identified and prioritized specific needs to improve utilization of digital evidence in criminal justice. Several top-tier needs emerged from the analysis, including education of prosecutors and judges regarding digital evidence opportunities and challenges; training for patrol officers and investigators to promote better collection and preservation of digital evidence; tools for detectives to triage analysis of digital evidence in the field; development of regional models to make digital evidence analysis capability available to small departments; and training to address concerns about maintaining the currency of training and technology available to digital forensic examiners.

Download or read book Introduction to Criminal Investigation written by Michael Birzer and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2018-07-31 with total page 390 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Quality Management in Forensic Science written by Sean Doyle and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2018-11-20 with total page 428 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Forensic science has been under scrutiny for some time, since the release of the NAS report in 2009. The report cited the need for standardized practices and the accreditation of crime labs. No longer can the forensic community take the position that cross-examination in a courtroom will expose weaknesses in methodology and execution. Quality Management in Forensic Science covers a wide spectrum of forensic disciplines, relevant ISO and non-ISO standards, accreditation and quality management systems necessary in any forensic science laboratory. Written by a globally well-respected forensic scientist with decades of experience in the forensic science laboratory and on the stand, as an expert witness who is also a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. This book will be a must-have resource for all forensic science stakeholders, particularly law enforcement agents and lawyers less familiar with the impact of quality management on the reliability of scientific evidence. - A comprehensive, multidisciplinary reference of scientific practices for use in the forensic laboratory - Coverage from DNA to toxicology, from trace evidence to crime scene and beyond - Extensive review of ISO and non-ISO standards, accreditation, QMS and much more - Written by a foremost forensic scientist with decades of experience in the laboratory and as an expert witness

Download or read book Professional Issues in Forensic Science written by Max M. Houck and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2015-04-15 with total page 391 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Professional Issues in Forensic Science will introduce students to various topics they will encounter within the field of Forensic Science. Legal implications within the field will focus on expert witness testimony and procedural rules defined by both legislative statute and court decisions. These decisions affect the collection, analysis, and court admissibility of scientific evidence, such as the Frye and Daubert standards and the Federal Rules of Evidence. Existing and pending Forensic Science legislation will be covered, including laws governing state and national DNA databases. Ethical concerns stemming from the day-to-day balancing of competing priorities encountered by the forensic student will be discussed. Such competing priorities may cause conflicts between good scientific practice and the need to expedite work, meet legal requirements, and satisfy client's wishes. The role of individual morality in Forensic Science and competing ethical standards between state and defense experts will be addressed. Examinations of ethical guidelines issued by various professional forensic organizations will be conducted. Students will be presented with examples of ethical dilemmas for comment and resolution. The management of crime laboratories will provide discussion on quality assurance/quality control practices and the standards required by the accreditation of laboratories and those proposed by Scientific Working Groups in Forensic Science. The national Academy of Sciences report on Strengthening Forensic Science will be examined to determine the impact of the field. Professional Issues in Forensic Science is a core topic taught in forensic science programs. This volume will be an essential advanced text for academics and an excellent reference for the newly practicing forensic scientist. It will also fit strategically and cluster well with our other forensic science titles addressing professional issues. - Introduces readers to various topics they will encounter within the field of Forensic Science - Covers legal issues, accreditation and certification, proper analysis, education and training, and management issues - Includes a section on professional organizations and groups, both in the U.S. and Internationally - Incorporates effective pedagogy, key terms, review questions, discussion question and additional reading suggestions

Download or read book The Forensic Science Service written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Science and Technology Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2011-07 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Science and Technology Committee is not confident that an orderly transition can be achieved by the extremely challenging deadline for closure of the Forensic Science Service of March 2012. Extending the deadline by at least six months would allow the government to consult on and determine a wider strategy for forensic science. In making its decision to close the FSS, the government failed to give enough consideration to the impact on forensic science research and development, the capacity of private providers to absorb the FSS's 60% market share and the wider implications for the criminal justice system. These considerations appear to have been hastily overlooked in favour of the financial bottom line. The report also draws attention to the historical inadequacies in government decision-making that brought the FSS to its current financial situation. The FSS's dire financial position appears to have arisen from a complex combination of factors, principally the shrinking forensics market, driven by increasing police in-sourcing of forensic science services, and a forensic procurement framework that has driven down prices and does not adequately recognise the value of complex forensic services. In the transition to closure, transferring work from the FSS to a non-accredited police or private laboratory would be highly undesirable, posing significant and unacceptable risks to criminal justice. Proposals should be brought forward immediately to provide the Forensic Science Regulator with statutory powers to enforce compliance with quality standards.

Download or read book Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice written by Kevin J. Strom and published by SAGE Publications. This book was released on 2014-04-04 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Uniting forensics, law, and social science in meaningful and relevant ways, Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice, by Kevin J. Strom and Matthew J. Hickman, is structured around current research on how forensic evidence is being used and how it is impacting the justice system. This unique book—written by nationally known scholars in the field—includes five sections that explore the demand for forensic services, the quality of forensic services, the utility of forensic services, post-conviction forensic issues, and the future role of forensic science in the administration of justice. The authors offer policy-relevant directions for both the criminal justice and forensic fields and demonstrate how the role of the crime laboratory in the American justice system is evolving in concert with technological advances as well as changing demands and competing pressures for laboratory resources.

Download or read book Crime Scene Investigation written by National Institute of Justice (U.S.). Technical Working Group on Crime Scene Investigation and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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).

Download or read book Crime Scene and Physical Evidence Awareness for Non forensic Personnel written by and published by United Nations Publications. This book was released on 2009 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The present manual was prepared to fill a gap in the compendium of available tools for the judiciary and law enforcement agencies and is the result of a consultative process involving a number of reputable individuals, institutions and organizations, who contributed a variety of different perspectives to this cross-cutting issue, all grounded in the same basic principles common to all crime scenes. The manual aims at raising awareness of the importance of good practices in crime scene investigations and the nature and relevance of physical evidence.

Download or read book DNA Technology in Forensic Science written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1992-02-01 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Matching DNA samples from crime scenes and suspects is rapidly becoming a key source of evidence for use in our justice system. DNA Technology in Forensic Science offers recommendations for resolving crucial questions that are emerging as DNA typing becomes more widespread. The volume addresses key issues: Quality and reliability in DNA typing, including the introduction of new technologies, problems of standardization, and approaches to certification. DNA typing in the courtroom, including issues of population genetics, levels of understanding among judges and juries, and admissibility. Societal issues, such as privacy of DNA data, storage of samples and data, and the rights of defendants to quality testing technology. Combining this original volume with the new update-The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence-provides the complete, up-to-date picture of this highly important and visible topic. This volume offers important guidance to anyone working with this emerging law enforcement tool: policymakers, specialists in criminal law, forensic scientists, geneticists, researchers, faculty, and students.

Download or read book Forensic Investigation Handbook written by Michael Fitting Karagiozis and published by Charles C Thomas Publisher. This book was released on 2005 with total page 403 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book outlines the general principles of forensic science including an overview of the history of forensic science, an introduction to ballistics, crime scene investigation techniques as well as evidence gathering, processing and documentation procedures. It presents valuable information on advanced forensic topics as well. These areas include criminal profiling, fingerprints and DNA as identification, the forensic autopsy, pharmacology, toxicology, and biohazard risks for the forensic investigator. The handbook also provides the reader with information on the American criminal justice system and how it relates to forensic science. It also features one of the most detailed and extensive forensic glossaries ever assembled. Included are more than 600 pertinent forensic terms with definitions that will serve as an invaluable desk reference for forensic novices and seasoned veterans alike.

Download or read book Forensic Examination of Digital Evidence written by U S Department of Justice and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2014-08-01 with total page 104 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Developments in the world have shown how simple it is to acquire all sorts of information through the use of computers. This information can be used for a variety of endeavors, and criminal activity is a major one. In an effort to fight this new crime wave, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and investment firms are incorporating computer forensics into their infrastructure. From network security breaches to child pornography investiga- tions, the common bridge is the demon- stration that the particular electronic media contained the incriminating evidence. Supportive examination procedures and protocols should be in place in order to show that the electronic media contains the incriminating evidence.

Download or read book Forensic Gait Analysis written by Ivan Birch and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2020-07-07 with total page 235 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking, using the eye and brain of experienced observers, augmented by instrumentation for measuring body movements, body mechanics, and the activity of the muscles. Since Aristotle’s work on gait analysis more than 2000 years ago, it has become an established clinical science used extensively in the healthcare and rehabilitation fields for diagnosis and treatment. Forensic Gait Analysis details the more recent, and rapidly developing, use of gait analysis in the forensic sciences. The book considers the use of observational gait analysis, based on video recordings, to assist in the process of identification or exclusion. With the increase in use of CCTV and surveillance systems over the last 20 to 30 years, there has been a steady and rapid increase in the use of gait as evidence. Currently, gait analysis is widely used in the UK in criminal investigations, with increasing awareness of its potential use in the US, Europe, and globally. The book details the history of the science, current practices, and of the emergent application to establish best-practice standards that conform to those of other forensic science disciplines. Engagement with the Forensic Science Regulator, and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences in the UK, and the International Association for Identification has helped to ensure and enhance the quality assurance of forensic gait analysis. However, there remains a fundamental lack of standardized training and methodology for use in evidentiary and investigative casework. This book fills that void, serving as one of the first to describe the current state of practice, capabilities and limitations, and to outline methods, standards of practice and expectations of the gait analyst as a forensic practitioner. Forensic Gait Analysis reflects current research and forensic practice and will serve as a state-of-the-art guide to the use of gait analysis in the forensic context—for both education and training purposes. It will be a welcome addition to the libraries of professionals in the areas of podiatry, gait analysis, forensic video analysis, law enforcement, and legal practice.

Download or read book Digital Forensics Processing and Procedures written by David Lilburn Watson and published by Newnes. This book was released on 2013-08-30 with total page 914 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first digital forensics book that covers the complete lifecycle of digital evidence and the chain of custody. This comprehensive handbook includes international procedures, best practices, compliance, and a companion web site with downloadable forms. Written by world-renowned digital forensics experts, this book is a must for any digital forensics lab. It provides anyone who handles digital evidence with a guide to proper procedure throughout the chain of custody--from incident response through analysis in the lab. - A step-by-step guide to designing, building and using a digital forensics lab - A comprehensive guide for all roles in a digital forensics laboratory - Based on international standards and certifications

Download or read book Cases on Forensic and Criminological Science for Criminal Detection and Avoidance written by Chaussée, Anna and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2024-05-17 with total page 477 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As global criminology evolves, new questions arise. How can policymakers and law enforcement agencies leverage criminological insights to formulate effective crime prevention strategies? How do international collaborations in forensic science contribute to a more robust global criminal justice framework? Cases on Forensic and Criminological Science for Criminal Detection and Avoidance beckons readers into the fascinating world of forensic science and criminology. Distinguished authors span multi-level experience as practitioners, researchers, and academics, and they examine the multifaceted dimensions of criminal detection and avoidance. Contributors, hailing from globally recognized institutions such as the British Criminology Association, Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, and American Criminology Association, navigate the complex intersections of forensic science and criminology, exploring the latest criminal detection and avoidance advancements. Moreover, the book examines the practical implications of research findings. This book is ideal for academics, practitioners, policymakers, students, and professionals in criminology, forensic science, and criminal justice seeking a comprehensive exploration of contemporary criminal detection and avoidance issues.

Download or read book Encyclopedia of Information Assurance 4 Volume Set Print written by Rebecca Herold and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2010-12-22 with total page 3366 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Charged with ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, availability, and delivery of all forms of an entity's information, Information Assurance (IA) professionals require a fundamental understanding of a wide range of specializations, including digital forensics, fraud examination, systems engineering, security risk management, privacy, and compliance. Establishing this understanding and keeping it up to date requires a resource with coverage as diverse as the field it covers. Filling this need, the Encyclopedia of Information Assurance presents an up-to-date collection of peer-reviewed articles and references written by authorities in their fields. From risk management and privacy to auditing and compliance, the encyclopedia’s four volumes provide comprehensive coverage of the key topics related to information assurance. This complete IA resource: Supplies the understanding needed to help prevent the misuse of sensitive information Explains how to maintain the integrity of critical systems Details effective tools, techniques, and methods for protecting personal and corporate data against the latest threats Provides valuable examples, case studies, and discussions on how to address common and emerging IA challenges Placing the wisdom of leading researchers and practitioners at your fingertips, this authoritative reference provides the knowledge and insight needed to avoid common pitfalls and stay one step ahead of evolving threats. Also Available Online This Taylor & Francis encyclopedia is also available through online subscription, offering a variety of extra benefits for researchers, students, and librarians, including:  Citation tracking and alerts  Active reference linking  Saved searches and marked lists  HTML and PDF format options Contact Taylor and Francis for more information or to inquire about subscription options and print/online combination packages. US: (Tel) 1.888.318.2367; (E-mail) [email protected] International: (Tel) +44 (0) 20 7017 6062; (E-mail) [email protected]