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Introducing Forensic and Criminal Investigation
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Introducing Forensic and Criminal Investigation

First Edition


April 2013 | 232 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
This book is a lucid and practical guide to understanding the core skills and issues involved in the criminal investigation process. Guiding students through a mock criminal investigation, each chapter introduces a layer of the crime scene and an investigative activity to allow students to develop a true comprehension of how forensic and criminal investigation takes place.

Drawing on multiple disciplines and perspectives, the book promotes a critical awareness and practical comprehension of the intersections between criminology, criminal investigation, and forensic science and uses active learning strategies to help students build their knowledge and ensure that the veracity of evidence and decision making is made clear.

The book is organised around the three key strategic phases in a criminal investigation: Instigation and Initial Response; The Investigation and Case Management, and each strategic phase of the investigative process is discussed to ensure the processes and responsibilities are relayed in a logical and practical structure. Alongside this practical approach theoretical perspectives and academic research are laid bare for students.

Targeted at undergraduate students studying forensic and criminal investigation on criminology and policing course, this book is the perfect balance of practical and theoretical learning.


 
Introduction
 
A Brief History of Criminal Investigation
 
Criminal Investigation and Victims
 
Strategic Phase One: Instigation and Initial Response
 
Initial Response and Crime Scene Lockdown
 
Crime Scene Examiners
 
Strategic Phase Two: The Investigation
 
Investigative Strategy
 
Forensic Science Specialisms: Palynology, Entomology and DNA
 
Electronic and Passive Data
 
Suspect Prioritisation, Behavioural Analysis and Profiling
 
Interviewing Victims and Witnesses
 
Suspect Interviews
 
Strategic Phase Three: Case Management
 
Case Files
 
Case Reviews

An impressive team of experts covers just about every aspect of criminal investigation in this fascinating volume. The wide ranging descriptions of issues and concepts are brought to life with accounts of the personal experiences of operational detectives, making this an important resource for everyone from students of criminal and forensic investigation to trainee police officers.
Professor David Canter
Director, International Research Centre for Investigative Psychology


This book is a must read for any serious student of criminal and forensic investigation. The detailed theory is skilfully brought to life through case studies and examples of practical application, which give an excellent insight into the mechanics and complexity of investigating serious and major crime. Highly recommended.
Heidi Oliver
Retired Detective Inspector, Hampshire Constabulary CID and Major Crime Department


A superb investigation of the investigators. Any student, of any experience, wanting to know about the latest ways of reducing the fallibility of humans in divining the 'truth' of a possible crime should read this book. You are taken step by step through the stages of investigation and given a thorough test of your prejudices.
Dr Simon Bramble
Head of Police Science & Forensics, Home Office


What an excellent book! It takes the reader through all of the aspects needed within this area and it also helps with the practical application of policing.

Dr Darren Woodward
Health and Social Sciences, University Centre Grimsby
November 8, 2019

Very useful to select case studies for use as examples and activities to bring forensic investigations to life.

Miss Nicole Waters
Accounting , New College Durham
September 12, 2016

Would be great for students, with relevant case studies for them to use to support their assignment and regular revision questions for assessment.

Miss Nicole Waters
Accounting , New College Durham
June 27, 2016

Book is written in very clear and concise terms making it recommended reading for any learner new to this area of law.

Mrs Sarah Rees
Access to Higher Education, Weston College
May 12, 2016

This book is a very useful addition to the text used in our science lessons.
There are plenty of case studies that keep the learners motivated and engaged, and we also searched the internet for some additional research on them.
The text is well written and provides plenty of theory from the sciences behind forensics which is really what is required.

Mr Gary Howard
Social Science , Hopwood Hall College
February 8, 2016

This is a great textbook that is set out in a logical format.

I would recommend for anyone to get an overall view of forensic investigation

Ms Lorna Harris
Peaks Centre, Sheffield College
October 21, 2015

This book provides a clear, in-depth overview of the forensic and criminal investigation process. Perfect for my course.

Dr David Keatley
Department of Psychology, Lincoln University
December 9, 2015

Good text on the criminal investigative process

Clare Leon
Department of Law and Criminal Justice, Canterbury Christ Church University
October 13, 2014

This is a good, easy to follow, textbook, to introduce students to the area of forensic and criminal investigation. The use of case studies, linking academic theory to practice, is a very useful addition. This provides additional references to support further reading.

Mr Nigel Donohue
Public Services, Wakefield College
July 4, 2014

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