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Contents (1st Ed.)
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
1 Process
The approach taken by criminalists at the scene. How evidence is collected,
what is important, who has what job and how they all interact.
2 Blood Will Tell
Interpreting blood spatter patterns, sketching the
scene and reconstructing events.
3 Scenes of Crime
Jigsaw fits and other matches. Packaging and cataloging of evidence.
Chain of custody issues.
4 Perishable Evidence
Serology and sexual assault evidence. Rape kit processing.
5 Clues in the Dust
Trace evidence collection. Looking for clues in the
clothing of suspects and victims.
6 Tools of the Trade
How the scientific instruments work. Gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry. How the infrared and ultraviolet spectra are put to use.
How some evidence in the O.J. trial was unfortunately presented.
7 Trace Evidence
The examination and testing of microscopic particles of hair, paint and glass.
The shroud of Turin. How the polarizing light microscope works.
8 Blood Will Tell and Tell
How ABO blood grouping is being replaced by DNA testing.
9 Life’s Little Instruction Book
How the two major methods of DNA testing (RFLP and
PCR) are accomplished.
10 Chemical Vice
How powders, tablets, plants and body fluids are examined
and tested for the presence of controlled substances.
11 Impressions
How firearms are examined and bullets matched.
How toolmarks are compared.
12 Credibility
What it's like to testify as an expert. What the role of the
criminalist is and what is the future of the profession.
Certification and accreditation issues.
For Further Study
Index
Picture Credits
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