Nonhuman DNA Typing: Theory and Casework Applications (International Forensic Science and Investigation)

The association of a suspect with the victim or crime scene through DNA evidence is one of the most powerful statements of complicity in a crime imaginable. No category of evidence has ever had the complete capacity to convict or exonerate an accused so absolutely in the eyes of the public. With the discriminatory powers of DNA and the variety of DNA markers now in regular use, the one thing keeping a third of all cases unsolved is the lack of human DNA evidence. However, the identification of polymorphic genetic loci in cats, dogs, plants, insects, bacteria, and viruses can provide the critical link between suspect and scene in the absence of human DNA. Non-Human DNA Typing: Theory and Casework Applications provides an introduction to the basic science underlying the emerging field of non-human DNA typing. It examines the use of non-human DNA evidence not just in homicide cases, but also in drug trafficking, poaching of endangered species, livestock fraud, and missing persons, as well as the identification of primary and secondary crime scenes. The book demonstrates the recognition, collection, and preservation of biological evidence at a crime scene, techniques of DNA fingerprinting, and DNA profiling. Using a wide variety of examples, applications, and case studies, the author describes the STR analysis of canine and feline samples, insects, and fungi, and their role as evidence in forensic science. Chapters consider the development of testing methods for animal evidence, soil DNA typing, and the use of DNA typing in wildlife investigations. A useful appendix includes an overview of the history of forensic serology and DNA. Combining science, case examples, legal decisions, and references, Non-Human DNA Typing: Theory and Casework Applications presents the forensic and legal applications of non-human DNA evidence for scientists, law enforcement, and attorneys.

The association of a suspect with the victim or crime scene through DNA evidence is one of the most powerful statements of complicity in a crime imaginable. No category of evidence has ever had the complete capacity to convict or exonerate an accused so absolutely in the eyes of the public. With the discriminatory powers of DNA and the variety of DNA markers now in regular use, the one thing keeping a third of all cases unsolved is the lack of human DNA evidence. However, the identification of polymorphic genetic loci in cats, dogs, plants, insects, bacteria, and viruses can provide the critical link between suspect and scene in the absence of human DNA.

Non-Human DNA Typing: Theory and Casework Applications provides an introduction to the basic science underlying the emerging field of non-human DNA typing. It examines the use of non-human DNA evidence not just in homicide cases, but also in drug trafficking, poaching of endangered species, livestock fraud, and missing persons, as well as the identification of primary and secondary crime scenes. The book demonstrates the recognition, collection, and preservation of biological evidence at a crime scene, techniques of DNA fingerprinting, and DNA profiling. Using a wide variety of examples, applications, and case studies, the author describes the STR analysis of canine and feline samples, insects, and fungi, and their role as evidence in forensic science. Chapters consider the development of testing methods for animal evidence, soil DNA typing, and the use of DNA typing in wildlife investigations. A useful appendix includes an overview of the history of forensic serology and DNA.

Combining science, case examples, legal decisions, and references, Non-Human DNA Typing: Theory and Casework Applications presents the forensic and legal applications of non-human DNA evidence for scientists, law enforcement, and attorneys.

Crime scene investigation involves the use and integration of scientific methods, physical evidence, and deductive reasoning in order to determine and establish the series of events surrounding a crime. The quality of the immediate crime scene response and the manner in which the crime scene is examined are critical to the success of the investigation. Evidence that is missed or corrupted by incomplete or improper handling can have a devastating effect on a case and keep justice from being served.
The Practice of Crime Scene Investigation covers numerous aspects of crime scene investigation, including the latest in education and training, quality systems accreditation, quality assurance, and the application of specialist scientific disciplines to crime. The book discusses a range of basic and advanced techniques such as fingerprinting, dealing with trauma victims, photofit technology, the role of the pathologist and ballistic expert, and signal processing. It also reviews specialist crime scene examinations including clandestine laboratories, drug operations, arson, and explosives.

This book offers a work of reference on the forensic science of firearms. It describes what happens when a weapon is fired in terms of internal, external and terminal, or wound, ballistics and the consequences of these happenings for the forensic scientist both at the scene of the shooting incident and in the laboratory. The role of the forensic scientist is explained in detail, including attending the scene of the crime and post- mortem examination, setting up databases, the recovery of deleted markings and serial numbers, instrumental and analytical techniques used in the laboratory, such as the latest techniques in detection of gunshot residues, and the presentation of evidence in court. A history of the development of firearms and how and why firearms legislation is drafted are also presented. The book includes information on gun barrel proof testing and ordnance code markings to be found in any publication.

Revised and expanded to reflect the most recent innovations in the field of forensic document examination, this latest publication of Scientific Examination of Documents: Methods and Techniques, Third Edition begins with an assessment of handwriting techniques, accidental and deliberate modification of handwriting, and the proper collection of samples. Traditional and modern technologies of typewriting are also reviewed. Analyses of photocopies, incidental marks, and the functions of photography in document examination are followed by courtroom applications. New features include illustrations of the most up-to-date methods of examination and comparison of ink jet and laser printing and an explanation of improvements to the VSC.

The Practice Of Crime Scene Investigation covers numerous aspects of crime scenes investigation, including the latest in education and training, quality systems accreditation, quality assurance, and the application of specialist scientific disciplines to crime. Written by authors specifically chosen for their expertise in this specialized field, the book includes discussion on fingerprinting, dealing with trauma victims, photofit technology, the role of the pathologist and ballistic expert, clandestine laboratories, and explosives. This comprehensive book is a valuable reference for everyone interested in forensic science and the broader application of the justice system.

Fire Investigation covers the concepts and theories used to determine a specfic fire has been deliberately or accidentally set. The author clearly explains the concepts needed to gain insight into a fire scene investigation, including the dynamics of the fire, the necessary conditions for a fire to start and be maintained, the different types of combustion fuels and subsequent burning patterns possible, and a rudimentary understanding of what happens in the analytic laboratory. It is a valuable reference for fire investigation units, scene of crime officers, private fire investigators, health and safety bodies, and students of forensic science.

Covers numerous aspects of crime scenes investigation, including aspects in education and training, quality systems accreditation, quality assurance, and the application of specialist scientific disciplines to crime. This book includes discussion on fingerprinting, dealing with trauma victims, photofit technology, and clandestine laboratories. Within the wide field of forensic science, the scientific examination of documents has one purpose: to provide information about the history of a document for the benefit of a court of law or, before that, to an investigating police officer or other agent seeking evidence that might be present in the document. Crime scene investigation in Australia is practised differently in all jurisdictions and the responsibility for scene investigation will include, a combination of, or all of, the following types of incidents and examinations: vehicle (car, bicycle, motor cycle, boat, aircraft) accidents; A valuable source of information for all those who are required to facilitate decisions regarding the cause and effects of fire. Students of forensic science will also find this text a useful insight into fire scene investigation. The definitive reference work on the forensic science of firearms. The role of the forensic scientist is described in detail along with desriptions of the mechanics of firing weapons and the consequences of wounding. This second edition work describes the methods and techniques used in modern forensic document examination. An invaluable guide for both trainee and more experienced document examiners "Offers real insight into two aspects of fire investigation, that of the scene investigation (including reconstruction) and the analysis of post-fire debris in the laboratory" - cover