Documentaries
centering around detective work and the science of criminal
investigation
are popular these days but how in-depth can they get in 30 to 60
minutes? CRIME LAB: A Guide for Nonscientists
takes you behind the scenes, describing each step of the analysis of
evidence
gathered at crime scenes, explaining in easy-to-understand concepts
exactly
what’s happening along the way. Complex instruments such as the gas
chromatograph
and techniques such as DNA amplification are thoughtfully described
with 130 illustrations including 100 in color.
DNA, drugs, firearms, O.J.—Take an illustrated tour through the inner workings of a crime lab following crucial evidence gathered at a brutal homicide. Each step of the forensic analysis is explained in easily understood terms by an experienced forensic scientist.
John Houde, B.S., D.A.B.C., is a board certified, twenty-year veteran criminalist and the author of over twenty articles on the subject of forensic science. His articles have appeared in such publications as The California Narcotic Officer and the Journal of Forensic Sciences. He is in his eighth year as publisher of the CACNews, the official journal of the California Association of Criminalists, representing over 550 criminalists worldwide. John has spent much of his career educating juries, investigators and attorneys in various topics of forensic science. His specialty areas include the analysis of narcotics, trace and fire debris evidence.
©1999 206 pages, 8.5 x 11 in., Hardcover, $24.95 US, ISBN: 0-965-82862-X
1-800-507-BOOK
amazon.com is also an excellent place to shop for this book.
(Also available through traditional wholesalers including Ingram and Baker&Taylor)
Contents
Preface 11
Introduction 13
1 Process 16
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 32
Interpreting blood spatter
patterns,
sketching the
scene and reconstructing
events.
3 Scenes of
Crime 42
Jigsaw fits and other matches.
Packaging
and cataloging of evidence.
Chain of custody issues.
4 Perishable
Evidence 54
Serology and sexual assault
evidence.
Rape kit processing.
5 Clues in
the Dust 68
Trace evidence collection.
Looking
for clues in the
clothing of suspects and
victims.
6 Tools of
the Trade
76
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 92
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 108
How ABO blood grouping is
being replaced
by DNA testing.
9 Life’s
Little Instruction Book 120
How the two major methods of
DNA testing
(RFLP and
PCR) are accomplished.
10 Chemical
Vice 134
How powders, tablets, plants
and body
fluids are examined
and tested for the presence of
controlled
substances.
11 Impressions 156
How firearms are examined and
bullets
matched.
How toolmarks are compared.
12 Credibility 172
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 200
Index 201
Picture Credits 206
John Houde
Calico Press,
LLC
P.O. Box 6248
Ventura, CA 93006
805.642.1977
voice
805.642.1926 FAX
© 2000 Calico Press, LLC All Rights Reserved