Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, Seventh Edition PDF
Preview Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, Seventh Edition
S E V E N T H E D I T I O N TTeecchhnniiqquueess ooff CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION © 2004 by CRC Press LLC S E V E N T H E D I T I O N TTeecchhnniiqquueess ooff CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION Barry A. J. Fisher Crime Laboratory Director Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Los Angeles, California with a foreword by Leroy D. Baca Sheriff of Los Angeles County CRC PR ESS Boca Raton London New York Washington, D.C. © 2004 by CRC Press LLC Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Fisher, Barry A. J. Techniques of crime scene investigation / Barry A.J. Fisher ; with a foreword by Leroy D. Baca.—7th ed. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-8493-1691-X (alk. paper) 1. Crime scene searches. 2. Criminal investigation. I. Title. HV8073.F49 2003 363.25'2—dc21 2003047262 This book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reprinted material is quoted with permission, and sources are indicated. A wide variety of references are listed. Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and the publisher cannot assume responsibility for the validity of all materials or for the consequences of their use. Neither this book nor any part may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The consent of CRC Press LLC does not extend to copying for general distribution, for promotion, for creating new works, or for resale. Specific permission must be obtained in writing from CRC Press LLC for such copying. Direct all inquiries to CRC Press LLC, 2000 N.W. Corporate Blvd., Boca Raton, Florida 33431. Trademark Notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation, without intent to infringe. Visit the CRC Press Web site at www.crcpress.com © 2004 by CRC Press LLC No claim to original U.S. Government works International Standard Book Number 0-8493-1691-X Library of Congress Card Number 2003047262 Printed in the United States of America 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Printed on acid-free paper © 2004 by CRC Press LLC Dedication This book is dedicated to the unsung heroes of the criminal justice system — those men and women who through the application of science and technology bring criminals to justice and protect those wrongfully accused. © 2004 by CRC Press LLC Foreword Forensic science has been an ally of law enforcement agencies for decades. That relationship has grown even stronger with the startling new advancements in science and technology. Law enforcement agencies throughout the world rely heavily on forensic science to assist in solving the most complex crimes while sorting out elaborate crime scenes. To an untrained eye, many of these crime scenes appear to contain little or no evidence. However, upon closer inspection by these highly skilled, trained professionals, unseen evidence — hair, skin, bodily fluids, microscopic fibers, and traces of seemingly insignificant items are revealed as important pieces of the puzzle. The long arm of the law becomes even longer in large measure because of the dedication and commitment of these forensic professionals. Needless to say, law enforcement owes a debt of gratitude to the forensic professionals working on our team. We enjoy a very productive relationship with experts in all the areas of forensic science and crime scene investigations: fingerprint identification, forensic pho- tography, questioned documents, firearms, toxicology, narcotics analysis, forensic DNA testing, and trace evidence examination. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has been especially fortunate to have Barry A.J. Fisher as the director of our Scientific Services Bureau, one of the largest municipal crime laboratories in the nation. I am honored to offer this brief commentary for his latest publication, the seventh edition of Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation. His unfettered and candid pledge to the field of forensic science is evident in this latest edition. This volume also highlights some of the latest techniques of forensic science and discusses our latest concerns in handling potential terrorism crime scenes that may contain chemical or biological agents and evidence. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is fortunate to have leaders like Barry Fisher, who consistently strives to initiate advancements in his areas of expertise and educate others to radiate the same commitments and traditions. Leroy D. Baca Sheriff of Los Angeles County © 2004 by CRC Press LLC Preface Readers may ask why I wrote a new edition; after all, crime scene investigation is a static field with few changes. True enough. There have been DNA advances and other develop- ments in forensic science. However, new practitioners and students of crime scene inves- tigations and forensic science must be aware of two increasingly important issues: increasing judicial reviews of science and technology in the courtroom and the specter of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction with which first responders, forensic scientists and medical examiners will be faced. September 11, 2001, has shown us that the unthink- able is indeed possible. Having said all this, criminal investigations remain a complex undertaking and require professionals from many disciplines to work cooperatively toward one common goal. The effective use of science and technology is a critical element to crime solving. Police inves- tigators and prosecutors must be able to use this resource to its full potential. Science and technology applied to the solution of criminal acts — forensic science — solve crimes and potentially save lives. Scientific crime scene investigation aids police investigators in identifying suspects and victims of crimes, clearing innocent persons of suspicion and ultimately bringing the wrongdoers to justice. When the justice system is able to remove a criminal from society, innocent persons do not become new victims of criminal acts. This book is about the proper and effective use of science and technology in support of the police. The seventh edition of Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation is written for students of crime scene investigation, police investigators, crime scene technicians, and forensic scientists. The material presented in this text is basic, covering the proper ways to examine crime scenes and collect a wide variety of physical evidence that may be encoun- tered at crime scenes. It cannot cover every possible situation and is a guide. The areas are discussed in general terms in order to give the reader some idea of the information that can be developed from physical evidence if it is collected properly. Few of the procedures mentioned in the book are inviolable. Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation is a classic book on how to use forensic science to investigate crimes. The text was first published in Swedish in 1949 by Chief Superin- tendent Arne Svensson, director of the Laboratory, Criminal Investigation Department, and Superintendent Otto Wendel, Criminal Investigation Department, Stockholm, Swe- den. In 1955 it was printed in English as Crime Detection and then revised into a second, expanded American Edition under the title Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation in 1965. In 1981 I was invited to revise it in a third edition and subsequently into fourth, fifth, and sixth editions. This seventh edition is the fifth revision I have had the privilege to write. The latest edition of Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation continues a half-century tradition of providing useful techniques, procedures and suggestions on how to locate, document, collect and process physical evidence associated with criminal acts. This edition © 2004 by CRC Press LLC continues in that tradition. It updates some of the new areas in the field and covers some new topics while keeping intact those areas that have not changed greatly. I have also added some new photographs to illustrate certain areas of the text. Some of the topics included in this edition include: • Discussion on professional ethics • Challenges facing forensic science laboratories and suggestions for addressing them • Expert witness testimony • Health and safety issues at crime scenes • Forensic DNA testing • Forensic databases • Elder abuse • Forensic science and terrorist acts Another feature new to this edition is a companion CD developed by Dr. Jane Homeyer and Sarah Mikolajczyk: CAT3, Creative Approaches to Teaching, Training & Testing, Inc. This new concept of a traditional textbook with a CD that mirrors the major topics represents a 21st century approach to learning that we hope is seen as a big plus for our readers. The CD can be purchased directly from CRC Press. The use of forensic science in criminal investigations depends on a number of factors. Police investigators must be knowledgeable about the capabilities of the forensic science support services available to them and appreciate how to use them effectively. Forensic practitioners must be familiar with police investigative procedures, the science that sup- ports their own activities, and the legal aspects needed to get the information from the scene and in the lab to the jury. Prosecutors must understand the scientific and techno- logical issues of the case and be able to work with the expert in order to admit expert testimony into court. Police agencies that run forensic science labs must fund them at an appropriate level to ensure quality, reliable, and timely service to the criminal justice system. All of these efforts require the cooperation and willingness of different professionals within the criminal justice system to work well together. Those of us who apply science and technology to the solution of crimes have a duty to do our best for the criminal justice system we serve. © 2004 by CRC Press LLC
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