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Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide

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Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide provides methodologies to help investigators to think broadly when seeking out evidence at a scene and, likewise, utilize all the information from a case―especially the observable physical evidence, besides what are collectable, in reconstructing events.

In the introductory chapters the author highlights the importance of crime scene reconstruction when answering the question “How something could have happened?” From there, he goes on to explain the principles of exchange, identification, individualization and reconstruction. Here, the “observe-hypothesize” model, proposed in this field-guide, is presented: outlining how every source of information ranging from laboratory reports, opinions from medical doctors, statements of witnesses, and confessions of suspects should be reconcilable with the evidence-based reconstruction made in the crime scene. In this, the author contends that qualified crime scene generalists are the ideal professionals to frame scientific hypothesis and to make reconstructions. Practical recommendations, based on best-practice general crime scene procedures are provided while the second half of the book illustrate and outline how to deal with various types of major crime scenes, including fire deaths, exhuming buried human remains, sexual assaults, death by electrocution, explosion, drowning, poisoning, hanging, and more.

Since a picture is a worth thousand words, over 400 collective photographs and sketches are included throughout the book to illustrate the observational methods that are described. In addition, the field-guide provides several easy-to-follow flow-charts to serve as checklists to aid scene investigation in major types of crime scene. In this, Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction: An Illustrated Manual and Field Guide will help investigators readily recognize similar manifestations in crime scenes and to apply and use such techniques appropriately in their own work.

Author(s): Paul T. Jayaprakash
Publisher: CRC Press
Year: 2022

Language: English
Pages: 413
City: Boca Raton

Cover
Half Title
Title
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Author Biography
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 On the Objectives of This Manual and Field Guide
1.2 The Basic Questions When Investigating a Case
1.3 Challenges in Resolving the Question ‘How Could It Have Happened?’
1.4 Preeminence of Observations in Crime Scene Reconstruction
1.5 On the Compendium of Information in This Manual and Field Guide
Chapter 2 Conceptual Foundations in Forensic Science and the Position of Crime Scene Investigation
2.1 Foundational Concepts Underlying Forensic Science Practice
2.2 The Principle of Exchange
2.3 The Principle of Identification
2.4 The Principle of Individualization
2.5 The Principle of Reconstruction
2.6 Specific Event Reconstruction Versus Dynamic Event Reconstruction
2.7 On the Observe–Hypothesize Model Followed in This Book
2.8 The Concept of Crime Scene Generalist
Chapter 3 General Crime Scene Procedure
3.1 Roles and Responsibilities of Scene of Crime Officers
3.2 On the Best Practices During Crime Scene Examination
3.3 Crime Scene Search
3.4 Documentation of the Crime Scene
3.5 Documentation by Preparing Written Notes
3.6 Documentation Using Crime Scene Sketches
3.7 Documentation Using Crime Scene Photography
3.8 Preparing the Final Report
3.9 Equipment in a Mobile Forensic Science Laboratory (MFSL)
3.10 Desirable Pre­Deployment Training for SOCOs
Chapter 4 Scheme for Investigating Cases of Death by Hanging
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Flowchart for Investigating Death by Hanging
4.3 Case Studies—Cases 4–1 to 4–16
4.4 Discussion
4.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Hanging Scenes
4.4.2 Variations in Knots, Ligature Materials, and Ligature Marks
4.4.3 Cadaveric Spasm—Its Relevance in Crime Scene Reconstruction
4.4.4 Lesions in Limbs in Hanging Cases
4.4.5 Significance of Ant Erosions in Skin During Investigation
4.4.6 On the Utility of Fingermarks as Evidence
Chapter 5 Scheme for Investigating Cases of Death due to Traumatic Injuries
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Flowchart for Investigating Traumatic Homicides
5.3 Case Studies—Cases 5–1 to 5–7
5.4 Discussion
5.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Traumatic Homicides
5.4.2 Bloodstain Patterns and Their Significance in Crime Reconstruction
5.4.3 Relevance of Hairs and Hair Damages During Crime Investigation
5.4.4 Evidentiary Value of Cloth and Damages on Clothes
5.4.5 Evidentiary Value of Soil
5.4.6 Entomological Evidence in Assessing Time Since Death in Decomposed Dead Bodies
5.4.7 Identification of Skeletal Remains
Chapter 6 Scheme for Exhuming Buried Human Remains
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Flowchart for Exhumation
6.3 Basic Stages in the Process of Exhumation
6.3.1 Making the Sketches During Exhumations
6.3.2 Describing the Surface Soil Characteristics
6.3.3 Choosing the Method for Digging
6.3.4 Recording the Entomological Findings
6.3.5 Exposing the Remains
6.3.6 Sequence Recommended for Collection of Bones
6.3.7 Anatomical Display of the Bones Collected
6.3.8 Final Preparation of the Skull
Chapter 7 Scheme for Investigating Cases of Death due to Burns
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Flowchart for Investigating Death due to Burns
7.3 Case Studies—Cases 7–1 and 7–2
7.4 Discussion
7.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Deaths due to Burns
7.4.2 Death due to Burns: Contextual Facts Relating to India
7.4.3 Observations Indicating the Mobility of Victim While Aflame
7.4.4 Relevance of Crime Scene Findings When Deciding the Manner of Death in Burns Cases
7.4.5 Burn Patterns as Universal Indicators of Localized Burning
7.4.6 Lack of Commensurability in Burn Patterns as Indicator of Dynamism
7.4.7 Predicaments Attributable to Lapses in Observing and Reconstructing Scenes of Death due to Burns and Possible Remedial Measures
Chapter 8 Scheme for Investigating Cases of Death due to Fall From Height
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Flowchart for Investigating Death due to Fall from Height
8.3 Case Studies—Cases 8–1 and 8–2
8.4 Discussion
8.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Death due to Fall
8.4.2 Workplace­Related Falls
8.4.3 Falling Under Intoxication
8.4.4 Fall of Children
8.4.5 Useful Circumstantial Clues at Scenes of Fall From Heights
8.4.6 Handwriting Evidence in the Form of Suicide Note
Chapter 9 Scheme for Investigating Cases of Death due to Electrocution
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Flowchart for Investigating Death due to Electrocution
9.3 Case Studies—Cases 9–1 to 9–3
9.4 Discussion
9.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Deaths due to Electrocution
9.4.2 Lightning as a Natural Cause Leading to Death by Electrocution
9.4.3 Cadaveric Spasm in Deaths due to Electrocution
9.4.4 Useful Circumstantial Clues at Scenes of Electrocution
Chapter 10 Scheme for Investigating Cases of Death by Drowning
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Flowchart for Investigating Death by Drowning
10.3 Case Studies—Cases 10–1 to 10–3
10.4 Discussion
10.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Deaths by Drowning
10.4.2 Relevance of Immediate Observations in Scenes of Drowning
10.4.3 Role of Alcohol and Other Substances in Drowning Cases
10.4.4 Circumstances Indicating the Possibility of Suicide
10.4.5 Diatoms as Indicators of Death by Drowning
Chapter 11 Scheme for Investigating Cases of Death due to Poisoning
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Flowchart for Investigating Death due to Poisoning
11.3 Case Studies—Cases 11–1 and 11–2
11.4 Discussion
11.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Death due to Poisoning
11.4.2 Relevance of the Laboratory Ability to Detect Poisons
11.4.3 Trends in Death due to Poisoning
11.4.4 Circumstances Commonplace in Suicidal Poisoning
11.4.5 Circumstances Commonplace in Accidental Poisoning
11.4.6 Characteristics of Homicidal Poisoning
Chapter 12 Scheme for Investigating Sexual Assault Cases
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Flowchart for Investigating Sexual Assault Cases
12.3 Case Studies—Cases 12–1 to 12–3
12.4 Discussion
12.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Sexual Offences
12.4.2 Relevance of Location of Physical Evidence in Rape Cases
12.4.3 Circumstantial Evidence Indicating Struggle in Cases of Rape
12.4.4 Relevance of Microbial Evidence
12.4.5 Palynological Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
12.4.6 DNA Sources in Sexual Assault Cases
Chapter 13 Scheme for Investigating Cases Involving Firearms
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Flowchart for Investigating Scenes Involving Firearms
13.3 Case Studies—Cases 13–1 to 13–3
13.4 Discussion
13.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Firearm­Related Cases
13.4.2 Terminology Useful During Discussion on Firearms
13.4.3 Care in Handling the Weapons
13.4.4 Evidence Indicating Recent Use of a Firearm
13.4.5 Range of Fire and Gunshot Wound Patterns
13.4.6 Characteristics of Entry and Exit Gunshot Wounds
13.4.7 Relevance of Ricochet in Shooting Incident Investigations
13.4.8 Class and Individual Characteristics of Bullets and Cartridge Cases
13.4.9 Evidentiary Value of Glass Fractures
Chapter 14 Scheme for Investigating Cases of Explosions
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Flowchart for Investigating Scenes of Explosions
14.3 Case Studies—Cases 14–1 to 14–3
14.4. Discussion
14.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Explosions
14.4.2 Safety Measures in Scenes of Explosions
14.4.3 Role of SOCOs When Coordinating With the Bomb Disposal Squad
14.4.4 Epicenter of Explosion
14.4.5 Relevance of Recognizing Pitted Damages
14.4.6 Uniqueness­Based Individualization as a Tenet of Forensic Science
Chapter 15 Scheme for Investigating Structure Fires
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Flowchart for Investigating Structure Fire Scenes
15.3 Case Studies—Cases 15–1 and 15–2
15.4 Discussion
15.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Structure Fire Scenes
15.4.2 Possible Sources of Ignition in Fire Scenes
15.4.3 Fire Scene Patterns
Chapter 16 Scheme for Investigating Vehicle­Related Incident Scenes
16.1 Introduction
16.2 Flowchart for Investigating Vehicle­Related Incident Scenes
16.3 Case Studies—Cases 16–1 to 16–3
16.4 Discussion
16.4.1 Myths and Facts Relating to Observations in Vehicle­Related Incidents
16.4.2 Tire and Skid Marks and Their Significance in Reconstruction
16.4.3 Importance of Mud/Paint Flakes in Locating the Point of Impact (POI)
16.4.4 Significance of Paint as Forensic Evidence
16.4.5 Relevance of Damages in Vehicles
Chapter 17 Epilogue
Appendix
Index