The analysis of plants, insects, soil and other particulates from scenes of crime can be vital in proving or excluding contact between a suspect and a scene, targeting search areas, and establishing a time and place of death. Forensic Ecology: A Practitioner’s Guide provides a complete handbook covering all aspects of forensic ecology. Bringing together the forensic applications of anthropology, archaeology, entomology, palynology and sedimentology in one volume, this book provides an essential resource for practitioners in the field of forensic science, whether crime scene investigators, forensic science students or academics involved in the recovery and analysis of evidence from crime scenes.
Forensic Ecology: A Practitioner’s Guide includes information not only on the search, location, recovery and analysis of evidence, but includes sampling strategies for diatom analysis, pollen and soils samples and entomology and provides guides for good practice. Each chapter provides background information on each discipline and is structured according to pre-scene attendance (what questions should the scientist ask when receiving a call? What sort of preparation is required?), scene attendance (including protocols at the scene, sampling strategies, recording), scientific examination of analysis of the evidence up to the stages and guidelines for witness statement and presenting evidence in court.
The book is written by specialists in all fields with a wealth of experience who are current forensic practitioners around the world. It provides an essential and accessible resource for students, academics, forensic practitioners and police officers everywhere.
Content:Chapter 1 Introduction (pages 1–5): Nicholas Marquez?Grant and Julie Roberts
Chapter 2 Aspects of Crime Scene Management (pages 7–21): Ruth Buckley and Andy Langley
Chapter 3 Forensic Archaeology (pages 23–48): Stephen Litherland, Nicholas Marquez?Grant and Julie Roberts
Chapter 4 Forensic Anthropology (pages 49–67): Julie Roberts and Nicholas Marquez?Grant
Chapter 5 Forensic Radiography (pages 69–83): Mark Viner
Chapter 6 DNA Analysis for Victim Identification (pages 85–98): Michael Walbank and Andrew McDonald
Chapter 7 Other Scientific Methods Related to Victim Identification (pages 99–110): Gordon Cook, Nicholas Marquez?Grant, Julie Roberts and Sophie Beckett
Chapter 8 Forensic Entomology (pages 111–140): Martin Hall, Amoret Whitaker and Cameron Richards
Chapter 9 Diatoms and Forensic Science (pages 141–151): Eileen J. Cox
Chapter 10 Forensic Palynology (pages 153–167): Beverley Adams?Groom
Chapter 11 Forensic Botany (pages 169–181): Heather Miller Coyle, Peter Massey and Peter Valentin
Chapter 12 Forensic Geology and Soils (pages 183–201): Duncan Pirrie and Alastair Ruffell
Chapter 13 Exhibits (pages 203–220): Chris Webster
Chapter 14 Forensic Photography (pages 221–231): John Yoward