Beyond the Crime Lab: The New Science of Investigation [Paperback]

Jon Zonderman (Author), Henry C. Lee (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0471254665 | ISBN-13: 978-0471254669 | Edition: Revised Edition

Behind today's most lurid headlines. A timely look at the fascinating realm of high-tech sleuthing Beyond the Crime Lab The New Science of Investigation Revised Edition The science of criminal investigation is evolving at an astonishing rate. Gone are the days of merely dusting for fingerprints and checking for lipstick traces. Today's forensics experts use DNA typing, computer and physical anthropologic reconstructions, and other highly sophisticated techniques-techniques that some critics believe have dire implications for every citizen's right to privacy and individual freedom. Completely updated to address the latest trends and developments in the field, this revised edition of Beyond the Crime Lab takes you on an entertaining and sometimes alarming journey through the incredible and perpetually advancing world of criminal investigation.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A fascinating look at the scientific and technical aspects of modern criminal investigation--packed with case histories taken from police and FBI files. Written in a fast-paced, hard-news style by a seasoned reporter formerly with The New York Times. Discussed here are a wide variety of novel techniques including genetic fingerprinting, the criminal profiling of serial killers and rapists, new techniques of surveillance and the use of artificial intelligence in the investigation of organized crime. Includes thoughtful discussion of the ethical controversies and constitutional issues of law raised by these modern tools of criminal investigation. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

Beyond the Crime Lab Revised Edition Today's headlines are filled with tales of investigative scientists using inventive new techniques to unravel the most baffling criminal mysteries, whether combing through the tons of wreckage in Oklahoma City to find the tiny piece of evidence that sealed the case against Timothy McVeigh, or matching the bite marks on a murder victim to the dental records of serial killer Ted Bundy. Thanks to Court TV, millions of us are also familiar with the role forensic science played in the trials of O.J. Simpson and the Unabomber, as well as in the positive identification of the remains of Josef Mengele and the Romanovs. But few people-including police, attorneys, and judges-truly understand the complexity of forensic investigative techniques. Even as these technologies hold great promise for a safer world, they also have the potential, if misused, to infringe on basic civil rights and altogether redefine our notions of privacy in a free society. Completely updated, this new edition of Beyond the Crime Lab offers a fascinating and unflinching look at cutting-edge forensic research techniques. Drawing on FBI and police files of the most notorious cases of recent years, Jon Zonderman offers a concise yet complete and up-to-date overview of the field of forensic science. The book begins by explaining how the science works, from gathering evidence at the crime scene to basic biochemical analysis-fiber, firearms, toxicology, drug testing, and more. Zonderman also covers the history of the evolution of the techniques and considers how each might be misused to restrict personal liberty rather than protect it. New in this revised edition is coverage of the Unabomber and Oklahoma City bombing trials, the TWA Flight 800 mystery, the FBI Crime Lab Scandal, and, of course, the fascinating evidence that made the O. J. Simpson trial so compelling and controversial. You'll also learn how psychological profiling was used to nab George Metesky, the "Mad Bomber" of New York; how DNA "fingerprinting" techniques were used to trap a rapist in Narborough, England; and how Wayne Williams-the notorious serial killer of young men in Atlanta-was convicted on the basis of a few stray carpet fibers. You'll discover how international databases, computer-aided design, serology and toxicology, satellite imaging, and a host of other supersophisticated scientific procedures are being used by law enforcers worldwide. And you'll find out about amazing new methods of criminal enforcement and punishment such as "electronic parole" and the use of drugs and behavior modification. Timely and thought-provoking, Beyond the Crime Lab also grapples with some of the most controversial moral and ethical issues of our time-from Megan's Law to 24-hour community surveillance cameras to biochemical corrections. An enlightening and chilling look at crime, punishment, privacy, and science, it is essential reading for true-crime buffs, law enforcement officials, journalists, and concerned citizens alike.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; Revised Edition edition (October 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471254665
• ISBN-13: 978-0471254669
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,420,876 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A disappointment, March 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Beyond the Crime Lab: The New Science of Investigation (Paperback)

I am a member of the forensics community, and thought this book might help me learn more about the other areas I am not familiar with, but it didn't. The material did not flow within the chapters, and I found several mistakes/misinformations. Also, the chapter on DNA technology was mostly negative. There are many positive aspects to DNA testing, but Mr. Zonderman didn't seem to want to address them. All in all, the book was a disappointment.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars "A Journalist's Overview/Commentary on Forensics", July 5, 2002

By 

Russell A. Rohde MD "Owl" (West Covina, California USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beyond the Crime Lab: The New Science of Investigation (Paperback)

"Beyond The Crime Lab: The New Science of Investigation" by Jon Zonderman, - Rev. ed. ISBN 0-471-25466-5 (Cloth) John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1999 is a 254 page publication by an aspiring journalist-turned-author who updated his 1990 book of the same title in an apparent treble sort of writing mode which suggests the old, the new and the somewhat alien.

He provides 10 chapters, the first 5 of which are devoted to the crime scene and trace evidence. In this they are adequate but be wont to dispute the book's title as misleading since this is straight-forward criminalistics or forensics - but the style is not particularly notable for exposition or grammatical clarity. Chapter 6, "The Mind and Brain of the Violent Criminal" is poorly documented, fragmented and leaves some posed construals unanswered. Chapters 7-10 appears to be more in focus with the writer's expertise but carry a cautionary askance if not candidly apprehensive warnings on criminology and the justice system whilst discussing data collection, electronic surveillance, controlling of criminals, computers, and "Liberty, Justice and Science" in Chapter 10. In many ways these personal trepidations of the author may be true. This reader, however, believes this is not the proper forum in which to express personal views and it detracts from its use as a viable reference textbook. Chapter 7, "Electronic Surveillance..." is well-written; well-encompasses the subject, and was especially informative.

The author is to be commended for his concluding "Author's Note" indicating his book has been used as "supplemental reading...(forensic science) mostly at the high school level," and this is in keeping with the forward by the well-known Henry C. Lee who wrote it "bridges a gap between the basic and the advanced...." It makes make for easy reading and for that reason alone can be recommended as an introduction to forensics with commentary.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A hugely helpful addition to the forensic reference library, July 14, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Granite Bay, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond the Crime Lab: The New Science of Investigation (Paperback)

Zonderman cleverly weaves historical and technical facts into his discussion of several important and often recent case studies. His ten chapters deal with material that is easily understood by the lay person. I found his style and depth of research extremely helpful to me as I am preparing to start a new course at the high school level called "Forensics Science" and will not be using a required textbook!