Customer Reviews

Criminal Investigation: A Method for Reconstructing the Past

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The text is divided into four sections with thirty chapters. New in this edition is a chapter on automobile theft. Earlier editions of the book were required reading for the International Association for Identification's crime scene certification course and I expect that will continue to be true with this edition.

The third edition continues to be bound in paperback which was one my main complaints from the second edition. The dimensions of the book of the been changed resulting in a rather more solid feel to this edition. I'd still prefer to see it in hard cover, however, I understand some of the cost factors involved, which lead to the use of a paper cover.

The third edition also includes a 228 page study guide. The instructors edition includes both an instructors guide, and a set of PowerPoint slides, although I didn't receive the slides with my review copy. Given the popularity of PowerPoint presentations I have to believe this is a valuable addition for those that are using the text in a college course.

Overall the book continues to be well written and illustrated with appropriate photographs or illustrations.

Section one is the Foundation and Principles of Criminal Investigation. Part A is the Sources and Uses of Information, which includes the History of Criminal Investigation, Uses of Physical Evidence, Using People as a Source of Information, and investigations involving records and files.

Section one Part B Seeking and Obtaining Information from People and Records, includes detailed information on Interviews, using Records and Files and Informants. Part C follow-up measures includes chapters on Surveillance, Eyewitness Identification (which includes sketches, composites and line-ups) and two chapters on Interrogation.

Section two: Applying the Principles to Criminal Investigation, includes a chapter on Reconstructing the Past, and chapters on specific crimes including Homicide, Robbery, Rape, Burglary and Arson.

Section three is specialized investigations and includes Terrorism, Computers, White-collar Crime and Crimes Involving Vehicles.

Section four is specialized topics and includes chapters on What is Crime? Managing Criminal Investigations, Controlling Investigations through Constitutional Law, Evidence and Effective Testimony. Chapters which review the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, and the Lindbergh kidnapping, a chapter on Satanism, Cults and Ritual Crime (which in my opinion is still a waste of paper) and a chapter on Raids.

The text also includes five appendices: FBI suggestions for Packaging Physical Evidence, Photographing a Crime Scene, the Vicap Crime Analysis Report, Missing Person Checklist and a Glossary.

Given the breadth of the material presented, the authors can't go into great detail about any particular subject, however, each of the chapters includes an extensive list of supplemental readings.

The third edition continues to be an excellent introductory text on criminal investigation and remains one of my top recommendations.

This was a very informative book written with a great deal of police insight. I liked the fact that it is new enough to have very recent events in it. Great examples. Only downfall I found was that there was a bit of repeating and jumping around from time to time, but not difficult to follow.

Book came in quick and in great shape. Pleased with the service and pleased that the description of the book fit what I actually received.

Bought this book for my class. It's in great shape, no tears or rips. Got here quickly. Would purchase from this buyer again.

I recieved the text book fairly quickly. The book was in descent condition, with the exception of some markings inside, all the pages and hard cover was in tact. I am in college, and this is my third time purchasing a book with Amazon, I am satisfied with their customer service and services.

I waited over two weeks, was bounced back and forth between dates of receiving this textbook, and STILL do not have either the book OR my money returned to my account yet. I advise everyone to do business with other fine individuals on Amazon.com but NOT this seller. Buyer beware!!!