Forensics Demystified [Paperback]

Barry Fisher (Author), David Fisher (Author), Jason Kolowski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0071454306 | ISBN-13: 978-0071454308 | Edition: 1

There’s no easier, faster, or more practical way to learn the really tough subjects

Forensics Demystified explains forensic science in a logical progression from evidence collection through analysis and finally to the scientist actually testifying in court. This self-teaching guide comes complete with key points, background information, quizzes at the end of each chapter, and even a final exam. Simple enough for beginners but challenging enough for advanced students, this is a lively and entertaining brush-up, introductory text, or classroom supplement.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

INVESTIGATE FORENSICS without the latex gloves and magnifying glass

Get up to speed quickly on the fascinating field of forensics -- even if you don't have formal training, unlimited time, or a genius IQ. Forensics Demystified offers an effective, enlightening, and entertaining way to learn this intriguing science.

First, you'll get an introduction to the various aspects of forensic science as well as some details on its beginnings. Next, you'll learn about crime scene investigation, forensic pathology, and DNA. Other topics covered include firearms and toolmarks, drugs and toxicology, forensic psychiatry, and much more. Featuring end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam, this book will teach you the fundamentals of forensics in no time at all.

This hands-on, self teaching text offers:

• An easy way to understand forensics
• Illuminating text and illustrations from three forensic professionals with more than 49 years of experience combined
• A quiz at the end of each chapter to reinforce learning and pinpoint weaknesses
• A final exam at the end of the book
• A time-saving approach to performing better on an exam or at work
• A foreword by NYPD Crime Lab Director, Dr. Peter Pizzola

Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Forensics Demystified is your shortcut to a working knowledge of this important science.

About the Author

Barry Fisher is Crime Laboratory Director for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and has worked in various sections within the lab since starting in 1969. He is a distinguished fellow and past president of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and served as president of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) and the International Association of Forensic Sciences. He is a past chair of the ASCLD Laboratory Accreditation Board. He is a member of several other organizations, including the International Association for Identification, International Association of Chiefs of Police, the California Association of Criminalists, and others. He holds a BS in chemistry from City College of New York, an MS in organic chemistry from Purdue University, and an MBA from California State University, Northridge. He is author of the popular textbook, Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, now in its 7th edition, published by CRC Press.

David Fisher is a Criminalist, Level III in the Department of Forensic Biology at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York City. He is a Diplomate in the American Board of Criminalistics and is a member of the Northeastern Association of Forensic Sciences. David was recently deployed to the Gulf region with the Disaster Mortuary Operation Response Team (DMORT), which is part of the National Disaster Medical System under FEMA to aid in the identification of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. He holds a BS in biochemistry and cell biology from the University of California, San Diego and is currently finishing his MS degree in forensic science at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York.

Jason Kolowski is a Criminalist, Level III in the mitochondrial DNA laboratory within the Department of Forensic Biology at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York City. He is also a Diplomate in the American Board of Criminalistics, and a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists. Jason is a member of the DMORT Region II team under FEMA. Jason attended Cornell College where he earned a dual BA degree in biochemistry/molecular biology and philosophy. Jason earned his master's degree in forensic science in 2003 from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, at the City University of New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1 edition (August 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071454306
• ISBN-13: 978-0071454308
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,145,928 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best CRime Scene Book and affordable, February 25, 2008

By 

Dale "Dale" (Houston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Forensics Demystified (Paperback)

I am a police officer in the crime scene area and this book impressed me. It was recently published so the material is not outdated and it is VERY well written. I have much more expensive books written by Barry Fisher, this is an affordable, current well done book on how crime scene works.