Introduction to Criminalistics: The Foundation of Forensic Science [Hardcover]

Barry A.J. Fisher (Author), William J. Tilstone (Author), Catherine Woytowicz (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0120885913 | ISBN-13: 978-0120885916 | Publication Date: February 6, 2009 | Edition: 1

Criminalistics is that sub-field of Forensic Science dealing with the collection, preservation, examination, and interpretation of physical evidence. Introduction to Criminalistics: The Foundation of Forensic Science covers the basics of Criminalistics in a textbook for a one or two semester course with the intention of preparing the student for a future in forensic science. The role of the Criminalist is to analyze, compare, identify, and interpret physical evidence in the crime lab. These crime labs, or forensic labs, have two primary functions: identifying evidence, and linking suspect, victim, and crime scene through physical evidence. This new primer introduces the learner to the structure and organization of the crime lab and to the role of the Criminalist. Topics covered include how to process a crime scene and preserve evidence, the basic principles of firearm examination, latent fingerprints, and rudimentary toxicology, or how to determine the presence or absence of drugs and poisons.
Well organized and methodical, this colorful textbook, written by an eminent professional, has the potential to become the standard text for applying techniques of the physical and natural sciences to examining physical evidence.

* Uses real cases - recent and historic - to illustrate concepts
* Colorful pedagogy clearly defines chapter elements and sets this text apart from next best
* Presents the basics of forensic sciences in a one-semester or one-year course
* Offers excellent preparation for professional examinations
* Delivers the latest in laboratory technique while acknowledging the limits of technology

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William J. Tilstone has more than 35 years of experience in forensic science in academia, case work in biology and toxicology, executive management, and consultancy work in training and quality systems. Foundation Professorship in Forensic Science at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. Director of Forensic Science Centre, South Australia. First Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Technology Center, Largo, FL.

Catherine Woytowicz teaches in the Department of Chemistry, the Honors Program, and the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University. She also teaches at Georgetown University in the School of Medicine.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (February 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0120885913
• ISBN-13: 978-0120885916
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #578,929 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barry A. J. Fisher served as the Crime Laboratory Director for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, a position he held from 1987 until his retirement in 2009. He began his career in criminalistics with the Sheriff's crime lab in 1969 and worked in a wide variety of assignments. His current interests concern the interrelationship between forensic science and the law along with public policy issues concerning the timely delivery of quality forensic support services to the criminal justice system. He served as a member of the American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section's Ad Hoc Committee to Ensure the Integrity of the Criminal Process and served as a member of the American Judicature Society's Commission of Forensic Science and Public Policy.

Fisher is a member of many professional organizations. He is a Distinguished Fellow and past-president of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and was awarded the Academy's highest award, the Gradwohl Medallion. He served as president of the International Association of Forensic Sciences, president of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors and a past-chairman of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors - Laboratory Accreditation Board. He is a founding director and served on the Board of Directors of the National Forensic Science Technology Center from 1995 until 2007. He is a member of the US DOJ Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Advisor Council.

Fisher is a member of several editorial boards: the Journal of Forensic Sciences, the Journal of Forensic Identification, Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology, Forensic Science Policy and Management and the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. Fisher is an alumni member of the Council of Scientific Society Presidents and a life member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and is a member of the IACP's Forensics Committee.

His textbook, Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, in its 7th edition, enjoys wide popularity. He is a co-author of two other books, Forensics Demystified and Introduction to Criminalistics: The Foundation of Forensic Science. Fisher speaks throughout the United States, and has lectured in Canada, England, Australia, Singapore, France, Israel, Japan, China, Turkey and Portugal on forensic science laboratory practices, quality assurance and related topics. He led a forensic science delegation to lecture to forensic scientists in the People's Republic of China in 2000.

Since retiring, Fisher has consulted for the United Nations Ofice of Drugs and Crime, the United States Department of Justice, International Criminal Investigative Training Program (ICITAP) and Analytic Services Inc., a not-for-profit institue that provides studies and analyses to aid decision-makers in national security, homeland security, and public safety

Fisher, a native New Yorker, received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the City College of New York. He holds a Master of Science degree in chemistry from Purdue University and an M.B.A. degree from California State University, Northridge. Barry and his wife Susan live in the San Fernando Valley in the City of Los Angeles. They have two married sons: David, a criminalist with the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Forensic Biology Department, and Michael, an entrepreneur, and five grandchildren.