Customer Reviews

Police Lab: How Forensic Science Tracks Down and Convicts Criminals

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This is an easy read for those wanting an introduction to forensics. All the basics are covered: scene investigation, identification, poisons, weapons, fingerprints, ballistics, blood, DNA, etc. Accompanying each subject are a couple of case studies that explain how that particular subject was used to solve a crime. Many of the crimes are well-known and the well-read student of crime will already have a knowledge of them, but there's also lesser-known crimes covered.

What makes this book really stand out is the presentation: the layout is suburb with hundreds of photos and illustrations. For a crash course in forensics this book is ideal.

For those interested in how forensic science works, then POLICE LAB is a must-read.

Author David Owen presents a great beginning presentation into how forensic science works in regards to ballistics, DNA processing, fingerprint evidence, bite marks, tire imprints, and even handwriting analysis -- and how they can be used to figure out the person who has committed a crime. Using more than twenty true-life cases, from the death of INXS rocker Michal Hutchence to serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, Mr. Owen takes us inside the science that helped cracked the case.

Although there are other books that delve deeper into the actual workings of the science behind the science, this is a great starting point for teens interested in the forensic field. Be warned, though -- the book includes several full-color photographs of actual dead bodies, which might not be suitable for everyone. On the other hand, if you're planning on a career in the field of forensic science, you might do well to get used to such things now!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"