Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques, Third Edition [Hardcover]

Vernon J. Geberth (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0849381568 | ISBN-13: 978-0849381560 | Publication Date: August 11, 1996 | Edition: 3rd

Learn the techniques and procedures to catch killers in Practical Homicide Investigation, the trusted "bible" used by thousands of law enforcement professionals across the country and around the world. Now the new Third Edition includes even more information - more photographs, more illustrations, more checklists, more case studies, and more protocols - than ever before.

75% OF THE MATERIAL IS REVISED AND EXPANDED!

Virtually all of the chapters from the second edition have been updated in the new Third Edition. The chapters on sex-related homicide investigation and criminal profiling have been greatly expanded, enabling the investigator to recognize the different classifications of sex-related death to make an early assessment of possible suspects. New chapters deal with sensitive psychological issues such as death notification of the surviving families of homicide victims and the dynamics of suicide. Scientific advances in areas such as DNA technology are addressed. For the benefit of police administrators, the chapter on management has been restructured to provide guidance on the makeup and mission of the homicide investigative unit. This chapter also includes a section on putting together an Apprehension Team for arresting homicide fugitives.

480 PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS, 24 FULL-COLOR INSERTS, AND 90 CASE STUDIES!

The book includes numerous photographs, illustrations, and case studies depicting exactly what to look for and how to interpret a crime scene. New photographs of wound structure and injury aid the investigator in properly assessing the mode of death. The 24 color photographs graphically illustrate morphologic changes in the decomposing human body, and include examples of defense wounds, insect infestation, lividity, and wound structure. "Before and after" photographs of crime scenes treated with Luminol and victims treated with Toluidine blue illustrate the use of these chemicals in making invisible evidence visible to the naked eye.

INCLUDES ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

In the tradition of the best-selling previous editions, the Third Edition continues to be the encyclopedic source book on homicide investigation. It combines a straightforward presentation of detailed techniques with factual, instructive case studies. It stresses the basics, indicates the practicalities of certain investigative techniques, and provides patterns upon which to build a solid foundation for a prosecutable case. Practical Homicide Investigation, Third Edition is the indispensable guide for students of criminalistics, as well as for professionals involved in homicide investigation. No investigator should be without this veritable encyclopedia of homicide investigation.


NEW TO THE THIRD EDITION:

174 new photographs and line drawings

Four completely new chapters: death notification, suicide investigation, homosexual homicide investigation, and narcotics-related homicide investigation

Updated section on DNA technology

50 new case studies

Editorial Reviews

Review

Most readers will feel the fourth edition was well worth the wait. …Updates of prior images, as well as new photographs and numerous professional medical illustrations, undoubtedly improve the quality of the book. …This book continues to be a solid and necessary resource for anyone tasked with the responsibility of investigating not only homicides, but also other manners of death.

—John P. Black, CLPE, CFWE, CSCSA, Journal of Forensic Identification, Vol. 57, No. 1, January/February 2007

Vern Geberth is the Avenging Angel of Homicide Victims… Sharing his 40 plus years of experience and diligently tapping into the expertise of others, the book is an A through Z of homicide investigation. …Practical with a capital "P"…a truly comprehensive text for the student of political science as well as a – must have – ready reference for the police practitioner. A passionate mentor as well as an effective writer, Geberth is mindful of the solemn responsibility that homicide investigators and police are entrusted with and deeply reverent in his approach to always doing things right because of it. At the end of the day, Geberth’s work should empower and motivate police investigators to remove more murderers from our communities and bring comfort to the families of homicide victims.

—Pete Gagliardi, Vice President, Corporate & Marketing Communications, Forensic Technology, Cote St-Luc, Quebec, Canada

Geberth is the real thing. He was my top homicide commander in the NYCPD. Practical Homicide Investigation is a one of a kind textbook based on real experience coupled with an extensive knowledge of the forensic sciences. The techniques he recommends and pitfalls he warns against are gleaned from years of successful investigative work. His writing glows with authenticity. It is THE recognized guide for every police officer and should be on the top shelf of every attorney, prosecutor or defense.

—Edwin T. Dreher, Deputy Chief (Retired), Office of the Chief of Detectives, New York City Police Department, March 27, 2007

It is refreshing to see an edition that is really just not a re-print of outdated material. Moreover, from my point of view you took a huge step forward with this publication by publishing the photographs in color. --- This is extremely important and I am surprised that it hasn’t been done years ago. When teaching topics which deal with evidence such as powder burns, stippling, lividity, and the hue of blood itself, to name just a few, this can only be accurately portrayed when illustrated in color!

Color is critical to differentiate physical evidence. --- Nice job! ---- Maintaining current information on the forever changing types of homicides gives the investigator the leading edge. In this most recent addition, I noted cases presented which, prior to just a few years ago, never occurred. Kudos’ Mr. Geberth! – This is an excellent resource.

--Peter A. Siekmann, Coroner, DuPage County, Illinois Coroner’s Association

This clearly is the best teaching text on homicide out there for those serious about the field of homicide investigation.

--Donna Pendergast, First Assistant Attorney General Criminal Division, Michigan Attorney Generals Office

Vernon J. Geberth is the only person in the country, that I am aware of, who has continued to incorporate the latest investigative techniques, forensic procedures, innovative theories and updated real cases illustrating these and compiled them into a book that should be in every police department library and every detective’s desk.

The law enforcement community owes Geberth tremendous thanks for continuing to be the country’s most highly regarded and respected authority on homicide and death investigations.

--Thomas N. Jordan, Magisterial District Judge, Past President of the Pennsylvania Homicide Investigator’s Association

The new FOURTH edition of Practical Homicide Investigation is a Must Have. This is the recognized Bible in homicide investigation. Once again, Mr. Homicide, retired N.Y.P.D. Lieutenant Commander Vernon Geberth, has hit a home run. … I strongly recommend this new edition, which has been completely revised and updated. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned investigator or a rookie officer. P.H.I. covers every aspect of homicide investigation from the first officer on the scene to the complex forensic processes involved in the investigation of murder.

--Detective Al Sheppard (Retired), NYPD-Major Case Squad, USA

… This is truly a brilliant and exhaustive presentation of the subject matter that remains absolutely faithful to its title. The color photos and life-like illustrations (over 600) provide the reader with a most realistic presentation of the homicide investigation from arrival at the crime scene through the autopsy, never losing sight of the ultimate goal of a successful court room presentation and prosecution… . Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques, Fourth Edition will empower you to be faithful to your solemn obligation to speak for the deceased and their families.

--Anthony Magnetto, Captain, Troy, New York Police Department, USA

…Unquestionably, Geberth has fully succeeded in his mission to provide a comprehensive and practical resource text that will serve as an investigational guide for the homicide professional. …An important addition is the inclusion of several check-off lists that greatly simplifies an investigation with the added advantage of obtaining all the information critical to the investigation …A major feature of this new edition that is really impressive derives from his use of numerous color photographs throughout the book… .

This book is a must for anyone involved in law enforcement and forensic investigations including seasoned homicide investigators, police personnel, forensic investigators and forensic pathologists.

--Frederick T. Zugibe, M.D., Ph.D., Emeritus Chief Medical Examiner of Rockland County and Emeritus Adjunct Associate Professor of Pathology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA

It appears the author has revisited every chapter, but this latest revision especially provides new forensic coverage; in particular recent DNA developments. …Many new photographs and illustrations have been included and nearly all of them are in bright, graphic color. As usual with Commander Geberth's literary efforts, the faint-hearted should proceed with utmost caution… .

--Director Larry Welch, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Topeka, Kansas, USA

Vernon Geberth's Practical Homicide Investigation in its first edition has been the backbone of my research shelf for years, and I have turned to it hundreds of time. This Fourth Edition is a spectacular upgrade, the ultimate 'Bible' that every homicide investigator, criminalist, medical examiner, and those in dozens of other professions must have. It is the gold standard in advanced techniques for working crime scenes in all classifications--from fire deaths to lust murder, and everything in between … I am tremendously impressed with the scope and detail in this meticulously researched book. It is a triumph for Geberth and a bonanza for the investigator!
--Ann Rule, Ph.D., Author of The Stranger Beside Me and Green River and Running Red

Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures and Forensic Techniques should be required reading for all criminal investigators. This NEW Fourth Edition … actually makes you feel like you are in the scene and Vernon is walking you through all the steps as he is conducts the homicide investigation and answers your questions before you ask them. … The colored pictures are clear and detailed and the reader is able to visualize the homicide scene. Vernon, as usual does not take all of the credit for the contents of this professional book. Instead, he has made sure that he acknowledges all of his sources for their contributions and provides the reader with additional citations. This fantastic book is Vernon's contribution to everyone in law enforcement.

--Captain Frank Griffin, Executive Officer, Connecticut State Police, Eastern District Headquarters, USA

In this new 4th Edition Vernon Geberth presents THE cutting edge resource book for all criminal investigators and prosecutors.  … takes the reader step by step, from the first officer arriving at the scene, through identification of the nature of the crime, the handling of the crime scene, expanding the investigation, through laboratory analysis of the evidence and up to the successful prosecution of the suspects… Practical Homicide Investigation provides a clear, detailed outline for investigators and prosecutors, both of whom only get one chance to do it right.

--Jim Yontz, Assistant District Attorney, Potter County, Texas, USA

…This book will take the reader where many an author dare not tread. Geberth pulls no punches, this book is the real deal and not for the squeamish or weak of heart. Its content is not meant to shock the reader, but to emphasize the cold cruel reality of murder and sexual assault, and the importance in solving these crimes. The book has been updated to include advanced techniques for working crime scenes. As criminals become more educated in their trade via the internet, television programs on Crime Scene Processing and through incarceration in jails and penitentiaries, it is compulsory for homicide investigator to keep pace with the daily advancements in crime fighting tools that are available to him or her.

--Detective Mark J. Czworniak, Area Three Homicide Sex Crimes Unit Evidence Response Team, Chicago Police Department, Illinois, USA

Vernon Geberth has provided the definitive roadmap for those who wish to succe... --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Geberth; Vernon J. Practical Homicide Investigation Inc, New York, USA,

Product Details

• Hardcover: 901 pages
• Publisher: CRC-Press; 3rd edition (August 11, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849381568
• ISBN-13: 978-0849381560
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #671,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Vernon J. Geberth is a retired Lieutenant-Commander of the New York City Police Department with almost forty years of law enforcement experience. He retired as the Commanding Officer of the Bronx Homicide Task Force, which handled over 400 murder investigations a year. During his career he was a Detective, a Precinct Detective Squad Commander, Temporary Commander of the 7th Homicide Zone in the South Bronx and Commander of Bronx Homicide. He has personally investigated, supervised, assessed and consulted on over eight thousand death investigations. In addition, Commander Geberth has been the recipient of more than 60 awards for bravery and exceptional police work and is a member of the Honor Legion of the City of New York Police Department.

Commander Geberth, has a Master of Science Degree in Psychology (M.S.), California Coast University, Santa Ana, California; a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) C.W. Post College, Long Island University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia 119th Session,(1979).

Mr. Geberth has served on the New York State Governor's Commission on Domestic Violence Fatalities. He has served as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at both Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York and John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. He was affiliated with the University of Delaware's Continuing Education Program, as an Associate Professor and was a member of the Faculty of Northwestern University Traffic Institute as a Homicide Instructor. Commander Geberth also served as a Homicide Instructor for The New York City Housing Police, The New York City Transit and the Police Training Division of the New York Office of the FBI. He continues to serve as Special Guest Lecturer for the New York City Police Department's Detective Bureau's Homicide School, The New Jersey State Police Homicide School, The Delaware State Police Homicide School and the New York State Police Colonel Henry F. Williams Homicide seminar. Vernon Geberth has been a world-renowned homicide instructor for over 20 years across the United States and Canada.

In addition, Commander Geberth has appeared in numerous television productions on the subject of homicide and death investigations and has been referenced as a media consultant on a myriad of national major cases across the United States and Canada.

Lieutenant Commander Geberth, is the author of PRACTICAL HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques. Fourth Edition, 2006 CRC PRESS, LLC, Boca Raton, Florida, which is recognized in the law enforcement field as "The Bible of Homicide Investigation." and THE PRACTICAL HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST AND FIELD GUIDE, which is considered by professionals as an essential prerequisite in conducting proficient death inquiries. He is also the author of SEX-RELATED HOMICIDE AND DEATH INVESTIGATION: Practical and Clinical Perspectives, Second Edition, CRC PRESS, LLC, Boca Raton, Florida, 2010.


He also has published extensively on topics relating to criminal investigation and forensic techniques and applied criminal psychology. His comprehensive study of serial killers in the United States, which he co-authored with a forensic psychiatrist, was published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences, in January, 1997 and his published works are cited in numerous professional publications throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.

In addition, he serves as the Series Editor of Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations for CRC PRESS, LLC INC. in Boca Raton, Florida.

Commander Geberth is President of P.H.I. Investigative Consultants, Inc., a New York based corporation, which provides state of the art instruction as well as consultation in homicide and forensic case investigations for a number of law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and Canada. Over 60,000 members from over 8000 law enforcement agencies have attended Geberth's PRACTICAL HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION® seminars.

Geberth is a nationally renowned lecturer, author, educator, consultant and expert witness on the subject of death investigations.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's the Bible of Homicide Investigation, November 23, 1999

By 

Terry L. Davis - See all my reviews

This review is from: Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques, Third Edition (Hardcover)

I have worked as a crime scene investigator for some 15 years and am now a police academy director. This text is the "Bible" for those of us who investigate murder--there is no better collection of information available. I also recommend Lt. Cmndr. Geberth's course offered throughout the United States under the same title. Get this, but don't leave it laying around--some cop will steal it!

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must book for homicide detectives, May 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques, Third Edition (Hardcover)

I have been a homicide investigator for 18 years. This book is a must for any homicide investigator as well as coroners. Included in the book are check off lists, for crime scenes and well defined steps to take during the course of your investigation. The author explains the need and reason for the neighborhood canvas. This book exposes you to various types of death and it truly is the Homicide Bible

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent; thorough, in-depth, and professional, April 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques, Third Edition (Hardcover)

I am a writer of police thrillers and had this book recommended to me by a homicide detective. It certainly filled in all kinds of holes in my research, though it is not for the faint of heart. An excellent overview of how a homicide investigation should be conducted.