The Real World of a Forensic Scientist: Renowned Experts Reveal What It Takes to Solve Crimes [Hardcover]

Henry C. Lee (Author), Elaine M. Pagliaro (Author), Katherine M. Ramsland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2009

With the skyrocketing popularity of TV crime shows like "CSI" and "CSI-Miami", interest in forensic science has reached unprecedented levels. However compelling these programs are as dramas, they spread many misconceptions about the real world of the forensic scientist. Students who wish to pursue a career in this field are often unaware of the many diverse career choices available or have superficial notions of the rigors involved. In this in-depth insider's guide to this crucial area of criminal investigation, renowned forensic scientist Henry C Lee, along with veteran forensic experts Elaine M Pagliaro and Katherine Ramsland, provides a realistic picture of the education, skills, challenges, and rewards involved in the many specialties that encompass forensic science. Each of these specialties plays a role in unraveling seemingly baffling crimes. The first part of the book highlights Dr. Lee's personal story and forty-year career to demonstrate how forensic science developed in the twentieth century and came to be recognized by the courts and law enforcement as a crucial approach to investigating crimes. Dr. Lee shares many interesting stories about his experiences and those of his colleagues, who were instrumental in developing forensic science laboratories in the United States. The second part focuses on careers in forensic science, illustrated by descriptions of high profile cases that required different forensic disciplines, including engineering, accounting, psychology, crime scene investigation, and DNA analysis. These cases also underscore the importance of forensic evidence in criminal and civil cases, national security, environmental protection, and public safety. The third part presents the various specialties in forensic science created by the American Academy of Forensic Science; describes the types of evidence generally analyzed in each area; and lays out the steps one should take to prepare for a career in a particular specialty. Also included is useful information about professional organizations, certification programs and requirements, laboratory opportunities, and university forensic science programs. For those who wish to pursue a career in forensic science or for anyone who is interested in how criminal investigation is really done, this book is a must read.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this dry and overly technical rundown of forensic science, noted names in the field examine everything from evidence collection to emerging subfields in the discipline. Despite his reputation as one of the nation's leading forensic experts-and the founder of the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory-Lee, with forensics expert Pagliaro and forensic psychologist/true-crime author Ramsland, gives little insight into actual cases he has worked. Instead, he focuses on the minutiae of polymerase chain reaction amplification for DNA analysis and methods for lifting fingerprints. Lee's brief historical survey of these techniques only whets the reader's appetite for a more in-depth study of how, for example, forensic ballistics was used in the Civil War to determine that Confederate general Stonewall Jackson was shot by his own men. Unable to strike a balance between reference book and readable survey, this latest in a series of tell-all forensic tales will to attract a limited audience of those with forensic career aspirations. Illus.
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Review

"This book provides a fascinating walk through the real life work of a forensic scientist... It definitely shows the many uses and opportunities for science within forensics and allows students to see in-depth science applied to the real world, giving them yet another science-based career choice." -- NSTA Recommends, October 22, 2009

Product Details

• Hardcover: 349 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (August 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591027292
• ISBN-13: 978-1591027294
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #323,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars CSI TV programs writer's need to read this book, September 27, 2010

By 

Edward A. Nelson (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Real World of a Forensic Scientist: Renowned Experts Reveal What It Takes to Solve Crimes (Hardcover)

This book is an eye opener concerning
the many many aspects of forensic investigations
and the disciplines that each portion of the
investigation involves.
Every law enforcement person and civilian
investigator should read this book as well as those
who enjoy watching CSI type programs.

5.0 out of 5 stars Especially recommended for any college-level library strong in law enforcement careers, November 16, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Real World of a Forensic Scientist: Renowned Experts Reveal What It Takes to Solve Crimes (Hardcover)

"The Real World of a Forensic Scientist: Renowned Experts Reveal What it Takes to Solve Crimes" by Dr. Henry C. Lee, Elaine M. Pagliaro and Katherine Ramsland, offers Dr. Lee's personal story and a forty-year career showing how forensic science developed in the 20th century and came to be accepted by law as a key to investigating crimes. His experiences are surveyed, then discussion proceeds to careers in forensic science, high profile cases requiring different forensic approaches from accounting to psychology, and discussions of how evidence is analyzed. Especially recommended for any college-level library strong in law enforcement careers.