M. Lyman – Criminal Investigation (6th edition)

Автор: M. Lyman
Название книги: Criminal Investigation (6th edition)
Формат: PDF
Жанр: Юриспруденция и право
Страницы: 688
Качество: Изначально компьютерное, E-book

Criminal investigation represents a timeless and dynamic field of scientific study.
This book, evolving now into its sixth edition, was written with the perception
that crime detection is a field that relies heavily on the past experiences of investigators
as well as recent practical, forensic, and technological innovations. The
investigator s success in crime detection can be influenced by several external
variables. For example, increased pressure by public interest groups and courts
of law has caused police supervisors to place greater emphasis on case management
and officer accountability. In addition, because of increased social problems
associated with drug abuse, criminal violence, and the use of computers,
the public spotlight has focused more than ever before on methods of crime
detection and the successful prosecution of offenders. Finally, because of the
ongoing incidence of mass and serial murders, the public is now more insistent
that criminal investigations are conducted quickly and with thoroughness.
This book is intended to meet the needs of students and others interested in
criminal justice by presenting information in a logical flow, paralleling the steps
and considerations observed in an actual criminal investigation. Additionally, it is
designed to fulfill an ongoing need for a book that explains clearly and thoughtfully
the fundamentals of criminal investigation as practiced by police investigators
on the job in communities across the nation.
The book is written with several observations in mind. First, as its title indicates,
it is designed to blend scientific theories of crime detection with a practical
approach to criminal investigation. Its underlying assumption is that sound
criminal investigations depend on an understanding of the science of crime
detection procedures and the art of anticipating human behavior. There is yet
another critical observation made in the book: It recognizes that both the uniformed
officer and the criminal investigator play important roles in the field of
criminal investigation. The duties of each are outlined throughout the book, recognizing
that there is a fundamental need for both to work in tandem throughout
many aspects of the criminal investigation process.
One underlying theme of the book is that as with all police endeavors, criminal
investigation is a law enforcement responsibility that must be conducted
within the framework of the U.S. Constitution and the practices of a democratic
society. Consequently, court decisions and case studies have been quoted extensively
for clarification of issues and general reader information.
New to This Edition
The sixth edition represents a major revision, resulting in a total of 18 chapters
(opposed to 23 from the last edition). The guiding philosophy behind the
revision of this text is to make it easier for instructors to align their coverage
of the text s material with the class schedule and academic term.
Features of the sixth edition include new and improved pedagogical aids
such as the MyCrimeKit companion website (www.mycrimekit.com), which
includes numerous media and tools to assist the student in understanding
career choices in forensics and criminal investigation, reviewing material
contained in the chapters, and observing simulations relating to the duties
of a criminal investigator in the field.
Margin notes throughout the chapters mark videos, simulations, and other
media on MyCrimeKit that relates to the chapter material. A box at the
end of each chapter lists the study tools and resources available for that
chapter on MyCrimeKit.
The updates in this edition are considerable. These include:
police lineups and misidentifications
new research on eyewitness testimony
updated statistical crime data and new material on identity theft investigations
and computer crimes
new sections on terrorism, gangs, white-collar crime, and organized crime
new discussions of cognitive interview techniques
a newly incorporated piece on the SAFE exam as it relates to victims of
assault
new research on the hazards of undercover work and advances in forensic
science
updated case studies as well as photos and graphics
each chapter ends with a newly designed Summary Checklist section,
which serves as a chapter review
SUPPLEMENTS
Supplements include an Instructor s Manual with Test Item File, TestGen test
generator, PowerPoint presentations, and a CourseSmart electronic version of
the text.
To access supplementary materials online, instructors need to request an
instructor access code. Go to www.pearsonhighered.com/irc, where you can register
for an instructor access code. Within 48 hours after registering, you will
receive a confirming e-mail, including an instructor access code. Once you have
received your code, go to the site and log on for full instructions on downloading
the materials you wish to use.
In summary, I am hopeful that this will prove to be an engaging textbook
that is descriptive of the duties of modern-day crime detection and police professionalism.
For more efficient use, this book has been designed to follow
closely to a standard curriculum format. Accordingly, each chapter contains key
terms and discussion questions that also aid in the instructional process. Finally,
as a learning aid, this text is accompanied by a companion website that offers
videos and test items as well as many other learning tools. I know this book will
provide you with what you need to understand the art of criminal investigation
as well as the many new forms of scientific innovations that modern investigators
now use to catch perpetrators of some of the nation s most heinous crimes.
Read and enjoy!
Michael D. Lyman