Forensic Science: An Introduction, 4th Edition © 2019
Richard Saferstein | Tiffany Roy
Forensic Science: An Introduction is a stimulating, accessible introduction to forensic science that is ideal for nonscientists. The authors focus on practical applications of forensic technologies, integrating scientific methods into discussions of forensic applications. A major focus is the role of the crime-scene investigator in preserving, recording and collecting physical evidence at the crime scene.
The 4th edition includes new information on body worn cameras, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) next generation identification system, and the combined deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) indexing system. It also has a new chapter on forensic biometrics and facial recognition.
Basic forensic applications, for the nonscientist
- Crime scene procedures and processes, and fundamentals of forensic science techniques in the crime lab, are fully explored.
- The step-by-step process of an investigation is outlined in initial chapters. This exposes students to the role of the crime scene investigator at the crime scene.
Learning aids and practice opportunities
- Virtual crime scene exercises take readers through crime scenes, where they assess evidence.
- Closer analysis features delve into difficult technical aspects of subjects.
- Application and critical thinking exercises and review questions help students practice skills and gauge their comprehension.
- Expanded: Many new figures have been added to illustrate concepts.
Real-world forensic applications
- New: Numerous case files have been added to select chapters. They illustrate how forensic technology is applied to solving crimes of notoriety.
- New: A new chapter, Forensic Biometrics and Facial Recognition (Ch. 8), explores technological advances in forensics.
Crime scene specifics
- Expanded: A discussion of body worn cameras and their role in crime scene documentation has been added (Ch. 3).
- Expanded: The new FBI next generation identification system, created as a repository for biometric information, is now addressed (Ch. 5).
- Expanded: Updates to the combined DNA indexing system are incorporated, as is information on minimizing contamination while collecting and packaging biological and DNA evidence (Ch. 15).
- Expanded: Deviation of fire from normal behavior, and its impact on burn pattern interpretations at fire scenes, is explored in the new edition (Ch. 16).
This program offers:
- Virtual laboratory exercises give students a first-hand look at the types of tests and examinations performed in the crime lab. Using 360-degree photography, microscope imagery and explanatory videos, these laboratory exercises illustrate a day in the life of a forensic scientist.
Features of Revel for the 4th edition
- Author explanatory videos allow students to hear insights and perspectives directly from the author.
- Point/counterpoint videos present two opposing evidence-based arguments to help students analyze criminal justice issues.
- Surveys within the Revel narrative ask students to respond to questions about controversial topics and important concepts. Through a bar chart, students can then see how their response compared to that of all other students who answered the question.
- Introduction
- Securing and Searching the Crime Scene
- Recording the Crime Scene
- Collection of Crime-Scene Evidence
- Physical Evidence
- Death Investigation
- Crime-Scene Reconstruction
- Forensic Biometrics: Fingerprints and Facial Recognition
- Firearms, Tool Marks, and Other Impressions
- Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- Drugs
- Forensic Toxicology
- Trace Evidence I: Hairs and Fibers
- Trace Evidence II: Paint, Glass, and Soil
- Biological Stain Analysis: DNA
- Forensic Aspects of Fire and Explosion Investigation
- Document Examination
- Computer Forensics
- Digital and Multimedia Forensics: Cell Phones, Video, and Audio
Richard Saferstein
Forensic Science Consultant
Richard Saferstein, PhD, retired in 1991 after serving for 21 years as the chief forensic scientist of the New Jersey State Police Laboratory, one of the largest crime laboratories in the United States. He currently acts as a consultant for attorneys and the media in forensic science. During the O.J. Simpson criminal trial, Dr. Saferstein provided extensive commentary on forensic aspects of the case for the Rivera Live show, the E! Television network, The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) radio and various radio talk shows. Dr. Saferstein holds degrees from the City College of New York and earned his doctorate degree in chemistry in 1970 from the City University of New York.
From 1972 to 1991, he taught an introductory forensic science course in the criminal justice programs at the College of New Jersey and Ocean County College. These teaching experiences played an influential role in Dr. Saferstein’s authorship in 1977 of the widely used introductory textbook Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, currently in its 12th edition. Dr. Saferstein’s basic philosophy in writing Forensic Science: From the Crime Scene to the Crime Lab, 4th Edition, is to make forensic science understandable and meaningful to the nonscientist student, while giving the reader an appreciation for the scientific principles that underlie the subject.
Dr. Saferstein has authored or coauthored more than 45 technical papers covering a variety of forensic topics. He authored Basic Laboratory Exercises for Forensic Science, 2nd Edition (Prentice Hall, 2011) and coauthored Lab Manual for Criminalistics, 11th Edition (Prentice Hall, 2015). He has also edited the widely used professional reference books Forensic Science Handbook, Volume 1, 2nd Edition (Prentice Hall, 2002), Forensic Science Handbook, Volume 2, 2nd Edition (Prentice Hall, 2005) and Forensic Science Handbook, Volume 3, 2nd Edition (Prentice Hall, 2010).
Dr. Saferstein is a member of the American Chemical Society, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Canadian Society of Forensic Scientists, International Association for Identification, Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists and Society of Forensic Toxicologists. In 2006, Dr. Saferstein received the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Paul L. Kirk award for distinguished service and contributions to the field of criminalistics.
Tiffany Roy
Syracuse University
Tiffany Roy, JD, made substantial contributions assisting Dr. Saferstein in the revision of this edition of the textbook, the supplements that accompany the textbook, and the new Revel interactive eTextbook. Roy is a Forensic DNA expert with over 11 years of forensic biology experience in both public and private laboratories in the United States. She instructs undergraduates at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida; University of Maryland University College; and Southern New Hampshire University. She currently acts as a consultant for attorneys and the media in forensic biology through her firm, ForensicAid, LLC.
Roy holds degrees from Syracuse University, Massachusetts School of Law and University of Florida in the areas of biology, law and forensic science. Her teaching, legal writing and testimonial experience help her to take complex scientific concepts and make them easily understandable for the nonscientist.
This program is available in a variety of formats. You can review the individual prices for each ISBN in our catalog. All access codes are for use by 1 student, for 1 course, for up to 1 year, and are non-transferable.
| Format | ISBN-13 |
|---|---|
| Student edition (HS binding) with MyLab Criminal Justice with Pearson eTextbook (up to 6-years) |
9780136927129 |
| Basic Lab exercises for forensic science 4e |
9780137420704 |
| MyLab Criminal Justice with Pearson eTextbook (1-year access) | 100% digital solution. Access code is delivered via email. | 9780137452651 |
| MyLab Criminal Justice with Pearson eTextbook (6-year access) | 100% digital solution. Access code is delivered via email. | 9780137452699 |
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