Criminal Investigation

by Gilbert, James N.

• ISBN13: 9780131122888
• ISBN10: 0131122886
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-01-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

For undergraduate-level introductory courses in Criminal Investigation and Crime Scene Investigation. Up-to-date and student-friendly, the 6th edition of this popular text is designed to provide an analytical understanding of the investigative process and its challenges in the 21st century. It smoothly merges the theoretical and the proven practical aspects of crime detection and solution, from a historical perspective to future possibilities. Each commonly encountered crime is discussed in terms of current status, offender characteristics, and investigative techniques. This introductory text assumes no prior police experience, and can be used by in-service personnel as an excellent reference tool.

Table of Contents

Historical Origins of Criminal Investigations

Introduction of Basic Concepts

The Investigative Method

Note-Taking and Reports

The Crime Scene Focus

Interviewing

Traditional Sources of Information

Computerized Information Processing

Burglary

Robbery

Homicide and Aggravated Assault

Rape and Sexual Offenses

Larceny

Narcotics and Drug Investigations

Youth Gang Investigations

Special Investigations

Suspect Identification

The Investigator in Court

The Future of Criminal Investigation

Notes

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

Criminal Investigation,Sixth Edition, is designed to develop an analytical understanding of the investigative process. In doing so, this new edition focuses on merging theoretical and proven practical aspects of crime detection and solution. The text can be used by students with no prior investigative knowledge or as a thorough reference source by law enforcement practitioners. Criminal justice instructors will find that the detailed discussion allows ample latitude for their personal approaches and experiences. ORIENTATION AND ORGANIZATION As in previous editions, the importance of basic investigative foundations is stressed throughout. Additionally, the book explains the essential interrelationship of criminalistics and the investigative process. The workings of the modern crime laboratory are presented in such a fashion that the reader will comprehend the criminalistic potential of evidence. The chapters are designed to acquaint the student with the subject in a naturally expanding fashion--from the colorful historical origins of criminal investigation to the future possibilities. Each commonly encountered major crime is legally defined and discussed in terms of current status, offender characteristics, and investigative techniques. Each chapter includes key terms, objectives, and related exercises to guide the criminal justice student and facilitate comprehension of pertinent concepts. FEATURES NEW TO THIS EDITION Although many popular and time-proven features of past editions have been retained, the sixth edition contains considerable new material directly relevant to the investigative challenge of the new century. Each chapter has been extensively revised and updated with the latest research data from government and academic sources. New illustrations have been provided along with expanded glossary terms. Unique material detailing juvenile abductions, identity theft, geographic information systems, cyberstalking, digital photography, psycholinguistics, and complete coverage on hate crimes will be found in this edition, as well as expanded information regarding the latest drug trends with particular emphasis on methamphetamines and Ecstasy. Material that updates the continually changing world of forensic science has been added, including discussions on the newest DNA developments, global positioning systems, ballistic fingerprinting, biometrics, and face recognition systems. The sixth edition remains faithful to the overall design and readability of the previous editions, while incorporating significant amounts of new material necessary to prepare students for the investigative challenge of the twenty-first century.