Search results for ""author henry c. lee""

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. All are used to unravel 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.

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Each year, too many law enforcement officers die in the line of duty and too many people are killed by the police. Yet, can any of these deaths be avoided? To answer this we must investigate the nature and causes of these deaths in an unbiased and objective manner to highlight and expose weaknesses in policy that can be amended through more rigorous, enlightened, and culture-sensitive training. Examining hypothetical cases drawn from the most prevalent and typical officer-involved deaths in recent years, Investigation and Prevention of Officer-Involved Deaths reviews the circumstances, relevant discussions, and critical issues for each case type wherein law enforcement officers have had to respond outside of their usual and trained experience and where the final outcome was the death of either the suspect, an innocent bystander, or the officer. With a focus on crime scene investigation and the collection and preservation of the relevant forensic evidence, the book outlines appropriate crime scene procedures for each situation and lists potential categories of forensic evidence to be searched for, collected, and submitted to the forensic laboratory for analysis. The authors discuss postmortem protocols, including autopsy reports, toxicological analyses, and other appropriate investigative findings. They then examine policy and training protocols for each, look at the use and potential benefit of less-lethal weapons, and pose the critical question of "what would you do if you were the police officer."Through the serious study of each of the categories presented in this book, police officers and other groups of law enforcement officials can more fully comprehend and appreciate the societal significance of such cases. The more aware, sensitive, and well-educated are officers of the law, the more dignified, humane, and safe are the communities they are sworn to serve.

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