The Forensic Laboratory Handbook

The image of forensic science as projected by popular film, television, and print media often fails to convey accurately the reality of the work and its potential for finding the truth. In The Forensic Laboratory Handbook: Procedures and Practice, prominent forensic experts explain in simple language the capabilities and limitations of modern forensic laboratory procedures, techniques, analyses, and interpretations. Here, interested readers will find an understandable and fascinating introduction to the complex worlds of forensic serology, DNA, chemistry, crime reconstruction, digital evidence, explosives, arson, fingerprints, firearms, tool marks, odontology, and pathology. Additional chapters address the problems of quality assurance and trace evidence analysis, document examination, and toxicology in the forensic laboratory.

Timely and realistic, The Forensic Laboratory Handbook: Procedures and Practice not only illuminates the difficult but fascinating work performed in the real forensic laboratory, but also details the practical procedures forensic scientists employ in their day-to-day work.