Beyond the Crime Lab: The New Science of Investigation (Wiley Science Editions)

By Jon Zonderman

Book Overview

A fascinating look at the scientific and technical aspects of modern criminal investigation--packed with case histories taken from police and FBI files. Written in a fast-paced, hard-news style by a seasoned reporter formerly with The New York Times . Discussed here are a wide variety of novel techniques including genetic fingerprinting, the criminal profiling of serial killers and rapists, new techniques of surveillance and the use of artificial intelligence in the investigation of organized crime. Includes thoughtful discussion of the ethical controversies and constitutional issues of law raised by these modern tools of criminal investigation.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471622966
• ISBN13: 9780471622963
• Release Date: April 1990
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.4" x 0.8" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Has Both Good and Bad Points!

I don't know much about forensics even though I read a lot about true crime. The author tries to break the information down like fingerprinting, DNA, etc. It's not an entirely bad book. At first, he begins explaining the crimes of murdered and disappeared women. Helle Crafts' murder by her own husband, Richard, was probably the most horrifying and the after descrecation of her body was ghastly to say the least. The author tries to bring the forensics in this book to possible students of forensics. Ever since CSI and forensics testimony in the O.J. Simpson trial, the audiences are fascinated by the whole science of forensics. Of course, Forensics is a science that needs to be studied closely. You're not going to get more than a crash course in this book which lays down the basics. Of course, the writings get more technical at times which might turn some people off. The science of forensics is very technical and there are no surprise that formulas are needed. If you want to be a forensics scientist, you have to know the basics and gain experience in the field. The field is gruesome because murder scenes are often gruesome and bloody. This book might disuade some students from going into the forensics field but it might get the hardcore forensics students interested in it even more.

This was the most informative and interesting read.

This book filled me in on some of the aspects of forensic science that I was unaware of. It was just the information I was looking for. I am now considering going into the Forensic Science field. I am just trying to find out what I need to do next.

A hugely helpful addition to the forensic reference library

Zonderman cleverly weaves historical and technical facts into his discussion of several important and often recent case studies. His ten chapters deal with material that is easily understood by the lay person. I found his style and depth of research extremely helpful to me as I am preparing to start a new course at the high school level called "Forensics Science" and will not be using a required textbook!