Crime scene analysts do have an important role to play,however. Science has rapidly added a whole new dimension to gathering and assessing evidence. Modern crime labs can match a hair of a murder suspect to one found on a murder victim,for example, or recover a latent fingerprint from a threatening letter, or use a powerful microscope to match tool marks made during the wiring of an explosive device to a tool in a suspect's possession.

Crime solving is painstaking, but modern methods and technological advances have significantly changed the field of criminal investigation. Clues to crimes both spectacular and ordinary can now be found in the tiniest bits of evidence thanks to cutting-edge forensic techniques. Crime Scene Investigations examines the fascinating world of the criminal investigator and other professionals who are on the front line of solving today's (and some of yesterday's) most notorious crimes. All books feature crime statistics, career information, explanations of crime-solving techniques, and crime-busting facts. In addition, bibliographies for further research,full-color photographs, charts, and a detailed index are also included.

Foreword

Introduction

 A Criminal's Touch

Chapter One

 Identity by Fingers

Chapter Two

 The Search for Hidden Prints

Chapter Three

 Making an Identification

Chapter Four

 Impressions

Chapter Five

 Fingerprints, Past and Future

Notes

Glossary

For More Information

Index

Picture Credits

About the Author