Processing Vehicles Used in Violent Crimes for Forensic Evidence

Book excerpt: While there are numerous books on crime scene investigation and the processing of crime scenes, few focus on the processing of vehicles. Whether the crime took place in the car or the car was used to transport the suspect or victim—and, as such, is a secondary scene—investigating vehicles presents several unique challenges. Processing Vehicles Used in Violent Crimes for Forensic Evidence fills this void providing the technical instruction sorely needed in this area of crime scene investigation. The book is geared not only to investigators who process vehicles involved in general crimes but also with a specific focus on violent crimes. Coverage includes details as to how investigators should document the vehicle in a logical and methodical manner that is easily understood and replicated for various scenes. By identifying the unique challenges caused by working in the tight quarters of a vehicle—especially in photographing the vehicle, the evidence within it, and how to best find, collect, document, and preserve the evidence—the author provides a unique reference for investigators. Special attention is paid to documenting shooting incidents, the proper detailing and documentation of bullet trajectories, bloodstain documentation, and processing vehicles for other biological, impression, and physical evidence. Key Features Presents crime scene collection and preservation techniques and methodology specific to vehicle-related considerations Outlines the unique challenges, and step-by-step procedural requirements, necessary to conduct a vehicle or vehicle-related scene investigation Addresses types of various evidence for vehicles—including fingerprint, blood, DNA, bullet and casing, and fire debris—which are common primary or secondary crime scenes While the book is geared toward crime scene investigators and forensic technicians who process vehicles used in crimes, it will be an invaluable resource for criminal justice and forensic science students, attorneys, death investigators, fire investigators, accident scene investigators, and scene reconstructionists.