Introducing Forensic and Criminal Investigation

An impressive team of experts covers just about every aspect of criminal investigation in this fascinating volume. The wide ranging descriptions of issues and concepts are brought to life with accounts of the personal experiences of operational detectives, making this an important resource for everyone from students of criminal and forensic investigation to trainee police officers.
Professor David Canter
Director, International Research Centre for Investigative Psychology

This book is a must read for any serious student of criminal and forensic investigation. The detailed theory is skilfully brought to life through case studies and examples of practical application, which give an excellent insight into the mechanics and complexity of investigating serious and major crime. Highly recommended.
Heidi Oliver
Retired Detective Inspector, Hampshire Constabulary CID and Major Crime Department

A superb investigation of the investigators. Any student, of any experience, wanting to know about the latest ways of reducing the fallibility of humans in divining the ′truth′ of a possible crime should read this book. You are taken step by step through the stages of investigation and given a thorough test of your prejudices.
Dr Simon Bramble
Head of Police Science & Forensics, Home Office

Good text on the criminal investigative process -- Clare Leon * drupal *
The value of this book lies in the practical nature of the text - working with actual cases and then explaining principles at the hand of these cases simplifies understanding and application. The majority of the Masters′ level students are academically not very strong, so the practical application of this book facilitates understanding. This book has been brought to the attention of the librarian for the South African Police Services as an essential purchase. It has been quite some time since I have encountered such a user friendly and practical book. -- Dr Bernadine Benson * drupal *
It was a good book but was not as good as another book offered by SAGE. -- Dr Clint Osowski * drupal *
What an excellent book! It takes the reader through all of the aspects needed within this area and it also helps with the practical application of policing. -- Dr Darren Woodward * drupal *
This book was found to be very practical and applicable to the subject field. This book is easy to read and understand and will most definitely add value to students registering for all investigation of crime modules and forensic investigation modules.

This book will most definitely be recommended to the University of South Africa Library as well as the library of the South African Police Servics. -- Dr Juanida Horne * drupal *
A comprehensive and illustrative volume covering all aspects of forensic and criminal investigation. The authors also make impressive use of case studies to illustrate relevant points and aspects of investigation. -- Dr Peter Hall * drupal *
A comprehensive and illustrative volume covering all aspects of forensic and criminal investigation. The authors also make impressive use of case studies to illustrate relevant points and aspects of investigation. -- Dr Peter Hall * drupal *
An excellent book which explains and details every facet of the criminal investigation process in the UK. -- Jason Roach * drupal *
While this book has relevance for students undertaking modules in investigatory practice (which is an optional module on our programme) perhaps future versions can embed more the ethical issues that challenge the investigator -- Mr Ashley Tiffen * drupal *
An excellent book that suits the module perfectly -- Mr Jack Dees * drupal *
I am going to adopt this book for next years course. Criminal Investigation Past and Present -- Mr James Dunn * drupal *
Quite a lot of the material is available in other sources, particularly as we have quite a few authors on the team here. The one thing I really wanted was a clear chapter on tying in the forensic evidence with the interview strategy because forensic evidence and the crime scene can drive the interview process (to an extent). However I think the book will be a useful supplementary text to those already on offer and, rather refreshingly, having Tony Adams on the team is very useful. To be blunt: I am a little tired of text books professing their views when the authors have not actually applied their aparent knowledge in real life. -- Mr KEVIN LAWTON-BARRETT * drupal *
Informative and current. Essential reading for students undertaking criminal investigation studies -- Mr Maurice Collins * drupal *
Now part of the recommended reading for the MSc Criminal Investigation programme. This builds nicely upon existing literature and helps to bridge the gap between the investigator and the forensic examiner -- Mr MIKE KING * drupal *
I had great fun with this book and my first year students. We used it to create a number of role plays which the students researched and scripted using the book. Finally they acted them out for their final presentation. Very accessible and a great primer for further research. -- Mr Neil Van Dokkum * drupal *
This is a good, easy to follow, textbook, to introduce students to the area of forensic and criminal investigation. The use of case studies, linking academic theory to practice, is a very useful addition. This provides additional references to support further reading. -- Mr Nigel Donohue * drupal *
Set out in three distinct sections, the text rigourously explains the historic and theoretical context of investigations, the practical process of applying the techniques and the wider judical system that wraps around this.

The use of reflective case studies and more importantly the interactive role playing case throughout reinforces the learning in each chapter. In addition the latter makes the reader view the text as a structured learning journey rather than the usual ′dip-in-dip out′ academic reference text.

This is an excellent teaching and learning resource which develops the reader′s knowledge at every stage and blends professional industry knowledge with pedagogic best practice.

-- Mr Paul Matthews * drupal *
A much needed text. -- Mrs Melanie Wellsmith * drupal *
A good basic handbook for Criminal investigation and policing students. -- Ms Allison Savory * drupal *
This text covers almost all of the aspects we need for one of the larger modules that we run as part of our course. -- Ms Jo Dawkins * drupal *