• Presents the real-world experience of crime scene processing
• Provides simple directions for each assignment
• Includes a list of equipment and supplies needed for each exercise
• Contains numerous templates for proper documentation of evidence

The most important part of a CSI’s job is accurate documentation of properly collected evidence. Documentation tells the story of the crime and can ultimately prove a suspect guilty. Through an array of specific exercises and actual document templates used in practice, Crime Scene Processing and Laboratory Workbook teaches students the proper physical evidence collection and processing techniques which will enable them to master the skills necessary to become a proficient CSI.

Building on prior knowledge and facilitating hands-on experience, this laboratory manual allows students to practice the methods, procedures, and techniques associated with forensic science, crime scene investigation, documentation, and evidence handling. What makes this lab manual unique is that it follows a single hypothetical case to show each of the investigative techniques in the context of a real crime. Highlighting the skills and equipment needed for each assignment, the text presents over twenty separate exercises that alternate between investigating physical evidence specific to the crime scene and evidence specific to the laboratory. The book also provides useful forms, including the laboratory submission request, that duplicate real-world experience and demonstrate how to properly collect, record, and submit evidence.

This volume is a useful companion to Gardner’s Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation and Fisher’s Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation. The exercises are designed to be completed with or without the help of a partner or as a member of a team. The appendices contain supplemental forms and numbered tent cards that can be used during the exercises, and other additional material such as a glossary and instructions on how to accurately write reports.

Exercise 1 Camera and Equipment

Exercise 2 Report Writing and Crime Scene Documentation

Exercise 3 The Crime Scene

Exercise 4 Photo Imaging Assignment

Exercise 5 Evidence Collection and Packaging

Exercise 6 The Secondary Crime Scene

Exercise 7 Fingerprints

Exercise 8 Close Up or Bench Photo Imaging

Exercise 9 Wafting

Exercise 10 CSI vs. Real CSI

Exercise 11 Advanced Fingerprints

Exercise 12 Presumptive Testing for Blood

Exercise 13 Blood Drops and Blood Spatter Patterns

Exercise 14 Car Crash

Exercise 15 Toolmarks

Exercise 16 Recovering a Firearm

Exercise 17Interactive Virtual Crime Scene

Exercise 18 Soil

Exercise 19 Forensic Entomology

Exercise 20 Additional Practice with Your Camera

Exercise 21 Microscopy

Exercise 22 Footwear Impressions

Appendix A Report Form Instructions

Appendix B Glossary

Appendix C Scales

Appendix D Tent Cards

Appendix E Photo ID & North Card

Appendix F How to Print Small Images

Appendix G Extra Reports

Appendix H "Maggot Motel"