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Andrew J. Harvey  More Info

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Police Books

Criminal Investigations

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As the list of police officers grows, so does our understanding of their contributions to law enforcement.  In this section we are beginning to break out the practical "how-to" books on conducting various criminal investigations.  The links below take you to specific types of investigations, such as narcotics, gangs and homicide.  Below that you will find a collection of book, written by cops, written book reports by students on general techniques and tactics for criminal investigations and crime scenes. Check back often to see what has been added.

Specific Types of Criminal Investigations

Child Abuse
Computer and Cyber Crime Investigations
Crime Scenes
Criminal Profiling
Domestic Violence
Homicide Investigations
Internal Affairs Investigations
Interview and Interrogation
Gang Investigations
Narcotics Investigations
Organized Crime Investigations
Property Crimes Investigations
Sex Crime Investigations
Undercover Investigations
Vice Investigations
 

Books on the general aspects of criminal investigations.


Crime Scene Investigation
Thomas Francis Adams  More Info

Alan Caddell is a Commander with the Santa Ana Police Department. He holds a Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University and is a graduate of the POST Master Instructor Development Program. A trainer for over 15 years, Alan has extensive experience and expertise in the area of instruction design and technology. Alan has taught advanced PowerPoint and on-line training for POST and other law enforcement presenters and is currently teaching a variety of programs.

 

Alan Caddell is the Co-author of Crime Scene Investigation.  According to the book description, “Focusing on the basics of crime scene investigation as it should be done by professionals, this book shows how to do a perfect job; its emphasis is on proven evidence, collection, and analysis. It provides a high level of relevant and realistic information needed to process crime scenes in today's environment. Generously illustrated with photographs, the book clearly demonstrates techniques used by field and lab personnel to preserve, process, and analyze a wide variety of evidence. Career profiles of working professionals in the field and actual case histories document how crime scene investigation is successfully used to solve crimes. For professionals in a variety of forensic science fields, including firearms examiners, fingerprint examiners, serologists, toxicologists, photographers, journalists, crime scene investigators, and others in the field of law and law enforcement.”

 

According to one reader/reviewer, “As a former police reserve officer, I spent years requesting CSI with little understanding of just what they do. This book goes well beyond lifting fingerprints and other routine tasks that police officers are typically limited to. I now have a better awareness of the capabilities of CSI and considerations about how to protect a scene and how CSI can be used to investigate certain crimes. I also have a greater appreciation for CSI personnel and the difficult job they have. I liked the book and believe it would be helpful to anyone in law enforcement.”


Officer-Involved Shootings and Use of Force: Practical Investigative Techniques, Second Edition (Practical Aspects of Criminal & Forensic Investigations)
David E. Hatch  More Info

Detective David E. Hatch spent more than 27 years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. David Hatch joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 1969 after discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps.  In 1980, as a detective, he joined the homicide section.  During his time with homicide, he investigated over 400 homicides and 125 officer-involved shootings.

 

After retirement in 1997, David Hatch has concentrated on law enforcement related writing and teaching. He is the author of Officer-Involved Shootings and Use of Force: Practical Investigative Techniques, Second Edition (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations). 

 

David Hatch’s book, now in its second edition, “continues to provide sound and sober models, protocols, and procedures to handle the highly charged fall-out from officer involved shootings. Written by cops for cops, it is designed to address the needs of the agency, the rights of the employee, and the concerns of the public, and give law enforcement the policies and tools to properly investigate and document this high profile area.”

 

Jerry Keller, President of the Major Cities’ Police Chiefs’ Association, can “think of no one else better qualified to write” about investigating officer-involved shootings and police-related deaths. Lt. Craig Dodd of the Fort Collins Police Department states that his agency practices many of the philosophies and protocols developed by Hatch over the years. Officer-Involved Shootings and Use of Force: Practical Investigative Techniques, Second Edition (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations): Presents a standardized protocol for consistent investigations of officer-involved shootings; Provides updated case histories from the author's experience and from high profile current events; Includes the latest findings on excited delirium syndrome; Offers insightful recommendations for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; and, Features information on the proper handling of media and public information policy

 

According to Larry Moore, Certified Emergency Manager (Knoxville, TN), Officer-Involved Shootings and Use of Force: Practical Investigative Techniques, Second Edition (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigation) contains “an outstanding presentation of guidelines, authority, and assignment responsibility to establish the best organizational team structure to investigate [officer-involved] shootings.”

 


Introduction to Investigations
John S. Dempsey  More Info

John S. Dempsey was a member of the New York Police Department (NYPD) for 24 years. He served as a police officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. His primary assignments were patrol and investigations. He received seven citations from the Department for meritorious and excellent police duty. After retiring from the NYPD, Professor Dempsey served on the faculty of Suffolk County Community College, and the State University of New York Empire College, where he teaches criminal justice and public administration courses and mentors ranking members of law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. He is the author of Introduction to Investigation.


Practical Investigation Techniques (Practical Aspects of Criminal & Forensic Investigation)
CRC-Press  More Info

Modern Investigations, Techniques & Tactics
Kevin B. Kinnee  More Info

Kevin B. Kinnee of the Indianapolis Police Department added an account of his career (20 Years Behind the Badge) to his solid reputation of writing police procedural text books.  Kinnee’s other works include: Practical Gambling Investigation Techniques; Practical Investigation Techniques; and, Modern Investigations, Techniques and Tactics.


Criminal Investigation: The Art and the Science (4th Edition)
Michael D. Lyman  More Info

Michael D. Lyman, Ph.D., began his career as a special agent and criminal investigator for the Kansas Bureau of investigation.  He then moved to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs as a senior agent and criminal investigator.  While with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs he was assigned to the Street Enforcement and Intelligence Division.  During his 11 year law enforcement career Michael has made over 600 felony arrest.  For the last 18 years he has been professor of Criminal Justice at the Columbia College of Missouri.

 

Michael D. Lyman, Ph.D., has authored seven books about the enforcement function in criminal justice.  His books include: The Police: An Introduction; Criminal Investigation: The Art and Science; Practical Drug Enforcement; and, Organized Crime.


Criminal Investigation, with Student Simulation CD
Charles R Swanson  More Info

Dr. Leonard Territo is a Professor of Criminology, at the University of South Florida, Prior to joining the faculty at the University of South Florida, he served as a Major and then as Chief Deputy with the Leon County Sheriff's Office (Florida).  Prior to his service with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, his law enforcement career included nearly nine years with the Tampa Police Department (Florida).  While a police officer with the Tampa Police Department, he worked uniformed patrol, motorcycle officer, detectives and was a member of the police academy training staff.  Dr. Leonard Territo is the former chairperson of the Department of Police Administration and Director of the Florida Institute for Law Enforcement at St. Petersburg Junior College, St. Petersburg, Florida.

 

His academic credentials include an Associate in Arts in Police Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Science, a Master of Arts in Political Science, and a Doctor of Education.

 

Dr. Leonard Territo has coauthored some of the leading books in the law enforcement profession including: Police Civil Liability; Police Administration; Stress and Police Personnel; The Police Personnel Selection Process; Crime and Justice in America; Hospital and College Security Liability; and, College Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Awareness. His books are presently being used in over 950 colleges and universities in 50 states and he has had numerous articles published in nationally recognized law enforcement and legal journals.


Conquering Deception
Jef Nance  More Info

Jeffery Nance is a certified fraud examiner, former undercover narcotics agent trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.  He is the author of Conquering Deception.  According to the book description, “Conquering Deception delivers the tools to recognize the hidden meanings of what others say using principles originated by America's savviest police investigators. Conquering Deception adapts these principles for use in any setting--business or personal--to be used in an informal and non-confrontational style. A handbook for the savvy conversationalist that is practical, effective, and one-of-a-kind.”

 

One reader of Conquering Deception said, “This book is quite effective (maybe too effective) at translating police interrogation tactics in a way that you can use in everyday conversations, and like the literature says, you don't have to be overly inquisitive or accusatory to make them work. I say 'maybe too effective' because I'm not sure that the average person needs to be privy to this information. Like the author, I'm a former police officer. I liked the book, and as above, it's highly effective--but this is material that the average officer doesn't even know, much less the average citizen. It is powerful stuff--if these principles of conversation have been used to get suspects to confess to murdering another person, it's easy to see that they would be powerful in everyday conversation.”


Criminal Investigation (7th Edition)
James N. Gilbert  More Info

A former police officer with the Berkeley Police Department (California), James N. Gilbert joined the University of Nebraska (Kearney) as the Criminal Justice department as Chair in 1988.  Dr. James N. Gilbert received his BC from California State University, Long Beach; his MS from Eastern Kentucky University; and, his Ph.D., from the University of Southern Mississippi.  He is the author of Criminal Investigation and Criminal Investigation: Essays and Cases.

 

According to the book description of Criminal Investigation, “With interest in criminal investigation at an all time high, the newest edition of this popular text is particularly useful. One of the most comprehensive reviews of the investigative process available, it covers the fascinating history and future implications of field. A thorough discussion of cutting-edge investigative methods and technology employed to combat emerging crimes prepares readers to enter the next generation of criminal investigation. Using detailed crime scene examples, it links specific investigative techniques and laboratory techniques that are most effective for each particular crime. Relevant websites close each chapter to guide readers to the wealth of Internet resources. Full discussion of methods and technology such as Low Copy DNA, the expanding federal DNA database (CODIS), ballistic fingerprinting, face recognition systems and biometrics. Features a variety of jobs such as a criminal profiler, ATF Special Agent, Gang Investigator, etc. to provide insight into individual job duties and case incidents. Complete exploration of narcotics and dangerous drug investigation. Includes detailed crime laboratory techniques. Links investigative techniques with all major types of property and violent crime. Covers emerging types of criminal activity such as consumer fraud, identity theft, computer crime, stalking, cyberstalking, hate crimes, and the latest drug crimes.  Serves as excellent resource for those currently in law enforcement.” 


Principles of Investigation :
John P. Kenney  More Info

Dr. John P. Kenney began his career in criminal justice and law enforcement career as a patrol officer for the Berkeley Police Department.  A recognized leader in the improvement of policing, Dr. John Kenney has been a director at the California Department of Justice; the president of the Los Angeles Police Commission; a management consultant (which included the Denver City Council retaining him in 1957 when a Denver Police Department scandal received national publicity for numerous police officers taking contracts to burglarize businesses); and, he worked extensively with the Agency for International Development identifying police consultants to work overseas, and personally conducted an international conference on democratic policing in Thailand.

 

Dr. John Kenney was a founder of the International Association of Police Professors which became the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and was a President of the American Society of Criminology. His work as a criminal justice educator included the graduate schools for police administration at the University of Southern California and California State University at Long Beach.  He is the author of Police Operations: Policies and Procedures: Four Hundred Field Situations with Solutions; Principles of Investigation and Study Guide to Accompany Principles of Investigation (2 Books); The Police Executive Handbook; and, Police Work with Juveniles and the Administration of Juvenile Justice.

 

According to the book description of Principles of Investigation, “Covering topics from a conceptual viewpoint, this text brings the ethical and legal obligations of investigation into perspective. It uses tabulated lists and checklists along with Features (examples) to cover the techniques of investigation.”


Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, Seventh Edition
Barry A. J. Fisher  More Info

Forensics Demystified
Barry Fisher  More Info

Barry A. J. Fisher is the Crime Laboratory Director for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, a position he has held since 1987. He began his career in criminalistics with the Sheriff’s crime lab in 1969. His current interests concern the interrelationship between forensic science and the law along with public policy issues concerning the timely delivery of quality forensic support services to the criminal justice system. To that end, he served as a member of the American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section’s Ad Hoc Committee to Ensure the Integrity of the Criminal Process and is currently a member of the American Judicature Society’s Commission of Forensic Science and Public Policy. He represents the American Academy of Forensic Sciences on the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations, which represents six national forensic science professional organizations and works to influence public policy in forensic science at the national level.

 

Fisher is a Distinguished Fellow and past-president of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences; past-president of the International Association of Forensic Sciences, past-president of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors and a past-chairman of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors – Laboratory Accreditation Board. He is a member of the Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Advisor Council.

 

His textbook, Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, in its 7th edition.


Criminal Investigation: Basic Perspectives (11th Edition)
Paul B. Weston  More Info

Charles Lushbaugh was a lieutenant with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department (California).  He is the co-author of Criminal Investigations: Basic Perspectives.   According to the book description, Criminal Investigations: Basic Perspectives is “designed to help readers discover both the art and science of criminal investigation, this book explores the legal significance of evidence in the field, outlines the fundamentals of inquiry, and then carefully details each element of investigation—from the preliminaries to case preparation for prosecutor review. Reflecting the most recent changes in techniques and their application to various crimes, it features real-life case studies that give readers practice in developing their abilities to analyze, evaluate, and reason. Subjects covered are: Ethical Awareness; The Crime Scene; Witnesses and Evidence; Recording the Crime Scene; Basic Investigative Leads and Informants; Major Investigative Techniques; Laboratory and Technical Services; Interrogation of Suspects; Arresting the Accused Person; Physical Assaults; Sexual Assaults; Robbery; Arson; Bombing and Hate Crimes; Property Crimes; Dangerous Drugs; Vice/Gambling; and Organized Crimes.”


First Unit Responder: A Guide to Physical Evidence Collection for Patrol Officers
Mark R. Hawthorne  More Info

Inspector Mark Hawthorne is a 28 year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department. He has been assigned patrol, field operations and investigations.  His current assignment is Crime Scene Investigations.  As a POST instructor he specializes in Instructor Development, Preliminary Investigations and Crime Scenes.  As a an adjunct faculty member of the City College of San Francisco Administration of Justice and Fire Science Department he acts as an advisor to the Forensic Science Club. Inspector Mark Hawthorne is the author of First Unit Responder: A Guide for Physical Evidence Collection for Patrol Officers and Fingerprints: Analysis and Understanding.

 

According to the book description of First Unit Responder: A Guide for Physical Evidence Collection for Patrol Officers, “Physical evidence cannot be wrong; it cannot perjure itself; it cannot be wholly absent. Only its interpretation can err. Only human failure to find it, study and understand it, can diminish its value." -Presiding Judge, Harris v U.S., 331 U.S. 145 (1947) HOW TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF THE CRIME SCENE WHILE CONDUCTING AN INVESTIGATION.  First Unit Responder: A Guide to Physical Evidence Collection for Patrol Officers is a training guide and reference for patrol officers and criminal investigators, who conduct preliminary investigations of crime scenes, to aid in identification, collection, and booking of physical evidence. Written by a veteran of 24 years of law enforcement, the book stresses the importance of understanding the critical nature of physical evidence and preservation of the crime scene as part of the case against a criminal defendant. This book is an important tool for police academies that train recruits and veteran patrol officers, as well as for students of criminal justice who seek guidelines for proper collection and handling of physical evidence”

 

According to Corporal Andreas K. Mendel, NCO in Charge, Forensic Identification Section, West Vancouver Police, in Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal, “Mark Hawthorne's easy writing style and use of personal anecdotes make this book a relaxed read. First Unit Responder is a good resource for recruit training or criminal justice/criminology students, or as review material for seasoned investigators.”


The Fifth "C": The Criminal Use of Diamonds
Kelly Ross  More Info

Constable Kelly Ross is a 19 year member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who specializes in investigating the criminal use of diamonds and jewelry; and he coordinates the Diamond Program, Customs and Excise Unit, Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  He is also a jeweler and gemologist and has testified in court as an expert on the criminal use of diamonds, gemstones and jewelry.  Kelly Ross is the author of The Fifth "C": The Criminal Use of Diamonds.

 

According to the book description of The Fifth "C": The Criminal Use of Diamonds, “it exposes why criminals are so drawn to diamonds, how diamonds are used in criminal activity, and why it is difficult to stop this criminal activity. The foundation that diamond values are based on are the Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut of a diamond. These are the Four C’s of diamond grading and have been the international qualifiers used to define the value of diamonds for centuries. The contemporary diamond industry the world over has tried to introduce a fifth C in an attempt to brand diamonds as “certified” or “conflict free”. The branding provides added value to the diamonds but the jury is still out on what the Fifth C really is and the court of public opinion will decide this.

 

The value of diamonds is also being re-defined by criminals who have sought out diamonds and like commodities in North America for decades. For criminals, diamonds are seen as instruments to facilitate criminal activity and in this age of money tracking and anti-money laundering legislation, they are also used as a hedge against inflation and the authorities. In the world of criminals who profit from diamonds, the Fifth C is Crime.”


Criminal Investigation: A Method for Reconstructing the Past
James W. Osterburg  More Info

From 1962 to 1970, Richard H. Ward was a member of the New York Police Department, rising to the rank of detective.  After the leaving the NYPD, Richard Ward began an academic career as the Coordintor of Student Activities with the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  Currently, Richard Ward is the Associate Bice President for Reseach and Special Programs with the Sam Houston State University (Texas). 

 

Richard Ward is the author of Countering Terrorism: A Manual for Law Enforcement and Introduction to Criminal Investigation.  Richard Ward is the co-author of Homeland Security, Criminal Investigation: A Method of Reconstruction of the Past; Quest for Quality; An Anti-Corruption Manual for Administrators in Law Enforcement; and, Police Robbery Control Manual.  Richard Ward is the editor of Extremist Groups: An Inernational Compilation of Terrorist Organizations, Violent Political Groups, and Issue-Oriented Militant Movements; Terrorism and the New World Disorder; International Terrorism: Operational Issues; Managing Police Corruption: International Perspectives; International Terrorism: The Domestic Response; Police and Law Enforcement; and, Foundations of Criminal Justice.

 

According to the book description of Criminal Investigation: A Method of Reconstruction of the Past, “This text presents the fundamentals of criminal investigation and provides a sound method for reconstructing a past event (i.e., a crime) based on three major sources of information—people, physical evidence and records. More than a simplistic introductory text, yet written in an easy-to-read, user-friendly format, it offers a broad approach to criminal investigation. Updates to this edition include reorganization of the material into three sections, the merging of some chapters, and a new chapter on Increasing Threats and Emerging Crime.”


Crime Scene Evidence: A Guide to the Recovery and Collection of Physical Evidence
Mike Byrd  More Info

Michael W. Byrd joined the Miami-Dade County Police Department in 1985.  He began working in their Crime Scene Investigation Bureau in 1987.  Michael Byrd passed away in 2004.  Michael Byrd published over 30 articles on crime scene investigations and evidence handling.  He is the author of Crime Scene Evidence: A Guide to the Recovery and Collection of Physical Evidence.

 

According to the book description of Crime Scene Evidence: A Guide to the Recovery and Collection of Physical Evidence, “The purpose of this book is to give the investigator a quick and easy reference guide to the collection, handling, and packaging of crime scene evidence. It is meant to assist everyone working in the field of evidence collection--from the first responding officer, to the newly assigned investigator, to the savvy veteran with many crime scene responses under his/her belt. The first responding officer may find himself/herself involved in a situation where he/she will need to collect a particular piece of evidence for whatever reason. In the beginning the crime scene trainee, regardless of their previous experience, can often times find that the job appears to be overwhelming. This is usually due to the abundant task and knowledge required to fulfill the duties of a crime scene investigator or evidence recovery technician. On the same pretext, the crafty veteran may find himself/herself assigned to do a task that he/she hasn't performed in a long time. As in any occupation if something is not done on a continuous basis, the basic knowledge need for completing that task may be temporarily forgotten. Hopefully this text will assist everyone in carrying out the task of crime scene evidence recovery and collection with ease.”


Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation
Charles E. O'Hara  More Info

Former New York City Detective Charles O'Hara is the author of Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation, now in its 7th edition.  According to one reader, “The Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation by Charles E.O'Hara provides a particuarly informative and comprehensive insight into the specific areas of criminal investigation. The author includes detailed explanations and supports his theories with the use of factual information and case studies. As I am currently studying law, I have been searching for a text which provides me with detailed information and everything I need to know. This book certainly has it all. This is must-have for those studying criminal investigation.”


We Get Confessions
Albert Joseph  More Info

Lieutenant Albert Joseph, Rochester Police Department (retired), has over 32 years of law enforcement experience. During his career he worked a variety of assignments including the tactical unit, narcotics unit, detective bureau and homicide unit.  Lieutenant Albert Joseph is a certified instructor in several states and has taught interview and interrogation for over 30 years.  He is the author of We Get Confessions.

 

According to the book description, We Get Confessions uses “actual cases to explain these proven techniques, Lt. Joseph shares his vast experience and insight on the following:  Legal issues - Including a full chapter on the Miranda Decision. There are many crooks walking the streets that should be in jail because the Miranda Decision is misunderstood by many people in the Criminal Justice System; Preparing for Court - How to conduct lengthy interrogations and be prepared to answer any and all questions during Court proceedings; and, Truth and Deception - How to detect if a person is lying to you during any type interview.

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