Practical Homicide Investigation Checklist and Field Guide

Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations

by Vernon J. Geberth

Practical Homicide Investigation: Tactics, Procedures, and Forensic Techniques, Fourth Edition has long been considered the "bible of homicide investigation." Designed to accompany this bestselling work, Practical Homicide Investigation Checklist and Field Guide, Second Edition provides first responders, police personnel, and medical examiners and coroners with essential checklists that proceed step-by-step through the tactics, procedures, and forensic techniques that are mandatory in sudden and violent death inquiries. This new edition contains twice the material of the first edition, yet maintains its concise, practical format.

Topics include:



Specific investigative duties at the death scene

Suicide and equivocal death investigation

Autoerotic fatalities and other sex-related deaths

Fatal fires

SIDS and Munchausen syndrome by proxy

Police-related shootings and deadly force incidents

Crime scene photograph documentation and videotaping protocols

Guidelines for proper death notification to family members


Supplemented by color anatomical diagrams and indexed by type of crime for quick and easy reference, this second edition has been newly revised with the most current information and updates in technology. The appendix contains collection procedures for specific types of evidence, ensuring that a proper and complete investigation can be undertaken in all cases. Forensic professionals who master the material in this guide can be assured that death scenes are handled professionally and expeditiously and no evidence is overlooked.

Genres: Crime, True Crime, Reference, Nonfiction, Research

170 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 1996