Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science

by Richard Saferstein

Written by a very well-known authority in forensic science, this book introduces the non-scientific reader to the field of forensic science. Through applications to criminal investigations, clear explanations of the techniques, and the abilities and limitations of modern crime labs, Criminalistics covers the comprehensive realm of forensics. The book strives to make the technology of the modern crime laboratory clear to the non-scientist. Combining case stories with applicable technology, Criminalistics captures the excitement of forensic science investigations. Familiarizes readers with the most current technologies in forensic analysis. KEY Aims at making the subject of forensic science comprehensible to a wide variety of readers who are planning on being aligned with the forensic science profession.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Reference, School, Crime, Academic

651 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Linda]

I took a course in Forensics from Coursera recently and this was one of the suggested "textbooks."

I'm REALLY glad that I got it because not only does it nicely complement the course, but it's a great learning experience on its own.

It can be read as a book rather than a textbook - in fact, I think the chapter summaries and the Questions at the end of each chapter are not at all good - but the information contained in the chapters is clear and very understandable, even when they are somewhat complicated scientific ideas.

So, if you have the time and the discipline to read a textbook like a "real" book and you're into forensics, check it out. You can get this and earlier editions online for a reasonable price (or I wouldn't have ordered it!!!!).

[Ann]

Even though this book was required reading for my Forensic Science class, I found it absolutely fascinating. I had no idea how in depth the Crime Scene Unit investigators get when it comes to collecting data, transporting that data and then passing it off to the forensic scientist for analyzing. The crimes that have been solved through the talents of individuals who perform forensic science on a daily basis is amazing to me. I realize this book is considered a "textbook", but if you ever want to find out what law enforcement has to go through to solve a crime, I think you might find this an interesting read.

[Reginald Finley]

A really good textbook for general forensics. If you have a background in physical science and biology, you should find it quite familiar and if new to Forensics, fascinating. I highly recommend supplementing with Gardner's Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation to get a more down-to-Earth and practical outlook.

[Josie]

A decent book I had for one of my classes, but I don't think it went far enough in some of its explanations. I seem to remember there being a lot of supplemental material we had in powerpoint presentations for class.

[Thomas Dejewski]

A very informative read. a wealth of information. A tough read that is very science oriented. It took me a great deal of time to outline each chapter for class, but the book had great chapter outlines, nice pictures.

[Lois]

This book is badly edited. You can read a whole chapter about a technique and at the end of the chapter the author will tell you that this technique is on longer in use because better techniques have been developed. The book has math errors. The book does NOT tell you that much of the so-called science of tire tracks, footprints, bite marks, blood spatters and marijuana testing is full of errors and is at best a pseudo-science. The book has inconsistencies -- on the same page it will give you two different sizes for the same kind of blood spatter. This book is the text for my Forensic Biology class. I'm recommending they not use it again.

[Bob]

Es un libro lleno de un montón de fotos, que es fácil de entender. Comienza desde lo básico y va elaborándose. Cuestionarios al final de cada tema para poner a prueba tu aprendizaje. Escenarios de casos útiles con pruebas, que son divertidos. Muy atractivo. El libro está impreso en papel de buena calidad y las fotos son claras y coloridas.

[Ria]

I am not a Forensic Student. I read this book for research purposes. I don't know what forensics look like and this book makes it clear. The explaination is comprehensive and well-preserved. Also the author gives cases in each chapter and provides so many helpful pictures.

[Kevin]

school

[Victoria]

I had this for criminalistics this semester. It was a pretty good book, I liked the cases that they included in each chapter.

[Cozette Zimmerman]

A useful tool to reference for any crime scene person, it is all encompassing with relevant true crime bits related the each area of science

[Malia Garcia]

🌟🌟🌟
…read it for school.

[Colleen]

This textbook offers a great overview for an introductory forensic science course; every major segment of forensic science is covered to some degree - entomology, fire examination, firearms, bloodstain analysis, etc. The case studies are really interesting, too, and there are a lot of websites recommended that you can check out.

For people wanting to know just the general basics of what forensic scientists do, Saferstein has written a good jumping-off point. You'll want to read other books and take courses, though, if you want a proper in-depth look at the subject matter, because with some things he merely scratches the surface, and with others he suggests somewhat questionable methods.

For example, in discussing the collection of bullets at a crime scene, he suggests that the investigator put their initials either at the base of the bullet or on the nose of the bullet. While it's really not the best idea to mark such small evidence as a bullet directly, you should never - I repeat, NEVER - make any kind of mark to the nose or sides of bullets recovered at a crime scene. In doing so, you are completely destroying or at least contaminating any trace evidence that could have been recovered and analyzed microscopically. And with a bullet that has been fired, there will ALWAYS be something on the nose for the microscopist. So while Saferstein suggests initialling these items, do the trace evidence and firearms examiners back at the lab a favor and just bag it up and fill out the form.

[Angela]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/10512639

I read an earlier edition while in college...finished this one in preparation for my certification test tomorrow. Lots of good info, but the computer sections are already out dated...

[Matthew]

This book is the second of only two of my college text books that I have enjoyed reading. This book delves into the "lab-work" side of criminal justice. The science behind some of the techniques and procedures is wild! Really exciting read!!! (If you're into this sort of thing.)

[Jenny]

The class was awesome, but the book was a little lacking in terms of really comprehensive information. Forensic Science still rocks!

[Donn]

czx

[Drew (graysonsyd)]

One of the best forensic science textbooks available. Highly recommended.

[Rebecca]

could be more in depth. so far it's alright as far as an intro to the subject.

[Daniel Goff]

makes forensics look easy!

[Bradley America]

I was sad over having to return this to the textbook rental place.

[Lisa]

It's a fairly typical college course book but it's readable and interesting and has been a great source of information for my own writing.