Forensic Science Handbook, Volume 2

by Richard Saferstein

Designed to provide practicing scientists with extensive knowledge and reference material to support scientific testimony in the courtroom, this book presents authoritative, updated reviews designed to familiarize the reader with the latest techniques and methods available to forensic scientists. Practitioners will find this volume and its two other companions to be a handy reference for acquiring a working knowledge of examination techniques for a wide-range of crime-scene evidence. This volume focuses on DNA analysis, fiber analysis, drug identification, firearm examination, the microscopic examination of physical evidence, and the characterization of biological stains. An invaluable training aid for those preparing themselves for a career in forensic science, and an invaluable reference handbook for those already in the profession.

528 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2004

About the author

Dr. Richard Saferstein was the chief forensic scientist of the New Jersey State Police Laboratory from 1970 to 1991. He appeared in over 1,000 courts as an expert witness and published numerous articles throughout his career. From 1972 to 1991, he also taught an introductory forensic science course in the criminal justice programs at Ocean County College and College of New Jersey.

Upon his retirement in 1991 he started his own consulting business, working as a consultant for attorneys and the media in the area of forensic science. He worked on numerous high-profile cases, including the O.J. Simpson criminal trial, and wrote several forensic science textbooks, the most important being “Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science” which became the leading textbook in the field in the U.S. In 2006, he received the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Paul L. Kirk award for distinguished service and contributions to the field of criminalistics.

He passed away in 2017.