Criminalistics Laboratory Manual: The Basics of Forensic Investigation

Criminalistics Laboratory Manual provides students who have little to no prior knowledge of forensic science with a practical crime scene processing experience. The manual starts with an original crime scene narrative, setting up the crime students are to solve. This narrative is picked up in each of the 17 forensic science lab activities, tying all forensic disciplines together to show the integrated workings of a real crime lab. The lab activities cover fingerprints, blood typing and spatter analysis, hair and fiber, digital forensics and more.

After completing all of the exercises, the student will be able to solve the homicide based on forensic evidence. Each chapter also includes an introduction to the type of forensic evidence covered, and practice exercises and key definitions prepare students for the laboratory exercise. While fitting in with the larger crime scene narrative, the individual chapters are written so that they can be used separately, giving instructors flexibility.

• Original crime scene scenario engages students, drawing them into the forensic scientific process
• Practical, hands-on crime scene processing activities with clear, detailed instructions for how to perform each laboratory exercise
• Laboratory objectives, key terms, review questions, and glossary of terms keep the student focused on what's important
• No forensic science lab required-alternative materials and equipment are suggested if a science lab is not available