The author advises that this is not a technical treatise nor a step-by-step "how to" book on crime scene investigation. This fifth edition updates some of the newer techniques in forensic science, including forensic DNA typing, latent fingerprint developing, automated fingerprint identification classification systems, and others. The introduction discusses the identification and individualization of physical evidence as well as the collection and preservation of physical evidence. The second chapter outlines the responsibilities of the first officer at the crime scene. Topics discussed include recording the time, entering the scene proper, protecting the scene, an injured person on the scene, a dead person at the scene, summoning the coroner, and various types of evidence at the scene. This is followed by a chapter on the tasks of the crime scene investigator and a chapter on specialized personnel at the crime scene. A chapter on processing the crime scene addresses a plan of action, note-taking, crime scene search, crime scene photography, sketching the crime scene, and evidence collection. Other chapters address the establishing of a victim's and a suspect's identity, trace evidence and miscellaneous material, blood and other biological evidence, impression evidence, and firearms examination. Remaining chapters focus on the investigation of particular types of offenses, namely, arson, explosive evidence, illicit drugs and toxicology, sexual assault, burglary, motor vehicle offenses, and homicide investigations. Appended list of equipment for crime scene investigations, a 380- item bibliography, and a subject index