Crime Scene Basics and Beyond

Crime Scene Basics and Beyond offers unique perspective regarding not only the technical aspects of crime scene investigation, but the mental skillsets—the reasoning, thought process, and habits of the mind—that support mastery of the craft. The text presents a holistic approach to crime scene investigation, encouraging readers to better understand all that is required to effectively process, assess, and analyze a crime scene. 

Drawing upon the author’s extensive experience, the text frames critical concepts and procedures with invaluable insight from the field. It challenges future crime scene investigators to develop and employ critical thinking skills to better analyze their work and devise the best solution or approach for any given situation. Readers learn the importance not only of recognizing evidence in all forms but interpreting it within the context of a case. The book includes coverage of investigations, evidence, and crime scene search, photography, diagrams, measurements, and documentation. Fingerprint techniques, DNA, blood, firearms, and the packing of materials are also addressed. 

Offering astute perspective and practical knowledge, Crime Scene Basics and Beyond is well suited for foundational courses in crime scene investigation and forensics.

Robert E. Walker was selected for the crime scene unit in 1995 and remained in the craft for the next 20 years, participating in some of the highest profile cases within his jurisdiction. During his tenure, he served as a police academy instructor, earned the IAI’s Certified Crime Scene Investigator rating, and served as an expert witness in federal and state courts. In 2017, he was asked to contribute training materials to the United Nations Office of Drug Control and Crime Global Firearms Programme. Walker is a graduate of Barry University and received training from the FBI Academy at Quantico, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York City, and the Miami-Dade Police Department. He is the author of Cartridges and Firearm Identification.