So many television series have not only popularized the art of forensics, but they have also inspired numerous people to study in the field and become some of the most well known and educated forensic scientists in the world. From CSI to 48 Hours to Snapped, and Forensic Files, it is practically free to learn about anything you might enjoy in terms of crime scene investigation. Although forensics is intricate in detail, TV shows do not go into specifics on everything one would need to know in order to get a degree in the field. If this peaks your interest, read the list of the top five books in forensics to help prepare you for a future in investigation.
1. Investigative Psychology: Offender Profiling And The Analysis Of Criminal Action: by David Canter and Donna Youngs
The fundamentals of this book were absolutely revolutionary in the world of forensics. It is considered to this day to be one of the most thorough and detailed texts on forensic science. It includes a wide variety on topics that range from early work to the most recent studies performed, to murder, theft, violence, rape, terrorism, etc. It also offers descriptions of the analogies and many theories on DNA testing and analysis of all kinds in the field of investigation. This is best for those who are in graduate school, or have a good understanding of the field.
2. The Basics of Digital Forensics: The Primer for Getting Started in Digital Forensics, Edition 2: by John Sammons
This author has recognized that digital forensics is the most common form of crime scene investigation in the entire field. This book goes into great detail on methodologies to help the reader better understand how certain examinations are performed based on an all-digital platform. Information on this topic includes cell phones, GPS, computers plus the internet, the cloud, different networks, etc.
3. Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation: by Barry Fisher
There are several editions of this text, but they are all based on similar factors that are involved in crime scene investigation. This takes a deeper look into field-tested techniques and concepts that have been utilized at multiple places, such as police academies, universities, and community colleges. This book is also highly recommended for preparing ones for your certification exams.
4. Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques: by Suzanne Bell and John J. Nordby
Designed for a single term course at a beginner’s level, Bell and Nordby discuss the intersection of law and the entire process from start to finish. How things become part of evidence, how it is made admissible in court, and they even discuss how autopsies are done. This includes the basic fundamentals of DNA analysis, fingerprinting, firearms, and much more. This book is a great choice for someone who is genuinely interested in forensics, but might still be struggling to decide if they want an education in the field.
5. Forensic Psychology: by Christopher Cronin
This book is more aimed for those specifically interested in performing psychological evaluations. Although it is still an important aspect of crime scene investigation, this book walks through the process of conducting criminal responsibility evaluations, police officer evaluations, psychological injury assessments, child custody evaluations, and trial consultation. This type of work requires more of a psychiatric degree, as well as a forensics degree. It goes into detail along the lines of psychology rather than crime scene investigation. This could certificate or degree in the medical field.
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As well as interesting, forensics is a highly respectable career. This list of books will help give you an inside look at all aspects of crime scene investigation.
