Fundamentals of Forensic Investigation

The aim of this book is to provide an examination of the contemporary issues affecting forensic investigations. Its intention is to avoid a task centred description of traditional forensic processes and move to analyse the organisational context within which the techniques are deployed. This begins by looking at the impact of various drivers on the activities of law enforcement, in an investigative context, evaluating the way in which this shapes current provision. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting the criminal justice use of science and technology are considered, appraising the current constraints and value of the forensic resource to criminal justice. To assist, the key functions in the use of the forensic resource are analysed as part of the broader system requirements, the focus is on the ‘cascade effect’ of national and international drivers, to organisation response and its impact on individuals working frontline. The impact on practice and forensic resource prioritisation, looking at the ergonomics and human factors influencing the use of the forensic resource, will be modelled and explained. This provides a clear picture of requirement and where future science, technology and response can be honed. The book is designed for students and practitioners and it will provide a detailed review of the ‘utilisation’ of the forensic resource, the ‘real-world’ constraints and applications, and, the importance of strategy and holistic awareness of criminal justice organisational requirement and organisation response. It puts the use of forensic science techniques in context, putting the human factors first, and will provide a realistic appraisal of the considerations affecting the attainment of achieving the best possible value from the forensic sciences.