Criminal Investigation

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

• The new edition is available as a digital option through SAGE Vantage, an intuitive digital platform that offers auto-graded assignments and interactive multimedia tools—including video—all designed to enable students to better prepare for class.
• Analyze the Evidence video activities (Available only through Vantage) give criminal investigation students the opportunity to put what they've learned into practice by analyzing actual crime scene photos in an interactive video format.
• A new chapter on evidence from electronic devices (Chapter 9) defines what is considered as digital evidence and explores evidence from smartphones and other electronic devices.
• A new capstone case is provided in the appendix. This case allows students to apply what they have learned throughout the book to an actual investigation.
• Seven new “From the Case File” chapter introductions and 14 new in-chapter “Case-in-Point” investigative case examples make it easier for students to connect the content to the real world.
• More than 75 new photos, most of which are case photos from actual investigations, illustrate key concepts to help keep students engaged with the content.
• New and updated statistical information, research findings, investigative procedures, and legal cases ensure students are learning about the most current research in the field.

• A focus on evidence in criminal investigations provides increased coverage on the role and function of evidence, the collection of evidence, and legal procedures as they relate to evidence collection.
• In-depth discussions on important topics: limitations of scientific evidence, the impact of the exclusionary rule, the use of social media in investigations, the effectiveness of the polygraph, the theory and effectiveness of psychological profiling, the complexities of false confessions and false convictions, the effectiveness of AMBER Alerts, crime pattern analysis and mapping, and the methods and motivations of offenders.
• A multitude of case examples are provided in order to illustrate key points and as a basis for discussion about the proper conduct of criminal investigations.    
• A comprehensive capstone case is presented in the appendix for students to analyze and apply the knowledge gained throughout the course.
• Findings from contemporary research offer new insights on topics such as eyewitness identifications and human memory to help current and future investigators identify and recommend best practices and procedures in criminal investigations.
• “From the Case File” case studies at the beginning of each chapter describe actual investigations as they were conducted.
• At the conclusion of each case study are “Case Considerations and Points for Discussion” to help students apply the material.  
• “Myths and Misconceptions” features directly address some of the false information that is provided by the media and other representations of criminal investigations
• “A Question of Ethics” feature  requires students to think about the importance of ethical conduct in criminal investigations
• Learning Objectives are presented at the beginning of each chapter to help students see the goals for what they will be studying
• Full-color original photos of actual crime scenes bring students closer to real-life criminal investigations and investigative techniques.