Criminal Investigation: The Art and the Science, 9th Edition © 2020

Criminal Investigation: The Art and the Science is a clear, thorough examination of the fundamentals of criminal investigation and forensic science, as practiced in the US. Written by nationally recognized criminal investigation expert Michael Lyman, this text parallels the steps of the criminal investigation to give students a well-rounded understanding of the work of the investigator. It also unpacks forensic and technological innovations for the novice learner.

The 9th edition has been extensively updated with new and revised material, a new chapter on investigating officer-involved shootings, and updated case studies and graphics.

Hallmark features of this title

Practical coverage of theory, techniques and technologies

• Duties of both the uniformed officer and criminal investigator are outlined. Lyman also examines the cooperative role the two must play during a criminal investigation.
• Expanded: Closer Look vignettes integrated throughout the text help students dive deeper into the subject matter. Topics include technology, careers, tools and techniques of criminal investigation.

Learning aids

• Case in point boxes present case examples of the types of crime discussed in chapters. Most boxes end with thematic questions addressing ethical, legal and other issues of the investigation.
• Summary checklists at the end of each chapter offer review questions followed by bulleted responses addressing main chapter concepts.

Updated features of this title

Criminal investigation from all angles

• Expanded: Criminal investigation processes are expanded upon with a new discussion of cross-racial witness identification and coverage of crime scene walkthroughs and investigative detentions.
• Expanded: Added material on the history of criminal investigation includes biographical vignettes of pioneers in criminal investigation.
• Updated: Samples of investigative forms have been updated. Forms include a crime scene worksheet form, victim information form, crime scene checklist form and crime scene security log form.

Real-world issues and cases

• A new chapter, Investigation of Officer-Involved Shootings (Ch. 18), provides a timely overview of an ongoing challenge: investigating officer-involved shootings.
• Case studies have been added, including the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri; Laquan McDonald in Chicago, Illinois; and Walter Scott in Charleston, South Carolina.
• Expanded: The technology content includes sections on social media and coverage of intelligence-gathering technology such as police license plate readers and facial recognition.