• New and updated statistical information, research findings, investigative procedures, and legal cases ensure students are learning about the most current research in the field. 
• Several new “From the Case File” chapter introductions and 25 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 material on documenting evidence via reports provides examples of well-written police reports to help students build better writing skills. 
• New material on social media and evidence from electronic digital devices discusses how to use new technology as a source of information. 
• A stronger focus on terrorism and the use of technology in investigations encourages students to discuss and critically analyze the future of criminal investigations.
• New sections titled “Mental Mistakes in Criminal Investigations,” “Perspectives on the Criminal Investigation Process,” and “Qualities and Characteristics of Investigators” offer students tips and advice for conducting successful investigations. 
• New material on touch DNA helps students see the benefits and limitations of scientific evidence gathered from a crime scene.

KEY FEATURES:

• In-depth discussions of current topics: Proper evidence collection procedures, the impact of the exclusionary rule, the theory and effectiveness of psychological profiling, the complexities of false confessions and false convictions, and crime pattern analysis and mapping.
• “From the Case File” feature at the beginning of each chapter provides detailed descriptions of actual investigations as they were conducted. These case studies can be used to analyze how evidence is (or could be) used to establish proof and to evaluate the conduct of criminal investigations.
• Additional real-life investigative case examples (including “Case-in-Point” features) illustrate key points of the chapter and facilitate the review and analysis of actual investigative cases.
• “Myths and Misconceptions” boxes address false information that is provided by the media and other representations of criminal investigations to help students think critically.
• “A Question of Ethics” feature requires students to think about the importance of ethical issues in criminal investigations.
• Detailed discussions of the strengths, weaknesses, and effectiveness of all major forms of evidence give students insights into evidence such as DNA and biological evidence, other forms of physical evidence, eyewitness identifications, confessions, and behavioral evidence.
• Detailed discussions of the proper conduct of specific types of crime investigations including homicide, sex crimes, domestic violence and child abuse, robbery, burglary, vehicle theft, arson, fraud, and other computer-facilitated crimes.
• Research findings offer insights into topics like eyewitness identifications and human memory to help current and future investigators identify and recommend best practices and procedures in criminal investigations.
• Full-color original photos of crime scenes bring students closer to real-life criminal investigations and investigative techniques.