The best Forensic ArticlesBook Reviews
Forensic Cremation: Recovery and Analysis By Scott I. Fairgrieve, PhDFor many, picking up clues by examining human remains may seem like something to be left to the very experienced forensic expert. It is, after all, a highly technical art that may reveal make-or-break information regarding a crime scene investigation. In his book, Forensic Cremation: Recovery and Analysis, author Scott Fairgrieve discusses a methodical approach to the use of forensic anthropology as he takes the reader through the entire process from the point of discovery to the end of analysis.
Forensic Cremation begins with an overview of cremated remains, or cremains, in the forensic setting. This chapter is designed to provide those new to forensic anthropology insight into the challenges that arise when dealing with the process of analysis. Other chapters include information on fire and combustion, the cremation process, scene recovery, laboratory analysis, heat-induced alterations of bone microstructure, incineration of dental tissues, and positive identification of cremains.
Dr. Fairgrieve notes in his preface that the ultimate goal of an investigation of this kind is to identify who the individual was and also how, when, and where he or she died. He also remarks that as challenging as this recovery and analysis may appear, it is far from a hopeless situation. As forensic professionals-anthropologists in particular- better understand the implications of their fields of study, it is certain that the outcome will yield positive results.
Forensic Cremation is an ideal resource for both the experienced forensic anthropologist and also the forensic scientist who wishes to gain insight into the exciting field of study.
Scott I. Fairgrieve, PhD, received his Hons BSc in Anthropology from the University of Toronto, an MPhil in Biological Anthropology from the University of Cambridge (England), and a PhD in Anthropology (Human Skeletal Biology) from the University of Toronto. Currently, Dr. Fairgrieve is Chair of the Department of Forensic Science and an active member of the faculty. He has been a member of ACFEI since 2001.
Executive Protection: New Solutions for a New Era
By Robert L. Oatman, CHS-III, CPPCertainly all individuals are equals, yet some require higher levels of protection than others. Governmental authorities as well as global executives require specialists that provide the type of security they need to survive.
In his 1997 book, The Art of Executive Protection, Robert L. Oatman discussed the increasing need for a new professional specialty, executive protection (EP). Executive Protection: New Solutions for a New Era is a follow-up to that book, and it focuses on the ways in which EP has changed since the terrorism-related events of 9/11. Oatman expands on both basic and advanced concepts and updates them for applicability in today's global trade, international travel, corporate responsibility, and advanced technology fields.
Written for those who provide protection and those who require it, the book begins with an examination of the world's current threat trends. It then discusses the practical value of EP in a corporate environment and describes the techniques of the all-important risk assessment, on which any intelligent protection program must be based.
Additional resources are located in appendices at the conclusion of the book. This supplemental information includes mail screening tips, a bomb threat card, and checklists for advance work. Bonus material includes online access to the advance checklists at www.rloatman.com.
The goal of EP-and of this book-is to safeguard those who face above-average personal risk due to their high positions in business or government or the special characteristics of their family profile. Written simply, yet informatively, it is of vital importance for all involved in these types of situations.
Robert L. Oatman, CHS-III, CPP, is one of the preeminent providers of executive protection (EP) in the United States. His firm, R. L. Oatman & Associates, Inc., has provided EP risk assessments, consultation, operations, and training around the world since 1989. He has been Certified in Homeland Security under the American College of Forensic Examiners since 2003.
Forensic Psychology and Neuropsychology for Criminal and Civil Cases
Edited by Harold V. Hall, PhD, DABPSForensic scientists are regularly called upon to act as expert witnesses in a court of law. The testimony the consultant gives can have life or death consequences for not only the defendant, but also the career of the consultant. It is of utmost importance that the forensic psychologist understand the critical role he or she plays not only in this capacity, but in all other legal arenas. Divided into four organized parts, Forensic Psychology and Neuropsychology for Criminal and Civil Cases offers insight into the impact of modern behavioral science on the legal system.
Part 1, titled Foundational Issues, includes sections on criminal responsibility evaluations, detecting malingering and deception in forensic evaluations, violence prediction and risk analysis, among others. Part II covers criminal-forensic evaluation, and it explores psychological consultion in hostage/ barricade crisis negotiation, mitigatory defenses, and mental retardation in the criminal justice system. Part III gives an overview of civil-forensic evaluation. Its chapters tackle more personal cases of custodial placement and child maltreatment parental assessments. Part IV consists of 19 appendices that provide information relevant to multiple chapters of the book as well as several full case studies that are supplements to specific chapters.
Dr. Hall's textbook provides a wealth of information for forensic psychologists on the most cutting- edge research concerning neuropsychological assessments. These assessments allow for greater understanding and evaluations in forensic psychology, making Forensic Psychology a needed resource for the behavioral science professional.
Harold V. Hall, PhD, DABPS, is a Forensic Neuropsychologist and Director of the Pacific Institute for the Study of Conflict and Aggression. He has authored or edited 13 books, including Violence Prediction: Guidelines for the Forensic Practitioner, Detecting Malingering and Deception: Forensic Distortion Analysis, and Methamphetamine Abuse: Clinical and Forensic Aspects. He has been a member of ACFEI since 1996.
The First Human Bomb: The Untold Story of the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination
By P. Chandra Sekharan, PhD, FACFEI, DABFE"No observation is puerile or petty in forensic situations."
On May 21, 1991, a blast from a human bomb, or suicide bomber, killed Rajiv Gandhi at an election rally. This would be the first of its kind. As the principal scientific investigator, respected forensic scientist P. Chandra Sekharan has compiled a compelling story of the investigation into the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.
The 2008 book furnishes details of sophistication and expertise that went into the first human bomb and brings out the gamut of techniques and skills that went into the forensic analysis and crime scene reconstruction. While Sekharan narrates his findings during the first few frenetic days as a dayby- day account, related scientific information is also interwoven.
A section of the book focuses on the forensic techniques used in identifying the assassin and associates from their skulls, head models, and photographic evidence. Particular attention is paid to the definitions and characteristics of explosives that play a key role in terrorists' activities. The book includes almost all the text, photographs, and illustrations that formed part of the original 176-page report Sekharan prepared for the case.
The First Human Bomb reads like a piece of historical fiction, although in this case, the story is very much true. Dr. Sekharan has created a book that offers itself as an interesting read for the general book lover, as well as providing an additional source of information for the forensic community.
P. Chandra Sekharan, PhD, FACFEI, DABFE, has 45 years of experience in consultacy, teaching, research and training in the field of forensic science. He has delivered lectures, key note addresses, and presented papers in several national and international seminars, conferences, and workshops. He is a Life Fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners and has been a member since 1997.