Books to Refer for Forensic Science, Criminalistics and Crime Scene Investigation

Everyone belonging to the field of forensics must be familiar with the books written by BR Sharma, Richard Saferstein, B.S. Nabar etc. While the books written by these authors are exceptionally good, we have a small list of lesser-known books related to forensics, criminalistics and crime scene investigation which will definitely be helpful in gaining in-depth knowledge about the subject matter.

These books can also serve as a good reference while preparing a research paper or even studying about stuff in forensics happening around the world.

Here is a list of books to Refer for Forensic Science, Criminalistics and Crime Scene Investigation-

1.Techniques of crime scene investigation by Barry A.J. Fisher

In this book, the author describes the steps involved in handling a scene of crime, techniques involved, duties of specific personnel and so on. In addition to this different types of evidences encountered at a scene of crime like firearms, fingerprint, trace evidences and biological fluids are also discussed.

2. Bloodstain pattern analysis with an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction by Tom Bevel and Ross M. Gardner

This book specifically deals with bloodstain spatter analysis and how it’s used in the reconstruction of a crime scene, the documentation and presentation of such evidence in the court of law.

3.Crime Reconstruction by W. Jerry Chisum and Brent E. Turvey

In this book, all the aspects of crime scene Reconstruction are discussed. It serves as a good reference book for any information regarding Reconstruction of a crime. It discusses the history, ethics, methods, practice standards and also situation specific reconstruction like shooting incidents, arson and bloodstain spatter pattern.

4. Forensic Science: The Basics by Jay A. Siegel and Kathy Mirakovits

This book can be considered as a beginner’s  guide to Forensic Science Fundamentals and basics. It will be very useful for students looking to start their studies in Forensic Science. This book describes all the main branches of forensics and how it applicable in law.

5. Crime Scene to Court: The Essentials of Forensic Science edited by Peter White

This book widely encompasses several important divisions of Forensic Science and how the evidences can be presented in courtroom, maintaining the integrity of evidences and the process undertaken in the court of law.

6. Essentials of Forensic Science: Science versus Crime by Max M. Houck

The author gives a brief explanation about the functioning of Forensic Science laboratories and organizations. Further instrumental methods like microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatography etc are also discussed with an insight of how evidences are analyzed. This book also gives an insight of report writing and giving testimony in the court of law.

7. Criminal Evidence by Jefferson L. Ingram

This book specifically deals with the legal aspects surrounding any kind of evidences. The elements of crime, rules involved in examining evidences, theories,  admissibility tests are all discussed briefly in this handbook.

8. Forensic Science Fundamentals & Investigations by Anthony J. Bertino

Similar to the books mentioned above, this books also explains various evidences encountered and their analysis. It contains colorful pictorial representations for the readers to get a clear picture.

9. Introduction to Criminalistics: The Foundation of Forensic Science by Barry A.J. Fisher, William J. Tilstone and Catherine Woytowicz

This book can also serve as an additional reference for anyone who wants to have an in depth insight on a particular topic within Forensic Science.

10. Introduction to Forensic Sciences by William G. Eckert

In addition to existing divisions of Forensic Science,  this book gives a good insight into the upcoming branches like Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Psychiatry and Forensic Odontology.

Hope this helps 😊

We will surely come up with more reference books specifically for different subjects within forensics sooner! Any feedbacks are most welcome:)

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