Forensic Analysis of Fire Debris and Explosives

Forensic Analysis of Fire Debris and Explosives PDF

Author: Kenyon Evans-Nguyen

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2019-10-08

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 3030258343

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This text provides training on the fundamental tools and methodologies used in active forensic laboratories for the complicated analysis of fire debris and explosives evidence. It is intended to serve as a gateway for students and transitioning forensic science or chemistry professionals. The book is divided between the two disciplines of fire debris and explosives, with a final pair of chapters devoted to the interplay between the two disciplines and with other disciplines, such as DNA and fingerprint analysis. It brings together a multi-national group of technical experts, ranging from academic researchers to active practitioners, including members of some of the premier forensic agencies of the world. Readers will gain knowledge of practical methods of analysis and will develop a strong foundation for laboratory work in forensic chemistry. End-of-chapter questions based on relevant topics and real-world data provide a realistic arena for learners to test newly-acquired techniques.

Fire Debris Analysis

Fire Debris Analysis PDF

Author: Eric Stauffer

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2007-12-10

Total Pages: 683

ISBN-13: 0080556264

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The study of fire debris analysis is vital to the function of all fire investigations, and, as such, Fire Debris Analysis is an essential resource for fire investigators. The present methods of analysis include the use of gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, techniques which are well established and used by crime laboratories throughout the world. However, despite their universality, this is the first comprehensive resource that addresses their application to fire debris analysis. Fire Debris Analysis covers topics such as the physics and chemistry of fire and liquid fuels, the interpretation of data obtained from fire debris, and the future of the subject. Its cutting-edge material and experienced author team distinguishes this book as a quality reference that should be on the shelves of all crime laboratories. Serves as a comprehensive guide to the science of fire debris analysis Presents both basic and advanced concepts in an easily readable, logical sequence Includes a full-color insert with figures that illustrate key concepts discussed in the text

Identifying Ignitable Liquids in Fire Debris

Identifying Ignitable Liquids in Fire Debris PDF

Author: Jeanet Hendrikse

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2015-10-05

Total Pages: 143

ISBN-13: 0128043873

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Identifying Ignitable Liquids in Fire Debris: A Guideline for Forensic Experts discusses and illustrates the characteristics of different ignitable liquid products. This guideline builds on the minimum criteria of the ignitable liquid classes defined in the internationally accepted standard ASTM E1618 Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The volume provides information on the origin of the characteristics of these ignitable liquid products and provides a summary of characteristics to demonstrate a positive identification of the particular product class. Topics such as the term ignitable liquid, relevant guidelines for fire debris analysis, production processes of ignitable liquids, fire debris analysis methods, and interferences in fire debris analysis, are briefly discussed as these topics are essential for the understanding of the identification and classification of ignitable liquid residues in fire debris. Discusses the characteristics and variations in chemical composition of different classes of the ignitable liquid products defined by ASTM E1618:14 Covers the General Production Processes of Ignitable Liquid Products Includes a guide for the Identification of Ignitable Liquids in Fire Debris

Explosives & Arson Investigation

Explosives & Arson Investigation PDF

Author: Jean Ford

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2014-09-02

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13: 1422289532

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

An uncanny calm settles on the scene. The blaze is out. A soggy, sooty mess remains. Most of us wouldn't have a clue where to begin, yet fire and explosion investigators know precisely where and how to dig in. Other books in this series show that documents, fingerprints, a stray hair, fibers, bullets, tool marks, blood spatter, SNA, cigarette butts, insects, or even a simple candy wrapper can provide clinching proof in many legal cases—but fire and bombs destroy these bits of evidence. What clues can forensic scientists possibly glean from rubble and ash? Using real-life stories as examples, Explosives & Arson Investigation explores the world of fire—and bomb-scene investigation. From first-on-the-scene priorities to collecting and documenting evidence to lab analysis and its procedures, then finally assessing motive, this book reveals basic fire characteristics, what investigators look for, how they process what they find, the meaning of specific clues, and common motives—all while highlighting various forensic careers.

A Survey on the Interpretive GC/MS Analysis of Fire Debris

A Survey on the Interpretive GC/MS Analysis of Fire Debris PDF

Author: Anthony Thomas Parks

Publisher:

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 43

ISBN-13: 9780438372801

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The practice of arson analysis in a forensic science laboratory is based upon detecting the presence of ignitable liquids. If an ignitable liquid is present, it is suggestive of arson; if no ignitable liquid is found an arson claim is more difficult to assert. Ignitable liquids are detected using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Instrumental results from a GC/MS can display components of an ignitable liquid but an analyst needs to make the final decision. Even with correct instrumentation and suggested guidelines, ignitable liquid analysis can be subjective and based upon the analysts' education and experience. To better understand the interpretive practices of the fire debris analysis community, a survey consisting of reference samples, mixture standards, and multiple unknowns was created in consultation with the Los Angeles Police Department Arson Unit. The samples consisted of different substrates with varying classes and volumes of ignitable liquid. They were created using a destructive distillation method first developed by the State of Florida Bureau of Forensic Fire and Explosives Analysis. Extraction of the samples was completed using a carbon strip to perform passive headspace absorption following the ASTM E 1412 method. The samples were analyzed with a GC/MS following National Commission on Forensic Science parameters. To maintain confidentiality, participant responses are stripped of identifiers and the results of the survey, details about the procedure, and discussions will be presented.

Fire and Explosives

Fire and Explosives PDF

Author: John D Wright

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-12-18

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 1317470443

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This introductory text on labour economics covers topics such as: the shift in America from a manufacturing-based economy to a service economy; the changes in the economic conditions in the US; the implications of NAFTA and GATT; and the labour markets.

Careers in Explosives and Arson Investigation

Careers in Explosives and Arson Investigation PDF

Author: Daniel E. Harmon

Publisher: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc

Published: 2008-01-15

Total Pages: 72

ISBN-13: 9781404213463

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Looks at explosives and arson investigation and how the techniques are used to help capture criminals, and also provides information about the training and education necessary to work in the field and what career opportunities are available.

The Forensic Laboratory Handbook Procedures and Practice

The Forensic Laboratory Handbook Procedures and Practice PDF

Author: Ashraf Mozayani

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-12-14

Total Pages: 604

ISBN-13: 1607618729

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Forensic science has come a long way in the past ten years. It is much more in-depth and much broader in scope, and the information gleaned from any evidence yields so much more information than it had in the past because of incredible advances in analytic instruments and crucial procedures at both the crime scene and in the lab. Many practices have gone digital, a concept not even fathomed ten years ago. And from the first collection of evidence to its lab analysis and interpretation to its final presentation in court, ethics has become an overriding guiding principle. That’s why this new edition of this classic handbook is indispensable. The Forensic Laboratory Handbook Procedures and Practice includes thirteen new chapters written by real-life practitioners who are experts in the field. It covers the tried and true topics of fingerprints, trace evidence, chemistry, biology, explosives and arson, forensic anthropology, forensic pathology, forensic documents, firearms and toolmarks. This text also addresses an array of new topics including accreditation, certification, ethics, and how insects and bugs can assist in determining many facts including a margin of time of death. In the attempt to offer a complete and comprehensive analysis The Forensic Laboratory Handbook Procedures and Practice also includes a chapter discussing the design of a laboratory. In addition, each chapter contains educational requirements needed for the discipline it covers. Complete with questions at the end of each chapter, brief author bios and real crime scene photos, this text has risen to greet the many new challenges and issues that face today’s forensic crime practitioners.

Scientific Protocols for Fire Investigation, Third Edition

Scientific Protocols for Fire Investigation, Third Edition PDF

Author: John J. Lentini

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2018-09-28

Total Pages: 609

ISBN-13: 1351712373

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Scientific Protocols for Fire Investigation, Third Edition focuses on the practical application of fundamental scientific principles to determine the causes of fires. Originally published in 2006, the First Edition was very well received by fire investigators and those who work with them. Since fire investigation is a rapidly evolving field—driven by new discoveries about fire behavior—the Second Edition was published in late 2012. This latest, fully updated Third Edition reflects the most recent developments in the field. Currently, serious research is underway to try to understand the role of ventilation in structure fires. Likewise, there is improved understanding of the kinds of errors investigators can make that lead to incorrect determinations of the causes of fires. In addition to the scientific aspects, the litigation of fire related events is rapidly changing, particularly with respect to an investigator's qualifications to serve as an expert witness. This book covers these latest developments and ties together the changing standards for fire investigations with the fundamental scientific knowledge presented in the early chapters of the book. The book is intended for those individuals who have recently entered the field of fire investigation, and those who are studying fire investigation with a plan to become certified professionals. In addition, professionals in the insurance industry who hire fire investigators will find this an invaluable resource. Insurance companies have sustained significant losses by hiring individuals who are not qualified, resulting in cases being settled or lost at a cost of millions. Insurance adjusters and investigators will learn to recognize quality fire investigations and those that are not up to today's standards. Lastly, this book is also for the many attorneys who litigate fire cases. Written with language and terms that make the science accessible even to the non-scientist, this new edition will be a welcome resource to any professional involved in fire and arson cases.