Swanson's Criminal Investigation, Twelfth Edition, is widely recognized as the most accurate and comprehensive text in the field. This practical, step-by-step introduction to criminal investigation gives students a logical framework for understanding the investigative process. Major sections cover current issues, such as environmental crime, the looting of archaeological sites, videotaping of crime scenes, street gangs, and drugs. Case studies throughout the text emphasize the applied technique of criminal investigation. Graphs, charts, and compelling photographs depict the practical aspects of investigation and clarify difficult scientific concepts.

Criminal Investigation is a comprehensive tool for students who are planning to work in law enforcement or a related field. Opening with a discussion of the evolution of criminal investigation and the importance of forensic science, this text fully explores the investigative process, types of crimes, and the trial process.


Criminal Investigation differs from other texts on the subject in several highly important ways:
•Presents criminal investigation as a science, rather than as an art, giving full importance to precision and rigorous methodology, setting it apart from and above other texts on the subject.
•Places techniques into context by discussing typologies in depth, including offenses, offenders, and victims, enabling readers to take away a more comprehensive understanding of criminal investigation, while providing access to substantial reference information.
•Includes crime-prevention sections that help crime scene investigators work with victims to avoid further loss.
•Recognizes the uniformed officer's role in and contribution to the ultimate success of an investigation, separate from the role of the detective.


The authors Charles R. Swanson, Neil C. Chamelin, Leonard Territo, and Robert W. Taylor bring their vast range of experiences to the topic. Collectively, they have worked in municipal police departments and a sheriff's office; been consultants to local, state, federal, and foreign police agencies; held faculty appointments in criminal justice departments; taught in police academies; and served as expert witnesses. The authors have written multiple books and articles and have presented papers at national conferences. Criminal Investigation reflects what they have learned from their practical experiences, supplemented by the relevant research.


New to This Edition
•Every chapter has been updated with the most current information.
•A host of new photographs, figures, and tables have been added to reinforce and expand the text coverage.
•Quick Fact boxes benefit students throughout the entire book.
•Feature numbered boxes are included in most chapters to aid students and provide context.
•A boxed feature highlights a new topic "Thinking Outside the Forensic Entomology."


For Connect users, the free ReadAnywhere downloadable app is available on iOS and Android mobile devices. It gives students mobile freedom to access their ebook anywhere, even offline, on their smartphone or tablet. Connect creates a personalized study path that can be customized to individual student needs through SmartBook. SmartBook helps students study more efficiently by delivering an interactive reading experience through adaptive highlighting and review.