Stiefel. Fingerprints

Stiefel, Chana    Fingerprints      

 Enslow      2011  104p  23.95 978-0-7660-3689-5  

ms/hs VG-BNS            

   Beginning with a discussion of early means of criminal investigations and how fingerprint physiology methods drastically changed the ways crimes were solved, Stiefel explains the by which fingerprints can be characterized and how law enforcement agencies make and use fingerprint records.  Forensic science and criminal investigations provide the basis for some of the hottest shows on the tube these days and this book will entice young readers into a deeper look at evidence gathering.  Beginning with a discussion of early means of criminal investigations and how fingerprint physiology methods drastically changed the ways crimes were solved, Stiefel explains the methodology by which fingerprints can be characterized and how law enforcement agencies make and use fingerprint records.  She describes the techniques by which experts locate, lift, and record fingerprints and use them to convict lawbreakers.   She chronicles cases in which fingerprint evidence led to just convictions and those in which poor evidence gathering led to unjust incarcerations.  She also details new methods of crime solving through DNA analysis and how fingerprint scanning is becoming part of everyday life.
   The book is clearly written with each chapter filled with colorful, eye-catching graphics, photographs, and fascinating facts.  The book also includes fact boxes on earlier methods of crime analysis, fingerprint technology, and possible career paths.  The book ends with chapter notes, a glossary, a brief bibliography of books and web sites, and an index.  It is sure to whet the interest of its readers for more information.
      True Forensic Crime Stories (Enslow)     This excellent series contains four titles about fingerprint analysis, bones, DNA and blood, and discovering trace evidence.  They are clearly written with each chapter filled with colorful, eye-catching graphics, photographs, and fascinating facts.      Forensics   Susan Ogintz