The Forensic Examination and Interpretation of Tool Marks

Forensic Tool Mark Investigation: An introduction brings together the latest techniques and developments in the field and explains clearly how tool mark analysis can be used within forensic investigation.

Over the past twenty years the subject of tool marks in forensic science has experienced enormous development. Techniques used for examination have improved, understanding of the results obtained have increased dramatically and the range of marks that can be examined has expanded. The purpose of this book is to bring as much of this information as possible together in an accessible manner.

Each topic in the book starts with a simple review, which is used a basis for the development of the concepts and knowledge of the practices in present use.

The book deals with the collection of marks from the crime scene and matters relating to their selection and preservation. A section considering how the results from tool mark examinations can be evaluated is included, together with how the results can be presented to a non-technical audience.

The book will be of interest to a wide range of people and not just to tool mark examiners and people studying forensic science. It will be of use to crime scene examiners, officers investigating crimes where tool marks are found and members of the legal professions.

Overall, this book: 

• Brings together key techniques and developments within the field of tool mark investigation.
• Deals with collection of marks from the crime scene and details material on their selection and preservation.
• Covers specialized examinations of specific tools, such as saws and marks in complex materials such as skin and bone.
• Invaluable resource for practicing forensic scientists, students of forensic sciences and crime scene investigators enabling them to recognise the importance of tool marks within an investigation.
• Includes a large range of illustrations, photographs and tables.
• An extremely valuable resource in the on-going debate regarding evidential value of tool marks in court.
• Includes material on examining and recording the scene, analysis of marks in the lab and how this evidence should be presented in court.
• Part of the ‘Essentials in Forensic Science’ book series