Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Contents:Introduction: Criminal investigation: an overview -- Documenting the crime scene -- Writing effective reports -- Searches -- Forensics/physical evidence -- Obtaining information and intelligence -- Identifying and arresting suspects -- Investigating violent crimes: Death investigations -- Assault, domestic violence, stalking and elder abuse -- Sex offenses -- Crimes against children -- Robbery -- Investigating crimes against property: Burglary -- Larceny/theft, fraud and white-collar crime -- Motor vehicle theft -- Arson, bombs and explosives -- Other challenges to the criminal investigator: Computer crime -- a dual threat: drug-related crime and organized crime -- Criminal activities of gangs and other dangerous groups -- Terrorism and homeland security -- Preparing for and presenting cases in court -