Blood, Powder, and Residue: How Crime Labs Translate Evidence into Proof

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Description

A rare behind-the-scenes look at the work of forensic scientists The findings of forensic science-from DNA profiles and chemical identifications of illegal drugs to comparisons of bullets, fingerprints, and shoeprints-are widely used in police investigations and courtroom proceedings. While we recognize the significance of this evidence for crim

Reviews

"A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year"
"Through her personal experience over 18 months observing forensic scientists in a metropolitan crime lab, sociologist Bechky introduces readers to the intricacies of a high-stakes job that can change the outcome of some of the most important court cases." * Discover Magazine *
"The title is catchy, the cover provocative, but for readers seeking the standard sortie into the inner workings of a forensic lab, Beth A. Bechkys book offers something quite different a live, human angle. . . . Bechkys portrait of the daily conflict faced by crime lab workers should prove enlightening to outsiders. . . . The writing is crisp and jargon-free, and the text includes many interesting anecdotes. . . . this account of a fascinating work world manages to be both scholarly and engaging."---Kathy Reichs, New York Times Book Review
"Illuminating."---Marc Landas, Scientific Inquirer
"Introduces readers to the ways in which real-life crime-lab personnel solve crimes. Bechky is not a screenwriter. But, shes a darned good ethnographer."---Aaron Howard, Jewish Herald-Voice

Author Bio

Beth A. Bechky is the Seymour Milstein Professor of Ethics, Corporate Governance, and Strategy at New York University. An organizational ethnographer, she explores the ongoing interplay of occupations and new technologies at work.