C.C. Thomas

Contrast; an investigator's basic reference guide to fingerprint identification concepts, 2d ed.

Useful in the classroom as well as on the practitioner's reference shelf, this takes novices through the entire process of fingerprint retrieval and identification, starting when the operator generally meets the fingerprint for the first time. Coppock (forensic science, Eastern Washington U.) is also a lead specialist with a county-level forensic unit and a certified latent print examiner, accomplishments he puts to good use in his descriptions of the history of fingerprint identification, friction skin, friction skin classification, exemplar fingerprint impressions, latent fingerprint development and recovery, special development procedures and conditions, quality variation, identification, fabrications and errors, evidence, photography, computerized databases, scientific comparative evidence, legal courts and dactyloscopy, and the training and protocol needed for 10-print and latent print examiners. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Internal investigations; a practitioner's approach.

A former police lieutenant, Colaprete (Keuka College, Roger Williams University's Justice and Training Research Institute, the Civil Institute at Mercyhurst College, and Norwich U.) explains the need for proper and complete internal investigations in law enforcement and describes the process for entry level and tenured police supervisors, as well as students, attorneys, and those in collective bargaining groups. He details a model for conducting investigations and discusses their purpose, pitfalls, ethical and leadership aspects, police officer stress, related terminology, legal and labor issues, and investigative techniques and procedures. In addition, investigations relating to crimes and use-of-force, deadly physical force and in-custody death, and domestic violence and racial profiling, are covered, as well as issues in administrative and civil claims investigations, evidence, the case review process, risk management, and training and managing investigators. Indexes are divided by subject and case law. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Police analysis and planning for homicide bombings; prevention, defense, and response, 2d ed.

Ellis (a retired major of the Military Police Corps of the United States Army Reserve) gives advice to local police, security officials, and emergency officials on how to prepare for and deal with the threat of what is commonly understood as suicide bombers, although he insists on the term "homicide bombers" (he also uses the term "explosive weapons of mass destruction" to refer to what the US army has termed "improvised explosive devices"). Perhaps because of his background, his advice straddles the line between military and domestic police considerations. It provides examination of US and United Nations policy and regulation relevant to suicide bombers, elements of terrorist operations, basic aspects of vehicle-borne and person-born explosive effects, vulnerability assessment, selected incidents of suicide bombings, prevention and defensive actions against suicide bombers, and response actions to suicide bombing events. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Tactical helicopter missions; how to fly safe, effective airborne law enforcement missions.

In this practical guide for members of law enforcement aviation units, Means describes tactics they can employ to enhance safety and effectiveness. Topics include (for example) responding to calls, covering officers on the street, and scanning for indoor marijuana cultivation. The pursuit of suspects in vehicles and on foot is also addressed. Clear b&w illustrations accompany the text throughout. Means is the helicopter training officer for the San Diego Police Air Support Unit. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

The undecided college student; an academic and career advising challenge, 3d ed.

Gordon (Ohio State U.) discusses counseling undecided college students and how they can be guided to make educational and vocational decisions. She describes their characteristics; related theoretical frameworks that can help understand them, such as developmental, career choice, and learning theories; types of undecided students; administrative models for counseling and advising services; program components and advisor techniques; and successful practices at specific universities. The book is aimed at academics, counselors, and researchers. This edition includes discussion of internet resources. Both subject and name indexes are provided. (Annotation ©2007 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)