A training guide and reference that helps patrol officers and criminal investigators in the identification, collection, and booking of physical evidence. It stresses the importance of understanding the critical nature of physical evidence and preservation of the crime scene as part of the case against a criminal defendant.

This book is designed for the first person to arrive at the scene of a crime. It describes what is evidence, how to collect evidence, how to protect evidence, and how to preserve its validity for court usage. TOC:Role of the First Unit Responder. The First Unit Responder and the Crime Scene. Identifying and Documenting the Evidence. Collecting the Evidence. Fingerprints and the Crime. Case Preparation/Courtroom Testimony.

"Mark Hawthorne's easy writing style and use of personal anecdotes make this book a relaxed read. First Unit Responder is a good resource for recruit training or criminal justice/criminology students, or as review material for seasoned investigators."-Cpl. Andreas K. Mendel, NCO in Charge, Forensic Identification Section, West Vancouver Police, in Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal