PEER REVIEWERS – Having read this information in part or in full, each of these individuals contributed meaningfully to the completion of this work, and to them I extend my deepest gratitude.

 A special thank you to Chelsea Carpenter.

Erin Bauer - Entomology Lecturer, University of Lincoln, Nebraska, Bauer brings a welcoming and educational connection to the field of entomology.

Jason Best – Chief of Fremont Fire Department with 28 years of experience as a firefighter after starting his career in Grand Haven and has been generous with his vast knowledge and experience.

Katie Busack – CSCSA, Busack brings 14 years’ experience as a CSI in Utah and Texas, bringing with her a great deal of experience and wisdom to all of the scenes she works and cases she impacts, sharing her knowledge, tools or snacks with anyone who needs it.

Hannah Cervenka – Cervenka has spent 9 years in forensic anthropology spending her time bringing education to the scientific community and assisting research to further knowledge in forensic anthropology and the decomposition process.

Deputy Michaila Duncan – CSCSA, Duncan has spent 9 years in the field as a CSI in Texas becoming genius in all things and brings a kind face to a dark world.

Alison Hutchens – CCSA, is currently an Identification Section Superintendent in Arizona with 28 years’ experience with crime scenes. Alison brings a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to this field and Alison is currently the editor of the newsletter for the Arizona Division of the IAI.

Steve Flores – Flores spent 18 years conducting investigations and processing crime scenes in California, providing advice and support to any co-worker who needed it.

Jose Matos – CSI with 21 years’ experience processing crime scenes in Puerto Rico and Texas, Matos brings a vast background and wealth of information he is happy to share with anyone who needs it.

Danielle O’Neill aka Dani - MSFS, worked as a Criminalist for 4 years, served on the DC Science Advisory Board and has published multiple articles as well as The Criminal Investigation Handbook and has lectured throughout the United States.

Frank Pierce – Pierce brings 30 years of experience in law enforcement conducting investigations, collecting evidence and assisting his peers while continuing to serve Houston Texas.

Sandy Ramsey - MA, LPC, LMFT – 30+ years in mental health field during which time she provided mental health services at disaster sites and mass fatalities focusing on PTSD and vicarious trauma experienced by first responders.

Marisa Randall – MS, Randall spent 6 years in criminal justice and forensics bringing a wealth of education to the field with a great eye for fine details.

David Reeder – With 25 years at Stockton PD, Reeder spent 11 as a homicide detective and has spent the last 6 as an Investigator for the District Attorney's Office. He was consistently professional and significantly contributed to each case.

Celia Rhodes – BS, MS, Rhodes has spent the last 6 years in forensics working crime scenes as a CSI and for the medical examiner’s office, continuing to this day to ensure the field is well educated and trained. 

West Ryan – CCSA, Ryan has 4 years of experience in Houston, Texas as a CSI and demonstrates attention to detail and organization in scene processing, Ryan is the team member everyone needs.

Cassandra Trunk –Trunk has 18 years in the field having begun as a CSI, always bringing a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge that she has obtained over the years while helping continue the education and training of the current generation of CSIs.

Chelsea Wills –  BSc, CSI with 10 years’ experience in law enforcement in jurisdictions in California, South Carolina and North Carolina bringing her vast knowledge base and love of helping others. 

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to all the CSIs out there trying to forge their way, but here are 2 you should know about.

Scottie Lambert, (my grandfather, 1923 -2015) who was an exemplary CSI well before my time. Although I did not learn his forensic methods (as he never brought work home), I learned his work ethic, perseverance, and motivation to pursue my interests. He retired from Buena Park Police Department in California with a strong respect for fingerprints, valuable friendships, and pride in his accomplishments.

Duane S., a valued Crime Scene Investigator from Houston Texas, who left behind a void after serving as an officer for 18 years while diligently working crime scenes and serving his community.