Forensic Investigation of Explosions

Providing a broad, multidisciplinary approach, this volume draws on the editor’s 30 years of explosives casework experience, including his work on task forces set up to investigate major explosives incidents. Assembling the contributions of internationally recognized experts, this edition contains revised chapters and several additional topics, including a profile of casework management in the UK Forensic Explosives Laboratory, properties and analysis of improvised explosives, and an examination of the Bali bombings. It also discusses the collection, analysis, and presentation of evidence in vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cases, as evidenced in attacks on U.S. overseas targets.

Now in its second edition, Forensic Investigation of Explosions draws on the editor’s 30 years of explosives casework experience, including his work on task forces set up to investigate major explosives incidents. Dr. Alexander Beveridge provides a broad, multidisciplinary approach, assembling the contributions of internationally recognized experts who present the definitive reference work on the subject.

Topics discussed include:

• The physics and chemistry of explosives and explosions
• The detection of hidden explosives
• The effect of explosions on structures and persons
• Aircraft sabotage investigations
• Explosion scene investigations
• Casework management
• The role of forensic scientists
• Analysis of explosives and their residues
• Forensic pathology as it relates to explosives
• Presentation of expert testimony

With nearly 40 percent more material, this new edition contains revised chapters and several new topics, including:

• A profile of casework management in the UK Forensic Explosives Laboratory, one of the world’s top labs, with a discussion of their management system, training procedures, and practical approaches to problem solving
• Properties and analysis of improvised explosives
• An examination of the Bali bombings and the use of mobile analytical techniques and mobile laboratories
• The collection, analysis, and presentation of evidence in vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cases, as evidenced in attacks on US overseas targets

This volume offers valuable information to all members of prevention and post-blast teams. Each chapter was written by an expert or experts in a specific field and provides well-referenced information underlying best practices that can be used in the field, laboratory, conference room, classroom, or courtroom.