New forensics book features cutting edge research from Winchester

Experts in criminology and forensics have teamed up to produce a new book which highlights some of the cutting-edge research taking place at the University of Winchester.

Dr Liam Leonard, Lecturer in Criminology, and Anna Chausee, Senior Lecturer in Forensics, have edited the book which includes chapters by Winchester academics Selina Robinson, Nancy Scheidt, Gopala Sasie Rekha, and Julio de Carvalho Ponce plus other contributors from all over the world.

Cases on Forensic and Criminological Science for Criminal Detection and Avoidance, published by IGI Global, is aimed at academics and practitioners in the field of criminal forensics and features case studies highlighting the latest methods and research.

Liam explained that the advance in forensic technology have led criminals to adopt extreme tactics to avoid detection such as washing down crime scenes with bleach or completely destroying them by fire.

Among the areas of crime covered in the book include targeted assassinations, drug smuggling, people trafficking and cyber terrorism.

Weighed against these are advances in AI, Virtual Reality, DNA analysis, and Spectroscopy and Chromatography.

“The book highlights the best in research from University of Winchester staff, with six contributions from members of the Law, Crime and Justice Faculty. This volume indicates the quality of research that is being undertaken here at Winchester and locates the University amongst the best in kind globally,” said Liam.

This latest book is the third that Liam has worked on for IGI Global following on from Global Perspectives on People, Process, and Practice in Criminal Justice and Cases on Crimes, Investigations, and Media Coverage.

Liam is an international academic who joined Winchester in 2022 and has held posts at Arden University, the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Northern Arizona University and California State University, Los Angeles.

Anna is a Professional Member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and Director of the University’s Cold Case Unit which re-examines cases of unidentified human remains and missing persons.