THE COMPILATION

About the Book

In our business, we are taught early in the game to be as specific as possible and explain our conclusions as clearly as possible. Is there an experienced crime laboratory analyst who has not asked an attorney to define a term used? So, if we use the word objective and we really mean numerical data or mathematical probability statement, let’s say so. If we mean photomicrographs, charts, or standards of comparison, let’s specify it. If we use the word intuitive to mean knowledge from experience, let’s spell it out. If we use the word subjective to mean human interpretation based on education, training, and experience, let’s say so. In other words, let’s try to say what we mean.

About the Author

Charles Meyers has served the Criminal Justice system for more than 60 years and practiced in the discipline of Firearms and Tool Mark Identification (Forensic Ballistics) for over 50 years. His career includes 25 years with the Michigan State Police, 12 years with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and 5 years teaching. Since 1989 he has been an independent consultant. Charles has a BS degree from Michigan State University in Police Administration with a year of Police Science and a minor in Natural Science. He has been active in professional groups; is an Emeritus member and Past-President of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), a Retired Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), a Member of the Southern Association of Forensic Scientists (SAFS), and a Kentucky Colonel. He is a Navy veteran of World War II and Korea. Since 2004, he has published three books, a memoir entitled Chasing Tail Lights to Forensic Ballistics, and two concerning case histories from Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and Crime Laboratory Analysis (CLA) written as short stories; the first, Silent Evidence received the High Country Writers award for non-fiction book of the year, with a follow-up Wherever He Steps, Whatever He Touches… The Compilation brings together numerous anecdotes, many from the previous books, plus additional short stories based on actual homicide investigations, and appendices concerned with Firearms and Tool Mark Identification.