Is there a good book that can explain in lamen's terms the current UK procedures for conducting a criminal investigation, particularly murder. I'd like to know things like how cases are asigned, what happens on the scene of the crime, how forensics work, how people are interviewed, how leads are followed and how suspects are brought to caught. I realise there is a lot of information there but wondered if there was some kind of concise reference book out there.

I'd also like it to be for UK police enquiries and no the US or anywhere else.

Thanks in advance.

Dee's the expert - is it Blackwood's Police Manuals?

Emma

I wouldn’t say I was an expert – but I know a woman who is, and I've picked up a bit from her. Problem is, there’s such a lot to know! I can probably tell you quite a bit about how SOCO and Forensic teams approach a crime scene because we’ve had visits from them to our local writers group – fascinating. So I’ll help with that if I can.

There are three or four different volumes of Blackstones Manuals, and they're remarkably good value. They come out every couple of years or so – try and get the most recent because legislation changes. That means you should know which year your novel is set, to make sure you have the details correct.

Also bear in mind that the Met often have different procedures from the rest of the country, (The Bill is supposed to be factually correct for Met procedures) and many of the other police authorities have developed local idiosyncrasies, so it would be worth trying to cultivate a friendly local inspector.

Dee

This is great - do you know specifically which Blackstone books to buy?

A fellow crime writer has recommended this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crime-Scene-Court-Essentials-Forensic/dp/0854046569/ref=sr_1_1/203-0271384-9279105?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185145581&sr=1-1 - has anyone else used it?

I'd suggest:

Crime
Evidence & Procedure
General Police Duties

To be honest I'm not sure how many there are. That book you’ve been recommended looks fascinating… think I might have to add it to my wishlist!

Dee