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Suspect Identities : A History of Fingerprinting and Criminal Identification
Suspect Identities A History of Fingerprinting and Criminal Identification Author:Simon A. Cole In an intriguing history that traverses the globe, Simon Cole excavates the forgotten history of criminal identification—from photography to exotic anthropometric systems based on measuring body parts, from fingerprinting to DNA typing. As we rush headlong into the era of genetic identification, and as fingerprint errors are being exposed,... more » this history uncovers the fascinating interplay of our elusive individuality, police and state power, and the quest for scientific certainty. Suspect Identities offers a necessary corrective to blind faith in the infallibility of technology, and a compelling look at technology's role in defining each of us. "For most of the century … fingerprinting has enjoyed an impeccable reputation for identifying criminals … [Simon Cole] is one of a small group of people that has started looking at the technique which, above all others, gave forensic 'science' its scientific status. And, surprisingly, he has found it is scientifically and statistically wanting." —The Economist "Suspect Identities is a fascinating account of an important subject. In his history of identification techniques from fingerprints to DNA, Simon Cole tells the story of our recurring attempts to forge reliable links between bodies, persons, and crimes. Written with intelligence, wit, and insight, this book will stand as the definitive account for a long time to come." —David Garland, author of The Culture of Control: Crime and Social Order in Late Modernity« less