Overview
Through a partnership with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), the FTCOE is pleased to present another ASCLD Emerging Issues webinar series with tools you can use. Each webinar in this series will feature multiple subject matter experts sharing information on relevant topics. The series starts off with tools to develop data sharing agreements and research partnerships between labs and academic institutions. Next, a two-part webinar discusses forensic intelligence developed through NIBIN and DNA analysis. Finally, a how-to guide shares what is needed for a lab to efficiently implement standards beyond those required in an accreditation program.
Webinars
Advancing Research and Collaborative Research Partnerships in Forensic Science
This webinar occurred on November 14, 2023
Presenters: Ray Wickenheiser, Dr. Ashley Hall, Henry Maynard, & Dr. Mike Marciano
This webinar aims to provide vital information to forensic laboratories and universities that are interested in establishing research partnerships. The session will start with a review of data-sharing agreements and their importance in collaboration. The next topic will highlight research partnerships, outlining ways individuals and organizations can collaborate on research projects. The final topic will explore a successful research partnership between a forensic laboratory and a university, providing valuable insights on the best practices for research collaborations.
The Increased Value of Forensic Science to Lead Gun Crime Investigations Part I
This webinar occurred on January 16, 2024
Presenters: Timothy Kupferschmid & Stephanie Stoiloff
Numerous crime laboratories have witnessed a surge in gun-related evidence submissions, leading to an increased demand for DNA testing and entry into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for firearms-related investigations. Simultaneously, the forensic value of firearms analysis has substantially grown, owing to advancements in DNA technology and the expansion of the NIBIN database. Consequently, several forensic labs have established dedicated units specifically focused on comprehensive firearms analysis. This two-part webinar will showcase agencies that have implemented gun crime programs, highlight significant workflow modifications they have made, address questions regarding eligibility for the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and evaluate the return on investment in forensic examination of this crucial evidence.
The Increased Value of Forensic Science to Lead Gun Crime Investigations Part II
This webinar occurred on January 23, 2024
Presenters: Benjamin Swanholm, Jessica Ellefritz, & Ray Wickenheiser
Numerous crime laboratories have witnessed a surge in gun-related evidence submissions, leading to an increased demand for DNA testing and entry into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for firearms-related investigations. Simultaneously, the forensic value of firearms analysis has substantially grown, owing to advancements in DNA technology and the expansion of the NIBIN database. Consequently, several forensic labs have established dedicated units specifically focused on comprehensive firearms analysis. This two-part webinar will showcase agencies that have implemented gun crime programs, highlight significant workflow modifications they have made, address questions regarding eligibility for the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and evaluate the return on investment in forensic examination of this crucial evidence.
We Did It! You can too! An Inside Perspective to Implementing Standards on the OSAC Registry
This webinar occurred on January 30, 2024
Hosts: Vincent Desiderio & Mark Stolorow
Panelists: Eva M. L. King, C. Ken Williams, & Michael P. Kessler
This webinar will provide a means and rationale to prepare and execute the various steps of this process, including planning, gap analysis, educating key staff members, executing and delivering work products. The webinar will introduce the process of standards implementation stepwise for key senior administrators whose laboratory system has not yet formally initiated a program. A question-and-answer portion will cover topics such as planning, staff education, the best way to divide the list of standards on the OSAC Registry into workable segments by discipline, and conducting gap analysis between Registry standards and the implementation of those standards.
Related Resources
- FTCOE ASCLD All Resources
- New York State Police | Crime Laboratory System
- University of California Davis | Forensic Science Graduate Program
- FauxDIS | Collaborative DNA Profile Database
- ASCLD Forensic Research Committee
- Syracuse University | Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute
- Enhancing Research and Collaboration in Forensic Science: A Primer on Data Sharing
- Enhancing Research and Collaboration in Forensic Science: A Primer on Human Subjects’ Research Protection
- EveryStat | How does gun violence impact the communities you care about?
- ATF Crime Gun Intelligence Centers Fact Sheet
- Mayor Adams Announces New York City's DNA Testing Lab Achieves 30-Day Turnaround Time for Testing Gun Crime Evidence
- National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science Registry
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science Registry Implementation Resources
Funding for these Forensic Technology Center of Excellence webinars has been provided by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in these webinars are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Contact us at ForensicCOE@rti.org with any questions and subscribe to our newsletter for notifications.
