Overview
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) has partnered with George Mason University to help ensure the advancement of current forensic science research, practice, and technologies is explored and disseminated to professionals in the scientific and justice communities.
As a public, comprehensive, research university established by the Commonwealth of Virginia, George Mason University aims to provide access to excellence. Their goal is to provide opportunities for those who seek a quality education in a manner that positions them for excellence in life. They strive to remain affordable and accessible to anyone who wants a quality education while leveraging their talents to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.
Scroll down to explore some of our most recent collaborations with George Mason University. This partner page is updated regularly. You can also find the most recent deliverables from this partnership by searching “George Mason” in our website search bar.
Webinars
Forensic Use of GPR and LiDAR Technology for Clandestine Grave Detection
Forensic Use of GPR and LiDAR Technology for Clandestine Grave Detection
In this webinar, ground-penetrating radar researcher Jordan Mullikin will introduce the function and workings of GPR, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of its use, as well as how GPR can be applied to locate clandestine graves by law enforcement investigators and forensic scientists. Furthermore, Ms. Mullikin will present multiple GPR scan types using Sensors & Software Ekko_Project software to visually display the progression of subsurface decomposition over time, as well as environmental factors that influence GPR scans. This discussion will culminate in an analysis of the data collected from the simulated unmarked grave, a conversation regarding common features and variables related to unmarked grave detection, and considerations for the integration of LiDAR and GPR data in future investigations.
A Comprehensive Look at LatentSleuth
A Comprehensive Look at LatentSleuth
LatentSleuth is a novel software toolset designed for (and with direct feedback from) latent print examiners. The toolset includes a small-scale automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) matcher that leverages a novel matching algorithm that calculates a warp between a latent print image and a given reference print image. The LatentSleuth software provided accurate results in all latent print quality levels against all three levels of comparison complexity and was deemed suitable for use in casework. The technology was then implemented into casework to determine if it improved the efficiency of the comparison workflow and/or the accuracy of results.
Detection and Visibility of Bruises Using Alternate Light: From Science to Practice
Detection and Visibility of Bruises Using Alternate Light: From Science to Practice
In this webinar, we reviewed the science of alternate light and bruising in ways readily usable for multiple disciplines for end-user testimony. We then presented the major findings of a recently completed National Institute of Justice funded, multi-site, randomized controlled trial in which alternate light was compared to white light in the detection and visibility of inflicted bruises.
Statistical Error Estimation for an Objective Measure of Similarity to a Latent Image
Statistical Error Estimation for an Objective Measure of Similarity to a Latent Image
This presentation was part of the Impression, Pattern and Trace Evidence Symposium (IPTES). IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. Hear from Dr. Donald Gantz as he discusses 'Exploiting the SLEUTH Technology Modeling Random Similarity to a Latent Image'.
Podcasts
Just Technology to Improve Sexual Assault Bruise Detection
Listen along as Dr. Katherine Scafide, associate professor and sexual assault response researcher at George Mason University, discusses how her team is developing methods to improve the visibility of bruises on black and brown skin tones following a sexual assault involving victims of color.
Just Skin Deep
Listen along as Dr. Katherine Scafide and Dr. Daniel Sheridan discuss their use of Alternative Light Sources for the detection and assessment of cutaneous bruising, characteristics of bruising, the factors affecting bruise perception, and their innovative use of paintballs.
Report
The development of technologies to improve the objective collection, analysis, and interpretation of evidence is driven by the multiple stakeholders that make up the forensic science enterprise. Funders of research and development efforts play a key role in enabling testing, validation, and continuous improvement of forensic tools and techniques. Department of Justice (DOJ) funding mechanisms, through agencies such as the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), support a rich portfolio of innovations that help sustain this forensic innovation ecosystem. This case study illustrates the impact of DOJ funding that enabled a company and university research team to create FLASH ID, a quantitative handwriting analysis software, which ultimately developed into a quantitative latent fingerprint-to-reference product, LatentSleuth.
Funding for these Forensic Technology Center of Excellence resources 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 this webinar series are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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