All of our webinars, reports, podcast episodes, and other educational resources are available to the public at no cost.
Funding for the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence has been provided by the National Institute of Justice.
To filter, simply click on the topics below.
ASCLD All Resources
Overview Through a partnership with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence has provided a variety of webinars, podcasts, reports, and tools covering a wide array of topics. Webinars ASCLD Train the Director…
2023 NIJ Forensic Science R&D Symposium
Overview The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) assisted the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in hosting the annual NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development (R&D) Symposium on February 14, 2023 at the 75th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)…
Scene Investigation Video Vignettes
Overview In partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP), FTCOE and its partners produced a series of short videos on how law enforcement officers, first responders, and other stakeholders can gain…
Just Teeth and Technology
Original Release Date: January 27, 2023 In episode one of our Unidentified Human Remains mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Kenneth Aschheim, Assistant Chief Forensic Odontologist for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, to discuss…
2022 Year in Review
A Message from the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence Another year in the books, and so much has happened! In 2022, the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) hosted various virtual events and delivered numerous online resources – including 6…
ASCLD Train the Director Webinar Series
Related Resource FTCOE ASCLD All Resources Funding for this Forensic Technology Center of Excellence webinar 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…
Just Identifying Gacy’s Victims Part 2
Original Release Date: December 9, 2022 In episode three of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down again with Jason Moran, Commander of Police at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, to continue discussing how his Forensic…
Just Identifying Gacy’s Victims Part 1
Original Release Date: December 2, 2022 In episode two of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Jason Moran, Commander of Police at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, to discuss how he and his colleagues…
Just Autopsy Results and Crime Scene Reconstruction
Original Release Date: November 25, 2022 In episode one of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Kelly Ayers, an International Association for Identification certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst, to discuss how preliminary autopsy results…
Evaluation of Purdue University’s 3D Imaging Prototype for Footwear and Tire Impressions
Date September 2022 Overview Supported by two National Institute of Justice (NIJ) awards (2016-DN-BX-0189 and 2019-R2-CX-0069), Dr. Song Zhang and his research team at Purdue University led the development of a fully automated 3D imaging system for footwear and tire…
2022 National Forensic Science Week FTCoE Student Research Poster Session
← Back to Main Page Overview Thursday, September 22, 2022 | Posters will be available at 1:00 PM Eastern Welcome to our virtual poster session! As fall semester begins and in honor of National Forensic Science Week (September 18-24, 2022),…
2022 National Forensic Science Week Murder Mystery Event
← Back to Main Page Overview As a part of National Forensic Science Week 2022 (September 18-24, 2022), the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) is offering a murder mystery event! Each day of the week, a new evidence-based clue…
2022 National Forensic Science Week Ask an Expert
← Back to Main Page Overview The FTCoE has conducted a variety of written interviews with forensic professionals in various forensic science disciplines. From digital evidence to trace analysis and medicolegal death investigation to DNA analysis, the FTCoE showcases real-world…
2022 National Forensic Science Week
Overview National Forensic Science Week (September 18-24, 2022) recognizes the contribution that forensic science makes to the criminal justice system. It is an opportunity to celebrate academic programs, forensic professionals, and scientific research in the various forensic disciplines. Throughout the…
Just Identifying Decedents through Postmortem Prints
Original Release Date: September 16, 2022 In episode two of our Applications of Forensic Science for Human Identification season, Just Science sat down with Bryan Johnson, the Major Incident Program Manager in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Latent Print Unit,…
2022 Update: 3D Imaging Technologies and Virtual Comparison Microscopy for Firearms Examination, A Landscape Study
Date August 2022 Overview The National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE), led by RTI International, provides resources that promote the use of technologies in the forensic community. This report is an update to a 2016…
Just a Curious Case of Print Persistence
Original Release Date: August 5, 2022 In episode one of our Case Studies: Part 1 mini season, Just Science sat down with Michael Fagert, a certified latent print examiner at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, to discuss a latent print…
Human Factors in Forensic Science Practice
This webinar originally occurred on June 21, 2022Duration: 1 hour Overview Human factors may encompass any way in which people’s psychological or physiological attributes affect a system or process. Physiological considerations include things like the ergonomics of laboratory workstations or…
Just the Analysis of Impressions and Patterns
Original Release Date: May 27, 2022 In episode four of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Assistant Professor Jessica Zarate and 5th year student Kristen Szabelski at Madonna University in Michigan, as well as Dr.…
Just Higher Education and the CSI Effect
Original Release Date: May 13, 2022 In episode two of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Sarah Williams, a Research Associate Professor in Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Dr. Keith Morris, a…
Terrestrial LiDAR Scanners: Guidelines for Use in Criminal Justice Applications
This webinar originally occurred on May 3, 2022Duration: 1 hour Overview Terrestrial LiDAR scanning devices (also known as terrestrial laser scanning devices, TLS) acquire complex geometric data that capture a three-dimensional representation of a scene. This technology can be used…
Guidelines for the Use of Terrestrial LiDAR Scanners in Criminal Justice Applications
Date March 2022 Overview Terrestrial LiDAR scanning devices (also known as terrestrial laser scanning devices, TLS) acquire complex geometric data that capture a three-dimensional representation of a scene; this technology is used in criminal justice applications such as documenting a…
Human Factors in Forensic Science Practice Sourcebook
Publication Forensic Science International: Synergy, March 2022 Editors Heidi Eldridge, PhD | RTI International Barbara A. Spellman, JD, PhD | University of Virginia School of Law Thomas Busey, PhD | Indiana University, Psychological and Brain Sciences Working Group Members Paul…
2022 NIJ Forensic Science R&D Symposium
Overview The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) assisted the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in hosting the annual NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development (R&D) Symposium on March 1st & 2nd, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern.…
U.S. National Footwear Database System Feasibility Study
This webinar originally occurred on February 15, 2022. Duration: 1 hour Overview Shoeprints at crime scenes, along with suspects’ footwear, are routinely collected and analyzed by qualified examiners in crime laboratories and forensic units to identify, include, or exclude suspects’…
A Unique Approach to a Crime Gun Intelligence Center with the Inclusion and Support of 3D Virtual Comparison Technologies
This webinar originally occurred on February 10, 2022. Duration: 1.5 hours Overview Any effective Crime Gun Intelligence Program relies on the expeditious processing of firearms-related evidence to achieve the goal of intelligence led firearms-based investigations. The possible intelligence gained through…
2022 Firearm and Toolmarks Policy and Practice Forum
Overview The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) delivered a four-day, no-cost, virtual Firearm and Toolmarks Policy and Practice Forum on January 11-14, 2022. It is a pivotal time for the forensic pattern…
2021 Year in Review
A Message from the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence Another year in-the-books and so much has happened! In 2021, the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) hosted a wide range of virtual events and offered online resources amidst an ongoing pandemic. With…
The Effect of Time on Rusted Firearm Identification
← Back to Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on January 6, 2022 Duration: 1 hour Overview Since the development of early firearms in the mid-1200s, the best material for making critical parts for weapons has been…
Just Advanced Capabilities in Firearm and Toolmark Analysis
Original Release Date: December 3, 2021 In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Nicole Jones, the Director of the Forensic Science Translation and Implementation Program in the Center for Forensic Sciences at RTI International, and John Grassel,…
Success Story: LatentSleuth: A Case Study on the Impact of Federal R&D Funding
National Institute of Justice and the Latent Print Research Community Date December 2021 Overview 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…
Two-Pronged Study of Bullets Fired by Consecutively Rifled Barrels
← Back to Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on December 16, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview The 2016 President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) Report brought forensics, and specifically firearms identification, into the…
Glock Pistol Toolmarks: A Literature Review and Introduction of Undocumented Toolmarks
← Back to Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on December 14, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview Glock pistols are well known for their generally distinctive class characteristics and the numerous toolmarks that they create on fired…
Exploration of Breech Face Subclass Characteristics
← Back to Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on December 9, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview Subclass characteristics are caused by damage, defects, and/or wear on a cutting tool that transfers to a small group of consecutively…
Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series
Overview With the implementation of new technologies like 3D virtual microscopy, updates to the language used in testimony and reporting, and new research including black box studies, it is a pivotal time for the forensic pattern disciplines, especially firearm and…
FLN-TWG: 3D Imaging for Firearms and Toolmarks
← Back to FLN-TWG Main Page Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group (FLN-TWG) The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), in partnership with the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) at RTI International, formed the Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group…
2021 Forensic Science Research Federal Stakeholders Public Meeting
Overview The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in partnership with the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE), held a Forensic Science Research Federal Stakeholders meeting on November 8, 2021 from 9:00AM…
DNA recovery after sequential processing of latent fingerprints on copy paper
Publication Journal of Forensic Sciences, September 2021 Authors Abigail S. Bathrick, M.F.S. | Bode Technology, Lorton, VA Sarah Norsworthy, M.S. | Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, RTI International, Durham, NC Dane T. Plaza, B.S. | Bode Technology, Lorton, VA Mallory…
2021 National Forensic Science Week Murder Mystery Event
← Back to Main Page Overview As a part of National Forensic Science Week 2021 (September 19-25, 2021), the FTCoE is offered a murder mystery event! Each day of the week, a new evidence-based clue was revealed on the website…
2021 National Forensic Science Week Practitioner Interviews
← Back to Main Page Overview The FTCoE has conducted a variety of written interviews with forensic professionals in various stages of their careers. From recent graduates to retired professionals, the FTCoE showcases real-world perspectives on the current state of…
2021 National Forensic Science Week
Overview National Forensic Science Week (September 19-25, 2021) recognizes the contribution that forensic science makes to the criminal justice system. It is an opportunity to celebrate academic programs, forensic professionals, and scientific research in the various forensic disciplines. Throughout the…
2021 National Forensic Science Week FTCoE Student Research Poster Session
← Back to Main Page Overview As fall semesters are getting back into session and in honor of the upcoming National Forensic Science Week (September 19-25, 2021), the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) would like to highlight student research…
Footwear Evidence Conclusions: A Discussion of Standards, Recommendations, and Structure
This webinar originally occurred on September 30, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview It can be challenging to write reliable, accurate conclusions that meet the expectations of stakeholders that oversee and use footwear evidence reports. Some of the challenges associated with…
Best Practices for Digital Image Processing
This webinar originally occurred on August 5, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview In the criminal justice community, digital images are used for scientific analysis and comparison. Unfortunately, many digital images are not always captured with the necessary clarity required for…
Image Quality and Clarity: The Keys to Forensic Digital Image Processing
This webinar originally occurred on August 3, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview The ability to accurately and reliably analyze and compare forensic digital images relies on two key elements: image quality and image clarity. Most forensic examiners understand that resolution…
Just the Impression and Pattern/Trace Evidence Portfolio
Original Release Date: June 11, 2021 In episode two of our 2021 NIJ R&D and Beyond mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Gregory Dutton, a physical scientist in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at the National Institute of Justice, to discuss NIJ’s Impression, Pattern, and Trace…
A Comprehensive Look at LatentSleuth
This webinar originally occurred on June 8, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview 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…
ASCLD Train the Director – Firearms 3D Technology: Advantages and Value for Implementing 3D Technologies
← Back to Series This webinar originally occurred on June 2, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview This presentation demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating 3D technology into the forensic firearms/toolmarks discipline and the decision analysis used for selecting samples for virtual…
2021 NIJ Forensic Science R&D Symposium
Overview The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) assisted the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in hosting the annual NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development (R&D) Symposium on February 16, 2021 from 10:00 AM Eastern to 5:40 PM Eastern. NIJ…
Lessons Learned from Proficiency Test Results in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
This webinar originally occurred on April 15th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview The Daubert ruling by the Supreme Court established “the known or potential rate of error” as one of several factors to be used when assessing the scientific reliability…
2020 Year in Review
A Message from the FTCoE 2020 was a big year for the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. With five podcast seasons, a full research and development symposium, our first virtual conference, eight reports, and over thirty webinars, we continued to…
Just Erroneous Identification
In episode seven of the Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with John Vanderkolk and Marcus Montooth of the Indiana State Police to discuss erroneous identification and the Lana Canen case. In 2005, Lana Canen was convicted as an…
Just Identifying Fingerprints Through Photographs
In episode six of the Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Karen Oswald, Senior Evidence Specialist with the Suffolk County Police Department in New York, to discuss methods for identifying fingers and hands captured in evidentiary photos. As cellphone and camera technologies continue…
Just Fingerprints And Lasers
In episode four of the Case Studies Season, Just Science sat down with forensic consultant, author, and instructor Brian Dalrymple to discuss his research and impact on the field of latent print identification. In 1977, a team of researchers developed a…
Just the Jodi Arias Case
In episode three of the Case Studies Season, Just Science sat down with Heather Conner, Latent Print Unit Technical Leader in Mesa Police Department’s Forensic Services, about the investigation of a grisly murder in Arizona. In June of 2008, Travis Alexander was found dead…
Just the Story Behind Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
In episode two, Just Science sat down with Erin Sims, Forensic Lab Manager at the Lincoln, Nebraska Police Department, about bloodstain pattern evidence in forensic investigations. Not all crime scenes will have bloodstains. But when they are present, analysts can…
2020 SWAFS Virtual Conference
In October 2020, the FTCoE helped the Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (SWAFS) host their first virtual conference. This event, which saw over 1,400 unique attendees across three days, covered a multitude of topics pertinent to the forensic science community.…
Just Psychopathy and Criminal Behavior
Criminal investigations often necessitate the application of a multitude of forensic disciplines. While some cases can be solved by a single piece of evidence, most have a myriad of evidence types to forward and investigation. Bloodstains, DNA analysis, latent prints, digital evidence, and…
Terrestrial LiDAR Scanning Working Group for Criminal Justice Applications, First Meeting Report
Date July 2020 Overview On February 27 and 28 of 2020, The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), in partnership with the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) at RTI International, convened the first meeting of the Terrestrial LiDAR Scanning (TLS)…
Success Story: Advancing 3D Imaging for Footwear and Tire Impressions
National Institute of Justice and Purdue University Date May 2020 Overview Shoeprints and tire tracks are common types of impression evidence found at crime scenes. When a shoe or tire impacts a deformable substrate like soil or snow, it can…
Just a Statistical Approach to Glass Evidence
In episode six of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. José Almirall, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida International University, about a statistical approach for the interpretation of glass evidence. One criticism levied against trace evidence examinations…
2020 NIJ Forensic Science R&D Symposium
Overview The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) assisted the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in hosting the annual NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development (R&D) Symposium on February 18th, 2020 at the 72nd Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences…
Results of a Black Box Study on the Accuracy and Reliability of Palm Print Comparisons
This webinar originally occurred on March 12, 2020 Duration: 1 hour Overview In 2011, a team of researchers from the FBI and Noblis published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences the first large-scale black box study measuring…
2019 National Institute of Justice Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium
Date February 2019 Overview The 2019 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Forensic Science Research and Development (R&D) Symposium is intended to promote collaboration and enhance knowledge transfer of NIJ-funded research. The NIJ Forensic Science R&D Program funds both basic or…
Portable Advanced 3D Imaging for Footwear and Tire Impression Capture
This webinar originally occurred on October 23, 2019 Duration: 1.5 hours Overview This webinar will explain the principles and capabilities of a fully automated portable system with an easy-to use-graphical user interface (GUI) for shoe and tire impression capture. We…
Juror comprehension of forensic expert testimony: A literature review and gap analysis
Publication Forensic Science International: Synergy, March 2019 Author Heidi Eldridge | RTI International Abstract Forensic scientists and commentators including academics and statisticians have been embroiled in a debate over the best way to present evidence in the courtroom. Various forms…
Cradle to Cane: Investigation of Crimes Against Vulnerable Victims
This webinar originally occurred on March 21-23, 2017 Duration: 14 hours Overview: In 2017, the National Institute of Justice, Charleston Southern University, the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, and the Shaken Baby Alliance worked together to create and host “From Cradle to Cane: Investigation of Crimes…
Identification: Just the Double Loop Podcast Crossover
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: April 3, 2019 In episode nine of our Identification season, Just Science sits down with Heidi Eldridge, from RTI international, along with Eric Ray and Glenn Langenburg, the co-hosts of the Double Loop Podcast,…
Identification: Just Forensic Technician Vicarious Trauma
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: March 29, 2019 In episode eight of our Identification season, Just Science interviews Selena McKay-Davis, lead senior forensic specialist at Riverside Police Department, about job-related stress for forensic technicians and sworn…
Identification: Just Forensic Microanthropology
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: March 22, 2019 In episode seven of our Identification season, Just Science interviews Carlos Gutierrez, a lecturer at Chaminade University of Honolulu, about the new field of Forensic Microanthropology. After finding…
Identification: Just Improvised Explosive Devices
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: March 15, 2019 In episode six of our Identification season, Just Science interviews Hillary Daluz, an instructor for Tritech Forensics and author on latent print analysis. From soda cans and cigarette…
Identification: Just 19 Hours and 300 miles
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: March 8, 2019 In episode five of our Identification season, Just Science interviews Erin Sims, Lab Manager of the Forensic Identification Unit for the Lincoln, Nebraska Police Department, about a case…
Success Story: Advancing 3D Virtual Microscopy for Firearm Forensics
National Institute of Justice and Cadre Forensics Date March 2019 Overview Examining bullets and cartridge cases from crime scenes can help link crimes, moving investigators one step closer to identifying a suspect. Firearm forensic analysis can also link recovered evidence…
Identification: Just the Molalla Forest Serial Killer
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: February 27, 2019 In episode four of our Identification season, Just Science interviews Robert Thompson, Senior Forensic Science Research Manager at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, about his role…
Identification: Just a Modified Direct to DNA Approach to Sexual Assault Kit Testing
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: February 21, 2019 In episode three of our Identification season, Just Science interviews forensic biologist Caitlin Rogers. Forensic scientists are always looking to improve the efficiency and accuracy of sexual assault…
Identification: Just Drawing Knowledge from a Forensic Artist
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: February 11, 2019 In episode two of our Identification season, Just Science interviews Suzanne Birdwell, a forensic artist with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the current Chair of the…
Emerging Research in Firearms and Toolmarks
← Back to Series This webinar originally occurred on February 26, 2019 Duration: 1.5 hours Overview Forensic science research and development plays a key role in the advancement of the practice of forensic science, as noted by the 2009 National…
Identification: Just the Sole of Impression Pattern Evidence
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: February 4, 2019 In episode one of our Identification season, Just Science interviews Lesley Hammer, former president of the International Association for Identification and the current Chair of the Education Committee…
ASCLD Train the Director – NIBIN Challenges and Opportunities
← Back to Series This webinar originally occurred on January 24, 2019 Duration: 1 hour Overview This is the first webinar in the ASCLD Train the Director Webinar Series. Crime Gun Intelligence utilizes evidence-based technology to provide law enforcement a…
Advancing Research Initiatives and Combatting the Human Trafficking Epidemic
This webinar originally occurred on November 1, 2018 Duration: 1 hour Overview Trafficking in persons is a multi-faceted global epidemic which has seen a significant increase in public awareness. However, there is a substantial need to expand capacities and technologies…
Small Bloodstains on Textiles – What Can They Tell Us?
This webinar originally occurred on September 12, 2018 Duration: 1 hour Overview This webinar will explore the interaction of blood with the multiple structures that occur within a simple textile and how these structures affect small bloodstains. One of the…
Conference Proceedings: 2018 Impression Pattern and Trace Evidence Symposium
Date May 2018 Overview From January 22 to 25, 2018, RTI International, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) held the 2018 Impression, Pattern and Trace Evidence Symposium (IPTES) in Arlington, VA, to…
Conference Proceedings: 2018 Research and Development Symposium
Date April 2018 Overview The 2018 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Forensic Science Research and Development (R&D) Symposium is intended to promote collaboration and enhance knowledge transfer of NIJ-funded research. The NIJ Forensic Science R&D Program funds both basic or…
Just Talking Testimony
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: April 9, 2018 In this special episode ten of our 2018 IPTES Season, recorded live in Crystal City, Just Science covers the panel titled, “Statistics and Testimony from the Practitioner and…
Computerized Reconstruction of Fragmentary Skeletal Remains
Overview In this webinar, we will introduce a newly developed software tool called “Fragmento”. Viewers will be able to learn how to use Fragmento to sort and assemble skeletal fragmentary remains and reconstruct the full bone and biological profile. In…
Forensic Wood Identification
Date April 2018 Overview Trace evidence represents any small-scale material that could be changed or transferred from a person, object, or environment during the commission of a crime; wood examination is one specialty area of this forensic discipline. The purpose…
Statistical Interpretation Software for Friction Ridge Skin Impressions (FRStat)
Date April 2018 Overview The Defense Forensic Science Center (DFSC) developed FRStat in response to criticisms from legal and scientific commentators on the lack of an empirically demonstrable basis to substantiate conclusions in pattern evidence. This tool is intended to…
Just Bayesian Brawl
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: April 2, 2018 In episode nine of our 2018 IPTES Season, Just Science is covering the Statistical Approaches to Forensic Interpretation panel, recorded live at IPTES. Moderators for the panel was…
Just Handwriting Statistics
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: March 26, 2018 In episode eight of our 2018 IPTES Season, Just Science interviews Cami Fuglsby, from South Dakota State University, to discuss Sufficiency and Complexity Factors in Handwriting Examination. Did…
Just Consecutively Manufactured Toolmarks
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: March 19, 2018 In episode seven of our 2018 IPTES Season, Just Science interviews Robert Thompson, a Senior Forensic Science Research Manager at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST).…
Just Footwear Size Does Matter
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: March 12, 2018 In episode six of our 2018 IPTES Season, Just Science interviews Chris Hamburg, from the Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division, and Jeff Jagmin from the WSP Crime…
Just Geeking Out on Patterns
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: March 5, 2018 In episode five of our 2018 IPTES Season, Just Science interviews John Vanderkolk from the Indiana State Laboratory. In a previous episode, Vanderkolk used the term Nature’s Patterns,…
Just Shoeprint Statistics
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: February 7, 2018 In episode four of our 2018 IPTES Season, Just Science interviews Andrew Kimble III, a student at Albany State University. Mr. Kimble explains his research in how incorporating…
Just A Juror’s Perception
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: February 19, 2018 In episode three of our 2018 IPTES Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Alicia Wilcox from Husson University and Heidi Eldridge from RTI International. Our guests discuss how visual…
Just Fracture Matches
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: February 12, 2018 In episode two of our 2018 IPTES Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Ashraf Bastawros from Iowa State University. Dr. Bastawros discusses how fracture mechanics principles can be used with statistical learning tools to give quantitative results. Explore the mind of…
Just Nature’s Patterns
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: February 7, 2018 In the first episode of our 2018 IPTES Season, Just Science kicks off with our host, Dr. John Morgan, interviewing John Vanderkolk from the Indiana State Crime Laboratory.…
2018 IPTES Plenary – Closing Keynote Speaker Adam Benforado
Overview 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. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/25/2018. The National Institute…
2018 IPTES – Impression & Pattern Breakout – Day 2 PM
Overview 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. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/25/2018. The National Institute…
2018 IPTES – Impression & Pattern Breakout Day 2 AM – Part 2
Overview 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. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/25/2018. The National Institute…
2018 IPTES – Impression & Pattern Breakout Day 2 AM – Part 1
Overview 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. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/25/2018. The National Institute…
2018 IPTES – Impression & Pattern Breakout Day 1 PM
Overview 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. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/24/2018. The National Institute…
2018 IPTES Plenary – Statistics & Testimony From Practitioner
Overview 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.This original Live Webinar took place on 01/24/2018. The National Institute of…
Just Case Studies: Two Murders, One Trace Fiber
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: October 16, 2017 In the eighth episode of our Case Studies season, Just Science interviews Dr. Jan De Kinder, from the National institute of Forensic science and criminology in the Belgium Department…
Just Case Studies: From Teeth to Trafficking
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: October 9, 2017 In the seventh episode of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Dr. John Kenney, who is also a member of the American Academy of Forensic…
Just Case Studies: A Gruesome Murder in Mesa
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: October 2, 2017 In the sixth episode of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Kimberly Meza from Mesa Police Department during the annual ASCLD symposium held in Dallas,…
Just Case Studies: Atlanta Olympic Bombing
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: September 25, 2017 In the fifth episode of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with John Collins during the annual ASCLD symposium in Dallas, Texas. This episode takes us back…
Just Blood Spatter
← Back to Just Science Podcast Original Release Date: June 19, 2017 In episode nine of Just Science, we spoke with Dr. Marc K. Smith, from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Smith’s NIJ funded research in blood spatter has connected…
2016 National Institute of Justice Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium
Date July 2016 Overview The 2016 NIJ Research and Development Symposium is intended to promote collaboration and enhance knowledge transfer of NIJ-funded research. The NIJ Research and Development (R&D) Program funds both basic or applied R&D projects that will (1)…
Conference Proceedings: 2015 Impression, Pattern, and Trace Evidence Symposium
Date December 2015 Overview This report was published in RTI Press, a global publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access publications on a broad range of topics. The areas of focus reflect RTI’s multidisciplinary research, our expertise in social and laboratory sciences, and our…
2015 NIJ Forensic Science R&D Symposium
Overview The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) assisted the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in hosting the annual NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development (R&D) Symposium on February 17, 2015 at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) meeting…
Forensic Optical Topography Working Group
Date April 2015 Overview The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE), in partnership with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), convened the Forensic Optical Topography Working Group on March 17-18, 2015…
2016 TechBeat Articles Featuring the FTCOE
Sexual Assault Policy Symposium Issue: Nov/Dec 2016 Page: 16 Click here to read the article Forensics Training Tool Takes “Real World” Approach to Using New Technology Issue: Nov/Dec 2016 Pages: 13-15 Click here to read the article Road Map Leads to Increased Efficiency, Improved Function…
A Landscape Study of Forensic Optical Topography
Date December 2016 Overview The objectives of this landscape study are to: Inform the forensic professional concerning the application of optical topography in the crime laboratory; Compare available instruments, some of which are not commonly used for forensics; Discuss barriers to…
A Validation and Evaluation of Magneto-Optical Imaging Technology
Date August 2015 Overview Serial Numbers are removed from firearms in an effort to prevent tracking. MO sensor technology is a non-destructive method for restoring serial number identification in firearms. Phase II of this FTCOE technology evaluation validates the detection and…
Forensic Optical Topography Working Group Meeting
Date April 2015 Overview Primarily, the working group will examine optical topography instruments, methods, data systems, and analysis from a practical perspective for ballistic and tool mark identification. The meeting participants considered current technologies for optical topography, including the requirements for…
An Evaluation and Utility Assessment of Magneto-Optical Sensor Technology
Date March 2014 Overview The discovery of more effective methods to detect and restore erased markings in firearms is of great interest to firearm examiners, in particular the invention of new non‐destructive methods. Magneto optical (MO) sensor technology may address this…
A Landscape Study of Mobile ID Fingerprint Devices
Date January 2014 Overview This report provides a “landscape” view of the issues and products associated with mobile devices for fingerprint identification, with a focus on forensic applications. The document is intended to furnish laboratory managers and investigators with a survey…
Understanding Basic Statistical Concepts: Fingerprints
Overview Fingerprint conclusions are expert judgments. These specific types of judgments may be more appropriately termed as inferences, or subjective probabilities, where frequency rates have not been able to be calculated. For over a hundred years researchers have attempted to…
The Emperor’s New Clothes: A Guide to Latent Print Testimony
Overview In the tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes, a vain emperor commissions a new set of robes that he is told will be invisible to anyone who does not deserve his position, or is extraordinarily stupid or foolish. Of…
The Basics of Error Rates in Pattern Evidence
Overview Originally presented at the 2015 Impression, Pattern and Trace Evidence Symposium. One of the Daubert prongs of admissibility for scientific expert testimony is the known or potential error rate of a technique. Thus, examiners are often asked about the…
Swipes, Wipes and Transfer Impressions
Overview Swipes, wipes and transfer impressions are the only bloodstain patterns not created by blood in flight (with the exception of flowing blood). The patterns adhere to Locard’s principle which states that when two objects come in contact with each…
R&D 2014 – Fundamental Forensic Science Research-Part II
Overview This archival portion of the 2014 R&D Seminar Series covers the following presentations: Quantitative Metrics of Friction Ridge Detail Derived from Information Theory by Thomas Busey Definition of the Concept of Sufficiency in Latent Print Examination by Cedric Neumann…
R&D 2014 – Fundamental Forensic Science Research – Part I
Overview This archival portion of the 2014 R&D Seminar Series covers the following presentations: Review on some Fluid Dynamics Aspects of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis – Daniel Attinger From Basic Research to Routine Use in the Courtroom: Elemental Analysis and Comparisons…
Shooting Reconstruction: 4 Elements of Trajectory
Overview A key part of any shooting incident reconstruction is the determination of a projectile’s trajectory through items at the scene. The path of a bullet hole has 4 main elements that require measurement, estimation, or other determination where possible.…
New Paradigm for Fingerprint Reporting
Overview In November 2015, the Defense Forensic Science Center (DFSC) issued an Information Paper announcing the decision to cease the use of the terms “individualization” and “identification” in latent print technical reports and expert witness testimony. This webinar provided an…
Magneto-Optical Sensor Roundtable
Overview The discovery of more effective methods to detect and restore erased markings in firearms is of great interest to firearm examiners, in particular the invention of new nondestructive methods. Magneto optical (MO) sensor technology may address this need. Earlier…
Latent Fingerprints: Reducing Erroneous Exclusions
Overview This presentation discusses reducing erroneous exclusions in latent fingerprints. The exclusion decision is a fairly recent change in latent print comparisons, and the discipline is still struggling with how to handle exclusions. Erroneous exclusions are being discovered with surprising…
Latent Fingerprints: Developing Methods and New Technology
Overview The first presentation given by Mark Dadmun is titled: Developing Methods to Improve the Quality and Efficiency of Latent Fingermark Development by Superglue Fuming. The second presentation given by Igor Pacheco and Brian Cerchiai titled: A Research Study for…
Fluorescence of Blood Impressions with Acid Yellow
Overview Blood impressions are associated with serious crimes against people, and are frequently recorded in the blood of either the perpetrator or the victim, often establishing a close connection in time between the two. A certificate of completion is available…
Fingerprint Identification: Reliability and Accuracy
Overview New technology is constantly being tested by Researchers and Developers to help this vital tool move forward in today’s society. These new technologies will assist in furthering the accuracy and reliability of using latent fingerprints. Our featured presentations for…
False-Positive and False-Negative Error Rates in Cartridge
Overview This webinar was presented to discuss the results and implications of an error rate study of cartridge case comparisons. The study was designed to measure false positive and false negative error rates of examiner comparisons of fired cartridge cases.…
Error & Uncertainty in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Overview This presentation provided a general introduction to the concepts of error and uncertainty as well as the differences between them. It will then apply these concepts to quantitative and qualitative aspects of bloodstain pattern analysis. Error and uncertainty are…
Demystifying Vacuum Metal Deposition [Archival]
Overview This course is directed to Crime Scene Investigators, Bureaus of Identification, and Forensic Science Laboratory Examiners. The information will help departments justify the cost of a Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD) and demonstrate to the fingerprint industry that VMD has…
Collecting Footwear and Tire Impressions in Snow
Overview From footwear to tire to snowmobile impressions, snow impressions can provide extremely valuable evidence in helping to resolve criminal investigations. Unfortunately, photographing and obtaining a cast of a snow impression is often a challenge for the crime scene examiner.…
Bloodstain Documentation and Collection Methods
Overview At some point in their careers, every crime scene responder has encountered a scene where the blood present is “everywhere” and there is no clear way to begin. That feeling can be extremely overwhelming. This training will provide attendees…
ASCLD Webinar Series: Latent Prints
Overview Archival Version – This course served as an overview of the Latent Prints discipline for the crime laboratory administration. This webinar provided non-LP analysts, who manage this discipline as part of a forensic laboratory or supervise members within this…
ASCLD Webinar Series: Firearms
Overview This course serves as an overview of the field of firearms examination for the crime laboratory administration. This webinar will provide non-firearms examiners, who supervise members within this field, a basic overview of the analysis performed, discipline specific administrative…
A General Framework for the Estimation of Likelihood Ratios
Overview This talk provides a very general framework for the estimation of likelihood ratios using similarity or dissimilarity scores resulting from a comparison of two patterns that overcome this deficiency for suitably chosen similarity measures. In such instances, the likelihood…
2017 NIJ R&D Series Impression, Pattern, & Trace Evidence
Overview The NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium was a free and open meeting where attendees learned about NIJ-funded research across a variety of forensic science areas. Morning Session I – Impression, Pattern & Trace Evidence Speakers & Presentations…
2016 NSAPS Panel 2 – Victim-Centered Approaches
Overview The National Institute of Justice, through its Forensic Technology Center of Excellence hosted “Looking Ahead: The National Sexual Assault Policy Symposium” on September 8-9, 2016, in Washington D.C. The audience learned how first responders such as medical staff, victims’…
2016 NIJ R&D Series Impression, Pattern & Trace Evidence
Overview Morning Session I: Impression, Pattern, & Trace Evidence The NIJ Research and Development (R&D) Program funds both basic or applied R&D projects that will: (1) increase the body of knowledge to guide and inform forensic science policy and practice,…
2014 TechBeat Articles Featuring the FTCOE
Short Tandem Repeat Study Released Issue: Nov/Dec 2014 Page: 27 Click here to read the article Magneto-Optical technology shows promise in “Unerasing” Serial Numbers Issue: Sep/Oct 2014 Pages: 21-24 Click here to read the article Report Provides Insight Into Mobile ID Fingerprint Technology Issue: Jul/Aug 2014…
Success Story: Improving Detection of Crime Scenes
National Institute of Justice and University of South Carolina Date August 2016 Overview The detection, collection, and analysis of blood evidence recovered from a crime scene is critical in a forensic investigation because of the potential DNA it carries. However,…
Success Story: Demonstrating Objectivity in Ballistic Identification
National Institute of Justice and Intelligent Automation, Inc. Date April 2015 Overview Firearms experts are seeking to strengthen their understanding of the accuracy and reliability of methods they use to associate fired ammunition recovered from a crime scene with a…