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.
- All Laboratory Operations
- Accreditation & Certification (7)
- Data Exchange & Sharing (9)
- Economics (6)
- Evidence Management (49)
- Forensic Statistics (13)
- Human Factors (45)
- Information Management Systems (5)
- Laboratory Design & Efficiency (47)
- Leadership & Management (71)
- Quality Assurance (36)
- Workforce Resiliency (22)
2023 NIJ Forensic Science R&D Symposium
Overview The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) will assist the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in hosting the annual NIJ Forensic Science Research and Development (R&D) Symposium on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 8:30am – 5:00pm ET at the…
Audio Forensic Analysis Procedures for User Generated Audio Recordings
Tuesday, November 29, 2022 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern Duration: 1 hour Overview The widespread use of handheld smartphones and other devices capable of recording audio and video means that user generated recordings (UGRs) are increasingly presented as…
Just Leveraging Databases for Human Identification
Original Release Date: September 23, 2022 In episode three of our Applications of Forensic Science for Human Identification season, Just Science sat down with Lori Bruski and Amy Jenkinson, two Research Public Health Analysts at RTI International, to discuss interagency…
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…
Cost-Benefit Analysis Tool for Labor Expenditure Associated With Sexual Assault Kit Processing Workflows
Overview Laboratories can use different workflows to process sexual assault kit (SAK) evidence, and the workflow is often selected based on available resources. In an era of constrained local and state budgets, this cost-benefit analysis (CBA) tool provides a critical…
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…
FLN-TWG: Updating Data Collection for Digital Evidence Casework in Project FORESIGHT
← 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…
Guidance Document on Considerations for Photographic Documentation in Sexual Assault Cases
Date August 2022 Overview Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are medical professionals with specialized training and expertise in medicine, psychology, and forensic science and are qualified to conduct sexual assault forensic examinations. During the sexual assault forensic examination, SANEs may…
Developing Critical Thinking Skills via Table-Top Exercises
← Back to Risk Management for Forensic Laboratories Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on August 23, 2022 Duration: 1 hour Overview Good decision-making in times of crisis and high stress can be the difference between success and failure. It’s…
The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Accreditation Initiative: Successes, Challenges, and Future Directions
Date August 2022 Overview In 2019, the American Society of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD) launched the ASCLD Accreditation Initiative (AAI) in collaboration with the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ’s) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) at RTI International. The AAI…
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…
Risk Management for Forensic Laboratories Webinar Series
Overview This webinar series explores the benefits of using risk-based thinking and risk management principles to assist in managing forensic laboratories. By employing a risk-based approach, laboratory managers better understand their decisions’ effects and impact on laboratory activities. From evaluating…
What Keeps You Awake at Night: Risk, Leading Change, and Challenging Decisions
← Back to Risk Management for Forensic Laboratories Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on July 26, 2022 Duration: 1 hour Overview In a recent conversation, the Colonel of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) asked the presenter, the Director…
Transparency in Crisis Management
Date July 2022 Overview This brief is designed to provide crime laboratory leaders and others who may find themselves at the forefront of a crisis response with a better understanding of how to be transparent. It provides an overview of…
Just the Forensic Laboratory Workforce Part 2
Original Release Date: July 1, 2022 In part-two of the final episode of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science continued the conversation with Dr. Peter Stout, Dr. Ray Wickenheiser, and Matthew Gamette discussing the future of the forensic…
Using Risk Management to Optimize Forensic Laboratory Operations
← Back to Risk Management for Forensic Laboratories Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on June 30, 2022 Duration: 1 hour Overview The use of risk management has been historically absent from the management of forensic science laboratories. While ISO…
Just the Forensic Laboratory Workforce Part 1
Original Release Date: June 24, 2022 In the eighth episode of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Peter Stout, President of the Houston Forensic Science Center, Dr. Ray Wickenheiser, Director of the New York…
Human Factors in Forensic Science Practice
This webinar originally occurred on June 21, 2022 Duration: 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…
Just Forensic Toxicology and Professional Partnerships
Original Release Date: June 17, 2022 In episode seven of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Karen Scott, an Associate Professor, Forensic Toxicology Consultant, and Director of the Master of Science in Forensic Science…
Just Trace Evidence from Classroom to Courtroom
Original Release Date: June 10, 2022 In episode six of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Brooke Kammrath, a Professor of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven and Assistant Director of the…
Forensic Science State Commissions and Oversight Bodies – 2022 Update
Date June 2022 Overview In the United States, many states have established forensic science oversight bodies, which take many forms and have myriad roles and responsibilities. In all cases, however, these forensic science oversight bodies help ensure complete, accurate, and…
Just the Components of Forensic Biology and DNA
Original Release Date: June 3, 2022 In episode five of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Robin Cotton, Director of the Master of Science Program in Biomedical Forensic Sciences at Boston University School of…
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.…
Narcotic Concealment Methods in U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Emergence of Counterfeit Tablets Containing Fentanyl in the United States
← Back to Unseen Threats Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on May 26, 2022 Duration: 1 hour Overview With nearly 6,000 miles of border to patrol and screening passengers and cargo at over 130 airports, seaports, and land border…
A Landscape Study Examining Technologies and Automation for Differential Extraction and Sperm Separation for Sexual Assault Investigations
Date May 2022 Overview The National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE), led by RTI International, provides valuable resources that promote the use of technologies in the forensic community. Differential extraction is a technique that allows…
Just Digital Forensics Program Development and Outlook
Original Release Date: May 20, 2022 In episode three of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Mark McCoy, Professor and Administrator of the Digital Evidence and Cyber Security Program at the University of Central…
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…
Reports of Adverse Events Associated with Use of Novel Psychoactive Substances, 2017–2020: A Review
Publication Journal of Analytical Toxicology, April 2022 Authors Amanda L A Mohr | Center for Forensic Science Research and Education Barry K Logan | Center for Forensic Science Research and EducationMelissa F Fogarty | Center for Forensic Science Research and…
Just FEPAC Accreditation and Forensic Chemistry Programs
Original Release Date: May 6, 2022 In episode one of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. José Almirall, a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Director of the National…
Unseen Threats: A Webinar Series from the AAFS Opioids and Emerging Drugs Ad-Hoc Committee
Overview This webinar series is based on the one-day workshop (“Unseen Threats”) that was sponsored by the Opioids and Emerging Drugs Ad-Hoc Committee at the 2022 American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Meeting. To follow up on this workshop,…
FORESIGHT Digital Evidence
Overview Since the initial efforts to collect data via Project FORESIGHT, receiving responses from forensic laboratories that examine digital evidence has been difficult. A small percentage of forensic laboratories reported areas of investigation for computer analysis or analysis of multimedia…
Strangulation in Sexual Assault Cases: Considerations for Evidence Collection and Supporting Healing
← Back to 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on April 14, 2022 Duration: 1 hour Overview In addition to providing medical care and support to victims of sexual assault, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs)…
Pandemic Impacts in the Workplace: Employee Wellness, Returning to the Office, & Remote Testimony
← Back to ASCLD Train the Director Series This webinar originally occurred on April 12, 2022Duration: 1 hour Overview Employers have endured many operational changes due to the pandemic. During the pandemic, employers have faced numerous challenges, such as how…
Sexual Assault Kit Evidence Tracking: The Idaho State Police Forensic Services Experience
← Back to 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on April 7, 2022Duration: 1 hour Overview The Idaho State Police Forensic Services agency has designed a sexual assault kit evidence tracking system to effectively track…
Application of the OSAC Registry of Standards to Forensic Science Service Providers’ Quality Systems
← Back to ASCLD Train the Director Series This webinar originally occurred on March 31, 2022Duration: 1 hour Overview Since its official inception in 2014, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for…
BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Award Management
← Back to ASCLD Train the Director Series This webinar originally occurred on March 24, 2022Duration: 1 hour Overview The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and…
BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Grant Application and Award Acceptance
← Back to ASCLD Train the Director Series This event originally occurred on March 17, 2022.Duration: 1 hour Overview The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and…
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…
BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Forensic Grant Opportunities
← Back to ASCLD Train the Director Series This webinar originally occurred on March 10, 2022 Duration: 1 hour Overview The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP)…
2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month Webinar Series: Exploring Current Trends in Sexual Assault Response
Overview This April, in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence will be releasing a series of webinars covering topics related to sexual assault response reform. Tune in as our presenters discuss sexual assault kit…
Just a Trauma-Informed Response to At-Home Sexual Assault Kits
Original Release Date: February 25, 2022 In the final episode of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Natasha Alexenko, Lieutenant Jordan Satinsky, and Marya Simmons to discuss at-home sexual assault kits through a victim-centered…
ASCLD Train the Director Webinar Series
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 this webinar are those of the presenter(s)…
Just a Prosecutor’s Perspective on At-Home Kits
Original Release Date: February 18, 2022 In episode seven of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Patti Powers, an attorney advisor at AEquitas and a former senior deputy prosecuting attorney in Washington state,…
Virtual Workshop: Understanding Sexual Assault Trauma and Considerations for Conducting a Trauma-Informed Interview
Overview Due to the successful response and engagement received from the Just Science podcast episode titled “Just Trauma-Informed Victim-Centered Interviewing” from the 2021 Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Forensic…
A Landscape Study of Electronic Case Management Systems for Medical Examiners and Coroners
Date February 2022 Overview Medical examiner and coroner (ME/C) offices sit at the nexus of forensic sciences and public health. These offices play a key role in the investigation of suspicious, unexplained, or unexpected deaths, dissemination of important data to…
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’…
Just Analyzing At-Home Kits
Original Release Date: February 11, 2022 In episode six of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Jay Henry, the former Crime Laboratory Director of the Utah Department of Public Safety. Mr. Henry, an…
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 hour and 30 minutes 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…
Just Key Considerations for Investigations of Sexual Assault Cases
Original Release Date: February 4, 2022 In episode five of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Scott Mourtgos, a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Utah, a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) LEADS…
Medical Examiner and Coroner Outsourcing Study – A Qualitative Study and Cost-Benefit Analysis
Date January 2022 Overview Medical examiners and coroners (MECs) are often at the center of highly stressful and emotional situations as a part of their daily job duties. Those events are compounded by continued and escalating high caseloads and inadequate…
Just Addressing Child Sexual Violence
Original Release Date: January 28, 2022 In episode four of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Laurieann Thorpe, the Executive Director at Prevent Child Abuse Utah, to continue our discussion on at-home sexual…
Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault
Overview The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) delivered a two-day Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault on January 26-27, 2022. The Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research…
Just A Pediatric Viewpoint on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits
Original Release Date: January 21, 2022 In episode three of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Toni Laskey, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine and the…
Just the Intersection of At-Home Kits and Healing
Original Release Date: January 14, 2022 In episode two of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Monica Gardner, an advocate, a former rape crisis center team advocate, and a survivor of sexual abuse as a child and…
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…
Just Supporting Evidence Collection in Sexual Assault Cases
Original Release Date: January 7, 2022 In episode one of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, a researcher, sexual assault nurse examiner, and the Associate Dean of Brigham Young University’s…
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…
Just Diversity & Inclusion in Forensic Science
Original Release Date: November 19, 2021 In this special release episode, Just Diversity & Inclusion in Forensic Science, Just Science sat down with Donia Slack, the Director of the Research, Technology, and Evaluation Program in RTI’s Center for Forensic Sciences,…
Just Literature on Stress & Resiliency in Forensic Science
Original Release Date: November 12, 2021 In episode four of our Workforce Resiliency mini season, Just Science sat down with Donia Slack, the Director of the Research, Technology, and Evaluation Program in RTI’s Center for Forensic Sciences, to discuss the…
Two-Pronged Study of Bullets Fired by Consecutively Rifled Barrels
← Back to Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on December 16th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour The 2016 President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) Report brought forensics, and specifically firearms identification, into the spotlight…
Just Workforce Resiliency for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Part 2
Original Release Date: November 5, 2021 In episode three of our Workforce Resiliency mini season, Just Science continues our conversation with Dr. Cara Berg Raunick, a women’s health nurse practitioner and the Director of Clinical Quality and Advancement at Health…
Just Workforce Resiliency for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Part 1
Original Release Date: October 29, 2021 In episode two of our Workforce Resiliency mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Cara Berg Raunick, a women’s health nurse practitioner and the Director of Clinical Quality and Advancement at Health Care Education and Training,…
Just Workforce Resiliency for MDIs
Original Release Date: October 22, 2021 In the first episode of our Workforce Resiliency season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Jennifer Rineer, a program manager and research psychologist in RTI International’s Center for Policing Research and Investigative Science, and Kelly Keyes, a research…
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…
Death Certification by the Medical Examiner/Coroner in Drug-Related Deaths
← Back to MDI Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on November 30th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Considering the steadily rising number of overdose deaths in recent years, public health systems rely on the vital role of medicolegal death investigation…
The Importance of Data to the MDI Community and Stakeholders
← Back to MDI Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on November 2nd, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Many stakeholders rely on medicolegal death investigation (MDI) data to support efforts that help save lives and promote justice. These stakeholders include federal,…
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…
Just Partially Tested Sexual Assault Kits
In episode seven of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rachel Lovell and Mary Weston to discuss resolving partially tested sexual assault kits. Partially tested sexual assault kits create a unique…
Just Supporting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
Original Release Date: August 20, 2021 In episode six of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Patricia Powers, an attorney adviser with AEquitas, to discuss supporting male victims of sexual assault through the…
Just Advocacy for Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
Original Release Date: August 13, 2021 In episode five of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Marya Simmons, founder and CEO of Shift in Notion Consulting, to discuss advocacy for male survivors…
Just a Cost Benefit Analysis of Sexual Assault Investigation
Original Release Date: August 6, 2021 In episode four of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Rachel Lovell, Research Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University, and Mary Weston, Assistant Prosecuting…
AFDAA 2021 Summer Meeting
The Association of Forensic DNA Analysts and Administrators (AFDAA), RTI International, and NIJ’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) partnered to host the AFDAA summer meeting virtually on July 28th and 29th, 2021. This virtual conference allowed the continued dissemination…
Just Trauma-Informed Victim-centered Interviewing
In episode three of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Natasha Alexenko, Jordan Satinsky, and Marya Simmons to discuss trauma informed, victim-centered interviewing for sexual assault cases. A sexual assault victim’s experiences with law enforcement and advocates…
Just Touch DNA and Sexual Assault Groping Cases
Original Release Date: July 23, 2021 In episode two of our Research and Considerations for Sexual Assault Cases season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, Associate Dean and Associate Professor at Brigham Young University in the College of Nursing and…
Federal Forensic Science Research and Development Programs – A 2021 Update
Publication Date Introduction In response to the 2009 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, the federal government accelerated its investment in forensic science in recent years. The NAS report advocated…
ASCLD Train the Director – Best Practices for Engaging Participants in Video Conferences
This webinar originally occurred on July 7th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour In this webinar, attendees learned a variety of strategies to keep participants engaged in an online meeting environment. First, attendees learned about the importance of familiarizing themselves with settings…
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…
ASCLD Train the Director – Successful Onboarding in Crime Laboratories
This webinar originally occurred on June 16th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Onboarding involves integrating a new employee into your organization. Also known as organizational socialization, onboarding is an important process that sometimes becomes an afterthought in the rush to start…
ASCLD Train the Director – Firearms 3D Technology: Advantages and Value for Implementing 3D Technologies
This webinar originally occurred on June 2nd, 2021 Duration: 1 hour 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 comparison. In 2009, a report…
ASCLD Train the Director – Developing an Unbiased Culture in Your Laboratory
This webinar originally occurred on May 26th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour This webinar facilitated a discussion about bias in a crime laboratory. Questions discussed included: what is bias in forensics? How can it impact your operations? Why is it important?…
Perspectives on Addressing the Collection, Tracking, and Processing of Lawfully Owed DNA Samples
Report Date April 2021 Introduction The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI’s) Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a powerful tool that supports the criminal justice system by generating investigative leads, identifying perpetrators, and linking cases together. DNA profiles obtained from…
ASCLD Emerging Issues: COVID-19 Webinar Series
Overview The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immeasurable impact on workplaces around the world. Organizations have had to rapidly implement operational changes in order to ensure the safety of workers and the continued timely delivery of products and services. Through…
ASCLD Emerging Issues: COVID-19 – Wellness and Operations
← Back to ASCLD COVID-19 Series ← Back to Forensic Workforce Resiliency Series This webinar originally occurred on March 29th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour COVID-19 has had an enormous effect on the workforce, and not just in the areas of…
ASCLD Emerging Issues: COVID-19 – Remote Testimony
← Back to Series This webinar originally occurred on March 24th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immeasurable impact on workplaces around the world. Organizations have had to rapidly implement operational changes in order to ensure…
Just the DEA National Forensic Laboratory Information System
In episode eight, Just Science interviews DeMia Pressley from the DEA’s Diversion Control Division to discuss the importance of information sharing across law enforcement and public health agencies through forensic partnerships. The National Forensic Laboratory Information System, otherwise known as NFLIS, is a…
Lessons Learned from Proficiency Test Results in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
This webinar originally occurred on April 15th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour 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 or…
Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group (FLN-TWG)
Supporting NIJ’s Mission to Improve Knowledge and Understanding 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 (FLN-TWG). The FLN-TWG supports NIJ’s…
The ROI from Reducing Turnaround Time for Processing DUI: Drug Cases
The ROI from Reducing Turnaround Time for Processing DUI: Drug Cases Presented at AAFS 2021 by Dr. Paul Speaker Abstract From the opioid crisis to legalization of marijuana to the continuing evolution in the abuse of drugs, the societal costs…
ASCLD Emerging Issues: COVID-19 – Remote Work in the Forensic Lab
← Back to Series This webinar originally occurred on March 17th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immeasurable impact on workplaces around the world. Organizations have had to rapidly implement operational changes in order to ensure…
Leveraging Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to Maintain Continuity of Operations: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Report Date Published January 2021 Introduction In response to 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic, forensic crime laboratories have changed their business operations to ensure responsiveness to their customers’ needs while protecting staff welfare and data security. This balance has challenged laboratory management…
Sexual Assault Response Fact Sheets
The organization of education materials for those responding to and investigating criminal sexual assault is a major component of our efforts toward sexual assault response reform. In that respect, the Fact Sheets below were designed to feature webinars and additional…
Preemptive Approach to Combatting and Characterizing Emerging Synthetic Opioids
This webinar originally occurred on Monday, February 8th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour This webinar described how preemptive synthesis and characterization of potent psychoactive substances from the literature can aid forensic scientists in the identification of unknowns appearing in samples emerging…
Utility of Microbes in Forensic Science
This webinar originally occurred on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour The presenter discussed the definition of forensic microbiology, a timeline of when it first became popular, and how it differs from molecular epidemiology. The webinar then covered differences…
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…
Trauma and Coping Mechanisms Exhibited by Forensic Science Practitioners: A Literature Review
Report Date Forensic Science International: Synergy, Volume 2, 2020, Pages 310-316 Abstract Vicarious trauma (VT) has been studied in mental health experts for over 30 years due to their engagement with victims of trauma and exposure to details of events,…
Just the Impact of Disturbing Media
In episode eight, Just Science interviews Dr. Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar from Purdue University about the impact of disturbing media on forensic professionals. Repeated exposure to violent and graphic media can have long-term negative effects on digital forensic examiners. Dr. Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar is researching the connection between disturbing media and the examiners who analyze it every…
Just NIST’s Digital Forensics Black Box Study
In episode six, Just Science interviews Barbara Guttman from the National Institute of Standards and Technology about the first large-scale black box study to test the accuracy of computer and mobile phone forensics. In forensic science, black box studies are…
Taking 3D Measurements with NMDID Images
← Back to Series – This webinar originally occurred on Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 Duration: 1 hour This webinar will introduce the audience to viewing and collecting data from 3D medical imaging modalities (CT/MRI) using the open source 3D Slicer…
Opening and Viewing NMDID Image Data
← Back to Series – This webinar originally occurred on Wednesday, October 21st, 2020 Duration: 1 hour In the third webinar, participants will learn about the image data included in the New Mexico Decedent Image Database. Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT)…
Accessing and Utilizing Metadata from NMDID
← Back to Series – This webinar originally occurred on October 14th, 2020 Duration: 1 hour – In the second webinar, participants will explore the types of data included in the New Mexico Decedent Image Database. The Data Dictionary contains…
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.…
The New Mexico Decedent Image Database Webinar Series
Overview The New Mexico Decedent Image Database (NMDID) is a new resource for research in any field that can draw on computed tomography scans of humans. The database contains de-identified scans of over 15,000 individuals; all were deceased at the…
Overview of Accessing the NMDID Database and Searching
← Back to Series – This webinar originally occurred on October 7th, 2020 Duration: 1 hour – The New Mexico Decedent Image Database (NMDID) is a new resource for research in any field that can draw on computed tomography scans…
PACE™: Rapid and Automated Artifact Identification and Number of Contributor Prediction
– Tuesday, July 28th, 2020 1:00:00 PM ET – 2:00:00 PM ETDuration: 1 hour(s) The PACE™ software introduces a fully continuous, machine learning tool to the forensic DNA community that enables fast and accurate artifact management and predicts the number…
ASCLD Emerging Issues: Employee Wellness Webinar Series
Overview Providing training and education to our membership is a core mission for ASCLD. Despite the unfortunate cancellation of our annual symposium this year, the Symposium Planning and Training and Education Committees found a way to bring timely and relevant…
ASCLD Emerging Issues: Employee Wellness – Tackling Employee Wellness: The Phoenix Police Department’s Crime Lab Approach
← Back to ASCLD Employee Wellness Series ← Back to Forensic Workforce Resiliency Series This webinar originally occurred on June 18th, 2020 Duration: 1.5 hours Organizations often struggle with building supportive organizational cultures, employee morale, and interpersonal relationships. The Phoenix…
ASCLD Emerging Issues: Employee Wellness – Drug Exposures in the Forensic Laboratory: What We Know, What We Can Learn
This webinar originally occurred on June 25th, 2020 Duration: 1.5 hours The recent rise in the illicit trade of highly toxic, synthetic drugs such as fentanyl has introduced a new set of potential health hazards to the forensic laboratory. Proper…
ASCLD Emerging Issues: Employee Wellness – Stress, Vicarious Trauma, and Resiliency for Forensic Science Professionals
← Back to ASCLD Employee Wellness Series ← Back to Forensic Workforce Resiliency Series This webinar originally occurred on June 11th, 2020 Duration: 1.5 hours The phenomena of vicarious traumatization, compassion fatigue, and burnout have been described since the mid…
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…
Success Story: Revolutionizing Laboratory Efficiency Assessments Through Project FORESIGHT
National Institute of Justice and West Virginia University Date March 2020 Overview Crime laboratories are expected to provide consistent and high quality services across multiple domains to criminal justice stakeholders, even though these laboratories may have limited resources and constrained budgets.…
The Researcher’s Role in Technology Transition
– Researcher’s Role in Technology Transition Report Date March 2020 Introduction Research and development (R&D) plays a key role in improving the practice of forensic science. The knowledge, tools, and methods developed by researchers can help improve the objective…
The Sequel – Marijuana or Hemp: From Farm Bill to Forensic Analysis
Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 1:00:00 PM ET – 2:00:00 PM ET Duration: 2 hour(s) Due to the overwhelming attendance and interaction for the first Marijuana or Hemp: From Farm Bill to Forensic Analysis webinar that was originally held on January 15th 2020,…
Just the Innocence Project
In episode four of the Improving the System season. Just Science interviews Sarah Chu, Senior Adviser on Forensic Science Policy at the Innocence Project, about their work to end wrongful conviction. Currently, there are over 2,500 cases on the National Registry…
ASCLD Accreditation Initiative
Overview The FTCOE has worked with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) to promote and support universal accreditation and to promote the value of forensic science accreditation, continuous improvement, succession planning and technical certifications. In furtherance of these…
Just the Organization of Scientific Area Committees
<<< back to all episodes In episode three of the Improving the System season, Just Science interviews John Paul Jones and Mark Stolorow of NIST about the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science. The 2009 National Academy of Sciences report…
The hidden costs of the opioid crisis and the implications for financial management in the public sector
Jeri Ropero-Miller and Paul Speaker Report Date Volume 1, 2019, Pages 227-238 Abstract The November 2017 release of the Council of Economic Advisers’ White House report on the opioid crisis suggests that prior consideration of expenses severely underestimated the…
Just a Profile in Forensic R&D Innovations
<<< back to all episodes In episode two of the Improving the System season, Just Science met with Gerry LaPorte, former Director of the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at NIJ, to discuss forensic science research and development innovations. Over…
Just the NIJ Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner/Coroner Offices
<<< back to all episodes In episode one of the Improving the System season, Just Science interviews Dr. Jonathan McGrath, Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at the National Institute of Justice, about the recently published…
ASCLD Train the Director – Toxicology: Instrumentation, Methodology, and Workflows
This webinar originally occurred on February 6th, 2020 Duration: 1.5 hours Legacy workflows in toxicology generally involve a drug class screen followed by a gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LC/MS-MS) confirmation analysis. Additional techniques could also…
2019 National Institute of Justice Forensic Science Research and Development Symposium
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 extensive international activities. Since…
Innovation in Forensics: A Community Effort
Innovation in Forensics: A Community Effort Report Date January 2020 Introduction Innovation in forensic science advances new technologies and techniques to improve the scientific foundation of the field as well as the objective collection, analysis, and interpretation of evidence.…
Just Building Workforce Resiliency
<<< back to all episodes Over the last few years, the National Institute of Justice has placed an increasingly large emphasis on the influence of work-related stress on mental health. In this special release episode, Just Science interviews Amy Jeanguenat…
ASCLD Train the Director – Investigative Genetic Genealogy: Background and Crime Lab Strategy
This webinar originally occurred on January 23rd, 2020 Duration: 1.5 hours Investigative Genetic Genealogy is a recently developed technique that generates new leads on previously unsolved cases where DNA from the suspect is present at the crime scene. In situations…
ASCLD Train the Director – Quality Assurance: Beyond Accreditation
This webinar originally occurred on January 9th, 2020 Duration: 1.5 hours Accreditation and quality assurance are two terms that are commonly used within the forensic science community. Many forensic laboratory mission statements incorporate the word quality in some capacity. Some…
Marijuana or Hemp: From Farm Bill to Forensic Analysis
Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 1:00:00 PM ET – 3:00:00 PM ET Duration: 2 hour(s) Attendees heard from experts in agricultural policy, hemp industry analytical testing, and the DEA Special Testing and Research laboratory to obtain a better understanding of the…
Communicating Conclusions in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 1:00:00 PM ET – 2:30:00 PM ET Duration: 1.5 hour(s) The results of a bloodstain pattern analysis are communicated through written reports and courtroom testimony. Principles of communication science will be discussed and explained to develop…
UNODC Early Warning Alert System: Forensic Tools for New Psychoactive Substances
This webinar originally occurred on December 3rd, 2019 Duration: 1 hour The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Early Warning Advisory (EWA) on new psychoactive substances (NPS) was launched in June 2013 as a response to the emergence…
Forensic Epidemiology: Monitoring Fatal Drug Overdose Trends
This webinar originally occurred on February 11th, 2020Duration: 1 hour Given the vital role of medical examiners and coroners (ME/C) in recognizing emerging trends in drug overdose deaths, partnering epidemiologists with ME/C offices can greatly enhance the utility of the…
Handling Difficult and Disturbing Forensic Cases for Coroners and Medical Examiners
This webinar originally occurred on October 17th, 2019 Duration: 1 hour There are over 2000 medical examiner and coroner offices throughout the United States. All are involved in determining the cause and manner of death and communicating this information to…
Special Release: Just the Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners
<<< back to all podcasts Just the Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners In this special release episode, Just Science interviews Dr. Hope Smiley-McDonald and Connor Brooks about the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Census of Medical Examiners and Coroners. The…
Workforce Calculator Project
Overview The workforce calculator project follows a two-year timeline to produce a workforce calculator for metropolitan, regional, and state forensic crime laboratories or laboratory systems. The calculator permits laboratories to identify the personnel required to support a given level of…
Juror comprehension of forensic expert testimony: A literature review and gap analysis
Heidi Eldridge Report Date Volume 1, 2019, Pages 24-34 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 of evidence presentation, both quantitative…
Digital and Multimedia Forensics: The Impact of Disturbing Media
This webinar originally occurred on August 28th, 2019 Duration: 1 hour Within the law enforcement and digital forensics communities, people will say, “What do they expect? It’s part of the job – they should be able to handle it.” However,…
HHRRC – Building Forensic Capacity Post-Conflict: Lessons from Uganda
← Back to Series This webinar originally occurred on March 28, 2019 Duration: 1.5 hours This presentation introduces research conducted in Uganda at the nexus of forensic science and transitional justice, highlighting a large-scale forensic investigation and human identification capacity-building…
ASCLD Train the Director – Quality Assurance in the Forensic Laboratory
This webinar originally occurred on February 21st, 2019 Duration: 1 hour This course explains transitioning from 17025:2005 to 17025:2017 and the lessons learned. This is the fifth webinar in the ASCLD Train the Director Webinar Series. Arizona Department of Public…
Lean Facility Design and Forensic Laboratories
Report Series Update January 2019 Report Series Summary Over the past decade, several tools have been developed to increase organizational efficiency and reduce backlogs, including process mapping and Lean Six Sigma (LSS). In 2011, a variation of LSS, named Lean Design…
Forensic Advancement: Just Mass Casualty Events
<<< back to all podcasts Just Mass Casualty Events In episode eleven of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Special Agent Richard Marx, the supervisory agent for the FBI’s Evidence Response Team Unit, to discuss what follows a mass…
Forensic Advancement: Just Blind Proficiency Testing
<<< back to all podcasts Just Blind Proficiency Testing In episode ten of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Dr. Peter Stout, CEO of the Houston Forensic Science Center, as he discusses the current state of the HFSC and…
ASCLD Train the Director – NIBIN Challenges and Opportunities
This webinar originally occurred on January 24th, 2019 Duration: 1 hour 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 unique tool to develop information…
ASCLD Train the Director – Digital Forensics: An Overview for the Laboratory Manager
This webinar originally occurred on January 31st, 2019 Duration: 1 hour This webinar will provide an overview of the field of digital forensics for the laboratory administrator. This is part of the ASCLD Train the Director Webinar Series. Digital forensics…
Just ASCLD Rapid DNA Committee
<<< back to all podcasts Just ASCLD Rapid DNA Committee In episode five of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Katie Fetherston, Brian Hoey, and Jeremy Triplett, the Laboratory Supervisor for Kentucky State Police to discuss the ASCLD Rapid…
Psychological Survival in a Violent Career
This webinar (Part One) originally occurred in 2018 Duration: 1.5 hours A follow-up webinar (Part Two) originally occurred on May 30th, 2019 Duration: 1.5 hours Dr. David Christiansen discussed some of the relevant issues which affect law enforcement officers, firefighters,…
Just Psychological Resiliency
<<< back to all podcasts Just Psychological Resiliency In episode four of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Dr. David Christiansen, a licensed psychologist in the State of Colorado, about psychological survival in a violent career. Dr. Christiansen discusses…
Process and Outcome Evaluation of Forensic DNA Unit Efficiency Improvement Program
Technical Note Date November 2018 Description A 2009 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Forensic DNA Unit Efficiency Improvement (EIP) Program solicitation provided crime laboratories’ DNA testing services with a funding opportunity to meet the increasingly numerous requests from the criminal…
Just Cognitive Bias Awareness
<<< back to all podcasts Just Cognitive Bias Awareness In episode two of the forensic advancement season, Just Science interviews Dr. Cecelia Crouse, formerly the Crime Laboratory Director of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, about the 2009 National Academy…
Just the Soul of the Profession
<<< back to all podcasts Just the Soul of the Profession The Forensic Advancement season of Just Science will focus on many areas that challenge forensic leadership within the community. A majority of these interviews were recorded at the 2018 ASCLD Annual Symposium…
A Landscape Study of SOPs to Collect and Process Arrestee and Convicted Offender DNA Samples
Report Date This study is currently being conducted. The project team presented a poster on preliminary findings and next steps at the International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI) in Phoenix, Arizona on September 24-27, 2018. Description The Forensic Technology Center…
Advancing Research Initiatives and Combatting the Human Trafficking Epidemic
Thursday, November 1, 2018 1:00 PM ET – 2:00 PM ET Duration: 1 hour(s) 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…
Just Being Vocal about Vicarious Trauma
Just Being Vocal about Vicarious Trauma In the first episode of our medicolegal death investigation special release season, Just Science interviews Kelly Keyes, the supervising deputy coroner of Orange County, California to give an overview about the coroners and medical…
Forensic Workforce Resiliency: Vicarious Trauma & Workplace Stress Webinar Series
Overview Professionals throughout the criminal justice system are exposed to the aftermath of violent crime and its victims. These individuals may include forensic nurses, crime scene investigators, forensic practitioners, medicolegal death investigators, and other professionals in related fields. Research has…
The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit – an Evidence-informed Resource for Organizations
This webinar originally occurred on September 13th, 2018 Duration: 1.5 hours Vicarious trauma is an occupational challenge for forensic science professionals whose work entails continuous contact with victims of crime and violence, and the analysis of traumatic material. This webinar…
Conference Proceedings: 2018 Impression Pattern and Trace Evidence Symposium
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 extensive international activities. Since…
Leadership Series
Overview: Every forensic science professional is a leader. Our society relies on the credibility and fairness of the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists play an important and fundamental role in the criminal justice community and are key to keeping our…
Just Talking Testimony
Just Talking Testimony In this special episode of the IPTES season recorded live in Crystal City, Just Science covers the panel titled, “Statistics and Testimony from the Practitioner and Juror Point of View.” Moderators for the panel were Dr. John…
Just Bayesian Brawl
Just Bayesian Brawl In episode nine of the IPTES season, Just Science is covering the Statistical Approaches to Forensic Interpretation panel, recorded live at IPTES. Moderators for the panel was your host, Dr. John Morgan, from RTI International and Dr.…
Just Handwriting Statistics
Just Handwriting Statistics In episode eight of the IPTES season, Just Science interviews Cami Fuglsby, from South Dakota State University, to discuss Sufficiency and Complexity Factors in Handwriting Examination. Did you know that increasing the size of the document improves…
Just A Juror’s Perception
Just A Juror’s Perception In episode three of the IPTES season, Just Science interviews Dr. Alicia Wilcox from Husson University and Heidi Eldridge from RTI International. Our guests discuss how visual aid and other tactics have been proven to help…
Just Hairy Isotopes
Just Hairy Isotopes In episode ten of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence , we spoke with Dr. Gwyneth Gordon, from Arizona State University. Dr. Gordon and her team have developed methods to use the isotopic abundance…
Just Blood Spatter
Just Blood Spatter In episode nine of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence , we spoke with Dr. Marc Smith, from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Smith’s NIJ funded research in blood spatter has connected computational…
Just the Facts About Campus Sexual Assault
Just the Facts About Campus Sexual Assault Christopher P. Krebs, PhD, has extensive research experience in the areas of corrections, substance abuse epidemiology and treatment, intimate partner violence and sexual violence, HIV transmission among and associated high-risk behaviors of…
Just Budgets
Just Budgets In the sixth episode of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence , guest speaker Dr. Paul Speaker discusses the FORESIGHT program. Dr. Speaker, an Associate Professor at West Virginia University, will describe how The FORESIGHT program helps…
Just DNA Mixture Interpretation
Just DNA Mixture Interpretation In the fifth episode of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence , guest speaker Dr. Catherine Grgicak discusses DNA Mixture interpretation, currently a hot topic in forensic science. Dr. Grgicak and her colleagues…
Just Subjective Probability
Just Subjective Probability For episode four of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence , we will be diving into the world of statistics and how it applies forensic case work with Dr. Christophe Champod…
Conference Proceedings: 2015 Impression, Pattern, and Trace Evidence Symposium
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 extensive international activities. Since…
Just 3D Optical Topography
Just 3D OPTICAL TOPOGRAPHY Episode Three of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence , features Dr. Ryan Lilien, from Cadre Forensics and Todd Weller, from the Oakland Police Department talking about their groundbreaking research…
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…
In-Brief: Applying Internal Validation Guidelines for Expanded STR Loci Kits
Report Date January 2017 Report Summary The familiar ‘13 Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) core loci’ expanded to ‘20 CODIS core loci’ as mandated by the FBI on January 1, 2017. Because of this FBI mandate, participating CODIS laboratories will need…
2014 NIJ Crime Laboratory Directors Meeting
Report Date October 2014 Participants Representatives from the National Institute of Justice and crime laboratory directors from across the nation, including those who are DNA or Coverdell grantee recipients. Report Summary On September 11–12, 2014, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ)…
ASCLD Data Collection on Forensic Science Providers
Report Date September 2014 Purpose Gather information that would allow policy makers to know with greater accuracy how much crime scene evidence is being examined and/or tested at unaccredited facilities. Report Summary In 2010, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors…
R&D 2014 – Fundamental Forensic Science Research-Part II
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…
New Paradigm for Fingerprint Reporting
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 opportunity for…
2016 NSAPS Panel 2 – Victim-Centered Approaches
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’ advocates,…
2016 NSAPS Panel 1 – Immediate Aftermath of Sexual Assault
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. This panel provided an overview of how a traumatic event like sexual…
Just Human Factors
Just Human Factors In episode two, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence , Dr. Tom Busey explores the importance of human factors as it relates to fingerprint analysis and interpretation. He, along with RTI International resident fingerprint expert, co-host Heidi Eldridge,…
Just Lab Management
Just Lab Management The first episode of Just Science, funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence , will feature guest speaker Barry Fisher. It will dive into Barry’s legacy, which goes back to the 1960s, and how he used leadership in the crime laboratory to…
Success Story: Identifying Ignitable Liquids in Fire Debris and Providing Error Rates for Purposes of Testifying
National Institute of Justice and University of Central Florida Date November 2016 Overview Determining the presence of ignitable liquid residue among the fire debris in an arson investigation is a complicated forensic problem. Most ignitable liquids commonly encountered consist of…