Date
December 2023
Overview
Artificial intelligence (AI), which leverages computers to perform tasks that enhance decision-making, problem-solving capabilities, and technology-driven innovativeness,” is a rapidly growing area of interest for both industry and the federal research and development (R&D) community.1 For forensic science service providers (FSSPs), AI-enabled technologies represent a significant opportunity to improve the way FSSPs identify, analyze, and reach conclusions on forensic physical evidence. Although most AI applications for forensic evidence currently remain in R&D phases, FSSP leaders must educate themselves and plan for future opportunities to invest in and leverage continuing AI advances.
The opportunities to improve forensic laboratory workflows and analyses with AI are significant, but AI and its potential implementation by FSSPs is multifaceted and complex. This brief was developed to help FSSP leadership understand the opportunities and realities of implementing future AI-enabled technologies in forensic science, highlight current research efforts, and help readers effectively plan for the inevitable future of AI.
“Technology is no longer the limiting factor here—it’s the desire and the know how to integrate AI-enabled systems in a way that is fair and trustworthy across the board.”
—Henry Swofford, Ph.D. | Lead Scientist, Forensic Science Research Program, NIST
Funding for this Forensic Technology Center of Excellence report was 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 report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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