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.
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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…
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…
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…
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…
Audio Forensic Analysis Procedures for User Generated Audio Recordings
This webinar originally occurred on November 29, 2022 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 evidence in criminal…
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 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…
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…
Just Forensic Archaeology and Body Dump Sites
Original Release Date: August 19, 2022 In episode three of our Case Studies: Part 1 mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Sharon Moses, an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Northern Arizona University, to discuss forensic archaeology and locating…
Just Solving a Hit-and-Run in Sin City
Original Release Date: August 12, 2022 In episode two of our Case Studies: Part 1 mini season, Just Science sat down with Stacey Chepren, member of a trial team for prosecuting federal criminal misconduct cases, to discuss a fatal pedestrian…
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.…
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…
Electronic Cigarettes: A Tangle of Regulation, Public Health, and Public Safety Issues
← Back to Unseen Threats Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on May 24, 2022 Duration: 1 hour Overview While modern electronic cigarettes (ECIG) were invented as an effective alternate method for nicotine delivery, the unregulated cannabis industry and recreational…
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…
2022 Law Enforcement Drug Response Summit Archive
Overview This Arnold Ventures-supported study aimed to develop a better understanding of law enforcement drug response programs in the United States. As a part of that project, the study team fielded the 2021 National Law Enforcement Drug Response Survey, to…
Things Are Not What They Seem: A Collection of Interesting Case Studies from the Medical Examiner Scene Queens
← Back to Unseen Threats Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on May 19, 2022Duration: 1 hour Overview With the rise of illicit fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, synthetic cathinones, xylazine, and other substances adulterating many traditional street drugs, users often have…
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…
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,…
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…
HHRRC Poster Session 2022
The Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center (HHRRC), an organization within the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) supported by the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE), will host a hybrid virtual and in-person Poster…
Development of an Extraction Technique for Ignitable Liquid Residues (ILR) in the Field using Capillary Microextraction of Volatiles (CMV) and Person-Portable GC-MS
← Additional Portable Instrumentation for On-Scene Fire Debris Analysis Resources Date February 2022 Overview The work in this report is an extension of the capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) application (M. Torres et al., 2020) by Florida International University, reported…
Evaluation of Capillary Microextraction of Volatiles (CMV) Coupled to a Person-Portable Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC–MS) for the Analysis of Gasoline Residues
← Additional Portable Instrumentation for On-Scene Fire Debris Analysis Resources Publication Forensic Chemistry, March 2022 Authors Michelle N. Torres | Florida International University José R. Almirall | Florida International University Abstract A novel dynamic headspace extraction device, the capillary microextraction of…
Capturing Key Research Outcomes Using Short Video Vignettes: A Guidance Document
Date February 2022 Author David Matthew | David Matthew LLC, Wichita, Kansas Overview This document outlines the process of designing engaging video vignettes to disseminate results from complex research projects in a manner that is easily digestible by practitioners. More…
The Field Application of GC/MS For Fire & Arson Investigations Video Series
← Additional Portable Instrumentation for On-Scene Fire Debris Analysis Resources Overview The purpose of this project was to design engaging video vignettes to disseminate results from a complex research project. The project team developed a guidance document that specifically describes…
Portable Instrumentation for On-Scene Fire Debris Analysis
Overview The use of field portable instrumentation, including portable gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and photoionization detection, for on-scene fire debris analysis can allow for more efficient scene processing and a reduction in the amount of evidence sent for confirmatory…
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…
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 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…
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…
Trace Evidence Collection Mobile App
Go MOBILE for FREE with the Trace Evidence Collection App! Get the app here or search for “Trace Evidence Collection App” on the Google Play Store. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Get the…
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…
MDI Considerations for Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs
← Back to MDI Webinar Series This webinar originally occurred on November 4th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Medical examiners and coroners use a variety of data sources to complete a medicolegal death investigation (MDI) and make determinations on a cause…
Mapping Technologies for Crime Scenes
This webinar originally occurred on October 14th, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Traditionally, crime scene processing has involved manual measurements to construct diagrammatic representations of crime scenes. This is labor and time-intensive and does not necessarily yield a complete representation of…
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…
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…
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…
Best Practices for Digital Image Processing
This webinar originally occurred on August 5th, 2021Duration: 1 hour 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 the proper…
Image Quality and Clarity: The Keys to Forensic Digital Image Processing
This webinar originally occurred on August 3rd, 2021Duration: 1 hour 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 plays a…
Working Group on Data Exchange in Medicolegal Death Investigation
Working Group on Data Exchange in Medicolegal Death Investigation The National Institute of Justice and its Forensic Technology Center of Excellence convene the Working Group on Data Exchange in Medicolegal Death Investigation in collaboration with and supported by the Centers…
Just Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Pathology Portfolio
Original Release Date: June 18, 2021 In episode three of our 2021 NIJ R&D and Beyond mini season, Just Science sat down with Danielle McLeod-Henning, a physical scientist and program manager in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at NIJ, to discuss Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Pathology. Danielle McLeod-Henning has been the physical…
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…
Evidence Collection and Analysis for Touch Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Groping and Sexual Assault Cases
Publication Journal of Forensic Nursing, April 2021 Authors Julie L. Valentine, Ph.D., RN, CNE, SANE-A, FAAN | Brigham Young University Paige Presler-Jur, M.S. | RTI International Heather Mills, MSFS | Utah Bureau of Forensic Services Suzanne Miles, B.S. | Utah…
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…
Introduction to Touch DNA Evidence for Sexual Assault Groping Cases Video Series
Overview: The Importance of Touch DNA Evidence in Sexual Assault Groping Cases video series is presented by Dr. Julie Valentine and Heather Mills as a companion to the Journal of Forensic Nursing article entitled “Evidence Collection and Analysis for Touch…
Advancing Fire Scene Investigations with Field Portable Technologies
← Additional Portable Instrumentation for On-Scene Fire Debris Analysis Resources This webinar originally occurred on April 6, 2021. Duration: 1 hours and 30 minutes Overview This multi-year effort evaluated the application and limitations of field portable Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) systems. The testing…
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…
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…
Just Deepfakes
In episode seven, Just Science interviews Dr. Catalin Grigoras and Cole Whitecotton from the National Center for Media Forensics about deepfakes. Deepfakes are a form of synthetic media that replace an existing image with someone else’s likeness. While relatively new,…
Deaths in Custody: A Comprehensive Review
← Back to MDI Webinar Series We are thrilled to offer ABMDI Continuing Education Credits for this webinar. See below for details. This webinar originally occurred on December 2nd, 2020 Duration: 1 hour Join the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner of…
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…
Just Digital Evidence 101
In episode five, Just Science interviews Matt Ruddell from Florida International University about their efforts to develop forensic education and training programs at FIU. The National Forensic Science Technology Center at Florida International University offers a variety of courses, consulting,…
Just Data Stories
In episode four, Just Science interviews Paul Reedy, Owner of 4th Street Global, a digital forensics and cyber security consulting firm, about data stories and the future of digital evidence. Rapidly changing technology can complicate the analysis of digital evidence.…
Just Digital Evidence in the Courts of Appeals
In episode three, Just Science interviews Martin Novak, a Computer Scientist with the National Institute of Justice, about digital evidence in the United States Court of Appeals. Digital evidence has the capacity to identify suspects, win acquittals, and obtain convictions.…
Just A Public Defender’s Perspective
In episode two, Just Science interviews Nicolas Hughes, assistant public defender with the Harris County Public Defender’s Office in Houston, TX, about the validation of tools utilized by digital forensics laboratories. Many forensic laboratories face overwhelming caseloads; digital forensic labs…
Just the Evolution of Digital Evidence
While the realm of digital evidence is still relatively new, it requires validation and testing like all forensic disciplines. Digital evidence is a dynamic discipline that can often provide greater insight into the investigation of a crime or the defense…
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)…
Comparison of Portable and Benchtop GC–MS Coupled to Capillary Microextraction of Volatiles for the Extraction and Analysis of Ignitable Liquid Residues
← Additional Portable Instrumentation for On-Scene Fire Debris Analysis Resources Publication Forensic Chemistry, June 2020 Authors Michelle N. Torres | Florida International University Nicole B. Valdes | Florida International University José R. Almirall | Florida International University Abstract A novel…
Just Applied Leadership for Resiliency in CSIs
In this special release episode of Just Science, we sat down with Ashley Church and Erin West, founders of Gap Science, to discuss stress and resiliency in crime scene investigators. Traumatic death investigation can have adverse, long-term effects on crime scene analysts. As Ashley Church and Erin West moved through…
Managing an Accredited Digital Forensics Laboratory
– Wednesday, July 1st, 2020 1:00:00 PM ET – 2:00:00 PM ET Duration: 1 hour(s) In a 1-hour presentation, this webinar will address challenges unique to managing digital forensics laboratories seeking or maintaining accreditation. Participants will explore current challenges facing…
Ventilation Limited Fires: Considerations for Fire Pattern Analysis
Wednesday, June 10th, 2020 1:00:00 PM ET – 2:00:00 PM ET Duration: 1 hour(s) During the past decade, the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute has conducted research examining fire-fighting tactics. This research found that factors such as construction materials, contents,…
Just Skeletal Remains Identification
In episode two of the 2020 R&D Season, Just Science interviews Dr. Heather Garvin, Associate Professor of Anatomy at Des Moines University, about her work with OSTEOID, an online resource for species identification of skeletal remains. Approximately 30-40% of cases involving skeletal remains received by forensic anthropologists end up being…
Modifications to Capillary Microextraction in Volatiles for the Extraction of Ignitable Liquid Residues
← Additional Portable Instrumentation for On-Scene Fire Debris Analysis Resources Date March 2020 Overview This report summarizes the development and implementation of a novel sampling device (capillary microextraction of volatiles ) invented in the Almirall research group at Florida International…
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…
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…
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…
Rapid and Effective Identification of Organic and Inorganic Gunshot Residues
Wednesday, November 20th, 2019 1:00:00 PM ET – 2:30:00 PM ET Duration: 1.5 hour(s) Forensic laboratories and law enforcement personnel provide valuable support in the reconstruction of events and the assessment of the value of evidence in firearm-related investigations. The…
Detection and Visibility of Bruises Using Alternate Light: From Science to Practice
Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 1:00:00 PM ET – 2:00:00 PM ET Duration: 1 hour(s) Bruising is one of the most common types of soft tissue injury noted on victims of violence, including those suffering intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child…
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…
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…
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,…
Cradle to Cane: Investigation of Crimes Against Vulnerable Victims
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 Against Vulnerable Victims.” This two-day conference, held in Charleston, SC, focused…
Just Skin Deep
<<< back to all podcasts Just Skin Deep In episode one of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. Katherine Scafide and Dr. Daniel Sheridan about their use of Alternative Light Sources for the detection and assessment of cutaneous…
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…
In-Brief Report Series: Beyond DNA – Sexual Assault Investigations
Date January 2019 Overview The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is committed in their efforts to support scientific advancement, evidence-based practices, and community awareness of our Nation’s sexual assault response. As NIJ’s Director, Dr. David B. Muhlhausen, indicated, “our nation’s…
ASCLD Train the Director – Trace Evidence for the Crime Laboratory
This webinar originally occurred on February 14th, 2019 Duration: 1 hour This course serves as an overview of the trace evidence discipline for the crime laboratory administration. This is the fourth webinar in the ASCLD Train the Director Webinar Series.…
ASCLD Train the Director – Fire Debris Analysis is Not Black Magic!
This webinar originally occurred on February 7th, 2019 Duration: 1 hour The webinar will introduce those laboratory managers with fire debris analysis sections to the nuances of fire debris analysis. This is part of the ASCLD Train the Director Webinar…
Success Story: Uncovering Key Details of Skeletal Remains through 3D-ID Software
National Institute of Justice and North Carolina State University Date January 2019 Overview When forensic anthropologists investigate unidentified remains, they look for important clues that can help identify the subject. For example, the size and shape of the skull can…
Just Planning For The Aftermath Of A Mass Shooting
Just Planning For The Aftermath Of A Mass Shooting In the fourth episode of our medicolegal death investigation special release season, Just Science interviews John Fudenberg, the Coroner for Clark County, where he discusses the tragic events of the 2017 concert shooting in Las…
Just Forensic Nurse Coroners
Just Forensic Nurse Coroners In the third episode of our medicolegal death investigation special release season, Just Science interviews Bobbi Jo O’neal, the Chief Deputy Coroner of Charleston, South Carolina, who discusses the unique skills that forensic nurses can provide…
Just Coroners Versus Medical Examiner Systems
Just Coroners Versus Medical Examiner Systems In the second episode of our medicolegal death investigation special release season, Just Science interviews John Fudenberg, the Coroner for Clark County, Nevada. Listen along as Just Science explores commonalities and differences between the…
Estimating Blow Fly Age and Reducing Error in Postmortem Interval Cases
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 2:00:00 PM ET – 4:00:00 PM ET Duration: 2 hour(s) Insect evidence can provide valuable information during death investigations. Forensic entomologists estimate the ages of the immature insects like blow flies, which can provide useful information…
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…
Conference Proceedings: 2016 International Forensic Radiology Research Summit
Date September 2017 Overview On May 10-11, 2016, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI; Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice of the Netherlands), the International Society for Forensic Radiology and…
Making a Forensic Scientist: A Recipe for Success
Friday, September 21, 2018 1:00:00 PM ET – 3:00:00 PM ET Duration: 2 hour(s) This webinar will discuss the challenges facing forensic science today and provide advice for entry-level practitioners on skills needed to succeed as a forensic scientist. National…
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…
Small Bloodstains on Textiles – What Can They Tell Us?
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 1:00:00 PM EDT – 2:00:00 PM EDT Duration: 1 hour(s) 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…
2018 IAC&ME Training Symposium
This year, the IAC&ME hosted a combined Basic and Advanced Medicolegal Death Investigation (MDI) course in addition to its general conference program in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s program provided another excellent opportunity to learn from some of the best…
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…
Success Story: Establishing a “Microbial Clock” to Improve Time of Death Prediction
National Institute of Justice and Multi-Institute Academic Team Date April 2018 Overview The postmortem interval (PMI) is the time that has elapsed since a person’s death. Determining the PMI at a crime scene may help to recreate the victim’s timeline…
Computerized Reconstruction of Fragmentary Skeletal Remains
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…
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…
Success Story: NIST’s Dogs and Sensor Subcommittee Builds on Achievements by SWGDOG
National Institute of Justice and Florida International University Date April 2018 Overview Dog “detector teams” support law enforcement and first responders in a variety of applications ranging from drug and contraband interdiction to locating human remains. Dogs offer a useful…
Aquatic Death and Homicidal Drowning Investigation
Description Drowning is one of the leading causes of “accidental death” in the United States, but it is possible that many of these deaths are, in fact, incidents of foul play. It is important that law enforcement personnel learn how…
Aquatic Death and Homicidal Drowning Investigation
Date February 2018 Overview Drowning is one of the leading causes of “accidental death” in the United States, but it is possible that many of these deaths are, in fact, incidents of foul play. It is important that law enforcement…
Success Story: Advancing the Forensic Analysis of Ignitable Liquid Fuel Fires
National Institute of Justice and JENSEN HUGHES Date February 2018 Overview Investigating fires with “liquid fuel” is particularly challenging, as the combustion of building materials often conceals the presence of the fuel. JENSEN HUGHES, led by Dr. Daniel Gottuk, evaluated…
Regional Fentanyl Trends, Safety & Field Testing Technology
← Back to Series Regional fentanyl trends in Phoenix and Pittsburgh will be discussed along with safety concerns with unknown white powders. Handheld field testing technology will also be discussed including RAMAN and IMS. This webinar will discuss trends in…
A Landscape Study of Alternate Light Sources
Date January 2018 Overview The goal of this report is to provide the reader with a basic understanding of alternate light sources (ALS), as well as their use, benefits, and limitations. The information contained herein is derived from current literature…
Success Story: Improving the Reliability of Forensic Data from Vehicle Data Records
National Institute of Justice and Synercon Technologies Date December 2017 Overview Event Data Recorders (EDRs) are available in commercial vehicles. EDRs store relevant information about operation and other environmental variables. These devices contain content that support criminal investigations involving commercial…
Just So You Know: Rapid DNA Technology
Original Release Date: November 20, 2017 In this “Just So You Know” episode of Just Science, we discuss this year’s Rapid DNA forum with Chris Asplen, the Executive Director of the National Criminal Justice Association. The 3-day forum, hosted by…
Just Case Studies: Atlanta Olympic Bombing
Atlanta Olympic Bombing Season two, episode five of Just Science interviews John Collins during the annual ASCLD symposium in Dallas, Texas. This episode takes us back to a time when the United States was hosting the summer Olympics, in Atlanta,…
Just Case Studies: A Mother’s Tale – Part 2
A Mother’s Tale Part 2 Season two, episode four of Just Science involves a case through the eyes of an investigator. Mike Weber, an investigator with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office in the Crimes Against Children Unit, walks us…
Just Case Studies: A Mother’s Tale – Part 1
A Mother’s Tale Part 1 Season two, episode three of Just Science involves a case through the eyes of an investigator. Mike Weber, an investigator with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office in the Crimes Against Children Unit, walks us…
Just Case Studies: A Child’s Injustice
A Child’s Injustice Season two, episode two of the Just Science podcast involves a case from Canada that Andrew Greenfield, Deputy Director of the Centre of Forensic Sciences, worked on when he was a young scientist. The gruesome murder of…
OPIOID CRISIS – A PUBLIC HEALTH ENEMY WEBINAR SERIES
Overview Rates of opioid use and misuse have reached epidemic proportions and are impacting many aspects of both criminal justice and forensic sciences programs. Opioid addiction is the driving force behind this increase in use with more than 2.5 million…
Just Gunshot Acoustics Research
Just Gunshot Acoustics Research In this special release episode of the 2017 NIJ R&D Symposium, Just Science interviews Dr. Rob Maher. Below is the abstract submitted where Dr. Rob Maher explains his research: Gunshot acoustics–interpretation of the characteristic sounds produced…
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…
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…
2015 TechBeat Articles Featuring the FTCOE
Gunshot Residue Analysis Featured in New FTCOE Report Series Issue: Sep/Oct 2015 Pages: 3-8 Click here to read the article Familial DNA Project: Engaging Stakeholders, Sharing Opinions Issue: May/Jun 2015 Pages: 13-14 Click here to read the article Cutting-Edge Vacuum Technology: Locates hard to find…
A Landscape Study of 3D Crime Scene Scanning Devices
Date Updated: August 2018 Original: January 2016 Overview Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has become the gold standard of measurement and is the basis for 3D laser scanning technology used today in multiple disciplines that range from engineering to meteorology…
A Landscape Study of Handheld and Portable Raman Spectrometers
Date September 2014 Overview This report provides a “landscape” view of the issues and products associated with field portable Raman spectrometers for the identification of powders, liquids, gels, or tablets. The document is intended to furnish law enforcement, first responders, and…
ASCLD Data Collection on Forensic Science Providers
Date September 2014 Overview In 2010, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) began the Data Collection on Forensic Service Providers project to determine the full scope of forensic science services provided in the United States beyond those offered in…
A Technical Evaluation of Crime Scene Imaging Technologies
Date December 2013 Overview Digital crime scene documentation has become an essential component in criminal investigations and the judicial process. In fact, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) imaging technologies allow law enforcement personnel to skillfully create high-resolution, 360 degree images or…
The Crime Scene Is Fluid: Land to Water-Based Scenes
Overview This presentation also transitions into the investigation of deaths that occur in water. Deaths in the water, whether at home or on a lake, etc., are generally thought of as accidents. A major focus of this lecture is to…
Multidisciplinary Sexual Violence Glossary
About the Multidisciplinary Sexual Violence Glossary The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) in collaboration with the Center for Nursing Excellence International (CFNEI) has developed a sexual violence online glossary for medical, law enforcement, and legal professionals. Effective communication among…
Technical Advances in the Visual Documentation of Crime Scenes
Overview Practitioners overview various scanning technologies. An introduction is provided by Michelle Peace and Lyndsay Durham, and Marilyn Miller provides the context of documentation. The Virginia Department of Forensic Science reviews SceneVision-Panorama, Roanoke and Arlington County Police Departments reviews Panoscan,…
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.…
Science, Law and Politics of Cold Case Investigations
Overview What do the JonBenet Ramsey murder, the BTK killings and the Centennial Olympic Park bombing have in common? When does a criminal case go “cold,” and what does it take to “thaw it out” again? At a time of…
Crime Scene Imaging: A Practitioner’s Perspective
Overview This is an archival version of a web based panel discussion of forensic practitioners. These practitioners have adopted and implemented one of three panoramic crime scene imaging technologies, SceneVision-Panorama, Panoscan MK-3, and Leica ScanStationC10. The goal of this event…
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: Digital Multimedia Evidence
Overview This course serves as an overview of the Digital Multimedia Evidence discipline for the crime laboratory administration. This webinar will provide non-DME analysts who manage this discipline as part of a forensic laboratory or supervise members within this field,…
Utility of 3D Scanning Technologies Workshop
Overview This 2-day workshop focused on introducing or enhancing forensic science practitioner’s knowledge and capabilities of 3D crime scene documentation technologies. Topics discussed include: Scope and utility of Leica ScanStation C10 and Faro Focus Strengths and limitations of each instrument…
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: 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…
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: Introducing New Methods for DNA Analysis
National Institute of Justice and Midwest Research Institute Date April 2015 Overview Dr. Micah Halpern, formerly of Midwest Research Institute, used National Institute of Justice (NIJ) research grants to develop a unique genotyping method that is capable of rapidly producing…
Success Story: Advancing Rapid DNA Analysis
National Institute of Justice and NetBio Date April 2015 Overview Using research grants provided by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), NetBio of Waltham, MA, developed a Rapid DNA Analysis (RDA) system that is much faster at developing DNA profiles…
Success Story: Understanding the Ecology of Human Decomposition Methods for Estimating Postmortem Interval
National Institute of Justice and the National Museum of Health and Medicine Date April 2015 Overview Data on the microbiome of decomposing and skeletonized remains are providing an avenue for understanding how microbial communities may be used to augment medicolegal…
Success Story: Bringing Short Tandem Repeat DNA Identification to Law Enforcement
National Institute of Justice, UC Berkeley, and IntegenX Date April 2015 Overview Dr. Richard Mathies, chemist and professor at UC, Berkeley, was awarded NIJ funding to develop faster, more reliable, higher throughput, more sensitive, and more integrated technologies for forensic…