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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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…
The Effect of Time on Rusted Firearm Identification
← Back to Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series Thursday, January 6th, 2022 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET Duration: 1 hour Since the development of early firearms in the mid-1200s, the best material for making critical parts for weapons has…
Two-Pronged Study of Bullets Fired by Consecutively Rifled Barrels
← Back to Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series Thursday, December 16th, 2021 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET Duration: 1 hour The 2016 PCAST (President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology) Report brought forensics, and specifically firearms identification, into…
Glock Pistol Toolmarks: A Literature Review and Introduction of Undocumented Toolmarks
← Back to Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series Tuesday, December 14th, 2021 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET Duration: 1 hour Glock pistols are well known for their generally distinctive class characteristics and the numerous toolmarks that they create on…
Exploration of Breech Face Subclass Characteristics
← Back to Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series Thursday, December 9th, 2021 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET Duration: 1 hour Subclass characteristics are caused by damage, defects, and/or wear on a cutting tool that transfers to a small group of…
Firearm and Toolmarks Webinar Series
Overview With the implementation of new technologies like 3D virtual microscopy, updates to the language used in testimony and reporting, and new research including black box studies, it is a pivotal time for the forensic pattern disciplines, especially firearm and…
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,…
2022 Firearm and Toolmarks Policy and Practice Forum
Overview The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) will be delivering 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…
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…
National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach Mobile App
Go MOBILE for FREE with the National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits App! Get the app here or search for “National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits” on the Google Play Store. Google Play and the Google Play logo…
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 offering a murder mystery event! Each day of the week, a new evidence-based clue will be revealed on the…
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…
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…
Just Lawfully Owed DNA
In episode one 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 Attorney at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, to discuss…
HHRRC Virtual Library 2021
The Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center, an organization within the American Academy of Forensic Science supported by NIJ’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, hosted this Poster Session as an open meeting where attendees can meet our HHRRC researchers and…
Just a Guide to Sexual Assault Response Reform
Original Release Date: April 30, 2021 In episode three of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Patricia Melton, co-director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Training and Technical Assistance program, to discuss a…
Just Victim Advocacy During a Pandemic
Original Release Date: April 23, 2021 In episode two of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Marya Simmons, founder and CEO of Shift in Notion Consulting, to discuss victim advocacy during a pandemic. The arena of…
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…
Just a Survivor’s Perspective and Reflection
Original Release Date: April 16, 2021 In episode one of our 2021 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with author, non-profit founder, and sexual assault survivor Natasha Alexenko to discuss her book, A Survivor’s Journey, and the importance…
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 ET to 5:40 PM ET. 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…
Just Polysubstance Use and the Importance of Data Trends
In episode ten, Just Science interviews Josh Yohannan, a forensic chemist and expert in emerging drug trends, about polysubstance use in the opioid overdose epidemic. Polysubstance use dramatically increases the potential for overdose or negative side effects of drug use. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” description of…
Just Addressing the Stigma of Substance Abuse Disorder
In episode nine, Just Science interviews Clarence Jordan, the Vice President of Wellness and Recovery at Beacon Health Options, to discuss stigma and its impact to programs designed to support those with substance use disorder and on individual level outcomes. There is no shortage of stigma surrounding the overdose crisis facing our…
Annual Infographics
View the most recent Forensic Technology Center of Excellence’s Annual Metrics Report and previous infographics. Previous Infographics
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…
Just Building Policy From The Ground Up
Original Release Date: March 5th, 2021 In episode seven, Just Science interviews Dr. Alex Kral, an infectious disease epidemiologist at RTI International, about innovative policy solutions to improve outcomes for people with substance use disorder. Community-based research takes place within community settings and involves community members which allows…
Just Alternative Crisis Response: One Community’s Experience
In episode six, Just Science interviews Tim Black of the White Bird Clinic in Eugene, Oregon about the CAHOOTS program, a community-based public safety model that provides mental health first response for crises involving mental illness, homelessness, and substance use…
Just Partnerships To Enhance Overdose Fatality Review
In episode five, Just Science interviews Dr. Mallory O’Brien, Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, to discuss how partnerships can enhance Overdose Fatality Reviews. The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) is the only state-based reporting system that covers all types…
Just the Story of the Healthy Grandfamilies Project
Original Release Date: February 12th, 2021 In episode four, Just Science sat down with Bonnie Dunn, Co-Director of the West Virginia Healthy Grandfamilies Project, to discuss a free initiative that provides information and resources to grandparents who are raising one or more of their grandchildren. Children…
Just The Importance of Identifying Emerging Drug Threats
Original Release Date: February 5th, 2021 In episode three, Just Science sat down with Amanda Mohr and Dr. Alex Krotulski from the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education to discuss the analytical and interpretative challenges associated with emerging drug threats. The Center for Forensic Science…
Just the Intersection of Opioids and Illicit Stimulants Part 2
Original Release Date: January 29, 2021 This week, we continue the conversation with Dr. Zibbell as he discusses the American history of drug epidemics, what we can learn from past stimulant crises, and the importance of tailoring interventions in this episode of Just Science. This season is in…
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…
HHRRC Virtual Library 2020
The Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center, an organization within the American Academy of Forensic Science supported by NIJ’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, hosted this Poster Session as an open meeting where attendees can meet our HHRRC researchers and…
2020 Year in Review
A Message from the FTCoE Webinars The FTCoE hosted over 30 webinars this year. You can see all that we have to offer on our resources page, or you can check out the top five here: The New Mexico Decedent…
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,…
Forensic Science Week 2020
Overview Forensic Science Week recognizes the contribution that forensic science makes to the criminal justice system. This year, Forensic Science Week is being held September 20-26. Throughout the week, the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) is engaging with the…
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…
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 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…
Just COVID-19: The Impact to Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault
Overview This week on Just Science, we are publishing a special release episode in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Social distancing, shelter in place, and other responses to COVID-19 can create a stressful environment for survivors of sexual assault…
The Researcher’s Role in Technology Transition
– Researcher’s Role in Technology Transition Report Date January 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…
Just So You Know: The HHRRC’s Impact
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center (HHRRC) seeks to promote humanitarian and human rights action in the field of forensic sciences. This effort would not be possible without the support provided by NIJ’s…
Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center Special Initiative
Description The Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center (HHRRC) seeks to utilize the assets of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) to promote the application of contemporary forensic science and forensic medicine principles to global humanitarian and/or human rights…
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.…
The NIJ Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group – Progress to Date and Future Plans
NIJ’s FTCoE and Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group Report Date December 2019 Introduction Recognizing the many challenges associated with adopting new technologies and other innovations in forensic science organizations, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) formed the Forensic…
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…
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…
Best Practices in Novel Psychoactive Substances Testing for Laboratory Practitioners
NIJ’s FTCoE and Center for Forensic Science Research and Education Report Date September 2019 Introduction New psychoactive substances (NPS) have always presented a challenge to analytical laboratories tasked with identifying drugs in biological and nonbiological material. The pace at…
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…
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…
Just Putrid Databases
<<< back to all podcasts Just Putrid Databases In episode seven of the 2019 R&D season, Just Science interviews Dr. Audris Mockus, a Professor in the Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, about an Image Cloud…
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…
Online Workshop Series: Probabilistic Genotyping Of Evidentiary DNA Typing Results
Overview The Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory has partnered with the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence to create a series of online workshops aimed at increasing knowledge, understanding, and the reliable application of probabilistic genotyping to…
Rapid DNA’s Role in Disaster Victim Identification
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2019 1:00:00 PM ET – 2:30:00 PM ET Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes Historically DNA technology has been used as a last resort in the identification of disaster victims. Traditional DNA testing can be a lengthy…
Neurophysiology and Overcoming Trauma: Understanding Individual Challenges
Tuesday, April 30, 2019 1:00:00 PM ET – 2:30:00 PM ET Duration: 1.5 hour(s) This webinar explores how personal experiences and unique traumas create commonly felt physical symptoms and investigates how the brain functions reflect a reaction to danger, an…
Identification: Just the Double Loop Podcast Crossover
<<< back to all podcasts Just the Double Loop Podcast Crossover In episode nine of the Identification season, Just Science sits down with Heidi Eldridge, from RTI international, along with Eric Ray and Glenn Langenburg, the co-hosts of the Double Loop Podcast, to discuss the…
HHRRC – Building Forensic Capacity Post-Conflict: Lessons from Uganda
This webinar originally occurred on March 28th, 2019Duration: 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 workshop for Ugandan stakeholders. Detailed…
The Time to Collect is Now: DNA Evidence in Groping Sexual Assault Cases
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 2:00 PM ET – 3:30 PM ET Duration: 1.5 hour(s) Improving the overall response to sexual assault includes understanding how touch DNA evidence impacts groping sexual assault cases. This webinar will illustrate the importance of these…
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…
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…
Forensic Advancement: Just Transparency in Public Communications
<<< back to all podcasts Just Transparency in Public Communications In episode nine of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Ramit Plushnick-Masti, Director of Communications for the Houston Forensic Science Center, concerning the role of transparency in the forensics…
Forensic Advancement: Just a Paradigm Shift for Forensic Scientists
<<< back to all podcasts Just a Paradigm Shift for Forensic Scientists In episode eight of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Ron Smith. Mr. Smith is a 45-year veteran of latent print analysis and the current president of…
Forensic Advancement: Just Throwing DARTs at the Opioid Crisis
<<< back to all podcasts Just Throwing DARTs at the Opioid Crisis In episode seven of the forensic advancement season, Just Science interviews Amber Burns, Chemistry Section Manager for the Maryland State Police Department, to discuss the role of technology…
Forensic Advancement: Just Millennials
<<< back to all podcasts Just Millennials In episode six of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Ben Swanholm, Evidence Screening Section Supervisor at the Phoenix Police Department to discuss millennials and their future role in the forensic sciences. Millennials…
Just So You Know: AAFS Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center
<<< back to all podcasts Just So You Know: AAFS Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Center (HHRRC) seeks to promote humanitarian and human rights in the field…
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…
Just FORESIGHT on Sexual Assault Kits
<<< back to all podcasts Just FORESIGHT on Sexual Assault Kits In episode three of the Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews Dr. Paul Speaker from West Virginia University about the jurisdictional return on investment for DNA Databases. With the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Conference Proceedings: 2016 International Forensic Radiology Research Summit
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…
Strengthening the Medical Examiner–Coroner System Through NIJ-funded Programs: 2018 Medicolegal Death Investigation Stakeholders’ Meeting
Report Date September 2018 Report Summary On February 5–6, 2018, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the research and evaluation agency of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), convened a diverse group of stakeholders from across the United States…
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…
3D-ID-Geometric Morphometric Classification of Crania for Forensic Scientists Software Best Practices
Thursday, August 16, 2018 1:00 PM ET – 2:00 PM ET Duration: 1 hour(s) Attendees will be introduced to the new features of the new software release, how to maximize results, and how to best interpret results for forensic casework…
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…
Webinar: Transition to Impact – Bringing Research to Practice [ARCHIVAL]
Enabling great research to have impact in the forensics community requires transitioning knowledge from the lab to the market. Come learn about the steps you can take to improve the likelihood of your research impacting practice. Technology and knowledge transition…
Genes of a Feather Stick Together: Evaluating Linked Markers
This webinar originally occurred in 2018 Duration: 1 hour New DNA analysis kits used in kinship testing may contain loci that are potentially linked. This project will examine if three pairs of exhibit linkage and explore possible solutions for using…
DNA Kinship Testing Webinar Series
Overview DNA kinship tests are proposed as a method within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for confirming the presence of a biological relationship between two individuals for immigration purposes, preventing human trafficking, and identifying mass disaster victims. This webinar…
Evaluate Population-Specific Sibship During Kinship Analysis
← Back to Series This webinar originally occurred in 2018 Duration: 1 hour – This webinar will provide an overview of what kinship analysis programs are currently in use and will provide an in-depth analysis of how population-based allele frequency…
Evaluating the Use of DNA Analysis for Family Reunification
This webinar originally occurred on March 14th, 2018 Duration: 1 hour DNA analysis allows for testing relationships (kinship) between two individuals in situations that vary from legal immigration to claimed parentage testing. This webinar focuses on the applicability of DNA…
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Kinship Testing Involving Siblings
This webinar originally occurred in 2018 Duration: 1 hour This webinar aims to improve the knowledge on kinship testing involving siblings and provides a cost-benefit analysis of practices involving the use of additional reference siblings and substitution of half-siblings for…
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…
2018 IPTES Plenary – Closing Keynote Speaker Adam Benforado
IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/25/2018. The National Institute of…
2018 IPTES – Trace Evidence Breakout Day 2 PM
IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/25/2018. The National Institute of…
2018 IPTES – Trace Evidence Breakout Day 2 AM – Part 2
IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/25/2018. The National Institute of…
2018 IPTES – Trace Evidence Breakout Day 2 AM – Part 1
IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/25/2018. The National Institute of…
2018 IPTES – Impression & Pattern Breakout – Day 2 PM
IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/25/2018. The National Institute of…
2018 IPTES – Impression & Pattern Breakout Day 2 AM – Part 2
IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/25/2018. The National Institute of…
2018 IPTES – Impression & Pattern Breakout Day 2 AM – Part 1
IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/25/2018. The National Institute of…
2018 IPTES – Trace Evidence Breakout Day 1 PM
IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/24/2018. The National Institute of…
2018 IPTES – Impression & Pattern Breakout Day 1 PM
IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/24/2018. The National Institute of…
2018 IPTES Plenary – Statistics & Testimony From Practitioner
IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities.This original Live Webinar took place on 01/24/2018. The National Institute of Justice…
2018 IPTES Plenary – Opening Remarks & Statistical Approaches
IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. This original Live Webinar took place on 01/24/2018. The National Institute of…
Investigative DNA Testing Implementation
← Back to Series This webinar will discuss the technical and operational aspects of implementing forensic investigative DNA testing. DNA based prediction of physical appearance can provide investigators with useful leads when a DNA profile generates no hits. Currently, forensic…
Webinar: A Close Look at 3D Microscopy for Firearms Identification [Archival]
Firearms identification is undergoing a major change in capability with the adoption of optical topography, which provides a 3D view of the surface of a bullet or cartridge case to capture the full range of subclass and individual characteristics. The…
Collaboration in the Fight Against Fentanyl
← Back to Series This webinar will identify partnerships and innovative efforts in the whole of government approach to identify and interdict fentanyl analogs, as well as to heighten awareness and strengthen legal mechanisms for dealing with the illicit fentanyl…
DNA Methylation-Based Age Prediction & Body Fluid ID
← Back to Series In this webinar you will discover how multiplex assays targeting CpG sites can be used to predict the age of an individual and determine the body fluid of origin of a sample. The ability to estimate…
The NC Statewide Medical Examiner System Laboratory Approach
← Back to Series This webinar will focus on the North Carolina Medical Examiner System and the toxicology laboratory that serves the system. Included will be information on the changing landscape of death certification and changes to the laboratory approach…
The Evolution Of SNPs As A Forensic Marker
← Back to Series This webinar will review the history of SNPs as forensic markers and discuss the design and development of large SNP multiplexes for use on massively parallel sequencing platforms for forensic and missing person identification. The use…
The Opioid Overdose Epidemic in America: CDC Response
← Back to Series In this Webinar, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will present an overview of the opioid overdose epidemic and its public health burden, followed by a description of the multi-faceted public health approach. Drug…
The Industry’s Role in Responding to the Opioid Crisis
This webinar will describe the role that the reference material manufacturer plays by providing the tools needed to respond to the current opioid epidemic. Whether by rapidly providing authentic reference standards of novel emerging drugs of abuse or the analytical…
Making The Case For Prevention: Fighting The Opioid Epidemic
← Back to Series This webinar focuses on universal and primary prevention efforts to address prescription drug misuse and abuse; and the use of innovative analytic techniques to evaluate their effectiveness. The current response to the opioid epidemic has appropriately…
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…
Opioids and Death Investigation: A “Perfect Storm”
← Back to Series The scope of the opioid epidemic presents unprecedented challenges to the medical examiner and coroner community. This webinar will explore the intersection of the opioid epidemic with the work of America’s medical examiners and coroners. The…
Strategies & Considerations for Trace Detection of Fentalogs
← Back to Series This webinar provides strategies & considerations for the trace detection of fentanyl and its analogs. The focus will be on TD-DART-MS and IMS analysis as well as understanding the fate of fentanyl residues that are exposed…
Just Case Studies: Mel Hall – A Sexual Predator
Mel Hall – A Sexual Predator For the second season of Just Science we will be delving into case studies. These case interviews include victim accounts, lawyers, investigators, and crime lab directors. They will tell you about cases they have…
OPIOID CRISIS – A PUBLIC HEALTH ENEMY WEBINAR SERIES
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 Americans…
Record Linkage of CODIS Profiles with SNP Genotypes
← Back to Series This webinar will describe a method for assessing whether a set of genotypes at the CODIS microsatellite markers is drawn from the same person as a set of genome-wide SNP genotypes. Forensic-genetic work in the United…
Opioid Substances: A Threat to Animal Welfare & Safety
← Back to Series The opioid crisis has impacted animal welfare and safety several ways. This webinar will review risks to pets of opioid abusers and working K9s and will make recommendations to help keep K9s safe, including risk mitigation…
Dreamland – Sam Quinones Explores America’s Opiate Epidemic
← Back to Series Sam Quinones is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist and author of three books of narrative nonfiction. His latest book is Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic (Bloomsbury, 2015), for which he traveled across the…
Fentalogs – Pharmacology, Toxicology & Analytical Approaches
← Back to Series We will review the chemistry of fentanyl, its analogs and precursors, their pharmacology and relative potency, and approaches to identifying novel fentanyl analogs in forensic toxicology casework. Fentanyl and its analogs, sometimes called “The Fentalogs”, are…
Opioids and the Drain on Laboratory Resources
← Back to Series This webinar uses data from Project FORESIGHT to examine the effects of the opioid crisis on the demands for laboratory resources and the direct and indirect effects on the work of forensic laboratories. The dramatic increase…
Identify Synthetic Opioids using Ambient Ionization TOF-MS
← Back to Series This webinar will present the results of the evaluation of Direct Sample Analysis Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry to provide rapid identification of eighteen fentanyl analogs and related synthetic opioid. As of March 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration…
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…
2017 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…
HHRRC – Stable Isotope Forensics & Unknown Persons Investigations
This webinar originally occurred on May 24, 2017 Duration: 2 hours This webinar discussed applications of stable isotope analysis for predicting region of origin of unidentified border crossers found within the United States. Participants will understand the applications and limitations…
Furensics – Animal DNA in Criminal Investigations
Thursday, June 29, 2017 1:00:00 PM ET – 3:00:00 PM ET Duration: 1 hour(s) This webinar provides an overview of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory Forensic Unit at UC Davis and the types of cases encountered in a non-human DNA laboratory.…
ASCLD Webinar Series: DNA Standards and Guidelines Part 2
Thursday, May 25, 2017 1:00:00 PM ET – 3:00:00 PM ET Duration: 2 hours(s) Forensic DNA Analysis, and in particular interpreting complex DNA mixtures and calculating statistics, can be challenging. The technology is ever more sensitive and analysts are testing…
HHRRC – Analysis and Conservation of Human Remains in Cambodia
The webinar originally occurred on May 16th, 2017 Duration: 1 hour This presentation provides an introduction to the work conducted in Cambodia to analyze/preserve human remains from violence committed by the Khmer Rouge. Specifically the site of Krang Ta Chan,…
ASCLD Webinar Series: DNA Standards and Guidelines Part 1
This webinar was targeted to DNA Supervisors, DNA Technical Leaders, Quality Mangers, and DNA Analysts. There was also a question and answer period after the presentation. Forensic DNA Analysis, and in particular interpreting complex DNA mixtures and calculating statistics, can…
HHRRC – Nerve Agent Uptake and Detection in Human Bone
The webinar originally occurred on May 9th, 2017 Duration: 1 hour This presentation discusses experimental tests of a model for drug uptake by human bone and explores how the results may be applied to detect nerve agent exposure from human…
Organizing and Transferring SANE/SAFE/SART Knowledge and Best Practices
Overview At the request of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) coordinated a comprehensive Federal effort to organize and transfer knowledge and best practices of sexual assault nurse examiners, sexual assault forensic examiners,…
Organizing and Transferring SANE/SAFE/SART Knowledge and Best Practices
Overview At the request of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) coordinated a comprehensive Federal effort to organize and transfer knowledge and best practices of sexual assault nurse examiners, sexual assault forensic examiners,…
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)…
Using Forensics & Biometrics on Human Trafficking
Modern day global realities are that millions of people are immigrants, refugees, enslaved in some form of human trafficking, or otherwise susceptible to conflict or acts of terror. There is no simplistic solution to address these issues, as matters of…
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…
Genome ID Forum 2014 – Legal Perspective on the Adoption of Advanced Technologies
Originally presented at the 2014 Genome ID Forum, Ted Hunt, chief trial attorney in the prosecuting attorney’s office in Kansas City, Missouri, brings a fresh legal perspective to addressing the adoption of advanced DNA analysis technologies for forensic crime laboratories. In…
Latent Fingerprints: Reducing Erroneous Exclusions
This presentation discusses reducing erroneous exclusions in latent fingerprints. The exclusion decision is a fairly recent change in latent print comparisons, and the discipline is still struggling with how to handle exclusions. Erroneous exclusions are being discovered with surprising frequency…
Familial DNA Searching: Current Approaches – Part IV
This four-part panel discussion series will elucidate the current landscape of policies and procedures addressing familial DNA searching. Part IV In this particular session, the discussion focused around current technical protocols including software considerations, candidate thresholds derived by likelihood ratio…
Familial DNA Searching: Current Approaches – Part III
This four-part panel discussion series will elucidate the current landscape of policies and procedures addressing familial DNA searching. Part III In this particular session, the discussion focused around the process of investigative follow up from these leads including costs and…
Familial DNA Searching: Current Approaches – Part II
This four-part panel discussion series will elucidate the current landscape of policies and procedures addressing familial DNA searching. Part II In this particular session, the discussion topic was focused around current existing protocols and specifically address questions such as: what…
Familial DNA Searching: Current Approaches – Part I
This four-part panel discussion series will elucidate the current landscape of policies and procedures addressing familial DNA searching. Part I These discussions were used to generate a report designed to educate legal professionals, policy makers, law enforcement and forensic laboratory…
Familial DNA Database Search System
The Familial DNA Database Search System is a newly developed fully web enabled secure database search system to allow for DNA profile comparisons including those that define familial relationships. This system was developed in collaboration with practitioners from the Denver…
ASCLD Webinar Series: FBI Allele Frequency – Managers & Legal Overview
Crime Laboratories have earned a position of public trust over time through providing reliable quality results. Keeping public trust includes being self-correcting once an issue is discovered. The Federal Bureau of Investigation allele frequency amendments is an opportunity to demonstrate…
ASCLD Webinar Series: FBI Allele Frequency Amendments – Technical Discussion
Crime Laboratories have earned a position of public trust over time through providing reliable quality results. Keeping public trust includes being self-correcting once an issue is discovered. The Federal Bureau of Investigation allele frequency amendments is an opportunity to demonstrate…
ASCLD Webinar Series: Rapid DNA, the QAS and NDIS Part I
The American Society of Crime Lab Directors, along with RTI International, have produced this webinar series designed to investigate the validation, current use, and future implementation of Rapid DNA. This is the first archival of this three-part series that was…
ASCLD Webinar Series: Rapid DNA Part III
The American Society of Crime Lab Directors, along with RTI International, have produced this webinar series designed to investigate the validation, current use, and future implementation of Rapid DNA. This third webinar in the Rapid DNA Webinar series focuses on…
ASCLD Webinar Series: Rapid DNA Part II
The American Society of Crime Lab Directors, along with RTI, have produced this webinar series designed to investigate the validation, current use, and future implementation of Rapid DNA. This is the second webinar in a three part series. The presenters…
ASCLD Webinar Series: DNA Mixtures Technical Overview
Complex DNA mixtures from more than two individuals and/or profiles amplified with low-level quantities of DNA, can be challenging for the analyst to interpret. The FBI’s Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) crafted a new version of the…
ASCLD Webinar Series: DNA Mixtures Managers Overview
Complex DNA mixtures from more than two individuals and/or profiles amplified with low-level quantities of DNA, can be challenging for the analyst to interpret. Dr. Coble first provided an overview of the technical issues with mixture interpretation including statistical analyses.…
Genome ID Forum 2014 – Applications of Emerging Technologies NIST
Originally presented at the 2014 Genome ID Forum, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SRMs includes the PCR based DNA profiling standard which covers 51 autosomal and 17 Y chromosome markers, mitochondrial DNA sequencing standards and the human…
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…