Forensics

Forensic scientists use techniques from many areas of science to analyze evidence and to help solve crimes. At OLES, we support this important work by managing forensic science programs and directing research efforts to develop performance standards, guidelines, and reports to advance the technologies associated with the forensic science field. In addition, we support the development of innovative and validated test methods that will successfully undergo the scrutiny of our adversarial justice system. The research needed to complete these activities may take months or even years, but the final products ultimately support strengthening the scientific foundation of the forensic sciences.

Because of the diversity of forensic applications, we partner with other NIST laboratories and even other agencies to meet our goals. For example, projects relating to computer usage in crimes are based in the NIST Information Technology Laboratory. We work closely with the NIST Applied Genetics Group on DNA research and standards. We partner with other NIST groups to study bullet and toolmark standards and burn patterns. Together, we can ensure that forensic scientists have the information they need to calibrate their equipment, to draw conclusions based in solid science, and to communicate their results.

Selected Projects:

• 2D and 3D Topography of Bullets and Casings
• Accuracy of Forensic Photo Scales
• Biological Evidence Preservation
• Computer Forensics Tool Testing
• Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Latent Print Analysis
• Fire Research: Pattern Repeatability
• Human Factors Issues Tracking Tool
• Latent Print AFIS Interoperability Working Group
• National Ballistics Imaging Comparison
• National Software Reference Library
  
• Partnership with Applied Genetics Group
• Real Time Forensics Imaging for Analog and Digital Video Tapes
• The Biological Evidence Preservation Handbook: Best Practices for Evidence Handlers
• Web-Based Personnel Selection and Evaluation Tools

There are also a number of Scientific Working Groups that support various forensic science disciplines.

Upcoming Forensic Event:

• Emerging Trends in Synthetic Drugs Workshop, April 30 - May 1, 2013

View all upcoming and past events with related material on the Forensic Events page.

Forensic News

Designer Amphetamines in Forensic Toxicology Casework
April 7, 2013
Forensic Magazine
A new NIJ -funded report evaluates the limitations of existing forensic toxicology methodologies in detecting new designer drugs and suggests modifications to methodologies that will allow detection without significant changes in equipment or technique.

NIST Guides Seek Interoperability for Automated Fingerprint ID Systems
March 20, 2013
Forensic Magazine
A new set of publications from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) could make it easier, faster, and most importantly, more reliable, for forensic examiners to match a set of fingerprints with those on file in any database, whether local, state or national.

NIST Hosts Forensic Handwriting Analysis Conference
March 20, 2013
Evidence Technology Magazine
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is offering a conference on forensic handwriting analysis for forensic science professionals. The events will be free to attend and viewable via live webcasts.

Preserving Biological Evidence
March 4, 2013
Evidence Technology Magazine (pages 12-14)
The NIST/NIJ Technical Working Group on Biological Evidence Preservation prepares to release a handbook outlining best practices for evidence handlers.

Cognitive and Contextual Influences in Determination of Latent Fingerprint Suitability for Identification Judgments
February 20, 2013
Forensic Magazine
This study examined forensic fingerprint examiners' suitability determinations of latent fingerprints comparing situations in which the latent is assessed solo (in isolation) versus situations in which it is presented alongside a comparison (matching or non-matching) exemplar print.

Helping Solve Crimes Through Cutting Edge DNA Research
February 19, 2013
The Washington Post
John Butler, a NIST Fellow, is one of the world’s leading experts on DNA analysis and is responsible for a number of scientific breakthroughs to validate and advance the use of DNA technology.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crime-Solving in the City
February 18, 2013
The New York Times
In scores of instructional memos over the last three years, the New York Police Department has been moving to standardize detective work and codify crime-solving tactics that had mostly existed as an oral tradition in the squad rooms of precinct station houses.

Fish, Fraud, and Forensics: NOAA's Forensic Analysts Safeguard Our Seafood Supply and Defend Protected Species
December 14, 2012
NOAA
The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Marine Forensics Program analyzes marine animal products to combat seafood fraud, illegal fishing,and illegal marine mammal product trades.

>>see Forensic News Archive