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Forensic Science

Forensic biometrics

Projects/Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

Fingerprint Chemistry

Ongoing
Verification Test Materials (VTMs) for Fingerprint Developing Reagents The forensic community has no quantifiable QA/QC method for determining the efficacy of fingerprint developing reagents prior to use in casework. Reagents can be exposed to environmental conditions in the field that can expedite
Composite photo shows a holdup note on the left labeled "Questioned Handwriting," with two "Known Samples" on the right.

Forensic Handwriting Examination and Human Factors

Completed
For some 6,000 years, humans have made an indelible mark on history through the loops, strokes, and other characters that constitute the written form of language—handwriting. Whether it is the movement of a stylus inscribing wet clay or the motion of a pen across paper, handwriting is one of the
Blue fingerprints on a green and white background

Human Factors in Latent Print Analysis

Completed
Fingerprint analysis is critical to the success of the nation's criminal justice system. In fact, fingerprints left at a crime scene — referred to as latent prints — are the most common type of forensic science evidence and have been used in criminal investigations for more than 100 years. The
AFIS_FingerprintLogo

Latent Print AFIS Interoperability Working Group

Ongoing
Why is AFIS Interoperability Important? Automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) allow latent print examiners to search fingerprint files and to transmit fingerprint images. However, examiners often lack the technological ability to access AFIS in neighboring jurisdictions. In addition
This image shows 3-dimensional topographic surface maps of the breech face and firing pin impressions left in the primer at the base of the cartridge case.

NIST Ballistics Toolmark Database

Ongoing
The database contains traditional reflectance microscopy images and three-dimensional surface topography data acquired by NIST or submitted by database users. The goal is a collection of data sets that: 1) represents the large variety of ballistic toolmarks encountered by forensic examiners, and 2)