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Special Programs Office (SPO)

Forensic Science Program

Legacy Scientific Working Groups

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Scientific Working Groups (SWGs) consist of scientific subject-matter experts who collaborate to determine best practices and to develop consensus standards. While each SWG has a unique charge and mission, the overarching goal is to improve the processes within a particular area of forensic science. The Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science is unifying and incorporating much of the SWGs' efforts. After the launch of OSAC in 2014, many of the SWGs discontinued their operations, however several continue to operate and provide guidance for the forensic science community. Find bibliographies from several SWGs, created in 2011 and 2012, below.

Annotated Bibliographies

In response to the 2009 National Academy of Sciences report, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, the National Science and Technology Council initiated efforts to improve forensic science and its application in America's justice system. NSTC is coordinated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The NSTC Committee on Science formed the Subcommittee on Forensic Science to coordinate federal activities and advise the White House on these efforts.

A key activity of this work was the creation of annotated bibliographies of foundational forensic science research. This information was organized by discipline and submitted on behalf of a professional organization or other entity, such as a Scientific Working Group. The bibliographies have not undergone review or analysis, and are not endorsed by the federal government. We provide them here as an informational resource for interested stakeholders.

Annotated Bibliography, Firearms and ToolmarksJoint submission by the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners and Scientific Working Group for Firearms and Toolmarks, received on June 14, 2011.
Annotated Bibliography, OdontologySubmitted on October 2, 2011, by the American Board of Forensic Odontology.
Annotated Bibliography, Hair AnalysisSubmitted by the Scientific Working Group for Materials Analysis, May 2012.
Annotated Bibliography, Fiber AnalysisSubmitted on October 18, 2011, by the Scientific Working Group for Materials Analysis.
Annotated Bibliography, Latent PrintsSubmitted on November 17, 2011, by the Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology.
Annotated Bibliography, Bloodstain Pattern AnalysisSubmitted on September 29, 2011, by the Scientific Working Group on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.
Annotated Bibliography, Footwear and Tire Tread AnalysisSubmitted on November 16, 2011, by the Scientific Working Group for Shoeprint and Tire Tread Evidence.
Annotated Bibliography, Paint and Other CoatingsSubmitted by the Scientific Working Group for Materials Analysis, April 2012.
Annotated Bibliography, Digital EvidenceSubmitted on January 17, 2012, by the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence.
Annotated Bibliography, Arson and Burn PatternSubmitted on December 12, 2011, by the Technical/Scientific Working Group for Fire and Explosions.

 

Forensic Science and Law enforcement
Created September 19, 2013, Updated March 28, 2025