Author: Yujiemi Chisholm

National Institute of Justice

Report to Congress: Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner/Coroner Offices

This report, which was mandated by The Justice for All Reauthorization Act of 2016, details the results of a national needs assessment of forensic science service providers conducted in 2017 and 2018. The needs assessment focused on services provided by forensic laboratories, medical examiner and coroner offices, and other forensic science service providers. As forensic analyses have expanded and become more sensitive, and as practitioners have established more evidence-based policies and capabilities, the broad demand for forensics has grown. Forensic laboratories and medical examiner and coroner offices are constantly working to address the needs of the field, balancing operational priorities to meet stakeholder requests while introducing innovative solutions to solve emerging criminal justice questions. This needs assessment compiled demonstrative evidence of how the field is adapting to advancements in technology, the volume and types of forensic evidence, and the evolving needs of the justice system [Description provided by the NIJ website].
FTCOE

Just The Impact Of Lawfully-Owed DNA Collection

In episode eight of the FTCOE’s 2019 DNA season, the presenter discusses lawfully owed DNA, expanding the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and the importance of arrestee DNA collection in relation to casework.

This episode contains content that is sensitive in nature and may be potentially triggering to some audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.

FTCOE

Just Raman Spectroscopy And GSR

In episode eight of the FTCOE’s 2019 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Research & Development (R&D) season, the presenter provides an overview of Raman Microspectroscopy with advanced statistics on how it detects and characterizes gunshot residue.
FTCOE

Just Screening Blood And Urine

In episode five of the FTCOE’s 2019 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Research & Development (R&D) season, the presenter compares two validated liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (LC/MS) methods for the quantitative analysis of opioids, cocaine, and cocaine metabolites in biological matrices.
FTCOE

Just Detecting Gunshot Residue

In episode four of the FTCOE’s 2019 National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Research & Development (R&D) season, the presenter discusses a method for using liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (LC/MS) to detect organic and inorganic gunshot residues from the same sample.
Office of Justice Programs

Investigating Violent Crime: The Prosecutor’s Role – Lessons Learned From the Field

Based on the discussions of seasoned prosecutors of violent crime who met in 2017 to examine how to improve the investigation of violent crimes, this paper reviews the various phases of an investigation and provides an overview of issues discussed, along with representative descriptions of the approaches used and challenges faced by the jurisdictions represented [Description provided by the OJP website].