COLD Archives - Forensics TTA

Publications

The National Institute of Justice’s Report to Congress: Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner/Coroner Offices

In conducting this needs assessment, the Department identified the importance of strengthening these types of efforts through the increased use and institutionalization of systems-based approaches. Further, this needs assessment compiles demonstrative evidence of how the field adapts to advancements in technology, changes in the volume and types of forensic evidence, and the evolving needs of the justice system, with particular focus on sexual assault evidence backlogs and the opioid crisis.

December 1, 2023

Publications

SAKI Toolkit: Prosecution of Sexual Assault Cases

Prosecutors face unique challenges when preparing to take a cold case sexual assault to trial. This category will assist prosecutors by providing information about unique aspects of a cold case sexual assault, overcoming common defenses, how to prepare for trial, and key considerations during trial. (Description taken from SAKI TTA website)

December 1, 2023

Publications

National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative – BJA Forensic Genetic Genealogy Resources

BJA recognizes that FGG can be a powerful investigative tool for resolving violent crimes. By combining traditional genealogy research methods with forensic DNA analysis, law enforcement can develop investigative leads that may assist in identifying an unknown perpetrator or an unidentified victim of a violent crime. This fact sheet highlights funding and technical resources offered by BJA in support of FGG and illustrates the impact FGG is having across BJA grantees. (Description taken from the SAKI TTA website)

December 1, 2023

Publications

National Best Practices for Implementing and Sustaining a Cold Case Investigation Unit

The Cold Case Investigation Working Group and NIJ collaborated to create this guide in an effort to assist law enforcement agencies in creating a mechanism for addressing the cold cases in their jurisdictions. (Description taken directly from the report)

December 1, 2023

Publications

Investigating Violent Crime: The Prosecutor’s Role

This paper tracks the various phases of an investigation and provides an overview of the issues discussed, along with representative descriptions of the approaches used and challenges faced by the participating jurisdictions. The examples are illustrative; they can vary with the circumstances and do not necessarily include the approach
of each participant’s office. The goal is to prompt further thought and discussion in the field on best practice solutions. (Description taken directly from the document)

December 1, 2023

Publications

Forensic Genetic Genealogy Laboratory Considerations and Technology Limitations

The application of forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) has technological limitations and will not resolve every case. By taking the time to thoroughly evaluate cases and associated evidence with both local crime laboratory representatives and FGG vendor laboratory representatives, law enforcement investigators can greatly increase the chances of attaining successful case resolutions with FGG. This brief provides the SAKI TTA Team’s guidance on evidence submission based on current successes seen within the field and suggested questions to consider when choosing a FGG laboratory vendor. (Description taken from the SAKI TTA website)

December 1, 2023

Multi-Media

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Grant Application and Award Acceptance

This presentation reviews application submission and the peer review process for competitive grant programs.

December 1, 2023

Multi-Media

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Forensic Grant Opportunities

This presentation outlines over $100 million in forensic science grant opportunities funded by BJA.

December 1, 2023

Multi-Media

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Award Management

This presentation provides information about the main life cycle of award management and award administration basics.

December 1, 2023

Protocols

DOJ Interim Policy Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching

The purpose of this interim policy is to promote the reasoned exercise of investigative, scientific, and prosecutorial discretion in cases that involve forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis and searching (‘FGGS’). (Description taken directly from the policy document)

December 1, 2023

Tag: COLD