Multimedia Listing

Numerous crime laboratories have witnessed a surge in gun-related evidence submissions, leading to an increased demand for DNA testing and entry into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for firearms-related investigations. Simultaneously, the forensic value of firearms analysis has substantially grown, owing to advancements in DNA technology and the expansion of the NIBIN database. Consequently, several forensic labs have established dedicated units specifically focused on comprehensive firearms analysis.

It is well-known that bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) on textiles is difficult and subject to many errors or misinterpretations. In this webinar, we probe the reason for this and suggest useful information that a bloodstain pattern analyst may be able to extract from the observed bloodstains. The data set demonstrates the roles of drop volume and impact speed in bloodstain formation on textiles.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on December 12, 2023. 

While forensic DNA analysis can identify an individual(s) at a crime scene, it cannot identify the biological source from which that DNA was obtained – e.g. blood, saliva, or semen. Identification of the biological source of DNA can provide important contextual information for forensic investigations as well as evidence in court. Nearly all current methods used for body fluid identification are presumptive. Here we present a new proteomic mass spectrometry method for the confirmatory identification of blood, saliva, and semen.

Part I: GeoFOR is a free web-based collaborative forensic taphonomic application and database that utilizes geospatial technology and machine learning to deliver data-driven postmortem interval estimations to better facilitate identification and reconstruct events around the time of death. This presentation describes the geoFOR application and its potential for advancing the field of forensic science.  

Forensic anthropologists face the challenge of sorting remains from commingled assemblages. This webinar examines how chemical signatures of bone can complement physical reassociation strategies. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) offers rapid, visually non-destructive analysis that acquires chemical information from bone. Statistical evaluation of chemical profiles taken across 1284 bones from 45 individuals reveals that physicochemical variation exists between individuals and, consequently, can be used to classify the bones.

A world in crisis and a 24/7 media cycle demands consistent, clear, and effective communication from organizations tasked with death investigation and related responsibilities. Two seasoned professionals share their experiences reaching diverse stakeholders and engaging the public in the vital work of the largest medical examiner’s office in the country.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 28, 2023.

A roadmap to successfully utilizing contract forensic pathologists, also known as locum tenens, was presented by a Chief Medical Examiner and a Coroner with extensive experience in employing these useful contractors to perform forensic autopsies and other professional tasks in today’s environment of increasing caseloads. Topics include the forensic pathologist workforce shortage, scheduling, budgeting, fee structures, and different business models for the use of locum tenens forensic pathologists in busy Medical Examiner and Coroner offices. \

This webinar aims to provide vital information to forensic laboratories and universities that are interested in establishing research partnerships. The session starts with a review of data-sharing agreements and their importance in collaboration. The next topic highlights research partnerships, outlining ways individuals and organizations can collaborate on research projects. The final topic explores a successful research partnership between a forensic laboratory and a university, providing valuable insights on the best practices for research collaborations.

In the first installment of the 20230R&D Webinar Series, Dr. Sarah Seashols Williams from Virginia Commonwealth University, demonstrates the ability to classify body fluids using miRNA expression from DNA extracts with 92% accuracy, eliminating the need for RNA extraction, greatly reducing evidentiary sample consumption and processing time in forensic laboratories.

This webinar describes the history, structure, and operations of the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The system includes four regional offices staffed by forensic pathologists supervising over 100 appointed Local Medical Examiners. Decedents requiring autopsy are transported to a regional office, while most external examinations are performed in the community by appointed Local Medical Examiners.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 7, 2023.

This recorded webinar, originally held September 28, 2023, provides information on NIJ’s Research Assistantship Program, which offers highly qualified doctoral students the opportunity to bring their expertise to NIJ to work across offices and program areas to obtain a practical and applied research experience. The program is a research focused professional development opportunity for doctoral students from all academic disciplines. NIJ provides funds to participating universities to pay salaries and other costs associated with research assistants who work on NIJ research activities.

In this specialized workshop intended for forensic science service providers (FSSPs), we explore the increasing adoption of Time-of-Flight and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOF/QTOF-MS) technologies within forensic laboratories. The session provides an in-depth examination of various critical stages, encompassing planning, validation methodologies, analytical techniques, data review processes, and report generation. Subject matter experts disseminate knowledge and share first-hand experiences related to the utilization of TOF/QTOF-MS technology.

In this specialized workshop intended for forensic science service providers (FSSPs), we explore the increasing adoption of Time-of-Flight and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOF/QTOF-MS) technologies within forensic laboratories. The session provides an in-depth examination of various critical stages, encompassing planning, validation methodologies, analytical techniques, data review processes, and report generation. Subject matter experts disseminate knowledge and share first-hand experiences related to the utilization of TOF/QTOF-MS technology.