NIJ FY 10 Research and Development on Pattern and Impression Evidence

NIJ seeks proposals for funding research and development to enhance forensic scientists' ability to identify, capture, visualize, analyze, and preserve impression evidence and pattern evidence. In FY 2010, priority will be given to research that focuses on tools and methods that will allow faster, more widely applicable, more rugged, less costly, or less labor-intensive identification, collection, preservation, and analysis of impression and pattern evidence; studies in fluid transfer and fluid dynamics, specifically blood, to analyze bloodstain patterns; studies to examine the mechanical properties of materials (fracture mechanics) in physical match analysis of evidence; and research on the effect of environmental factors on impression and/or pattern evidence. Pattern and impression evidence may include, but is not limited to, firearms and tool marks, footwear impressions, tire tread impressions, bite marks, blood spatter, friction ridges, fracture match, and questioned documents.