Articles Published by NIJ

Research has found key areas within forensic science that are associated with higher rates of wrongful convictions. Addressing them should strengthen trust in our criminal justice system.

NIJ grantee Robert Maher is changing the field of audio forensics with novel techniques to document and interpret gunshot recordings.

Black box study of bloodstain pattern analysts finds contrasting conclusions due to terminology; highlights importance of establishing consensus standards.

There is no standard method of detailed documentation of the latent print examination process, but researchers have developed software that improves the standardization and quantifiability, implemented as part of the FBI’s Universal Latent Workstation.

Researchers conducted a statistical study of handwriting characteristics to provide a database so that forensic document examination standards will better stand up to judicial scrutiny.

Researchers who developed a 3-D imaging system for analyzing cartridge casings say their latest work is “a critical next step” that gives cartridge analysis more credibility by including datasets, best practices, and performance checks.

Researchers claim they have developed a prototype system that could enable “low-cost, portable, objective analysis of tool marks.”

A sensor technology first developed for medical use is being adapted to detect and visualize destroyed serial numbers in firearms.

Study finds less than 1.2 percent error rate in matching bullets fired from Glock semiautomatic pistol barrels to the actual firearm.