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Evidence analysis and processing

Familial DNA Searching: Issues and Answers

June 2011

Familial DNA searching is the practice of creating new investigative leads in cases where DNA evidence found at the scene of a crime strongly resembles that of an existing DNA profile but is not an exact match. Panelists will explain how the technology works, provide examples of successful convictions obtained through familial searches, and discuss the various misconceptions and concerns regarding this practice.

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Familial DNA Searching: Issues and Answers
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Familial DNA Searching: Issues and Answers

How Research and Technology Are Expanding Sexual Assault Kit Testing

January 2016

NIJ Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences Director Gerald LaPorte and Deputy Director Heather Waltke, along with Heather LaSalle, Forensic Examiner, DNA Casework Unit, and Tina Delgado, Chief, Biometrics Division from the FBI Laboratory discuss how scientific advances can help jurisdictions process a large number of previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits.

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Forensic Anthropology

Examination of skeletal human remains to assess age at death, sex, stature, and ancestry; identify injuries; and estimate the time since death provide investigators with information that can assist in identifying a decedent. In addition, examination of the development, anatomy, and any restorative dental corrections of the teeth, such as fillings or extractions can help comparative identification of a person. NIJ funds research to improve the...

Making Sense of the DNA Backlog - NIJ Conference Panel

June 2009

Panelists will present findings from two NIJ studies that examined the DNA backlog in law enforcement agencies and crime labs. Panelists will discuss research findings related to new and potential time- and cost-saving approaches.

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Making Sense of the DNA Backlog - NIJ Conference Panel
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1 of 5: Making Sense of the DNA Backlog, Mark Nelson, National Institute of Justice , 2 of 5: Making Sense of the DNA Backlog, Kevin Lothridge, Chief Executive Officer, National Forensic Science Technology Center , 3 of 5: Making Sense of the DNA Backlog, Kevin J. Strom, Senior Research Scientist, Crime, Violence, and Justice Research Program, RTI International , 4 of 5: Making Sense of the DNA Backlog, Greg Matheson, Director, Los Angeles Police Department Criminalistics Laboratory , 5 of 5: Making Sense of the DNA Backlog, Question and Answer Session

Forensic Information Data Exchange and the Partnership Between Law Enforcement and Crime Laboratories

May 2010

NIJ Conference Panel
 

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Forensic Information Data Exchange and the Partnership Between Law Enforcement and Crime Laboratories
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1 of 6: Forensic Information Data Exchange and the Partnership Between Law Enforcement and Crime Laboratories, William A. Ford, National Institute of Justice , 2 of 6: Forensic Information Data Exchange and the Partnership Between Law Enforcement and Crime Laboratories, Aaron Gorrell, President and CEO, Waterhole Software Inc. , 3 of 6: Forensic Information Data Exchange and the Partnership Between Law Enforcement and Crime Laboratories, Michael O'Berry, Operations Manager, National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, National Forensic Science Technology Center , 4 of 6: Forensic Information Data Exchange and the Partnership Between Law Enforcement and Crime Laboratories, Kevin Kosiorek, Criminalist, Serology Section, Crime Laboratory Unit, Boston Police Department , 5 of 6: Forensic Information Data Exchange and the Partnership Between Law Enforcement and Crime Laboratories, Jim Markey, Sergeant, Phoenix Police Department , 6 of 6: Forensic Information Data Exchange and the Partnership Between Law Enforcement and Crime Laboratories, Aaron Gorrell, President and CEO, Waterhole Software Inc.

Forensic Science Disciplines

Evidence refers to information or objects that may be admitted into court for judges and juries to consider when hearing a case. Evidence can come from varied sources — from genetic material or trace chemicals ​to dental history or fingerprints. Evidence can serve many roles in an investigation, such as to trace an illicit substance, identify remains or reconstruct a crime.

NIJ funds research and...

DNA at Our Fingertips

Date Published
July 2019
Agencies
NIJ
Publication Type
Research (Applied/Empirical), Program/Project Description