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Forensic sciences

Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault

The Virtual Workshop: A Discussion on Research and a Multidisciplinary Response to Sexual Assault explores the advantages of a multidisciplinary approach to sexual assault cases, highlighting the inclusion of recommendations from NIJ’s National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach into sexual assault response processes (see https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/250384.pdf). Additionally, this virtual workshop includes recent findings and research projects that have supported a multidisciplinary approach...

Understanding Sexual Assault Trauma & Considerations for Conducting a Trauma-Informed Interview, Roundtable Discussion

February 2022

This workshop explores approaches for engaging survivors of sexual assault from a trauma-informed, victim-centered perspective thus supporting recommendations #2 and #22 of the NIJ’s National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

Ensuring a Trauma Informed Interview with a Sexual Assault Victim

February 2022

This workshop explores approaches for engaging survivors of sexual assault from a trauma-informed, victim-centered perspective thus supporting recommendations #2 and #22 of the NIJ’s National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

Virtual Workshop: Understanding Sexual Assault Trauma and Considerations for Conducting a Trauma-Informed Interview

This workshop explores approaches for engaging survivors of sexual assault from a trauma-informed, victim-centered perspective thus supporting recommendations #2 and #22 of the NIJ’s National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: A Multidisciplinary Approach. A sexual assault survivor’s experience during the sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE) conducted by a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), access to victim advocacy, and interaction with law enforcement can...

Virtual Workshop Series: Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) for Seized Drug Analysis

Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) is a powerful analytical technique that allows for rapid detection and characterization of a wide range of compounds, including seized drugs. Over the last ten years, the DART- MS has slowly gained in popularity in crime labs due to its ability to provide rapid, reliable results with minimal samples preparation. Despite these advantages, DART-MS remains underutilized due to cost, data interpretation...

Modern Death Investigation: Hub and Spoke Models for Adequate Workforce

November 2023

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.

Advancing Research and Collaboration in Forensic Science

November 2023

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.

Virtual Workshop: Qualifications of an Expert Witness for Legal Professionals – The Daubert Standard

North Carolina State University and the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence host a two-part virtual workshop series on the Qualifications of an Expert Witness for Legal Professionals. This workshop series discusses topics surrounding qualifications of expert witnesses in forensic disciplines under both the Daubert and the Frye standards.

This page presents the sessions related to the Daubert standard. (View the sessions related to the...

TOF/QTOF Mass Spec for Identification, Screening & Confirmation in Forensic Toxicology & Chemistry, Part II

October 2023

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.

TOF/QTOF Mass Spec for Identification, Screening & Confirmation in Forensic Toxicology & Chemistry, Part I

October 2023

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.

Improving Consistency in Forensic Reporting Through DEA’s GUARDS Comprehensive Methodology Compresse

December 2024

This workshop explores the impact inconsistent drug analysis reporting has on public health and public trust. The value and implementation of the Global Uniform Analysis and Reporting of Drug-Related Substances (GUARDS) innovative methodology in over 200 instruments across United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratories are presented, as well as the efforts of other labs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Illinois State Police.

MDI Myth: Nobody Cares About or Uses MDI Data

November 2024

Misconceptions abound regarding the role of medicolegal death investigation (MDI) professionals, particularly the pervasive belief that they solely work with and for the deceased. This perception often leads to a public reluctance in engaging with medical examiner and coroner (MEC) systems, especially from stakeholders who hold the proverbial purse strings. The reality is, MDI data impacts the living, from assisting grieving families to influencing public health at regional and even national levels.