Following are articles published by the National Institute of Justice
Addressing the Challenges of Detecting Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
NIJ has funded research to address the challenges of detecting DFSA for several years. This research includes projects that examine ways to improve forensic hair testing and how drugs modify blood proteins.
The Impact of Drugs on Human Decomposition: What Insect, Scavenger, and Microbial Evidence Tells Us
Detecting Drug Exposure Long After the Fact: New Method Proves Effective
NIJ-funded researchers develop a novel blood protein modification assay to detect drug exposure long after the limits of traditional urine or blood tests.
Supporting Law Enforcement and Prosecution of Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths
An Examination of Cuyahoga County’s Heroin Involved Death Investigation (HIDI) Protocol
Study Reveals Inaccurate Labeling of Marijuana as Hemp
Meeting the Evolving Challenges of Fentanyl and Other Emerging Drugs of Abuse: Innovative Strategies for Improving Analysis
NIJ-supported research offers new workflow for complicated drug analysis, improves upon traditional workflow.
Challenges in Identifying Novel Psychoactive Substances and a Stronger Path Forward
The importance of non-targeted testing to keep pace with a rapidly evolving synthetic opioid market.
How Good Are the Data? Novel Metric Assesses Probability That an Unknown Drug Sample Matches a Known Sample
NIJ-funded researchers developed a novel metric to assess probability that an unknown sample of a drug matches a library sample, with profound implications for standardization of mass spectrometry results.
Detecting Opioid Distribution Networks Using Network Modeling and Community-Based Intelligence
Illicit opioid supplies can be greatly reduced if distribution networks are disrupted. New research highlights the power of computer modeling and community-based intelligence to reveal network connections.
Five Things About Substance Use Interventions
NIJ’s Courts Research: Examining Alternatives to Incarceration for Veterans and Other Policy Innovation
NIJ’s evaluation of veterans treatment courts is a recent example of applied research under its Courts Research Portfolio, which examines pretrial, prosecution, and sentencing policies; problem-solving courts, and other alternatives to incarceration.
Fast and Portable Drug Testing: Dual-Method Prototype Shows Promise for Court-Admissible Drug Testing
Researchers integrate two independent, validated drug-testing techniques – mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy – onto a single platform prototype for fast and accurate analysis of seized substances.
Efficient Casework Policy To Address Emerging Challenges in Seized Drugs
The substances tested in cases involving seized drugs are always evolving. By establishing policies on the most critical samples to test and maintaining ongoing communication with stakeholders, laboratories can more efficiently manage a backlog.