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Forensic and Investigative Sciences

Description

Forensic science is the application of sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering to matters of law.  

NIJ’s forensic science research and development program focuses on basic and applied scientific research with the intent to:

  • Direct the findings of basic scientific research in broader scientific fields applicable to forensic science.
  • Apply forensic science research to the development of highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, rapid methods for the identification, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence.
  • Expand the scientific basis of forensic methods.
  • Produce useful materials, devices, systems or methods that have the potential for forensic application.
  • Increase the body of knowledge to guide and inform forensic science policy and practice.

On this page, find links to articles, awards, events, publications, and multimedia related to forensic sciences.

Digital and Multimedia Forensics: The Impact of Disturbing Media

August 2019

This webinar will discuss the impact of disturbing media on the psychological well-being (e.g., depression, secondary traumatic stress) of digital and multimedia forensic analysts.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on August 28, 2019.

Understanding the Impact of Drug Background Levels in Forensic Laboratories

August 2019

This webinar will present a recent study investigating drug background levels in forensic laboratories and its implications on data quality, data integrity, and laboratory staff safety as well as strategies for reducing background and self-monitoring.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on August 13, 2019. 
 

Investigating Sexual Assault of Elder Victims

Content Advisory
Please be aware that this content contains descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some viewers.
August 2019

Sexual assault investigations within the elderly population require a unique and collaborative response. This webinar highlighted strategies to improve support services and case outcomes for elderly victims through a multidisciplinary approach.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on August 12, 2019.
 

A Campus-Wide Response to Sexual Misconduct: Best Practices

August 2019

Sexual misconduct may impact students in all aspects of their campus lives and a comprehensive response includes meeting students’ needs. This webinar provides an overview and examples of best practices for equitable process options, culturally competent resources, and creative solutions to serve students and comply with a changing legal framework.

T his webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on August 7, 2019.

Psychological Survival in a Violent Career - Follow Up

August 2019

Dr. David Christiansen discusses some of the relevant issues which affect law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders.  These concepts also apply to those who are affected by secondary traumatization such as crime scene investigators, attorneys and others who are in frequent contact with images or information regarding gruesome acts of violence.  Dr.

Medicolegal Death Investigation: Donation 101, Part 1

July 2019

Locating and notifying the next of kin is an important part of medicolegal death investigation. This presentation provided examples of resources at the scene and online to assist medicolegal death investigators (MDIs) with identifying the decedent’s next of kin. Some of these resources include talking to witnesses, searching cell phone information, social media accounts, public records, and criminal databases. Additionally, Namus was discussed as a resource if a next of kin cannot be identified. 

Medicolegal Death Investigation: Donation 101, Part 2

July 2019

Locating and notifying the next of kin is an important part of medicolegal death investigation. This presentation provided examples of resources at the scene and online to assist medicolegal death investigators (MDIs) with identifying the decedent’s next of kin. Some of these resources include talking to witnesses, searching cell phone information, social media accounts, public records, and criminal databases. Additionally, Namus was discussed as a resource if a next of kin cannot be identified. 

Medicolegal Death Investigation: Locating and Notifying Next of Kin, Part 2

July 2019

Locating and notifying the next of kin is an important part of medicolegal death investigation. This presentation provided examples of resources at the scene and online to assist medicolegal death investigators (MDIs) with identifying the decedent’s next of kin. Some of these resources include talking to witnesses, searching cell phone information, social media accounts, public records, and criminal databases. Additionally, Namus was discussed as a resource if a next of kin cannot be identified.

Research Forensic Library

We invite you to also search the Research Forensic Library, a curated collection of publicly-accessible material relating to every discipline of the forensic sciences.