FORENSIC SCIENCE
ABOUT
Forensic science is a critical element of the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can absolve an innocent person from suspicion or assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime.
Common forensic science laboratory disciplines include forensic molecular biology (DNA), forensic chemistry, trace evidence examination (hairs and fibers, paints and polymers, glass, soil, etc.), latent fingerprint examination, firearms and toolmarks examination, questioned documents examination, fire and explosives examinations, forensic toxicology, and digital evidence. Some forensic disciplines practiced outside forensic laboratories include forensic pathology, forensic nursing, forensic psychiatry, forensic entomology, and forensic engineering. Practitioners of these disciplines are most often found in medical examiner or coroner offices, in universities, or in private practices.
The Department of Justice forensic laboratories include those at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Department, through the National Institute of Justice, is a sponsor of cutting-edge research and its labs serve as a model for government forensic agencies at the federal, state and local levels. The Department strives to set the global standard for excellence in forensic science, and is always striving to be better.
This website contains information of value to the forensic science community, as well as stakeholders engaged in the criminal justice system with interests in forensic science.
SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH INTEGRITY POLICY AND CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PRACTICE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
Department personnel – including officials, attorneys, law enforcement agents and employees engaged in scientific disciplines must pursue, rely upon and present evidence that is well-founded in fact and veracity. This is particularly critical in the forensic science arena, where the credibility of the evidence often relies upon the integrity of its handlers, examiners, experts and presenters. These documents outline the Department’s policy on scientific research and integrity and its code of professional responsibility for the practice of forensic science.
Scientific Research and Integrity Policy
Code of Professional Responsibility for the Practice of Forensic Science
UNIFORM LANGUAGE FOR TESTIMONY AND REPORTS (ULTRS)
The Department is in the process of developing guidance documents governing the testimony and reports of its forensic experts. These documents, known as “Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports,” or ULTRs, are designed to clarify what scientific statements the Department’s forensic experts may – and may not – make when drafting lab reports or testifying in court. Once finalized, they will apply to all Department forensic experts, including those at ATF, DEA, and FBI.
In summer 2016, the Department released for public comment two batches (#1, #2) of draft ULTRs, along with supporting documentation. The public comment period is now closed, although the documents remain online for interested parties. Based on the comments received, the Department is revising the draft ULTRs and plans to issue additional material in the future.
| Forensic Discipline | Documents |
| Anthropology
(e.g., skeletal remains) |
Draft published July [x], 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment [BAJ1]
|
| Explosives Chemistry | Draft published July [x], 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Explosives and Hazardous Devices | Draft published July [x], 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| General Chemistry
(e.g., drugs, bank dye chemicals, pepper sprays) |
Draft published June 3, 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Geology
(e.g., soil, rock fragments) |
Draft published July [x], 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Glass | Draft published June 3, 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Footwear and Tire Impressions | Draft published June 3, 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Latent Prints
(e.g., hand or palm prints found at a crime scene) |
Draft published June 3, 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Hair Examination | Draft published July [x], 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Handwriting | Draft published July [x], 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Metallurgy
(e.g., metals, especially in accident reconstruction) |
Draft published July [x], 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Paints and Polymers | Draft published July [x], 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Serology | Draft published June 3, 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Textile Fiber | Draft published June 3, 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Toxicology | Draft published June 3, 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
| Y Chromosome and Mitochondrial DNA Typing | Draft published July [x], 2016:
ULTR Initial Draft for Public Comment
|
[BAJ1]These are linked to the postings on DOJ’s website, although could also link to regulations.gov.
FORENSIC SCIENCE DISCIPLINE REVIEW OF TESTIMONY
The goal of the Forensic Science Discipline Review (FSDR) is to advance the use of forensic science in the courtroom by understanding its use in recent cases and to facilitate any necessary steps to ensure that expert forensic testimony is consistent with scientific principles and just outcomes. In order to accomplish this goal, the Department is planning a Department-level review of forensic testimony by Department personnel beginning with an examination of FBI testimony. The Department is undertaking this review because it is good management to conduct macro-level program reviews and not because of known or suspected problems with particular forensic science disciplines.
The comment period for the draft methodology closed on August 1, 2016.
Forensic Science Discipline Review Draft Methodology Response to Comments
Forensic Science Discipline Review Statisticians Roundtable
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON FORENSIC SCIENCE
In 2013, the Department of Justice (DOJ) established the National Commission on Forensic Science, in partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to enhance the practice and improve the reliability of forensic science. For more information visit the Commission’s website
![Special Forces: Operation Alpha: HACKED (Kindle Worlds Novella) by [Coletta, Sue]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51gZnz-WoSL.jpg)
 |
 |
https://www.aafs.org/
Need supplies? Visit
Precision Forensic Testing
for an assortment of kits and resources for ballistics, GSR, tool marks and more!
Use SCISPOT for the coupon code to receive 10% off your total order!
CSI Adventure
I developed this geocaching activity for use with the CSI summer camp program at the Smithsonian in DC. For this activity, teams of students use GSP receivers to find 10 “evidence” caches. Each cache contains a cache card with 3-4 questions the students must answer or tasks they need complete. Each cache has a different theme and relate to the material the students investigated during the camp. After a team completes a cache and has all the correct answers, they are provided with a clue card that will help them determine the next waypoint in the adventure.
Materials:
Teacher Information (PDF)
Forensic Files 
I was just wondering if I could have help finding out who killed my mother no one was ever found for murdering her .
LikeLike
What happened?
LikeLike
Im wondering if i can get help and find out who kill my brother i want justices. Please help me
LikeLike
Im contacting you today to seek Justice for a girl named Kenneka Jenkins. She was at a party at a well known hotel in Rosemont Il. and was found deseased in the hotels walk in freezer. Surveillance tapes have been altered and the local police did very little in finding out what happened. The family asked for the fbi to step in but the request was denied. I honestly ferl forensic files will solve this case. Can you help?
LikeLike
I’m not sure who to contact. I do not sleep well and usually have on “Forensic Files” all night. I watch a little while, fall asleep and then watch more. Tonight has been a non sleep night. In just this one night, I have seen the story THREE TIMES about 5 year old Melissa Brannon in Lorton, VA who disappeared while she and her mother, Tammy were attending a Christmas party. Certainly you can find more stories so you don’t have to air the same story three times in the same night. I know I’ve seen this story at least three times prior to tonight. If you’re out of stories, maybe it’s time for a new programming idea.
LikeLike
Hello I have an 8 page paper due Tuesday and I’m running out of time. I’m writing my paper on “Sole Searching” I was wondering if you’ll can share the following questions.
Where did this case happen, what year was it made,Did this case go to trial, and has it been judicated, and what was the forensic evidence?
LikeLike
This is a research compilation on many cases, (not a single case) in an attempt to ammend and/or formulate clearer boundary lines and increased standardization of ethical practices, to be integrated into our legal system. Because there is too much room for bias and self-centered interpretation of our current laws, more research is in the works.
LikeLike
Are you looking for effective online promotion that has no per click costs and will get you new customers fast? I apologize for sending you this message on your contact form but actually that was kinda the point. We can send your ad copy to sites through their contact pages just like you’re receiving this message right now. You can target by keyword or just start mass blasts to sites in the country of your choice. So let’s assume you’re looking to blast an ad to all the web developers in the United States, we’ll grab websites for only those and post your promo to them. Providing you’re promoting a product or service that’s relevant to that business category then you’ll get an amazing response!
Write a quickie email to mark3545tho@gmail.com to find out how we do this
LikeLike
Are you trying to find effective online promotion that delivers real results? Sorry to bug you on your contact form but actually that’s exactly where I wanted to make my point. We can send your promotional text to sites through their contact forms just like you’re reading this ad right now. You can target by keyword or just fire off mass blasts to sites in the location of your choice. So let’s say you’re looking to blast a message to all the real estate agents in the United States, we’ll grab websites for just those and post your promo to them. As long as you’re advertising something that’s relevant to that type of business then you’ll be blessed with an amazing response!
Write a quick note to paul5268jac@gmail.com for the full details
LikeLike
I have read so many posts regarding the blogger lovers
however this article is really a nice piece of writing, keep it up.
LikeLike
Good afternoon, I was just taking a look at your website and submitted this message via your feedback form. The feedback page on your site sends you these messages to your email account which is why you’re reading my message at this moment correct? That’s half the battle with any type of online ad, making people actually READ your message and this is exactly what you’re doing now! If you have an ad message you would like to blast out to lots of websites via their contact forms in the US or anywhere in the world let me know, I can even focus on your required niches and my charges are super low. Shoot me an email here: GaviaQueenQF01@gmail.com
LikeLike