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The focus of this research study was to determine if the data and 3D images of bullet and cartridge cases acquired from different 3D imaging instruments are interchangeable between systems. The firearm that fired each bullet and cartridge case is known and scans were obtained with a variety of instruments. The gun, caliber, and type of ammunition were controlled.

The data for this study support efforts to identify compound identification limitations using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for seized drug analysis. This is a component of a larger project to evaluate specialized GC-MS methods for various drug classes, such as steroids and stimulants, alongside a new general analysis method. The dataset contains method parameters, mass spectra, and associated retention times generated from the replicate analysis of seized drug standards.

This study assessed and evaluated the programmatic implementation of alternate light source (ALS) use during the examination of injuries among adult victims of sexual violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) in a hospital setting. Researchers selected two forensic nursing departments, one with no experience using ALS in clinical practice (Site A) and one with 10+ years' experience (Site B), and conducted a thorough contextual analysis of each site to 1. develop an evidence-based ALS implementation program for forensic nursing departments and 2. evaluate the feasibility of this ALS implementation program.

Contextual analysis involved the collection of qualitative data through structured focus groups with nurses and quantitative data using 6-months of de-identified forensic medical records from patients who received a medical forensic exam for reported (or suspected) sexual assault or IPV. Nurses were recruited to the study upon completing an anonymous survey about their prior knowledge of ALS, qualifications or certifications related to ALS, workplace team dynamics, and organizational support for changes in practice using the Organizational Readiness to Change Assessment [ORCA]. This Nurse Survey Data and aforementioned Medical Record Data are currently available for secondary users, and qualitative interview transcripts will be made available in a future update.

The detection of gunshot residue (GSR) provides valuable information in violent crimes, accidental shootings, and terrorism. Despite the scientific validity of this discipline, there are persistent challenges regarding the speed of analysis, preservation of the evidence, and interpretation of results. Consequently, there is a critical need to improve the discipline's turnaround times and reliability. This study's overall purpose was to develop a comprehensive approach to overcome these significant concerns and enhance the criminal justice system capabilities. This project developed and validated fast and reliable tests, using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and electrochemical (EC) sensors for GSR detection. Also, statistical models were applied for the quantitative interpretation of the evidence. The combination of LIBS and EC data permitted the accurate identification of organic and inorganic residues (OGSR and IGSR, accuracy ranging from 92-99% depending on the subpopulation and classification models). This research focused on developing SMARTER (Simpler, Modern, Affordable, Rapid, Transformative, Effective, and Reliable) solutions for GSR examinations.

The main objectives were:

1. Application of universal and expanded collection methods
2. Development of novel, ultrafast methods for dual detection of IGSR and OGSR
3. Development of modern 3D chemical imaging for crime scene reconstruction
4. Development of novel micro-particle GSR standards
5. Creation of a large population study and probabilistic interpretation framework

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are emerging compounds that are analogs or derivatives of controlled substances and marketed as "legal highs" to evade law enforcement regulations. The most promising current approach to comprehensive screening and confirmation of NPS in forensic toxicology is analysis by liquid chromatography (LC) with mass spectrometric (MS) detection. This project performed side-by-side evaluations of targeted screening analyses for NPS by LC-QqQ-MS compared to LC-QTOF-MS and of untargeted analyses by LC-QTOF-MS compared to LC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. These comparisons were conducted using three important human specimen matrices: urine, whole blood, and oral fluid. The effectiveness of rapid sample preparation for both targeted and nontargeted screening was also demonstrated. Applicability of the MS workflows was confirmed by screening of authentic urine from a drug testing laboratory.

Gypsum plasterboards (drywalls) are commonly used in building construction due to their fire-resistant properties. When exposed to fire, gypsum undergoes calcination, which leaves fire patterns on the gypsum board that can be used by fire investigators to determine the origin and cause of fires. Numerical prediction of gypsum calcination under fire exposure requires reliable gypsum thermochemistry models and material and thermophysical property data. While previous studies resulted in simplified correlations between the depth of calcination and incident heat flux for regular gypsum boards, these correlations were limited. Different types of wall lining materials (e.g., moisture-resistant, mold and mildew-resistant, fire-resistant, and sound-absorbing drywalls) contain various additives like glass fibers, cellulose fiber, mineral wool, and copper-based compounds that significantly change their behavior when exposed to fire.

This project analyzed different types of gypsum boards both macroscopically and microscopically. Variable heating rate thermo-chemistry models for different wall lining materials were developed. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the calcination of gypsum boards. The developed models were validated by comparing temperature predictions with experimental measurements of internal temperatures during dehydration. Controlled experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of uniform heat fluxes, as well as paint layers, on gypsum calcination. A three-dimensional (3D) computational model was developed and validated to analyze the effect of non-uniform heat flux, and the sensitivity of modeling parameters was assessed. Detailed microscopic analyses were performed to understand the behavior of different types of gypsum boards exposed to fire. Ultimately, the project created a user-friendly executable to help fire investigators estimate the depth of calcination based on fire spread history, alongside a comprehensive database of material, thermo-physical, and thermo-chemical properties.

Direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a DNA processing method in which a sample is added directly to an amplification reaction without prior purification or quantification and has been identified as a method that may improve genotyping data obtained from low-yield touch DNA samples. The goal of the project was to generate data in support of a re-evaluation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Quality Assurance Standard (QAS) 9.4 and the 2018 Forensic Science Technology Working Group (TWG) operational requirements.

The project was performed in two phases. Phase I examined the direct PCR-compatible collection methods in conjunction with mock touch DNA evidence samples on a variety of substrates. Phase II examined direct PCR of touch DNA samples that were stored at room temperature for up to six months after collection and samples that were re-sampled after initial processing. Direct PCR was performed using GlobalFiler and PowerPlex Fusion 6C amplification methods that were already validated for standard casework processing.

Phase I and Phase II datasets are provided as .xslx and .csv files.

This study is designed to address the ongoing need to create forensically relevant linkages between persons, places, and objects by developing the untapped potential of the human viral microbiome (virome). The human virome is a source of rich genetic diversity that needs to be examined to determine if it is stable, transferable, and provides a sufficient power of discrimination to be used as an alternative to traditional human forensic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests when such tests are infeasible. The human bacterial microbiome is already being examined as an alternative method for human identification in forensically relevant cases. The human virome offers some advantages as the viral genomes are even smaller than those of bacteria, and thus are potentially more physically stable, have a variety of morphologies (double- and single-stranded) increasing the possible number of discriminating markers, and is present throughout the human body, including the skin and body fluids, making it transferable.

The primary goal of this project is to develop and deploy Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) as a confirmatory, rapid, and minimally destructive tool for the forensic analysis of colorants directly on human hair at a crime scene.

There are several datasets associated with this study that are available for download.

Detection of minor DNA components in biological mixtures has increased as molecular techniques have become more sensitive, and thus, mixture deconvolution has become a major concern and topic of debate in the forensic DNA community. Deconvolution of forensic samples may be improved by sequencing microhaplotype loci as they are not subject to the amplification noise artifacts and stochastic effects that impact the commonly analyzed short tandem repeat (STR) loci. By coupling a highly discriminatory microhaplotype MPS assay with probabilistic genotyping methods such NexGenID, a novel software platform optimized for mixture deconvolution and probabilistic genotyping of sequence data, or EuroForMix, a widely used open-source probabilistic genotyping software modifiable for use with microhaplotype sequence data, this effort demonstrated an end-to-end microhaplotype analysis workflow that may be efficiently implemented by practitioners.

The proposed microhaplotype panel demonstrated high discriminatory power with combined match probabilities ranging from 9.53E-52 to 4.79E-63 and the ability to infer biogeographical ancestry. The assay proved to be sensitive down to 50 pg inputs and applicable to inhibited or degraded trace samples. Application to complex DNA mixture samples demonstrates the assay's potential to exceed minor-contributor detection when compared to STR deconvolution, help solve complex cases, increase the number of samples considered suitable for comparison, and enable retesting of cold cases where a minor contributor was assumed present but was not suitable for comparison.

This study produced six csv datasets covering microhaplotype panel construction information and a variety of sample metrics for all analyzed study samples.

The overall goal of this project was to understand the degradation characteristics of mRNA molecules in dried body fluid stains such that the relationship between degradation and the passage of time could be explored and used to develop a forensic tool to estimate the age of the stain (i.e., determine the time since deposition, TsD). Research has demonstrated that RNA degradation correlates with the passage of time in dried stains and have defined degradation kinetics for multiple mRNA transcripts present in dried blood, semen, and saliva stains. The current study collected detailed degradation kinetics for multiple transcripts in stains stored in real world environments with varying conditions of temperature, relative humidity, and sunlight exposure. Results suggest it may be possible to model degradation kinetics mathematically and develop an algorithm useful for estimating TsD in biological evidence recovered from crime scenes.

Although drugs and some metabolites can be measured reliably in hair, it can be difficult if not impossible to differentiate drugs deposited in hair due to actual use of the parent drug from a drug that is present due to external contamination. The objective of this project was to look for unique metabolites in hair that are indicators of consumption in addition to, or in place of, the parent drugs. The research team conducted exploratory research to look for the presence of these metabolites in hair from known drug users using a variety of sample preparation and liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS) detection techniques. Data acquisition included targeted LC-MS/MS acquisition methods commonly employed in metabolite identification applications, as well as full scan high resolution MS data acquisition and comparative analyses using a metabolomics approach.

Research questions for this study were:

• Can phase II metabolites (i.e., conjugated metabolites) serve as an alternative to current decontamination procedures for drug testing in hair?
• Can phase II metabolites be inadvertently produced during sample analysis?
• Are concentrations of phase II metabolites high enough for quantification?

This collection contains 6 Excel files and 1 PDF file. Excel data files contain lists of integrated peaks from semi-targeted and non-targeted data acquisition for the drugs of interest tested in this study (cocaine, methamphetamines, opioids, oxycodone). The PDF file contains information on the sample list, data acquisition, and peak integration parameters.

This 2020 study was funded by the National Institute of Justice to advance knowledge about the microscopical methods used to examine materials commonly found in commercial and improvised low explosives. To achieve this, researchers developed reference documentation and an "Atlas of Unburned, Partially Burned, and Fully Burned Low Explosive and Related Materials" for the characterization, comparison, and identification of such materials. This data collection includes 57 files with images and descriptive captions documenting methods of microscopical analysis for a variety of chemically reacted, improvised low explosives and related residues. Details on the optical and physical properties, information regarding chemical solubility, recrystallization, microcrystal and microchemical spot tests, melting points, potential decomposition products, references, and photomicrographs of these materials are included as a PDF table. Additional information on this research can be found on the McCrone Research Institute website.

This project was intended to develop a visually-read, rapid testing device for identifying the presence of fentanyl and/or synthetic opioids in oral fluids and environmentally-friendly laboratory confirmation methods for quantitation of the drugs in oral fluid using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectral detection (LC-MS/MS). The testing device was developed by nform, a subrecipient of the National Institute of Justice award, and 9-Delta Analytical developed the confirmatory laboratory procedures. These research and development activities are one of many critical steps in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States.

Most footwear evidence in the United States is evaluated on the basis of class characteristics, without regard for individualizing information. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to assess the strength of a class characteristic match due to lack of data about the frequency of class characteristics within a population. This project addresses the lack of data through the development of equipment and software which can automate the data collection process. The data include images taken with the prototype shoe scanner on a college campus located in Ames, Iowa.

For additional information, see the project's final report prepared for the National Institute of Justice.

Forensic science plays a vital role in the prosecution of criminal matters. Jurors, however, struggle with understanding both the science and statistics that underlie such testimony. Prior research on the effectiveness of jury instructions in training jurors to understand science and scientific testimony has been split, with some studies finding a beneficial effect, some finding no effect, and some finding that they cause jurors to be skeptical even of high-quality testimony. Here, investigators sought to empirically test the effectiveness of an instructional video at improving jurors' ability to detect low-quality forensic testimony. For the purposes of this study, testimony quality was defined based on the Department of Justice's Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports (DOJ ULTR).

The Gender Effects Paper Study Data made available through ICPSR includes data from the Main Study and a second pilot study conducted by researchers. These data were compiled to examine the impact of a forensic expert's gender on jurors' assessments of the quality of the expert's testimony.

There are two additional datasets associated with this study:

• Main Study: Dataset contains survey results from a sample of 509 jury-eligible U.S adults who participated in the Main Study.
• Pilot Study: Dataset contains survey results from a sample of 229 jury-eligible university undergraduates who completed the Pilot Study.

The overall goal of this project was to answer the question of how often non-identifiable fingermarks occur on naturally loaded handgun ammunition and what range of associative values can be expected. This is a potential new source of evidence, as current forensic science practices set these fingermarks aside, leaving them unexamined. The project was successful, with highly significant findings showing that non-identifiable fingermarks with strong associative value are found frequently on loaded handgun ammunition. Utilization of this new source of evidence will require adjustment of long-standing forensic examination practices and balancing the level of effort required with the utility of the resulting associations. To do this one important follow-on step is replacing the labor-intensive research laboratory methods applied in this project with more efficient technologies available in forensic laboratories.

The project produced datasets that include images of 415 non-identifiable fingermarks in .tif format, and corresponding images with annotation of fingermark minutiae in .jpg format. The accompanying spreadsheets contain summary information for each of 1263 rounds of ammunition (number of identifiable and non-identifiable fingermarks found, the number of annotated minutiae for the marks, the handgun type - semi-automatic vs. revolver - and the caliber class), as well as the results from each of the handguns sampled.

The objective of this project is to develop a new method for screening trace biological samples for the number of contributors and DNA content based on the presence and relative abundance of key protein and hormone targets within cell populations. There is a critical need for presumptive techniques that could provide valuable information and enable more effective triaging of casework samples, particularly touch samples. To address this, we developed a novel workflow for analyzing biological evidence samples that (1) estimates on the number of contributors in a mixture based upon flow cytometry histogram profiles, (2) estimates the human-specific DNA content in the sample based upon fluorescent signal intensities, and (3) differentiates cell populations in the mixture based contributor-specific attributes. The primary advantage of using this approach with our novel signatures is that all aspects of the proposed workflow are inherently non-destructive. This is ideal for touch evidence samples since these are typically compromised and low in template quantity.

The aims and scope of this project specifically address three operational requirements identified by the 2019 Forensic Technology Working Group: (1) Biological evidence screening tools that can address number and proportion of contributors, (2) ability to differentiate and selectively analyze DNA and/or cells from multiple donors or multiple tissue/cell types contributing to mixtures, with minimal or no sample loss, and (3) comprehensive, systematic, well-controlled studies that provide both foundational knowledge and practical data about "touch evidence" DNA transfer and persistence in the real world.

Data associated with this study are available for download under two separate DOIs:

• Supplemental Electropherogram Data
• Morphological and Autofluorescence Dataset for 'Touch' Epidermal Cell Populations

A Kendrick mass defect (KMD) plot is an efficient way to disperse complex high-resolution mass spectral data in a visually informative two-dimensional format which allows for the rapid assignment of compound classes that differ by heteroatom content and/or unsaturation. We apply KMD plot analysis for the first time to sebaceous fingerprints aged for 0-7 days to characterize lipid degradation processes analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). In addition to the ambient ozonolysis of fingerprint lipids, we observed unique spectral features associated with epoxides and medium chain fatty acid degradation products that are correlated with fingerprint age. We propose an ambient epoxidation mechanism via peroxyl radical intermediate, and the prevalence of omega-10 fatty acyl chains in fingerprint lipids to explain the features observed by the KMD plot analysis. Our hypotheses are supported by the aging experiment performed in a sparse ozone condition and on-surface Paternò-Büchi reaction. A comprehensive understanding of fingerprint degradation processes, afforded by the KMD plots, provides crucial insights for considering which ions to monitor and which to avoid, when creating a robust model for time since deposition of fingerprints.

This catalog entry references data files available in the Supporting Information section of the cited external resource.

The Ignitable Liquids Reference Collection (ILRC) and Substrate databases contain separate compilations of data from reference materials that is intended for use by forensic analysts to conduct fire debris analysis. The ILRC, Substrate, and Fire Debris databases were redesigned and made available on a single website to enhance usability in casework and research. This project also investigated the construction of digital fire debris data by mixing ignitable liquid and substrate(s) digital data. Total ion chromatograms and total ion spectra of in silico fire debris were created from data in the Ignitable Liquids Reference Collection and Substrate databases. In silico mixing provides the ability to develop large data sets for machine learning.

Fire investigators and researchers leverage fire models to predict fire growth and fire pattern development. These fire models incorporate simplifying assumptions in their representation of heat transfer through walls, but the impact of these assumptions on model predictions of fire exposures and fire damage patterns is not well understood. Experiments were conducted in which freestanding walls were subjected to exposure from controlled fire sources, including gas burners, liquid fuels, and furnishings. Experiments were conducted at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Fire Research Laboratory (ATF-FRL) in Maryland. The experiments addressed three validation spaces: field heat flux from a fire to a wall, heat transfer through fire-exposed walls, and fire damage patterns arising on fire-exposed walls.

The data acquired from these experiments are available in a public repository.

In the current study, roughly 170 single source samples and 32 two-person mixture samples were tested using both the integrated Quantiplex®-high resolution melt (HRM) assay and Quantifiler™ Trio-HRM assay, then the entire HRM datasets were exported for prediction modeling using both linear discriminate analysis (LDA) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms in R Studio software. For proof-of-concept, only 8 different genotypes, including a genotype of "mixture", were represented (for each locus) in testing. A portion of the samples tested were used to "train" the software and the remaining sample data was used as unknowns (or "validation") samples for prediction. When samples were tested in the Quantiplex®-HRM assay, an overall accuracy of 87.88 percent was exhibited, correctly classifying 87.5 percent of single source samples as such and 90 percent of mixture samples. Similarly, when samples were tested in the Quantifiler™ Trio-HRM assay an overall accuracy of 79.2 percent was exhibited, with 89.2 percent of single source samples accurately classifying and 43.8 percent of mixtures accurately classifying. Additionally, quantification values obtained from the integrated assays as well as the quality metrics such as the slope, R2, and y-intercept, were not significantly different than those obtained in the standard assays.

This project evaluated whether DNA contamination can mimic the characteristics of low copy number (LCN), aged, damaged, and degraded DNA samples. Massive Parallel Sequencing/Next Generation Sequencing (MPS/NGS) was used to see if specific patterns of nucleotide damage is present with surface DNA contamination that has been aged and/or exposed to varying concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and ultraviolet (UV). The project included two phases.

• Phase 1.0: Understand the process and rate of degradation and damage of applied touch DNA contamination on human skeletal remains and evidence tape. Five time intervals (ranging from 0 days to 1 year), three bleach treatments, and three UV treatments were tested. Two additional handlers (cumulative) created a scenario of minor contributors often encountered in forensic scenarios.
• Phase 2.0: Understand the utility and degradation of the skin microbiome associated with touch DNA. This included determining if unique forensic signatures can be identified and compared, especially on bone substrates that may have their own microbiome signature.

A 2016 needs assessment conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (NIST/OSAC) Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Subcommittee identified the decontamination of crime scene equipment as a gap that must be addressed. Currently, there are no widely accepted standard operating procedures (SOP) and/or best practices for crime scene investigators to follow regarding equipment decontamination. Furthermore, to date, there has been no peer-reviewed published research to assess the effectiveness of the different decontamination methods that are currently employed by crime laboratories and law enforcement agencies involved in crime scene investigations. Ineffective decontamination of crime scene equipment has the potential to lead to cross-contamination between scenes as well as secondary transfer to evidence after contact with equipment. With increased sensitivity of current DNA analysis protocols, the ineffective decontamination of CSI equipment has implication for wrongful convictions due to potential secondary DNA transfer.

To address this gap, and in response to the NIST/OSAC needs assessment, RTI International (RTI) performed a comprehensive evaluation of several decontamination methods on commonly used CSI equipment to provide the community with evidence-based recommendations of effective decontamination protocols. RTI identified reusable CSI equipment that is most likely to be contaminated with biological material after use at a crime scene based on literature searches, crime laboratory SOP reviews, and discussions with crime scene practitioners. Seven types of crime scene-related equipment were used to determine the extent of the effectiveness of nine frequently used decontamination methods. The total amount of DNA remaining on the equipment after a controlled decontamination was quantified using Quantifiler Trio DNA Quantification Kit and processed for short tandem repeat markers (STRs) with GlobalFiler. Quantifiler Trio includes a degradation index (DI) that provides an estimation of the quality of DNA in potentially degraded samples.

Although human identification through DNA analysis has reached a level of maturity in the Forensic Science field with regards to the sophistication of the techniques and confidence in the results, the equally important question of body fluid identification has lagged behind, and could still be considered to be in a rudimentary state. Current crime scene and in-laboratory methods utilize detection methods that exploit the properties of each biological fluid (e.g. phenolphthalin or TMB testing for blood, amylase detection for saliva, and urease tests for urine), but validated confirmatory techniques are largely limited to microscopic methods (i.e. identification of spermatozoa) or immunological methods, as seen in the widely used immunochromatographic commercial tests for blood, semen, and other biological fluids.

Thus, while there is widespread confidence in the DNA profile generated, there is often significantly less assurance in the identity of the body fluid that the DNA profile was developed from. It is common during trials for attorneys to categorically accept the STR analysis, but probe the forensic scientist on the source of the DNA that generated the profile. Because of this dichotomy, significant efforts have been made over the past fifteen years in order to develop forensic serological techniques of a more discriminatory nature.

Of late, there has been some work in the forensic science field in regards to exploring microRNAs (miRNAs) for a molecular-based, forensic body fluid identification method. MiRNAs are small structures that are 19-23 nucleotides long and regulate cellular processes through interactions with mRNA by regulating gene expression through translational suppression or cleavage of a targeted mRNA. miRNAs are highly conserved among organisms, indicating their importance in regulating biological processes. As such, some miRNAs can be consistently expressed in all human tissues, and others can be tissue-specific Because of the potential for tissue specificity, their small size and consequent inherent stability, miRNAs have been the subject of recent research interest as a potential forensic body fluid identification technique. They are found in extracellular fluids, and thus the application of unique miRNAs for forensically relevant body fluids is a distinct possibility.

This study aimed to develop an Expert Algorithm for Substance Identification (EASI) that will both improve the confidence of drug identifications from mass spectra and enable reliable inter-laboratory identifications without the need to acquire contemporaneous spectra of standards. The data included 303 replicates of cocaine and 10 replicates of cocaine compounds (diastereomers), and showed the variance observed in operational crime labs over the course of several months for different drug standards.

Tire impression evidence can be a valuable tool during a crime scene investigation - it can link vehicles to scenes or secondary locations, and reveal information about the series of events surrounding a crime. The interpretation of tire impression evidence relies on the expertise of forensic tire examiners; however, until this study was conducted there had not been any published research empirically evaluating the decisions reported by practicing forensic tire examiners. This study constitutes the first formal black box study of tire impression evidence examiners; the results are an empirical evaluation of the accuracy and reproducibility of 238 tire comparison decisions reported by 17 examiners. The results of this study provide key information about the practice of tire impression examination to laboratory managers, practitioners, and the legal system that can help to facilitate improvements in standardization, training, and practice.

This data collection contains data from the 2020 Census of Publicly Funded Forensic Crime Laboratories (CPFFCL). The CPFFCL collected data on organizational characteristics, functions, budget, staffing, workload, resources, and quality assurance practices of publicly funded forensic crime laboratories operating in the U.S. and serving federal, state, and local jurisdictions. The CPFFCL includes crime labs that employed one or more full-time scientists who possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, biology, criminalistics, forensic science or a closely related field and whose principal functions are examining physical evidence in criminal matters and providing reports and testimony to courts of law with respect to such evidence. Private laboratories were excluded from the CPFFCL. Laboratories may operate independently or as part of a larger system. Respondents to the CPFFCL could choose to respond as individual labs or as one system. A total of 423 individual labs, constituting 326 standalone labs and multilab systems, received the questionnaire. A total of 382 (90%) individual labs responded to the 2020 CPFFCL and 293 (90%) standalone labs and multilab systems responded. For the 2020 study, data were collected from July 2021 to February 2022.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) first surveyed forensic crime laboratories in 1998, focusing solely on agencies that performed DNA analysis. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded the 1998 study as part of its DNA Laboratory Improvement Program. The BJS' National Study of DNA Laboratories was repeated in 2001. An expanded version of the data collection, called the Census of Publicly Funded Forensic Crime Laboratories, was first conducted among all forensic crime laboratories in 2002.

This project aimed to revolutionize the reentry process for justice-involved individuals (JII) by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies. The centerpiece of the endeavor is the AI-based Support and Monitoring System, or AI-SMS, a cutting-edge platform designed to assist JII and their dedicated caseworkers in their journey to reintegrate seamlessly into the community. While the primary focus is on JII, the researchers recognize the critical role played by caseworkers-clinically trained individuals who facilitate the reentry process from a community perspective.

AI-SMS was conceived to be a multifaceted tool that provides case workers with early warning indicators of risky behavior and equips JII with the means and strategies to mitigate these risks, aligning with best practices in hybrid supervision. At its core, the system is committed to delivering personalized resources and opportunities to JII, complementing the support offered by caseworkers.

This two-phase forensic science study examined how much DNA individuals carry on their skin surface. The main goal for phase 1 was the development of a standardized method to test for human DNA shedding propensity. Shedding propensity is defined as how much DNA a person leaves behind when touching a surface. In phase 1 the research team collected skin surface samples and fingerprints from different locations for 30 volunteers on three different occasions.

The main goal of phase 2 was to use the sampling location established in phase 1 to determine the distribution of different levels of individual shedding propensity in four U.S. ethnic groups and correlate DNA shedding to biological characteristics of these test populations. Biological characteristics (e.g., sunburn or sweating propensity) were collected via a questionnaire or measured via dermatological probes (e.g., sebum and melanin content).

Microhaplotypes (MHs) are an emerging forensic DNA marker characterized by sets of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within a short distance of each other displaying multiple allelic combinations. Although less polymorphic than short tandem repeat polymorphisms (STRs), they have some advantages, such as alleles all of the same size within a locus, absence of stutter artifacts, and lower mutation rates than that of STRs. Several MH-multiplex panels have been reported in the past, including the 74-locus panel developed in the research team's laboratory. Casework implementation of such large panels is only feasible if paired with probabilistic genotyping (PG) as manual deconvolution of complex mixtures would be excessively time consuming and not compatible with conventional forensic DNA laboratory operations.

In this study, DNA-View Mixture Solution and EuroForMix PG software were adapted to processing MH data from 74 loci analyzed on the Ion S5 massively parallel sequencing (MPS) platform. Relative fluorescence unit (RFU) values were replaced by allele-sequence coverage and tested on a set of DNA mixtures. The goals of this project were to (1) adapt and thoroughly test the two PG software platforms for the use multiplex MH data for DNA mixture interpretation, and (2) generate a data repository of mixtures and references that can be used by developers and users to adapt other PG software to intake MH data.

The data are organized into spreadsheet type files. Data consists of likelihood ratios (Log10LR) of possible hypotheses involving mixture samples. Log10LRs are averaged across samples and categorized across 4 population frequencies: African American, European, Asian American, and Southwest Hispanic.

The goal of this project is to provide medicolegal practitioners with a set of guidelines and important considerations for frontal sinus identification that will be developed based on a comprehensive analysis of previously published identification methods, including factors that may affect the accuracy of those methods (e.g., intra/inter observer reliability, image modality, sinus size/complexity, individual's age). Ultimately results indicate that visual assessment remains one of the most efficient, accurate, and reliable methods when utilizing the frontal sinus for positive identification.

There are 7 datasets associated with this study, each with their own DOI:

• FS_Ontogeny_Coded_Data: Dataset contains age of stabilization data for frontal sinus traits of 146 individuals.
• FS_EFA_Outline_Data: Outline data related to the Elliptical Fourier Analysis (EFA) method which includes a collection of scaled coefficients for all tracings that underwent EFA.
• FS_TD_Outline Data: Outline data related to the Total Difference method.
• FS_VisualAssess_Data: Survey responses regarding reliability of visual assessments when utilizing the frontal sinus for positive identification purposes.
• FS_Ontogeny_Outline_Data: Data associated with Elliptical Fourier Analyses coefficients, specifically regarding the outline data related to frontal sinus ontogeny.
• FS_Orientation_Outline_Data: Resulting normalized coefficients of Elliptical Fourier Analyses on frontal sinus outline data related to varying cranial orientation.
• FS_ImageMode_Coded_Data: String codes derived from frontal sinus traits following previously published methods related to the effect of varying image modality for forensic identification purposes.

Direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a DNA processing method in which a sample is added directly to an amplification reaction without prior purification or quantification and has been identified as a method that may improve genotyping data obtained from low-yield touch DNA samples. The goal of the project was to generate data in support of a re-evaluation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Quality Assurance Standard (QAS) 9.4 and the 2018 Forensic Science Technology Working Group (TWG) operational requirements.

The project was performed in two phases. Phase I examined the direct PCR-compatible collection methods in conjunction with mock touch DNA evidence samples on a variety of substrates. Phase II examined direct PCR of touch DNA samples that were stored at room temperature for up to six months after collection and samples that were re-sampled after initial processing. Direct PCR was performed using GlobalFiler and PowerPlex Fusion 6C amplification methods that were already validated for standard casework processing.

The technical summary for this project can be downloaded from the National Institute of Justice project page: https://nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/improving-results-touch-dna-evidence-optimized-direct-pcr-methods.

The primary objective of this study was to determine the histological features associated with fracture repair in the human cranial vault, and to derive the trajectory of these features over the course of healing. Variations in the fracture repair process due to decedent age and type of injury were explored. The impacts of laboratory techniques, including decalcification and histological staining, upon the quality of fracture histology slides were also assessed. Calvarial fracture samples were collected from medical examiner cases and body donations from January 1, 2017 to November 31, 2020 for use in the analyses and for the creation of the Repository of Antemortem Injury Response (REPAIR), a deidentified online database of known-age cranial fractures and defects.

The research team sought to create a methodology and software that allows for identification of deceased individuals based on iris patterns, with computer- and human-driven components. Using a dataset of post-mortem and peri-mortem iris images (acquired in near infrared and visible light) representing 259 cases, the research team engineered a software package, PMExpert, that incorporated three post-mortem specific iris matching algorithms. To understand what features humans believe to be useful in post-mortem iris matching, participants analyzed pairs of post-mortem samples, classified them as those originating from the same or different eyes, and annotated features supporting the decision.

Iris Images:

After the curation of all data collected by the Dutchess County Medical Examiner's Office, NY, iris images from 259 cases were selected for the final dataset release, and for analyses carried out in this project. This data corpus consists of 5,770 NIR and 4,643 RGB images, including images for one peri-mortem case with corresponding post-mortem samples after demise.

Human Examination Data:

The researchers conducted an experiment to collect annotation data on what humans believe to be distinctive features useful for post-mortem iris matching. Initial participants were recruited through the University of Notre Dame to complete study tasks in-person on-site. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study design was later modified to be an online experiment recruiting participants through Amazon Mechanical Turk.

This data acquisition took place in two rounds:

1. The first round was the initial collection of annotation data wherein participants had no prior knowledge of the task or previous decisions.
2. The second round, called the verification step, is where the annotations collected in the first round were presented to future participants for them to either agree with or disagree with along with supporting annotations.

Software Package:

A software tool called PMExpert was created to provide a simple unified interface for all recognition methods, allowing them to be used in an operational setting.

PMExpert consists of two main components: a command line interface (CLI) and a graphical user interface (GUI). Both components are meant to allow examiners to use post-mortem iris recognition methods on images that are collected in their routine operations, offering not only similarity scores and decisions, but also additional information to equip examiners to make their final decision.

Fingermark identification remains one of the most important and unambiguous approaches to place perpetrators at crime scenes. While a great number of forensic techniques for the visualization of latent marks already exist, they all suffer from one or more shortcomings such as: limited applicability with regard to the age of a mark or the nature of the surface it was deposited on ("substrate"); the requirement of expensive laboratory equipment and special training; and the potential to alter or even destroy evidence, or at least leave a visible record of their application.

The goal of this project was to develop and validate novel fingermark lifters, which allow instantaneous, on-the-spot visualization of marks. The underlying detection principle used with these lifters is based on the reaction of either pH-sensitive or amine-reactive substances - immobilized on suitable solid supports such as membranes - with chemicals contained in fingermark residues (e.g., lactic acid, amino acids, proteins, and amino sugars). The exposure of appropriate reagents to such an environment causes a change in their spectroscopic properties, which can be seen, depending on the type of reagent, either under ambient or luminescent light conditions.

Since 2015, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has funded sites to engage in reforms intended to improve the national response to sexual assault cases. The goals of this initiative are to (1) create a coordinated community response that ensures just resolution to unsubmitted sexual assault kit (SAK) cases through a victim-centered approach and (2) build jurisdictions' capacity to prevent the development of conditions that lead to high numbers of unsubmitted sexual assault kits. Site efforts to address these issues include agencies such as law enforcement, prosecution, forensic laboratories, and victim advocacy service organizations. Westat was awarded a contract by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to assess components of BJA's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). The study includes (1) an evaluability assessment of 17 sites to determine their readiness for an evaluation, (2) a process evaluation and system reform assessment of the 17 sites, (3) a feasibility assessment of using case level data for an outcome evaluation, and analysis of a subset of unsubmitted SAK cases to identify how characteristics of incidents, offenders, and victims are associated with case processing decisions and outcomes, and (4) development of a long-term outcome evaluation plan.

Two sources of data are archived with NAJCD: (1) coded qualitative data from primarily on-site interviews the Westat Team conducted in 2018 with stakeholders from 17 of the fiscal year (FY) 2015 SAKI grantees and 2 private lab facilities and 2) quantitative case-level data from the 2 FY 2015 SAKI grantees on SAKI cases associated with previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits that were determined to contain foreign DNA or biological evidence through laboratory testing. The interview data file contains coded data from 172 interviews the research team conducted with one or more agency representatives regarding their organization's goals, strategies, and activities for processing sexual assault kits, and associated lessons learned, challenges, and expected outcomes. The quantitative case-level data file includes case-level information on 576 sexual assault kits determined to have DNA and associated cases included in the 2 sites' SAKI inventories. The case-level data captures information on case or offense-level information (e.g., date of offense, date offense reported to police, number of victims and suspects involved, investigation and prosecution activities), victim-level information (e.g., victim age, sex, race, participation in investigation), and suspect-level information (e.g., suspect's age, race, sex, criminal history).

This study collection sought to thoroughly understand the creation, testing, and use of forensic science in five jurisdictions across the country. A random sample was selected of recent criminal cases in the following jurisdictions and tracked from investigation to adjudication to understand how forensic evidence functions:

• Sacramento County, CA: 990 cases
• Segwick County, KS: 936 cases
• Allegheny County, PA: 978 cases
• Bexar County (San Antonio), TX: 936 cases
• King County, WA: 892 cases

The Principal Investigator sought answers to the following seven primary research questions:

• How often is forensic evidence collected and analyzed and how is it used pre-arrest?
• What are the outcomes of forensic evidence testing?
• What is the effect of forensic evidence on arrest and charging?
• How does forensic evidence affect the plea-bargaining process?
• What effect does forensic evidence have on conviction and sentencing outcomes?
• Does the turnaround time for analysis of forensic evidence have any impact on case disposition?
• Does the institutional configuration of the crime laboratory have any effect on its productivity?

Data for the following types of forensic testing are included in this data collection: hair, fibers, glass, paint, gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy / energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), physical match, drug identification, toxicology, serology, combined DNA index system (CODIS), DNA short tandem repeat (Y-STR), blood pattern, test fire, and comparison scope.

The Pilot Study of State and Federal Digital Evidence Laboratories data collection contains data collected in 2015 as part of the Census of Publicly Funded Forensic Crime Laboratories (CPFFCL). The CPFFCL examined the forensic services provided by publicly funded crime labs across the nation and the resources devoted to completing the work.

To capture more information about an emerging forensic science discipline known as digital evidence, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) expanded the scope of the 2014 CPFFCL from previous data collections to include a separate pilot study of state and federal agencies that solely analyzed digital evidence in support of criminal investigations and prosecutions. These agencies obtained digital and multimedia evidence in various formats, including audio, video, and graphical images from computers, cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices. The traditional CPFFCL definition of a crime lab limited the information collected about digital evidence since some agencies only handle this type of evidence and employ forensic experts with training in computer science or information technology as opposed to natural sciences such as chemistry and biology.

The census collected detailed information on laboratory staff, budgets, workloads, and backlogs in requests for forensic services. The census also provides data on lab accreditations, proficiency tests, and other quality assurances.

These data are part of NACJD's Fast Track Release and are distributed as they were received from the data depositor. The files have been zipped by NACJD for release, but not checked or processed except for the removal of direct identifiers. Users should refer to the accompanying readme file for a brief description of the files available with this collection and consult the investigator(s) if further information is needed.

This research was conducted in two phases. Phase one analyzed a random sample of approximately 2,000 case files from 2006 through 2009 that contain forensic analyses from the Connecticut State Forensic Science Laboratory, along with corresponding police and court case file data. As with Peterson, et al. (2010), this research had four objectives: 1) estimate the percentage of cases in which crime scene evidence is collected; 2) discover what kinds of forensic are being collected; 3)track such evidence through the criminal justice system; and 4)identify which forms of forensic evidence are most efficacious given the crime investigated.

Phase two consisted of a survey administered to detectives within the State of Connecticut regarding their comparative assessments of the utility of forensic evidence. These surveys further advance our understanding of how the success of forensic evidence in achieving arrests and convictions matches with detective opinion.