Automated Reporting System Pilot Project in Los Angeles, 1990 (ICPSR 9969)
Case Tracking and Mapping System Developed for the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York, 1997-1998 (ICPSR 2929)
Collecting DNA at Arrest: Policies, Practices, and Implications, in 28 States, 2005-2012 (ICPSR 34682)
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 study examined arrestee DNA laws (laws that allowed testing of arrestees DNA pre-adjudication), their implementation in the field and their subsequent effects on agency operations as well as their success in aiding investigations in the 28 states that have these laws. The study investigated five specific questions:
- What states have passed legislation authorizing the collection of DNA from arrestees?
- How do the laws and policies regarding collecting DNA from arrestees differ by state?
- How have the courts ruled on these new laws?
- How have arrestee DNA laws been implemented in each state?
- What has been the impact of requiring DNA collection from arrestees on state crime laboratories and other involved agencies?
- What evidence is available to determine the effects of collecting DNA from arrestees on public safety or other criminal justice outcomes?
To answer these questions, researchers used a mixed methods data collection plan, including reviewing relevant statutes and case law, interviewing state and federal Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) laboratory staff and other forensic experts, and collecting descriptive data from state laboratories.
Database for Forensic Anthropology in the United States, 1962-1991 (ICPSR 2581)
Fast Screening of Firearm Discharge Residues by Laser-based Spectrochemical Methods, Electrochemical Sensors, and Chemometrics, West Virginia, 2019-2021 (ICPSR 38296)
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:
- Application of universal and expanded collection methods
- Development of novel, ultrafast methods for dual detection of IGSR and OGSR
- Development of modern 3D chemical imaging for crime scene reconstruction
- Development of novel micro-particle GSR standards
- Creation of a large population study and probabilistic interpretation framework
Improving the Investigation of Homicide and the Apprehension Rate of Murderers in Washington State, 1981-1986 (ICPSR 6134)
The Interactions and Impacts of State DNA Database Laws, United States, 2000-2015 (ICPSR 36519)
This study collected historical data on state DNA database size and the timing of state DNA database expansions in order to examine any impacts on crime rates.