Forensic Sciences
From crime scene to courtroom, forensics plays a vital role in the criminal justice system. Forensic evidence has been crucial for the investigation and resolution of thousands of crimes, and its value is likely to increase in the coming years.
Forensic science includes:
- Identifying, collecting and examining evidence from crime scenes.
- Analyzing evidence in the laboratory.
- Presenting findings in court.
Finding Information on Forensics
Select a link below to learn more.
Investigative Guides
Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for Law Enforcement
Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator
Electronic Crime Scene Investigation
Eyewitness Evidence: A Guide for Law Enforcement.
A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation
Fire and Arson Scene Evidence: A Guide for Public Safety Personnel
Forensic Examination of Digital Evidence
Investigations Involving the Internet and Computer Networks
Investigative Uses of Technology: Devices, Tools, and Techniques
Laboratory Enhancement Funding
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program
Convicted Offender/Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction Program (DNA.gov)
Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program (DNA.gov)
Postconviction DNA Testing Assistance Program (DNA.gov)
Digital Forensics/Electronic Crime
Electronic Crime Partnership Initiative
Computer Forensic Tool Testing
National Forensic Software Library
Training
Forensic Y-STR Training (hosted by Marshall University)
Forensic Management Academy (hosted by Marshall University)
Advanced DNA Technologies Training (hosted by Marshall University)
Forensic Automation and LIMS (hosted by Marshall University)
Crime Scene and DNA Basics (online at DNA.gov)
Laboratory Orientation and Testing of Body Fluids and Tissues (online at DNA.gov)
Laboratory Safety Programs (online at DNA.gov)
DNA Extraction and Quantitation (online at DNA.gov)
DNA Amplification (online at DNA.gov)
Amplified DNA Product Separation (online at DNA.gov)
STR Data Analysis and Interpretation (online at DNA.gov)
Population Genetics and Statistics (online at DNA.gov)
Communication Skills, Report Writing, and Courtroom Testimonty (online at DNA.gov)
Non-STR DNA Markers: SNPs, Y-STRs, LCN and mtDNA (online at DNA.gov)
Advanced and Emerging DNA Techniques and Technologies (online at DNA.gov)
DNA
The following information can be found on DNA.gov, which is managed by NIJ.
- Combined DNA Index System
(CODIS) - Capabilities of CODIS
- Local, state and national databases
- Procedures and administration
- Types of profiles
- Database hits
- About the backlog of evidence
- Forensic casework backlog
- Convicted offender backlog
- Affect of clearing the backlog
- Convicted Offender/Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction