The NC State Crime Laboratory has posted its DNA Section Audit Reports (1999-2018). If you would like a summary of these audits, with issues that may be relevant to casework highlighted, email Sarah Rackley Olson.
Resources
Discovery checklist
This checklist can help attorneys identify what DNA lab reports have been received in discovery and what additional items may need to be requested.
BBC Knowledge Explainer DNA
3-minute video explains the basics of DNA’s form and function. Though the focus of this animated film is not forensic DNA, it gives important introductory information that is useful as a building block for understanding forensic DNA analysis.
DNA Mixture Lessons
Lessons on interpretation of DNA Mixtures online. Includes many helpful examples of the complex phenomena discussed in the lessons.
Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM)
A group of approximately 50 scientists representing federal, state, and local forensic DNA laboratories in the United States and Canada. SWGDAM periodically issues new Interpretation Guidelines that crime labs then implement. The 2017 guidelines that supersede the 2010 guidelines are available on the SWGDAM website. FAQ page contains helpful information. 2013 SWGDAM Interpretation Guidelines for …
Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM)Read More
Motion for Drug Dog Discovery
Sample discovery motion for detection dog records, includes a cite to Florida v. Harris, 113 S. Ct. 1050 (2013).
Canine Detection Evidence
Law and Technology Resources for Legal Professionals comprehensive compilation of online publications, research, resources and standards on canine detection evidence.
Drug Detection Dogs: Is this Reliable Evidence?
This training contains recommendations about what records to request and areas of cross examination. Contains a transcript of an interview of a dog handler.
Detector Dog Research
K-9 trainer and detection team certification program that is a joint project of the International Forensic Science Research Institute, the National Forensic Science Technology Center, the Florida Highway Patrol Contraband Interdiction Program and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
United States Police Canine Association
Website contains certification requirements for dogs and handlers.
USDA National Detector Dog Manual
Guidelines for detector dog training, procedures, and care. Failure of a dog/handler team to implement these national-level guidelines may be a source of cross examination.
Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal Detector Guidelines
A partnership of local, state, federal and international agencies working to establish best practices for use of detection dogs. Funded by the National Institute of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Transportation Security Administration. See the Approved Guidelines section of the website for training requirements.
Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal Detector GuidelinesRead More
Dogs and Sensors Subcommittee
The Dogs and Sensors Subcommittee of OSAC focuses on standards and guidelines related to performance of deployed dog/handler teams and optimization of their combination with electronic detection devices.
Anatomy of the Human Body
Bartleby.com edition of Gray’s Anatomy of the Human Body features 1,247 illustrations and a subject index with 13,000 entries.
The Scientific and Legal Implications of Virtual Autopsies
Catherine Bailey, research attorney for the National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law, discusses the scientific and legal implications of virtual autopsies in a three part video. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
The Scientific and Legal Implications of Virtual AutopsiesRead More