Arson
- A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science, 4/17/2019The National Forensic Science Technology Center created this website to explain in simplified terms the principles of each type of forensic analysis and how the analysis is performed. Topics include DNA, digital evidence, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, blood stains, and more.
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 4/15/2019The federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing the criminal and regulatory provisions of Federal laws pertaining to explosives enforcement and arson.
- Death by Fire, 4/15/2019This Frontline documentary investigates the case of Cameron Todd Willingham, a man who was executed in Texas in 2004 for allegedly setting the fire that killed his three young daughters. Prior to his execution, reports were submitted to Texas officials raising serious doubts about the science used to determine that the fire was arson.
- Fire and Explosion Investigation Subcommittee, 4/15/2019Focuses on standards and guidelines related to the investigation, analyses and interpretation of crime scenes where arson or use of explosives is suspected. This OSAC has replaced what was the Technical Working Group for Fire and Explosions.
- Ignitable Liquids Reference Collection Database, 4/15/2019The National Center for Forensic Science at the University of Central Florida has tested over 600 commercial products and compiled information about their molecular composition in an online database.
- International Association of Arson Investigators, Inc., 4/15/2019An association of more than 5,000 fire investigation professionals. The website has some information about trainings and standards, but most of the material is available only to members.
- NC International Association of Arson Investigators, Inc., 4/15/2019The NC chapter of the IAAI. Find information about relevant NC case law, local training, and membership.
- NIJ Funded Software Tools, Apps and Databases, 4/17/2019The NIJ has a number of free or low cost software tools that may be of assistance in understanding forensic evidence disciplines of digital forensics, arson investigation, DNA, death investigation, and more.
- The Arson Research Project, 4/12/2019This criminal justice research project has a mission of examining the reliability of evidence used in the investigation and prosecution of arson and identifying convictions obtained based on unreliable evidence.
Bite Mark
- Forensic Ontology – Bitemark Evidence, 4/16/2019Blog created by David C. Averill, DDS, and past president of the American Board of Forensic Odontology. It includes articles and news reports on the controversial area of bite mark analysis, as well as information about cases where bite mark evidence has played a role.
Blood and Bodily Fluids
- Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Video Collection, 12/1/2007Over 500 video clips were made of blood spatter experiments that are typically performed by individuals attending a basic bloodstain pattern analysis course. The videos were made possible through a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) grant and are available to be viewed or downloaded. The principal investigators were Terry Laber, Bart Epstein, and Dr. Michael Taylor.
Child Abuse Allegations
- Expert Testimony: “The Child Was Sexually Abused”, 10/12/2012UNC School of Government blog post by Jessica Smith
- Experts in Child Sex Cases: Reversible Error in a Recent Case, 12/10/2012UNC School of Government blog post by Jessica Smith
- NC Child Medical Evaluation Program, 4/16/2019CMEP has developed a statewide network of providers who perform medical and psychological assessments of children referred by DSS agencies. This website contains information about the program and other resources.
Crime Labs
- ANAB Directory of Accredited Organizations, 11/12/2019This database can be used to identify which laboratories are accredited.
Crime Scene Investigation
- A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science, 4/17/2019The National Forensic Science Technology Center created this website to explain in simplified terms the principles of each type of forensic analysis and how the analysis is performed. Topics include DNA, digital evidence, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, blood stains, and more.
- Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Video Collection, 12/1/2007Over 500 video clips were made of blood spatter experiments that are typically performed by individuals attending a basic bloodstain pattern analysis course. The videos were made possible through a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) grant and are available to be viewed or downloaded. The principal investigators were Terry Laber, Bart Epstein, and Dr. Michael Taylor.
- Crime scene forensics: How does it work?, 4/16/2019BBC News has posted a series of narrated images that describe various crime scene investigation techniques and laboratory tests.
Death Investigation
- Anatomy of the Human Body, 4/16/2019Bartleby.com edition of Gray’s Anatomy of the Human Body features 1,247 illustrations and a subject index with 13,000 entries.
- Medicolegal Death Investigation Subcommittee, 4/16/2019The Medicolegal Death Investigation Subcommittee of OSAC focuses on standards and guidelines related to sudden, unnatural, unexplained or suspicious deaths, including homicides, suicides, unintentional fatal injuries, drug-related deaths and other deaths that are sudden or unexpected; determination of the cause and manner of death.
- N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 4/16/2019The North Carolina Medical Examiner System is a network of medical doctors and allied health professionals throughout North Carolina who voluntarily devote their time, energy, and medical expertise to see that deaths of a suspicious, unusual or unnatural nature are adequately investigated. The OCME investigates all deaths in North Carolina due to injury or violence, …
- NIJ Funded Software Tools, Apps and Databases, 4/17/2019The NIJ has a number of free or low cost software tools that may be of assistance in understanding forensic evidence disciplines of digital forensics, arson investigation, DNA, death investigation, and more.
- Sample Cross-Examination Transcripts, 4/17/2019Sample direct and cross-examinations of various forensic witnesses, including a firearm/toolmark expert, fingerprint expert, pathologist, DNA expert, and other forensic experts.
Detection Dogs
- Canine Detection Evidence, 4/16/2019Law and Technology Resources for Legal Professionals comprehensive compilation of online publications, research, resources and standards on canine detection evidence.
- Detector Dog Research, 4/16/2019K-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
- Dog Sniffs of People and the Fourth Amendment, 10/9/2012UNC School of Government blog post by Shea Denning that examines the status of dog sniffs under the Fourth Amendment as it applies to searches of individuals if a dog alerts to the person.
- Dogs and Sensors Subcommittee, 4/16/2019The 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.
- Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal Detector Guidelines, 4/16/2019A 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.
- Supreme Court: Alert by a Trained or Certified Drug Dog Normally Provides Probable Cause, 2/20/2013UNC School of Government blog post by Jeff Welty that explains the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2013 holding in Florida v. Harris. Harris holds that when a trained and certified drug dog alerts on a vehicle, that normally provides probable cause to search the car, even if there are no records regarding the dog’s performance in the field. …
- United States Police Canine Association, 4/16/2019Website contains certification requirements for dogs and handlers.
Digital Evidence
- A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science, 4/17/2019The National Forensic Science Technology Center created this website to explain in simplified terms the principles of each type of forensic analysis and how the analysis is performed. Topics include DNA, digital evidence, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, blood stains, and more.
- Database of internet service and other online content providers, 4/17/2019Search this directory of wireless and internet service providers to find contact information for legal departments. This directory was created for law enforcement use through a grant from the DOJ.
- Digital Evidence Insider, 4/17/2019Forensic Magazine regularly posts articles on digital forensics. Recent topics include: SIM card forensics, cell phone evidence, and collecting computer evidence.
- Digital Evidence Subcommittee, 4/17/2019The Digital Evidence Subcommittee of OSAC focuses on standards and guidelines related to information of probative value that is stored or transmitted in binary form.
- Electronic Frontier Foundation, 4/17/2019Nonprofit that defends digital privacy. Website includes information on cell tracking, locational privacy, pen trap, surveillance technologies, and more. Cell Tracking – Considers whether the government can use cell phone records to track the physical location of a suspect without first obtaining a warrant based on probable cause. Printers – Discusses the practice of color laser printer …
- Electronic Frontier Foundation Atlas of Surveillance, 7/15/2020A searchable database, created by the Electronic Frontier Foundation in partnership with the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, on the surveillance technologies in use in jurisdictions across the country. The site also contains a glossary with a brief descriptions of each surveillance method listed in the database.
- Florida Forensic Science, 4/17/2019A collaboration between the Orlando Public Defender and the National Center for Forensic Science at UC Florida. The site has links to many helpful training videos that help attorneys understand forensic science evidence.
- FoneFinder, 4/17/2019Provides the name of the service provider associated with a phone number.
- NACDL’s Fourth Amendment Center, 4/17/2019Offers direct assistance to defense lawyers handling cases involving new technologies and tactics that may infringe on privacy rights of Americans.
- NIJ Funded Software Tools, Apps and Databases, 4/17/2019The NIJ has a number of free or low cost software tools that may be of assistance in understanding forensic evidence disciplines of digital forensics, arson investigation, DNA, death investigation, and more.
- Retention Periods of Major Cellular Service Providers, 4/17/2019The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the U.S. Department of Justice gathered information about the retention periods for call details, cell tower information, text message content, pictures, and other types of data. This information has been posted online by the ACLU.
- Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence, 4/17/2019Composed of member organizations that are actively engaged in the field of digital and multimedia evidence. Works to foster communication and cooperation and ensure quality and consistency within the forensic community.
- Search the list of more than 30,000 police officers banned by 44 states., 4/25/2019A USA TODAY Network investigation uncovered records of thousands of police officers investigated for serious misconduct. Starting with lists of officers who lost their law enforcement certification in 44 states, including North Carolina, those records available here.
- UNC School of Government Articles on Digital Evidence, 5/13/2019Blog posts on various topics of digital evidence published at the UNC School of Government.
DNA
- A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science, 4/17/2019The National Forensic Science Technology Center created this website to explain in simplified terms the principles of each type of forensic analysis and how the analysis is performed. Topics include DNA, digital evidence, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, blood stains, and more.
- Evolutions in DNA Forensics, 4/30/2016Law and Technology Resources for Legal Professionals compiled this list of books, articles, and other publications that treat different aspects of DNA evidence, including DNA databases, forensic interpretation of DNA evidence, 4th and 5th Amendment concerns, and more.
- Forensic Bioinformatics, 4/17/2019DNA experts in OH with videos, articles, and a glossary of DNA testing terms available for free download on their website.
- Human DNA Standard — A Q&A With NIST’s Becky Steffen, 7/16/2019NIST scientist Becky Steffen answers questions regarding her preparation of a “Human DNA Standard” which helps forensic laboratories maintain accurate DNA test results.
- NIJ Funded Software Tools, Apps and Databases, 4/17/2019The NIJ has a number of free or low cost software tools that may be of assistance in understanding forensic evidence disciplines of digital forensics, arson investigation, DNA, death investigation, and more.
- Sample Cross-Examination Transcripts, 4/17/2019Sample direct and cross-examinations of various forensic witnesses, including a firearm/toolmark expert, fingerprint expert, pathologist, DNA expert, and other forensic experts.
- Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM), 4/16/2019A 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 …
- Short Tandem Repeat DNA Internet DataBase, 4/17/2019Forensic DNA analysis resources compiled by John Butler. Includes training materials, technical information, and a collection of data by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
- Supreme Court Upholds Taking DNA Upon Arrest, 6/4/2013UNC School of Government blog post by Jeff Welty on the Supreme Court case Maryland v. King which allows the taking of DNA from arrestees.
Drug Analysis
- A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science, 4/17/2019The National Forensic Science Technology Center created this website to explain in simplified terms the principles of each type of forensic analysis and how the analysis is performed. Topics include DNA, digital evidence, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, blood stains, and more.
- Drug Identification Tool, 4/15/2019This website contains a library of GCMS data for compounds and is organized by molecular weight, base peak and second base peak. This library may be useful for limited purposes.
- Florida Forensic Science, 4/17/2019A collaboration between the Orlando Public Defender and the National Center for Forensic Science at UC Florida. The site has links to many helpful training videos that help attorneys understand forensic science evidence.
- Pillbox, 4/15/2019This US National Library of Medicine website allows users to learn the possible identity of pills based on their appearance, color, shape, and markings.
- PubChem, 4/15/2019This National Institute of Health searchable database allows users to search for a compound and learn more about its chemical structure, uses, properties, toxicity, and other information.
- Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drug, 4/26/2019The mission of SWGDRUG is to recommend minimum standards for the forensic examination of seized drugs and to seek the international acceptance of such standards. Click here for a PDF of the current approved guidelines for Drug Analysis.
Drug Recognition Experts
- An Overview of the DRE Program, Officer, and Procedures, 4/22/2019An overview of the DRE Unit of the Los Angeles Police department, where the DRE program was developed. There is a section on Laboratory and Field Evaluation of the DRE program which summarizes various studies on the efficacy of DREs determinations
- Washington State Patrol Forensic Laboratory Services, 4/22/2019Copies of the DRE Student and Instructor Manuals are available for download on this website.
Eyewitness ID
- Expert Testimony about Eyewitness Identification, 12/22/2016Jeff Welty’s Dec. 5, 2016 blog post contains relevant case cites and discussion of the topic of eyewitness identification expert testimony.
- Innocence Project: Eyewitness Misidentification, 4/22/2019A resource for eyewitness identification reform, including a link to the North Carolina Actual Innocence Commission Recommendations for Eyewitness Identification.
- Showups Aren’t Lineups, 10/26/2010UNC School of Government blog post by Jeff Welty on State v. Rawls which held that show-ups are not covered by the Eyewitness Identification Reform Act.
Fingerprints
- A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science, 4/17/2019The National Forensic Science Technology Center created this website to explain in simplified terms the principles of each type of forensic analysis and how the analysis is performed. Topics include DNA, digital evidence, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, blood stains, and more.
- Fingerprint Analysis Basics, 4/24/2019Explains and demonstrates the ACE-V technique.
- Fingerprint evidence collection techniques, 4/24/2019This website has videos demonstrating several techniques that are frequently used to develop and collect fingerprint evidence, including use of black powder, magnetic powder, Mikrosil and super glue fuming. The videos may contain some inaccurate information, but it is worthwhile to view the techniques that are used.
- Florida Forensic Science, 4/17/2019A collaboration between the Orlando Public Defender and the National Center for Forensic Science at UC Florida. The site has links to many helpful training videos that help attorneys understand forensic science evidence.
- Friction Ridge Subcommittee, 4/23/2019This Scientific Area Committee (part of the OSAC) has taken over the work previously done by the Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology (SWGFAST). It is a collaboration of practitioners working to improve discipline practices and build consensus standards for the field of friction ridge analysis.
- International Association of Identification, 4/23/2019Professional association for forensic identification disciplines including fingerprint analysis.
- Onin’s Fingerprint Forum, 4/24/2019A fingerprint examiner’s site that collects information about AFIS, certification, Daubert challenges, trainings, and other topics, from the law enforcement perspective.
- Sample Cross-Examination Transcripts, 4/17/2019Sample direct and cross-examinations of various forensic witnesses, including a firearm/toolmark expert, fingerprint expert, pathologist, DNA expert, and other forensic experts.
Firearms
- A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science, 4/17/2019The National Forensic Science Technology Center created this website to explain in simplified terms the principles of each type of forensic analysis and how the analysis is performed. Topics include DNA, digital evidence, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, blood stains, and more.
- Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners, 4/24/2019An international organization dedicated to the advancement of Firearm and Toolmark Identification. See the Admissibility Resource Kitfor links to opinions, transcripts, motions, briefs and articles supporting and opposing the practice of firearm identifications.
- Firearms and Toolmarks Overview, 4/24/2019Document created by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation provides a clear description of the analyses performed by firearms and toolmark examiners. It is presented from the perspective of a crime lab, so it does not question the reliability of any of the techniques presented, but it is a helpful document for attorneys because it explains …
- Firearms and Toolmarks Subcommittee, 4/24/2019This Scientific Area Committee (part of the OSAC) has taken over the work previously done by the Scientific Working Group For Firearms and Toolmarks (SWGGUN). The SAC will focus on standards and guidelines related to the examination of firearm and toolmark evidence. This includes the comparison of microscopic toolmarks on bullets, cartridge cases, and other …
- Firearms Tutorials, 4/24/2019The University of Utah Health Sciences Library has several firearms tutorials posted which cover information about the different types of firearms and how they work, ballistics (the science of the travel or a projectile in flight), patterns of tissue injury, laboratory methods, and examination of gunshot residue. The tutorials provide basic foundational information as well as more …
- NIST 3D Ballistics Research Database, 7/7/2016Information about a new research database and techniques used in firearm-toolmark comparisons.
- Sample Cross-Examination Transcripts, 4/17/2019Sample direct and cross-examinations of various forensic witnesses, including a firearm/toolmark expert, fingerprint expert, pathologist, DNA expert, and other forensic experts.
Forensic/Sexual Assault Exams
- Forensic Nurse Terminology, 4/24/2019Provides definitions for acronyms, abbreviations, and medical terminology related to forensic nursing.
- International Association of Forensic Nurses, 4/24/2019Develops, promotes, and disseminates information internationally about forensic nursing science. Includes information about live and online training opportunities.
- Medical Abbreviations and Definitions, 4/24/2019Searches over 200,000 acronyms and abbreviations and provides definitions of thousands of medical terms from Stedman’s Medical Dictionary.
- Multidisciplinary Sexual Assault Glossary, 4/24/2019Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) and the Center for Nursing Excellence International (CFNEI) has released a glossary of terms used in sexual assault cases. The glossary will be continuously updated and should aid in ensuring clear communications with experts and jurors.
- North Carolina Board of Nursing Practice Homepage, 4/24/2019Contains links to NC specific policies, procedures, and standards of practice, including information on SANE programs.
- SBI Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, 4/24/2019This document contains a one-page description of the kit that is used to collect evidence in NC sexual assualt cases followed by a scan of each item, form and instruction sheet contained in the kit. Counsel can use this document to become informed about the types of evidence collected and the correct protocols for collecting, …
- Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner – Technical Assistance, 4/24/2019Comprehensive website that contains resources related to sexual assault medical forensic examinations including sample forms, training materials, free recorded webinars, and resources for attorneys. National Protocol: Especially for Attorneys and Officers of the Court – provides information about admissibility of medical testimony, including hearsay exceptions and confrontation clause issues. Recent Court Cases – summaries of several cases …
Foundations of Forensics
- A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science, 4/17/2019The National Forensic Science Technology Center created this website to explain in simplified terms the principles of each type of forensic analysis and how the analysis is performed. Topics include DNA, digital evidence, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, blood stains, and more.
- Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences, 4/17/2019Center dedicated to legislative, systemic, and direct service efforts to improve integrity in forensic science.
- Crime Lab and Forensic Scandals, 4/17/2019NACDL’s list of crime lab and forensic scandals from 2007-2015.
- Florida Forensic Science, 4/17/2019A collaboration between the Orlando Public Defender and the National Center for Forensic Science at UC Florida. The site has links to many helpful training videos that help attorneys understand forensic science evidence.
- Forensic Sciences: Review of Status and Needs, 2/1/1999February 1999 report by the National Institute of Justice that addresses the challenges facing the forensic science profession. Contains analysis and recommendations that complement the 2009 National Academy of Sciences report.
- Forensic Services Unit, 4/17/2019The Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services Forensic Resources Unit assists and supports criminal defense attorneys in the public counsel and private counsel divisions of CPCS in the litigation of forensics issues in their cases. Their websites contains educational information about various forensics disciplines.
- National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology & the Law, 4/17/2019A comprehensive website of forensic science resources. Be sure to try the searchable database which locates books, articles, cases, law reviews and websites based on the topic of forensic science that you search.
- National Registry of Exonerations, 4/17/2019This database contains information on all known exonerations in the U.S., dating back to 1989. This is a joint project of the University of the Michigan Law School and the Center on Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern University School of Law.
- Scientific Web Resources for Judges, 4/17/2019The National Judicial College has posted this article containing a comprehensive list of resources on scientific evidence for judges and other legal professionals.
Toxicology
- A Simplified Guide to Forensic Science, 4/17/2019The National Forensic Science Technology Center created this website to explain in simplified terms the principles of each type of forensic analysis and how the analysis is performed. Topics include DNA, digital evidence, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, blood stains, and more.
- American Board of Forensic Toxicology, 4/26/2019The ABFT is a non-profit organization certifies forensic toxicologists and accredits forensic toxicology labs that comply with standards of the ABFT.
- Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, 4/26/2019The CLIA program works to ensure quality laboratory testing in all clinical laboratories regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- Florida Forensic Science, 4/17/2019A collaboration between the Orlando Public Defender and the National Center for Forensic Science at UC Florida. The site has links to many helpful training videos that help attorneys understand forensic science evidence.
- Forensic Toxicology Resources, 4/26/2019Lists numerous websites, webinars, and other helpful online resources, prepared by Peter Stout, Ph.D., D-ABFT
- Society of Forensic Toxicologists, 4/26/2019SOFT is an organization of practicing forensic toxicologists. SOFT’s annual meetings provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among toxicology professionals. SOFT sponsors workshops, newsletters, proficiency testing, and technical publications with the goal of improving toxicologists’ skills and knowledge. These Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Guidelines by SOFT and the American Academy of Forensic …
Trace Evidence
- Forensic Database Trace Evidence Table, 10/7/2020, NISTDatabases which include reference collections of trace evidence for fibers, glass, automobile identification, paint, tape, plastic bags, powders and impressions.
- Glass Analysis, 10/7/2020, NISTThe goal of this focus area is to improve the field of glass evidence analysis by developing new matrix-matched glass standards and by evaluating more objective approaches to evidence interpretation, such as the likelihood ratio. The latter will be accomplished through the development of glass databases that may be used to assign a significance to …
- Making Use of What’s Not Visible in Trace Evidence Examinations, 9/12/2020, NIJNanoparticles and other subvisible particles potentially present in nearly all trace evidence are often overlooked in forensic investigations. NIJ-supported researchers have characterized several types of particles and developed detection methods.
- Microtrace, 10/6/2020Criminal Forensic – Analytical services are utilized by prosecutors, defense attorneys, police, forensic laboratories and, occasionally, the news media. Expert Testimony – All casework conducted at the laboratory is rigorously supported by scientific results intended to withstand the scrutiny of peer review and litigation. Case Reviews – Microtrace also conducts document reviews for crime …
- The OSAC Materials (Trace) Subcommittee, 9/4/2020, NISTThe Organization of Scientific Area Committees Materials (Trace) Subcommittee for Forensic Science focuses standards and guidelines related to the examination and interpretation of physical evidence that may result from the transfer of small or minute quantities of materials (e.g., hairs, fibers, paint, tape, glass).