Forensic Sciences
Awards and Abstracts
On this page find:
Overview of Forensic Sciences
Forensic sciences play a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing investigators with scientifically based information through the analysis of physical evidence.
During an investigation, forensic evidence is collected at a crime scene, analyzed in a laboratory and often presented in court. Each crime scene is unique, and each case presents its own challenges. Complex cases may require the collection, examination and analysis of a large amount of evidence. These cases may involve multiple forensic experts with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and other disciplines. These forensic scientists work separately to analyze the evidence in a particular case. For example, one forensic examiner might analyze a latent print, another may compare carpet fibers using a microscope, and a third may identify a white powder that was collected at the scene. The investigators will then combine all of the examiners' objective results to build a case.
Forensic Science Pages
Forensic Science topics on the NIJ website are divided into six main categories and subtopics within each category. Select "Show Subtopics" to find increasingly specific information.
Adopting New Technologies: Technology Transition Workshops
DNA Evidence Backlogs: Forensic Casework
DNA Evidence Backlogs: Convicted Offender and Arrestee Samples
Increasing Laboratory Capacity
Untested Evidence in Law Enforcement Agencies
Laboratory Capacity Enhancement
DNA Backlog Reduction Funding Program
Forensic DNA Unit Efficiency Improvement Funding Program
Information Systems and Databases
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs.gov)
Forensic Databases: Paint, Shoe Prints, and Beyond (NIJ Journal)
Standards — Scientific Working Groups
Validation Information for Public Laboratories
Digital Evidence and Forensics
Digital Evidence Investigative Tools
Preventing Data Loss When Seizing Electronic Devices of Interest
Identifying Intrusion and Unauthorized Activities
Acquiring Data From Networked Computers
Enhancing "At-the-Scene" Digital Analysis Capabilities of First Responders
Digital Evidence Analysis Tools
Metadata Analysis and Extraction
Macintosh Digital Forensic Tools
Digital Forensics Standards and Capacity Building
The Electronic Crime Technology Center of Excellence
Computer Forensic Tool Testing Program
Digital Forensic Guides
Digital Evidence in the Courtroom: A Guide for Law Enforcement and Prosecutors
Forensic Examination of Digital Evidence: A Guide for Law Enforcement
Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Responders, Second Edition
Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: An On-the-Scene Reference for First Responders
Forensic Anthropology and Dentistry
DNA Evidence Backlogs: Forensic Casework
DNA Evidence Backlogs: Convicted Offender and Arrestee Samples
Death Investigation
Missing Persons Investigations
Solving Missing Persons Cases (NIJ Journal)
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs.gov)
Funding to Identify Missing Persons
Mass Fatality Investigations
Mass Fatality Incidents: A Guide for Human Forensic Identification
Lessons Learned From 9/11: DNA Identification in Mass Fatality Incidents
Postconviction Testing and Wrongful Convictions
Funding for Postconviction Testing
Research on DNA's Role in Uncovering Wrongful Convictions
Training — Curriculum Development and Course Delivery