*

Forensics

Forensic scientists use techniques from many areas of science to analyze evidence and to help solve crimes. At OLES, we support this important work by managing forensic science programs and directing research efforts to develop performance standards, guidelines, and reports to advance the technologies associated with the forensic science field. In addition, we support the development of innovative and validated test methods that will successfully undergo the scrutiny of our adversarial justice system. The research needed to complete these activities may take months or even years, but the final products ultimately support strengthening the scientific foundation of the forensic sciences.

Because of the diversity of forensic applications, we partner with other NIST laboratories and even other agencies to meet our goals. For example, projects relating to computer usage in crimes are based in the NIST Information Technology Laboratory. We work closely with the NIST Applied Genetics Group on DNA research and standards. We partner with other NIST groups to study bullet and toolmark standards and burn patterns. Together, we can ensure that forensic scientists have the information they need to calibrate their equipment, to draw conclusions based in solid science, and to communicate their results.

Selected Projects:

There are also a number of Scientific Working Groups that support various forensic science disciplines.

Forensic News

NIST Issues a Brand New Reference Material that Helps in Toxicological Study
September 7, 2012
Azonano.com
NIST has introduced a new nanoscale reference material that is actually a commercial titanium oxide popularly known as "P25."

NIST Standard Reference Material 2461 Standard Cartridge Case
September 5, 2012
ForensicMagazine.com
Standard Reference Material 2461, developed in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will help crime laboratories to verify that automated optical equipment for cartridge case image acquisition and correlation is operating properly. It will also help them to establish ballistics measurement traceability and achieve accreditation from standards organizations.

New NIST Strategic Roadmap Aims to Reduce Preventable Fire Burden by a Third
September 5, 2012
FireEngineering.com
Fire researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) believe that the devastating annual toll of fire fatalities can be significantly reduced over the next two decades. The plan prioritizes and details the research and other work needed to enable that goal.

Taking the Edge off a Pipe Bomb -- Literally
August 16, 2012
ScienceDaily
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T) new low-cost device for dismantling dangerous pipe bombs may look like a tinkerer's project, but that's no accident. The Semi-Autonomous Pipe Bomb End-cap Remover (SAPBER) is unassuming in appearance, but sophisticated enough to preserve the forensic evidence needed to track down the perpetrator.

NIST Ballistic Standard Ties Guns to Criminals and Crime Scenes
August 10, 2012
HomelandSecurityNewsWire.com
Law enforcement agencies will have an easier time linking cartridge cases to specific firearms due to a new reference standard developed by NIST. The empty shells, cartridge cases, left behind after a gun is fired, are routinely sent to forensic laboratories for analysis when they are found at a shooting scene. Using a specialized microscope called an Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS), lab technicians acquire digital images of three markings, or "signatures," impressed on the cartridge case by the gun that fired it.