Better than a general search engine, the single NCSTL.org database instantly provides targeted results on forensics and criminal justice. In January 2017, the ministry issued additional guidance for prosecutors regarding criminal investigations involving forensic evidence. The additional guidelines included new department-wide guidelines on criminal detection in forensic evidence. The guidelines have been included in the United States Attorneys` Handbook (USAM) in Section 9-5.003 and assist prosecutors in fulfilling their disclosure obligations regarding forensic evidence and experts, giving defendants a fair chance to understand the evidence that could be used against them. Federal law enforcement agencies reviewed by the GAO primarily use three types of forensic algorithms to assess whether evidence gathered in a criminal investigation could have come from an individual: probabilistic genotyping, latent fingerprint analysis (fingerprints and handprints), and facial recognition. To a lesser extent, agencies also use algorithms to compare iris images, language, and handwriting. Each type of algorithm uses different features in its evaluation. For example, probabilistic genotyping uses statistics to analyze biological samples found during a criminal investigation to allow comparisons with a known DNA sample from a suspect or with DNA profiles from a database of known individuals. The Federal Bureau of Investigation currently uses probabilistic genotyping and latent fingerprint algorithms to assess whether or not evidence collected in a criminal investigation comes from an individual, and facial recognition to generate investigative clues. The National Institute of Standards and Technology and other organizations have developed standards to facilitate the transfer of data between agencies.
A forensic science student will be objective, curious, logical and analytical, and will enjoy solving problems. This student may enjoy the challenge of solving a puzzle. A successful student must have good oral and written communication. Often, a strong interest in chemistry is important. The GAO was asked to conduct a technology assessment of the use of forensic algorithms in federal law enforcement. The GAO conducts this assessment in two phases. The first phase describes the algorithms used by federal law enforcement agencies and how these technologies work. The second phase is to assess the approaches and challenges associated with the application of these technologies by federal law enforcement agencies and to identify policy options to address these challenges. The NCSTL offers a series of webinars on forensic science and scientific evidence. The webinars, funded by a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance as part of its Capital Litigation Initiative, are aimed at potential litigants, both law enforcement and defense, who want to learn more about the forensic science related to capital cases. Bringing together the most up-to-date information presented by renowned experts, the NCSTL offers a 6-part webinar series sponsored by the BJA designed to educate prosecutors and defense attorneys on the latest forensic research and trends and their implications for legal considerations. One of the main goals of the NCSTL is to provide a resource that collects and tracks the latest available sources related to forensics and technology.
The NCSTL reviews and disseminates useful information in the form of a free and publicly accessible Internet research database. The NCSTL database was first made available to the public in February 2005. It collects and distributes bibliographic information on thousands of court decisions, laws, legal and scientific publications, press and media articles, websites and educational opportunities. Using the database, researchers can visualize all types of resources in all forensic topics or restrict them to topics or types of resources of particular interest. Individual records contain bibliographic information as well as active URLs that point to the full text, if applicable. Searchers can also use a feature that saves favorite searches. Materials found in the database are supported in printed form in the NCSTL collection at the Stetson Law Library. In its educational efforts, the NCSTL seeks to raise awareness of the nature of good evidence practices. NCSTL presents an annual lecture series on the campus of Stetson Law School that includes presentations by well-known forensic scientists such as Dr. Michael Baden and Henry Lee on a variety of forensic topics, including forensic investigations. Thus, through its educational efforts, the NCSTL shares with the forensic science community and the public what good forensic practices are. The NCSTL lecture series is not only free and open to the public, but will also be webcast, podcasted live and archived on the NCSTL website.
The NCSTL also develops continuing education programs for forensic pathologists and lawyers.
