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Author: Yujiemi Chisholm
Forensics TTA

FY2024 Grantee Orientation Webinar – Competitive DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program

This webinar features the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) introducing the Competitive DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program grantees to the overall BJA team that works collectively to administer their award funds including the BJA Policy Office and BJA Programs Office. This webinar provides useful training and information on how to accept awards; how to submit progress reports and Grant Award Modifications; and provides other information/best practices to support the award management and grant monitoring activities of this project. This webinar also introduces the Forensics TTA team and how this TTA program aims to support CEBR grantees.
December 2024
Forensics TTA

Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME/C) System Program Discussion Forum Session #1

This webinar, presented by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), features an overview of the FY2024 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program solicitation. As part of this presentation, BJA discusses various elements of the solicitation, changes that have been implemented from previous iterations of the program, eligibility requirements, and guidance for submitting an application.
December 2024
Pink-filled circle with a microscope icon inside
City of Cape Coral, FL

The City of Cape Coral’s uses Coverdell funds to purchase a full-spectral imaging device to support evidence detection and documentation

The City of Cape Coral, Florida utilized Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants (Coverdell) Program funding to purchase a Crime-lite® AUTO for use in homicide investigations. The use of this full-spectral imaging device specifically assisted a neighboring law enforcement agency in detecting and documenting evidence in a homicide case that involved a stabbing. The imaging device’s infrared capabilities aided in revealing bloodstains on a suspect’s black shirt, which can be extremely difficult to detect, enabling the law enforcement agency’s technician to photograph the bloodstains and collect a sample for DNA analysis.
November 2024
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Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) Resources

Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE), led by RTI International, is supported through a Cooperative Agreement from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The FTCOE supports the implementation of new forensic technology and best practices
October 2024
FTCOE

Assessing Stress Among MDI & Building Resilient Professionals

This webinar aims to address the critical issue of mental health and wellness for medicolegal death investigation (MDI) professionals, with a focus on preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorders, and other negative outcomes from prolonged exposure to trauma. This webinar has been approved for up to one continuing education credit hour through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).
October 2024
Investigative Resource Repository

Maryland Criminal Procedure – Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Search – Applicability for Deceased and Missing Individuals

The Maryland General Assembly enacted an amendment (effective October 1, 2024) to the comprehensive statute limiting the application and use of Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Search (FGGS) set forth in Title 17 of the Criminal Procedure Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, excluding steps taken using FGGS to identify unidentified human remains from coverage of Title 17.
October 2024
Investigative Resource Repository

Harvin v. State of Maryland (2022) Opinion

Appeals Court decision upholding admissibility of process utilizing TrueAllele®, a probabilistic genotyping software (PGS). This process was used to interpret DNA mixtures detected on several items recovered during an investigation of a sexual assault of an 83-year-old female victim. Court’s opinion includes a helpful discussion on experts in general, as well as a discussion on the use of PGS for forensic purposes. Court also discusses the recently adopted Daubert standard in criminal cases.
September 2024

Save the Date for the 3rd Annual BJA Forensics Programs Meeting!

The 3rd Annual BJA Forensics Programs Meeting will be held virtually and is tentatively scheduled for June 9-10, 2025! These dates remain tentative until official conference approval is received, at which time additional information including an event agenda will be made available.
September 2024

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