Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE)

The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE), led by RTI International, is supported through a Cooperative Agreement with 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 by end users and is dedicated to elevating the status of forensic science through advancing technology, sharing knowledge, and addressing challenges. The FTCOE’s website offers a plethora of resources that can be filtered by discipline, type, or keyword searching.

FTCOE Resources Applicable to BJA Forensics Programs

These FTCOE resources were selected based on their relevance to supporting the Forensics Programs’ goals and objectives. To view the resources, select the Forensics Program below.

DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program

For helpful resources relevant to DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program grantees, please see the following selected FTCOE resources. For additional FTCOE resources, please visit the FTCOE’s website to filter resources by discipline, type, or keyword.

Publications

What FSSP Leaders Should Know About Artificial Intelligence And Its Application To Forensic Science In-Brief

December 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications CEBR

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be leveraged across multiple fields within the criminal justice system, forensic science service providers (FSSPs) have an opportunity to improve forensic laboratory workflows and analyses. This report from December 2023 documents the opportunities and realities of implementing future AI-enabled technologies, as well as current...

The NIJ Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group – Progress To Date And Future Plans

November 2022 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications CEBR

In 2018, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) formed the Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group (FLN-TWG), which provided a space for crime laboratory directors or managers and academic researchers to meet regularly to share ideas, assess the impact of new technologies on their field, and identify next steps for...

Multi-Media

Just Lessons Learned In Forensic Technology Transition

February 2024 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media,Trigger Warning CEBR

In episode four of the FTCOE’s Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition season, the presenters discuss the reality of introducing and implementing new forensic technology into the forensic laboratory, with lessons learned and advice from the presenters. This episode contains content that is sensitive in nature and may be potentially...

We Did It! You Can Too! An Inside Perspective To Implementing Standards On The OSAC Registry

January 2024 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media CEBR

This webinar covers the process of standards implementation for laboratory systems that have not yet adopted or formally initiated a standards implementation program. Tools and resources for understanding the necessary standards of each laboratory discipline, as seen in the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) Registry, in...

Just Building Partnerships To Advance Forensic Technology

January 2024 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media,Trigger Warning CEBR

In episode two of the FTCOE’s Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition season, presenters explore the importance of building partnerships within the forensic community to effectively transition forensic technology into practice. This podcast episode includes strategies for how to best navigate various forensic entities during technology implementation. This episode contains...

Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program

For helpful resources relevant to Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program grantees, please see the following selected FTCOE resources. For additional FTCOE resources, please visit the FTCOE’s website to filter resources by discipline, type, or keyword.

Publications

A Landscape Study Of Computed Tomography Scanners For Postmortem Applications

December 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications MUHR

This landscape study provides medical examiners, coroners, and other medicolegal death investigation professionals an overview of computed tomography (CT) scanner technology, with postmortem applications, as well as limitations, product details, considerations for implementation, and success cases...

Case Study Guides For Select NMDID Cases

December 2022 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications MUHR

This report is designed for forensic practitioners who are interested in learning more about the use of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) in death investigation and anthropological analysis. This report includes numerous case study guides that feature a mixture of anthropological cases, decomposition/post-mortem change cases, and common medical examiner cases...

Multi-Media

Improving Methods Using Machine Learning And Databases In Forensic Anthropology

December 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media MUHR

This two-part webinar covers machine learning and forensic anthropological databases, and their casework applications. The first part of this webinar describes geoFOR, which is a free web-based collaborative application and taphonomic database that delivers a more reliable postmortem interval (PMI) for human remains. The second part of this webinar explores...

Advances In Chemical Sorting Of Commingled Remains

November 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media MUHR

This webinar explores the results of an ongoing research study funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). During this webinar, the presenters discuss the functionality of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), how chemical profiles are used to sort bones at the individual level, and current limitations of ongoing research...

Just Managing Mass Fatality Incidents

February 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media,Trigger Warning ME/C,MUHR

In episode four of the FTCOE’s Unidentified Human Remains mini season, the presenters discuss mass fatality incident management and disaster victim identification, including points regarding which agencies assist with mass fatality management and best practices for disaster planning. This episode contains content that is sensitive in nature and may be...

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants (Coverdell) Program

For helpful resources relevant to Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants (Coverdell) Program grantees, please see the following selected FTCOE resources. For additional FTCOE resources, please visit the FTCOE’s website to filter resources by discipline, type, or keyword.

Publications

Technical Note – Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Photo Diode Array Ultraviolet Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-PDA UV-MS)

December 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications Coverdell

This technical note outlines the utility of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with photo diode array ultraviolet spectroscopy (PDA UV) detection and single quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) detection in a series as a complementary technique to gas chromatography-election ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) in seized drug analysis...

Technical Note – Gas Chromatography-Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (GC-VUV)

December 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications Coverdell

This technical note details the utility of gas chromatography–vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (GC-VUV) as a method of seized drug analysis...

Technical Note – Gas Chromatography Vapor-Phase Infrared Spectroscopy (GC-VIR)

December 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications Coverdell

This technical note details the utility of Gas Chromatography Vapor-Phase Infrared Spectroscopy as a supplemental or alternative technique to the traditional methods, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR), to analyze seized drugs...

Multi-Media

FBI Laboratory Decision Analysis Studies In Pattern Evidence Examinations

March 2024 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media Coverdell

In this webinar, the presenters focus on addressing and responding to the most frequently encountered observations of black box experimental design by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is used to assess the reliability of pattern evidence examinations. This webinar also reviews results and challenges of black box studies...

Advanced Imaging Technologies For Death Investigation

December 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media Coverdell

This page is dedicated to a myriad of resources related to advanced imaging technologies for death investigation, including webinars, reports, and podcast episodes covering topics such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, other postmortem imaging techniques, challenges with implementing these technologies, and barriers faced between medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) offices and...

Triaging Cases – Case Management And All That Means

January 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media CEBR,Coverdell

This webinar focuses on case management in forensic science laboratories, with the objective to present solutions to challenges regarding the implementation of case management and evidence triage, which can enhance efficiency and reduce backlogs. This webinar is part of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Train the Director...

Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence (Postconviction) Program

For helpful resources relevant to Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence (Postconviction) Program grantees, please see the following selected FTCOE resources. For additional FTCOE resources, please visit the FTCOE’s website to filter resources by discipline, type, or keyword.

Publications

A Review Of Legislation Associated With Lawfully Owed DNA Samples

September 2022 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications Postconviction

This report provides a legislative review of statutes associated with the collection, tracking, and testing of DNA samples from convicted offenders, with areas for consideration in how to address questions or conflicts surrounding DNA collection laws...

Perspectives On Addressing The Collection, Tracking, And Processing Of Lawfully Owed DNA Samples

April 2021 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications Postconviction

This report examines the potential barriers related to the collection, tracking, and processing of arrestee and convicted offender samples, while highlighting recommendations to address challenges and needs to ensure national databases are appropriately populated to comply with corresponding legislation...

Multi-Media

Just Identifying Individuals With Forensic Genetic Genealogy

September 2022 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media COLD,Coverdell,ME/C,MUHR,Postconviction

In episode one of the FTCOE’s Applications of Forensic Science for Human Identification season, the presenters discuss the use of forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) in identifying human remains, how it differs from searching a DNA profile in CODIS, what limitations exist when using DNA technologies to identify unknown remains, and...

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Award Management

March 2022 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media CEBR,COLD,Coverdell,ME/C,MUHR,Postconviction

This webinar provides information about the main life cycle of grant management and award management basics, including compliance, requirements, modifications, and award closeout. This is the final part of the three-part BJA Forensic Grants 101 series, which also delivered insight into the administrative, programmatic, and financial aspects of BJA grant...

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Grant Application And Award Acceptance

March 2022 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media CEBR,COLD,Coverdell,ME/C,MUHR,Postconviction

This is the second webinar within the three-part BJA Forensic Grants 101 series. This webinar highlights the initial steps of applying for BJA grant opportunities, as well as the application submission and peer review process for applying to these various forensic science grant opportunities. This webinar concludes with next steps...

Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program

For helpful resources relevant to Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program grantees, please see the following selected FTCOE resources. For additional FTCOE resources, please visit the FTCOE’s website to filter resources by discipline, type, or keyword.

Publications

Topic Of Interest: Forensic Testimony, Smith V. Arizona

December 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications COLD

This document provides a summary of the Supreme Court case, Smith v. Arizona, which questions the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment. Supreme Court decisions related to expert witness testimony are also examined...

In-Brief Report Series: Digital Transformation Of Cold Case Reviews

November 2022 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications COLD

This three-part in-brief series explores the impact of digital transformation on cold case files and the case review process. The first in-brief highlights the prevalence, challenges, and benefits of digital transformation on the cold case review process. The second in-brief focuses on the processes and resources available to digitize their...

Multi-Media

Just DNA Searches In CODIS

April 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media,Trigger Warning COLD

In episode three of the FTCOE’s 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, the presenters discuss how statutes regarding lawfully owed DNA and familial DNA searches are utilized in sexual assault investigations, such as using the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to solve cases...

Just Identifying Individuals With Forensic Genetic Genealogy

September 2022 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media COLD,Coverdell,ME/C,MUHR,Postconviction

Just Solving Cold Cases With Forensic Genetic Genealogy

August 2022 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media,Trigger Warning COLD

In episode four of the FTCOE’s Case Studies: Part 1 mini season, the presenter discusses how genetic genealogy was used as an investigative tool to help solve a series of violent cold cases almost forty years later. This episode contains content that is sensitive in nature and may be potentially...

Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME/C) System Program

For helpful resources relevant to Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME/C) System Program grantees, please see the following selected FTCOE resources. For additional FTCOE resources, please visit the FTCOE’s website to filter resources by discipline, type, or keyword.

Publications

White Paper – Information Sharing Between Medicolegal Death Investigators And Toxicology Testing Services

December 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications ME/C

This white paper reviews the importance of information sharing between medicolegal death investigation (MDI) offices and organ and toxicology testing services, while also discussing collaborative efforts to improve how MDI data are exchanged and modernized...

Navigating Medical Examiner And Coroner Office Accreditation Challenges: A Practical Guide

December 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications ME/C

This report serves as a guide for medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) accreditation programs and processes, including the benefits of accreditation and resources for offices seeking accreditation...

Data Exchange Practices Of Medicolegal Death Investigation

December 2022 FTCOE,FTCOE Publications ME/C

This report summarizes the opportunities for, and challenges of, increasing standardization and automation in data exchange amongst medicolegal death investigator (MDI) and MDI-related agencies...

Multi-Media

Assessing Stress Among MDI & Building Resilient Professionals

October 2024 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media ME/C

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...

2024 MDI MythBusters Webinar Series

September 2024 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media ME/C

This five-part webinar series provides information on various emerging topics in medicolegal death investigation (MDI) and related forensic disciplines. Various professionals from around the county will present and discuss topics of interest where a lack of consensus exists among the medical examiner/coroner community. These topics include communicating with families, diversity...

Interactive Map: Medicolegal Death Investigation Data Flow

December 2023 FTCOE,FTCOE Multi-Media ME/C

This interactive graphical map helps users better understand the flow of data between various agencies and the complex relationships between entities involved in medicolegal death investigations...