Tag: CEBR

Publications

Project FORESIGHT Annual Report, 2021-2022

Project FORESIGHT is a business-guided self-evaluation of forensic science laboratories across the globe. The participating laboratories represent local, regional, state, and national agencies. Economics, accounting, finance, and forensic faculty provide assistance, guidance, and analysis. Laboratories participating in Project FORESIGHT have developed standardized definitions for metrics to evaluate work processes, linking financial information to work tasks, and functions. Laboratory managers can then assess resource allocations, efficiencies, and value of services—the mission of Project FORESIGHT is to measure, preserve what works, and change what does not [Description provided by the WVU website].
Dark purple-filled circle with a DNA spiral icon inside
Highlights

Ohio BCI Receives Federal Grants to Assist in Continued Caseloads in Criminal Investigations

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has awarded two grants totaling $434,099 to the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). This funding will assist the BCI in meeting expected caseloads and enhance overall lab capacity. This much-needed investment will assist the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in their efforts to test DNA cases at no cost to law enforcement agencies in Ohio. These resources will help Ohio law enforcement bring more criminals to justice and prevent crime in our communities.
FTCOE

Bridging Generational Gaps In The Laboratory

This webinar is geared towards addressing the generational gap often found within crime laboratories. The presenter discusses tips to recognize the factors that can create the gap and also presents methods that can help bridge this gap. The presentation concludes with the benefits and outcomes of multigenerational teams.
FTCOE

Triaging Cases – Case Management And All That Means

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 Webinar Series.
FTCOE

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

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 implementation. From FLN-TWG’s first meeting, FLN-TWG members created this in-brief which documents their goals and a list of resources to promote technology adoption by crime laboratories.
FTCOE

Just The Components Of Forensic Biology And DNA

In episode five of the FTCOE’s Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, the presenters discuss forensic biology and DNA as it relates to evolving techniques, the importance of training, and the value of student research within the laboratory.
National Institute of Standards and Technology

Human Forensic DNA Analysis Process Map

The Human Forensic DNA Analysis Process Map is intended to be used to help improve efficiencies while reducing errors, highlight gaps where further research or standardization would be beneficial, and assist with training new examiners. It may also be used to develop specific laboratory policies and identify best practices [Description provided by the NIST Human Forensic DNA Analysis Process Map].
National Institute of Justice

National Best Practices for Improving DNA Laboratory Process Efficiency

DNA forensic laboratories are at a crossroads. Faced with a rising demand for analysis and constrained by limited financial resources, laboratories must find new and innovative ways to reduce backlogs and increase productivity. The recommendations in this National Institute of Justice-produced guide, authored by experts in forensic science and laboratory management, are aimed at improving efficiency in a multitude of essential tasks that DNA forensic laboratories routinely perform. These tasks range from hiring and training personnel to formulating and enforcing case acceptance policies, implementing existing and new technologies and methodologies, managing casework and tracking laboratory workflows, analyzing data, and compiling final reports that nonscientists can comprehend. This guide’s recommendations are also designed to help laboratories anticipate changes — including technological advances and new legislation — that may affect their caseloads [Description provided by the NIJ website].
FTCOE

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Award Management

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 administration requirements.
FTCOE

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Grant Application And Award Acceptance

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 if a project is selected for funding and what is involved in accepting the award.