Articles Published by NIJ

NIJ grantee Robert Maher is changing the field of audio forensics with novel techniques to document and interpret gunshot recordings.

Black box study of bloodstain pattern analysts finds contrasting conclusions due to terminology; highlights importance of establishing consensus standards.

After analyzing individual blood droplets on inclined surfaces, researchers in this NIJ-funded project said measurements show the current standard method is accurate for drops that hit at right angles but has significant errors at shallow impact angles.

Researchers create a metric to determine the difficulty of matching latent and known fingerprints, then link that difficulty to error rates.

There is no standard method of detailed documentation of the latent print examination process, but researchers have developed software that improves the standardization and quantifiability, implemented as part of the FBI’s Universal Latent Workstation.

Researchers conducted a statistical study of handwriting characteristics to provide a database so that forensic document examination standards will better stand up to judicial scrutiny.

Researchers who developed a 3-D imaging system for analyzing cartridge casings say their latest work is “a critical next step” that gives cartridge analysis more credibility by including datasets, best practices, and performance checks.

Investigating and prosecuting sexual assault crimes is much more complicated than simply performing DNA testing.

Researchers claim they have developed a prototype system that could enable “low-cost, portable, objective analysis of tool marks.”

A review of erroneous convictions that involved forensic science can help identify critical lessons for forensic scientists as they perform testing, interpret results, render conclusions, and testify in court.

A sensor technology first developed for medical use is being adapted to detect and visualize destroyed serial numbers in firearms.

Study finds less than 1.2 percent error rate in matching bullets fired from Glock semiautomatic pistol barrels to the actual firearm.

An NIJ-funded examination of NIBIN offers recommendations for improving the program's tactical and strategic value.