THE ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL

ENGINEERING LABORATORY (EEEL)

One of NISTís seven measurement and standards laboratories,

EEEL conducts research, provides measurement services, and

helps set standards in support of the fundamental electronic

technologies of semiconductors, magnetics, and superconductors; information and communications technologies, such as

fiber optics, photonics, microwaves, electronic displays,

electronics manufacturing supply chain collaboration; forensics

and security measurement instrumentation; fundamental and

practical physical standards and measurement services for

electrical quantities; maintaining the quality and integrity of

electrical power systems; and the development of nanoscale

and microelectromechanical devices. EEEL provides support to

law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice agencies,

including homeland security.

EEEL consists of six programmatic divisions and two matrixmanaged offices:

Electricity Division

Semiconductor Electronics Division

Radio-Frequency Technology Division

Electromagnetic Technology Division

Optoelectronics Division

Magnetic Technology Division

Office of Microelectronic Programs

Office of Law Enforcement Standards

This publication describes the technical programs of the

Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES). Similar

documents describing the other Divisions and Offices are

available. Contact NIST/EEEL, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 8100,

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8100, telephone 301-975-2220,

http://www.eeel.nist.gov. These publications are updated

biennially.

Cover caption: The Office of Law Enforcement Standards assists the criminal justice and public safety

communities through the development of equipment performance standards, usersí guides, standard reference

materials, and scientific research. Our logo (upper left) reflects some of the projects that we conduct: DNA

research, arson research, forensic sciences, and law enforcement weapons and equipment. Shown on the cover

are pictures that represent some of the projects in our portfolio: development of standards for ballistic resistance

of personal body armor, usersí guides for chemical and biological protective equipment, and standards for other

types of protective equipment used by first responders to critical incidents. Ballistic vest photo © 2002 Robert

Rathe.
ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL

ENGINEERING LABORATORY

OFFICE OF LAW

ENFORCEMENT

STANDARDS

PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, AND

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

NISTIR 6952

January 2003

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Donald L. Evans, Secretary

Technology Administration

Phillip J. Bond, Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Arden L. Bement, Director
Any mention of commercial products is for information only; it does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology nor does it imply

that the products mentioned are necessarily the best available for the purpose.
Office of Law Enforcement Standards iii

CONTENTS

Welcome .................................................................................................................................. v

Mission ..................................................................................................................................... v

Weapons and Protective Systems ............................................................................................ 1

Revision of NIJ Standard ñ 0101.04, ìBallistic Resistance of Personal Body Armorî .......... 1

Revision of NIJ Standard ñ 0115.00, ìStab Resistance of Personal Body Armorî ................ 3

Revision of NIJ Standard ñ 0104.02, ìRiot Helmets and Face Shieldsî................................. 3

Revision of NIJ Standard ñ 0106.01, ìBallistic Helmetsî ....................................................... 4

Development of an NIJ Standard for Bomb Suits .................................................................. 5

Evaluation Of ìSmart Gunî Technologies .............................................................................. 5

Support of NIJ Standard ñ 0112.03, ìAutoloading Pistols for Police Officersî ................ 5

Revision of NIJ Standard ñ 0307.01, ìMetallic Handcuffsî ................................................... 6

Revision of NIJ Standard ñ 0113.00, ì12-Gauge Shotguns for Police Useî .......................... 6

Development of NIJ Standard for Less-than-Lethal Weapons ............................................... 6

Development of an Armored Car Standard ............................................................................. 7

Test Protocol Development for Gunlocks .............................................................................. 7

Development of a Frangible Ammunition Selection Guide and Performance Standard.......... 8

Revision of NIJ Standard-0108.01, ìBallistic Resistant Protective Materialsî ....................... 9

Detection, Inspection, and Enforcement Technologies ...........................................................11

Millimeter-Wave Concealed Weapon Imaging System Development Project .................11

Two-Dimensional Monolithic Microbolometer Imaging Arrays for Concealed

Weapons Detection ..........................................................................................................11

Development of Evaluation Standards for Still Recognition Systems .................................. 12

Liquid-Filled Camera for Enhancement of Shadow Detail .................................................... 13

Identifying and Characterizing Materials That Emulate the Low-Frequency

Electromagnetic Properties of the Human Body ................................................................... 14

Electrical Properties of Metals Used in Hand-Held Weapons................................................ 15

Emergency Vehicle Sirens ..................................................................................................... 15

Chemical Systems and Materials ........................................................................................... 18

Reference Materials (RM) for Bullets and Casings............................................................... 18

A Revised Refractive Index Glass Standard Reference Material .......................................... 18

Revised Ethanol-Water Standard Reference Material

for Blood-and-Breath-Alcohol Analysis................................................................................. 19

NIST Reference Material (RM) for Gunpowder and Pipe Bomb Residue ........................... 19

A Standard Reference Material for Drugs of Abuse in Human Serum ................................. 20

A Standard Reference Material for Arson Analysis .............................................................. 20

Human and Animal Dose Response, Toxicokinetic and Potency Assessment

of Pepper Spray Products Following Topical and Aerosolized Exposure............................. 20

Oleoresin Capsicum Canister Study ...................................................................................... 22

Protective Glove Project ....................................................................................................... 22

An Evaluation of Innovative Sweat-Based Drug Testing Techniques

for Use in Criminal Justice Drug Testing .............................................................................. 23

Evaluation of Saliva as an Alternate Drug Testing Specimen................................................ 24

Forensic Sciences .................................................................................................................. 26

National Software Reference Library (NSRL) ...................................................................... 26
Computer Forensics Tools Testing (CFTT) ......................................................................... 26

Two New Quick Reference Guides for Digital Evidence Investigations .............................. 27

Burn Pattern Recognition Standards ..................................................................................... 28

Measurement and Simulation of Real Ignition Sources ........................................................ 28

Development of Interactive Fire Pattern Standard Database ................................................ 29

Evaluation of Narcotic Detection and Identification Field Test Kits ..................................... 29

Research in Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Identification Methods and Standards ............. 29

Summer Forensic Fellowship Research ............................................................................... 32

Gunpowder and Handgun Residue Research ........................................................................ 33

Public Safety Communication Standards ............................................................................... 35

NIJ Standardization Efforts Related to Telecommunications

and Information Technology (IT) Interoperability ................................................................ 35

Critical Incident Technologies ............................................................................................... 38

Developing Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives

(CBRNE) Protection Equipment Standards .......................................................................... 38

Development of CBRNE Protection and Communication Equipment

Guides for Emergency First Responders.............................................................................. 42

The Effects of Ionizing Radiation Used In Mail Sterilization on

Microelectronic Devices ....................................................................................................... 43

Office of Law Enforcement Standards Organization (810.02) ............................................. 45

iv Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory
Office of Law Enforcement Standards v

WELCOME

The Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) helps law enforcement, corrections,

and criminal justice agencies ensure that the equipment they purchase and the technologies they

use are safe, dependable, and effective. OLES, with a staff of eleven, is based in Gaithersburg,

Maryland, and is one of the two Offices within the Electronics and Electrical Engineering

Laboratory at NIST.

OLES was established as a matrix management organization in 1971 and was based on recommendations from the Presidentís Commission on Crime. The Commission report, entitled

ìCrime in a Free Society,î recommended that a Federal agency be appointed to assist criminal

justice agencies by developing equipment standards and providing technical support and assistance. The report indicated that the then National Bureau of Standards was one such agency

suitable for this task. As a result, the Department of Commerce (DOC) and the Department of

Justice (DOJ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding and the Office was established. The

National Institute of Justice (NIJ), which is the research arm of the Department of Justice, is

the primary sponsor of OLES projects. Projects also have been supported by the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),

the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Transportation Safety Administration

(TSA).

OLES fulfills its mission by applying science and technology to the needs of the criminal

justice community, including law enforcement, corrections, and forensic science as well as the

fire service. The Office focuses on the development of performance standards, which are

promulgated as voluntary national standards by the NIJ. OLES also conducts research on

protective clothing, communication systems, emergency equipment, investigative aids, protective and enforcement equipment, security systems, traffic enforcement systems, vehicles, weapons and ammunition, and analytical techniques and standard reference materials (SRM) used

by the forensic science community. The composition of the project portfolio varies depending

on the priorities of the criminal justice community at any given time, and, as necessary, draws

upon the resources of NISTís Measurement and Standards Laboratories and outside agencies.

OLES has published, mostly through NIJ, more than 250 standards, guides, and technical

reports over its 32-year history. These publications have dealt with such topics as emergency

vehicle warning devices, police clothing and equipment, components of intrusion alarm systems, physical security of door and window assemblies, metal and explosive vapor detectors,

arson accelerant detectors, and narcotic test kits. OLES also developed standard reference

materials for glass comparisons and DNA profiling and reference collections of automobile

paints and synthetic fibers for use by forensic laboratories.

MISSION

The mission of OLES is to serve as the principal agent for standards development for the

criminal justice and public safety communities. OLES has been instrumental in the development of numerous standards and the issuance of various technical reports that have had significant impact on both of these communities. Through its programs, OLES helps criminal justice

and public safety agencies acquire, on a cost-effective basis, the high quality resources they

need to do their jobs. To accomplish this task, OLES:

# Develops methods for testing equipment performance;

# Develops methods for examining evidentiary materials;
# Develops standards for equipment and operating procedures;

# Develops usersí guides;

# Develops standard reference materials; and

# Performs other scientific and engineering research as required by the criminal justice and public

safety communities.

OLESí programs are organized into six areas: Weapons and Protective Systems; Detection,

Inspection, and Enforcement Technologies; Chemical Systems and Materials; Forensic Sciences; Public Safety Communication Standards; and Critical Incident Technologies. Within

each program area there are a variety of projects that are described herein. The projects listed

in this book are those that OLES has proposed for fiscal year 2003. The actual portfolio is

being negotiated as this book is being prepared. For additional information about OLES,

please visit our web site at http://www.eeel.nist.gov/oles.

vi Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 1

WEAPONS AND PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS

OLESí Weapons and Protective Systems program

is responsible for some of the organizationís most

successful efforts. It provides ongoing technical

support and research for the National Institute of

Justice (NIJ) standard for ballistic-resistant body

armor (bullet-resistant vests), which OLES first developed for NIJ in 1972. The body armor program

is part of NIJís successful Law Enforcement and

Corrections Standards and Testing Program,

through which companies may have their products

voluntarily certified as compliant with the standard.

Ballistic-resistant body armor has been credited

with saving more than 2500 lives, and the programís

evaluations of new materials and ballistic threats

and its revisions of the standard help ensure the

continued effectiveness of this technology.

The Weapons and Protective Systems program also

develops and supports other equipment performance standards vital to the safety of law enforcement and corrections personnel, including stab-resistant body armor; ballistic helmets; riot helmets

and face shields; bomb suits; metallic handcuffs;

and firearms. It is evaluating new ìsmart gunî technologies and developing a test protocol for gunlocks, as well as working toward the countryís first

standard for armored cars to protect our nationís

leaders, diplomats and visiting dignitaries.

This year, under the Weapons and Protective Systems program area, OLES will provide: 1) technical support for standards that are active under the

NIJ Compliance Testing Program; 2) conduct or

oversee research that will lead to the revision of

existing equipment performance standards to address the current state of technology or to improve

test methodologies; and 3) conduct or oversee research that will lead to the publication of new equipment performance standards, test protocols, or technology assessments because the law enforcement

and corrections communities have indicated the

need for these. Projects in each of these three categories will be described in this section.

REVISION OF NIJ STANDARD ñ

0101.04, ìBALLISTIC RESISTANCE

OF PERSONAL BODY ARMORî

GOALS

The objective of this project is to obtain information from numerous studies that will lead to improved requirements or tests in a future revision of

NIJ Standard-0101.04, ìBallistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor.î

CUSTOMER NEEDS

The criminal justice and public safety communities

would benefit from better body armor, and this can

be realized by improving the body armor performance standard. NIJís experience with NIJ Standard-0101.03 suggested that the ballistic resistant

body armor standard needs to be maintained and

updated more frequently than in the past, so that it

can be kept current with ever-improving ballistic

resistant materials, changing ballistic threats, and

the introduction of special types of body armor.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The ballistic resistant body armor standard would

benefit from more research or the application of

newer technologies in a variety of areas, each of

which is being addressed in a subproject under this

overall project: 1) The methods used to define reasonable threats and then how to best represent those

threats in the standard will be examined; 2) The

ballistic impact with body armor will be studied to

determine if there are better ways to assess the deformation of the armor; 3) Research related to the

effects of ballistic blunt trauma to the body and the

possible influence this might have on the minimum

performance of body armor will be monitored; 4)

The influence of environmental life cycle on the

ballistic performance of armor will be studied; 5)

The effect of multiple, nearly isochronic impacts

with body armor will be studied; 6) The procedures

for testing female body armor will be studied, and

any special considerations that would influence the

design of female body armor will be examined; and

7) Methods to test trauma packs will be developed.

Significant findings from these subproject studies

will be considered for possible adoption into the

next revision of the body armor standard. More

information on each of these subprojects is included

below.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Reports describing relevant

findings and conclusions of studies will be issued

throughout the year.

A. THREAT SELECTION AND

APPLICATIONS

The selection of appropriate threat levels is important to ensure that the minimum performance level

expected of body armor is reasonable. Under this

subproject, other methods for estimating the threat

potential of different cartridges will be explored.

One method in particular will base the threat

Technical Contacts:

Kirk Rice

Thomas Russell

Staff-Years:

4.6 professionals

1.0 technician

2.0 contractors

Funding Sources:

Other Government

Agencies (100%)

Project Champions:

ï Armor & Protective

Systems Working Group

of government agencies

ï Bosik Consultants

Limited, Manotick,

Ontario

ï Defence Research

Establishment Valcartier,

Val BÈlair, Quebec

ï E-Labs, Inc., Colonial

Beach, VA

ï Home Office, Police

Scientific Development

Branch (PSDB), United

Kingdom

ï National Law Enforcement and Corrections

Technology Center,

Rockville, MD

ï NIST Electronics and

Electrical Engineering

Laboratory (EEEL)

ï Office of Special

Technology, Technical

Support Working Group

(TSWG) of government

agencies, Arlington, VA

ï Royal Canadian Mounted

Police, Ottawa, Ontario

ï The Tekne Group, Inc.,

Hot Springs, AR

ï Touchstone Research

Laboratory, Ltd.,

Triadelphia, WV

ï University of Virginia,

Charlottesville, VA

ï U.S. Army Aberdeen Test

Center (ATC),

Aberdeen, MD

ï U.S. Secret Service,

Washington, DC

ï Wayne State University

Detroit, MI
potential on generalized energy levels rather than

firearm-specific threats. As a logical extension of

this process, modifications or refinements to the

relative impact factor (RIF) concept will be examined. As part of this effort, a database compiling

bullet energies and other properties and known performance trends, such as penetration into standardized target materials, will be established. The data

will be analyzed to determine if some empirical

method serves well in a predictive manner.

Other areas to be studied deal with the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) ammunition versus

NIJ-designed and manufactured ammunition. Ammunition manufacturers will be contacted to discuss the possibility of creating ìstandardizedî test

bullets for future use.

The number of NIJ armor classes needed to address todayís threats will be carefully considered,

with the possibility of introducing one or two other

threat levels between existing levels and eliminating other levels, such as Type I.

B. BODY ARMOR IMPACT PHENOMENA

This subproject is focused on determining if there

are better ways to assess the energy dissipating

characteristics of body armor. The current method

for assessing backface deformation with a clay

block is satisfactory under controlled conditions,

but it could be improved. Other measurement techniques for assessing the impact to the body armor

are being explored by other researchers. Internal

studies into replacement media for the clay are

planned, as well as considering the possibility for

developing an electronic or optoelectronic method

for measuring the forces and energies applied to

the body armor.

C. BEHIND-ARMOR EFFECTS RESEARCH

An unsuccessful attempt was made last year to initiate a contract through the Technical Support

Working Group (TSWG) channels to study behindarmor effects. Instead, OLES plans to monitor other

efforts related to this. Measurement techniques for

assessing ballistic impact to the body are being

explored by other researchers. Efforts, such as

those being funded by the U.S. Army (at Natick,

the University of Virginia, and elsewhere), the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Behind Armor

Blunt Trauma group, Canadaís Defence Research

Establishment Valcartier (DREV) (at Biokinetics),

and Johns Hopkins University (JHU), and lesslethal studies conducted by Battelle and Wayne

State University (WSU), are relevant to this area of

2 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

research. The validity of the 44 mm backface signature is being examined by these and other researchers. In some of these efforts, attempts will

be made to correlate backface signatures to blunt

trauma.

D. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON BODY

ARMOR BALLISTIC RESISTANCE

Past studies on the ballistic performance of body

armor have been limited to either new armor or

armor that was aged only. TSWG has recently contracted with The Tekne Group, Inc. to study how

the ballistic resistance of body armor is influenced

by aging, as well as other environmental effects.

OLES will serve as the government technical monitor on this contract, and conduct other in-house

studies to supplement the TSWG effort.

E. MULTI-HIT TEST

Some in the law enforcement community have indicated that the performance of body armor subjected to automatic weapons fire is of concern to

them. To assess the effect of multiple, nearly isochronic ballistic impacts, Bosik Consultants Limited in Canada has developed a multi-hit gun test

fixture. OLES will provide technical support of a

contract with Bosik, which will lead to the delivery

 of a 3-barrel test rig and a multi-hit test method to

OLES.

F. FEMALE BODY ARMOR

The current version of the body armor standard

specifies special treatment for female body armor.

This subproject is aimed at a more detailed study

of female body armor to determine if there are better ways to assess the performance of female body

armor. TSWG has recently contracted with WSU

to address this area. OLES will serve as the government technical monitor on this contract entitled

ìFemale Body Armor Studies.î In addition, OLES

will conduct in-house studies to supplement the

TSWG effort. Based on the results of the TSWG

contract and related studies, any special requirements, test equipment, and test methodologies specific to female armor will be developed.

G. TEST PROTOCOL FOR BODY ARMOR

TRAUMA PACKS

Presently, supplemental trauma packs included with

armor, which are intended to lessen the severity of

behind-armor trauma over a localized area, are not

tested with the armor during compliance testing.

Past efforts to study this through TSWG contracts

have not been successful, so OLES plans to conduct in-house testing. The purpose of this effort is
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 3

to determine a suitable method for testing and

evaluating soft body armor that includes trauma

packs. Samples of various trauma packs will be

obtained and tested several ways to determine if

some modified test method can accommodate

trauma packs. If this proves successful, the test

method will be validated through more testing.

REVISION OF NIJ STANDARD ñ

0115.00, ìSTAB RESISTANCE OF

PERSONAL BODY ARMORî

GOALS

The objective of this project is to continue studies

that will provide information to support a future

revision of NIJ Standard-0115.00, ìStab Resistance

of Personal Body Armor.î

CUSTOMER NEEDS

The first two years of the stab resistant body armor

Compliance Testing Program have been successful, with over 130 armor models tested and found

to be in compliance with the standard. During the

latter stages of the standards development process,

and during this first year of the testing program,

several areas were identified for further study:

The portion of the standard dealing with spike tests

needs more attention. A very close variant of the

test methodology developed by Police Scientific

Development Branch (PSDB) in their 1999 stab

standard was adopted in the NIJ standard. Not addressed by PSDB then was the threat due to a spikestyle weapon. OLES adopted a spike based on a

design similar to the California Ice Pick threat,

while retaining the standard test methods already

specified in the NIJ standard. Since that time,

PSDB has specified a spike-style threat weapon that

is similar, but not identical, to the NIJ spike. Future studies will consider the possibility of harmonizing this threat implement between the two standards.

The slash threat was not directly addressed in NIJ

Standard-0115.00, since it was not believed to be

as severe as the stab threats. PSDB has concluded

research on slash attacks and has developed equipment and test methods for conducting controlled

slash attacks on armor. Future improvements to

this standard will focus on incorporating this slash

test methodology.

The tip sharpness of the knife blades and spike that

are defined in the NIJ standard must meet certain

requirements. Not addressed in the standard are

any requirements for knife blade edge sharpness.

Future improvements to this standard will probably incorporate an edge sharpness requirement

and test methodology and equipment. Additional

studies will examine the sensitivity of spike tip

geometry to sharpness readings and penetration

ability.

The backing material specified in the NIJ standard

consists of multiple layers of commercially available rubber and sponge foam sheets. These materials typically have fairly large variations in their

physical properties due to routine production variations. Future improvements to this standard will

likely incorporate better definition of these materials or specify new and improved materials.

The public safety community, commercial test laboratories, and armor manufacturers will benefit from

a revised standard that addresses these points, as it

will lead to greater test consistency, greater flexibility in product design (since ìslash onlyî protection will become an option), and improved armor designs.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

OLES will continue to collaborate with PSDB and

conduct in-house studies on spike threats, backing

materials, and edge sharpness testing. Additionally, PSDBís slash test methodology will be evaluated through testing.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Potential improvements to

the test methods in the standard will be validated, with

progress being reported quarterly. A future revision of

the standard is expected.

REVISION OF NIJ STANDARD ñ

0104.02, ìRIOT HELMETS

AND FACE SHIELDSî

GOALS

The objective of this project is to review NIJ Standard-0104.02, develop solutions for some deficiencies in it, and issue an improved revision.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

NIJ Standard-0104.02, ìRiot Helmets and Face

Shields,î was last reviewed in October 1984. Since

that time the safety equipment testing industry as

well as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have switched to

ìheadformsî endorsed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for all protective headgear testing. OLES has received over the

past few years many complaints from the safety
equipment testing laboratories about the lack of

availability of the ìheadformî specified in the NIJ

Standard and that this NIJ Standard is not conforming to the adoption of International Standards

wherever feasible. Additionally, there are concerns

about how to test the ìtailsî (i.e., protection components for the neck) on helmets, and how to assess the flame resistance of the entire assembly (helmet, face shield, and tail). The current standard

has no provisions for evaluating these components.

Because of these standards-related issues, riot helmets and face shields are not tested as rigorously

as they should be. By addressing these deficiencies with the standard, law enforcement and corrections personnel would be able to specify that

their equipment must comply with the performance

standard, thereby leading to better equipment that

meets more stringent technical requirements.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

OLES will review the standard to determine if: 1)

other existing national standards can be utilized;

2) upgrading the identified threat levels covered in

the current standard is necessary; 3) changing to

an ISO ìheadformî will change the protection levels covered under the old standard; and 4) a test

methodology can be developed for the tails.

OLES staff will consult with other standards bodies to discuss their rationale for and experiences

with the ISO headform. Staff will also research

existing flammability resistance test methods and

impact resistance methods for potential inclusion

in this standard.

If changes are necessary, revised test procedures

will be developed and validated. The changes will

be issued in a revised standard.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Recommendations will be

made for testing riot helmets and face shields. If

changes to the standard are warranted, a draft of the

new revision will be developed.

REVISION OF NIJ STANDARD ñ

0106.01, ìBALLISTIC HELMETSî

GOALS

A comprehensive evaluation of NIJ Standard0106.01, ìBallistic Helmets,î the equipment standard that establishes minimum performance requirements and methods of test for ballistic helmets,

suggests that helmets meeting the standardsí requirements could still leave the wearer with a significant risk of skull fracture. The objective of this

project is to revise the standard, and establish new

4 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

performance levels and test methods based on ballistic impact biomechanics research.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

The current NIJ helmet standard is more than twenty

years old, has not been regularly updated, and was

not based on ballistic impact biomechanical principles. Recent research conducted in the ìStudy of

Head Injuries During Ballistic Loading of Helmets,î performed by the University of Virginia Impact Biomechanics Center for the U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Commandís Natick

Soldier Center (NSC), indicated that requirements

in the existing standard may not ensure adequate

protection for individuals wearing ballistic protective helmets meeting the standard. Another issue

associated with the current standard is the lack of

its application in the market place. Few helmets

are certified to the existing standard. Common

complaints about the standard suggest that the test

is difficult to perform and requires specialized

equipment, and questions have been raised about

the validity of the standard.

The new standard will reduce the risk of serious

injury due to ballistic impacts, as well as standardize testing and performance requirements based on

modern ballistic impact biomechanical principles.

This work will also provide a standard in which

the community can have greater confidence. Criminal justice and public safety personnel, helmet

manufacturers, and testing laboratories will benefit from this work. The military will also benefit

because the NIJ standard is sometimes specified in

procurements for helmets.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

This effort builds upon an Army study conducted

by the University of Virginia. Through the U.S.-

Canada bilateral agreement, Biokinetics, a Canadian company specializing in helmets, will assist

the U.S. technical team with revising the standard.

Numerous issues will be addressed: 1) the current

revision only addresses threats up to level II, even

though helmet technologies allow a higher level of

protection; 2) the threat definitions in the current

revision are different than those in the recently updated ballistic-resistant body armor standard; 3)

instrumentation for assessing helmet performance

has improved dramatically; and 4) head trauma research has led to a better understanding of injury

mechanisms and injury risk criteria. Through this

joint project, the technical team will evaluate the

research and develop a new ballistic protective

helmet standard, build ballistic helmet test rigs, es-
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 5

tablish performance criteria, and verify and validate the test methods.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Quarterly progress reports,

test equipment, and a performance standard.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN NIJ STANDARD

FOR BOMB SUITS

GOALS

The objective of this project is to establish minimum performance requirements and methods of test

for bomb suits used by explosive ordnance disposal

(EOD) personnel.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Currently, there are no U.S. standards for bomb suits

used by law enforcement bomb squads or military

EOD personnel. Purchasing agents typically rely

on advice from others in the field and manufacturersí literature. The EOD community has identified this deficiency as a top priority. A bomb suit

standard will provide a convenient means whereby

agencies can confidently purchase bomb suits that

meet basic safety and functional requirements.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The U.S. Army has specifications and performance

requirements for certain types of bomb suits, and

these are viewed as an ideal starting point for this

effort. A multi-agency technical team has been

established. This effort will consist of multiple steps:

1) consult with explosives experts in law enforcement and the military to identify essential features

of bomb suits and rating categories; 2) evaluate

existing commercial, military, and international standards and/or specifications to determine if any are

suitable; 3) conduct a threat assessment to identify those threats for which reasonable protection

could be afforded; 4) develop standard threat definitions; 5) establish acceptable performance limits

and develop suitable test methods; 6) conduct validation tests; 7) produce a draft performance standard and circulate it for comment and review by the

technical community.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Progress reports, technical

reports, and a draft performance standard.

EVALUATION OF ìSMART GUNî

TECHNOLOGIES

GOALS

The objective of this project is to evaluate smart

gun technologies, and if a mature technology is incorporated into a fireman, to develop a standard

test protocol for evaluating the firearm.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

As evidenced in the news, there is great concern

with regard to the safety of handguns for two main

reasons: law enforcement officers are killed by

criminals using the officersí own guns; and children are accidentally killed with guns they find at

home or elsewhere.

Because of these problems, Congress requested that

the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) investigate ways to increase handgun safety. Specifically,

the request was to make guns ìchildproofî and to

ensure that only authorized users could fire law

enforcement officersí guns. A study conducted by

Sandia National Laboratories in the mid-1990s defined the operational requirements for firearms utilizing smart gun technologies. For several years,

NIJ has awarded grants to develop smart gun technologies and smart guns. To make wise decisions

regarding funding and technology development,

specialized advice is needed to evaluate alternative technologies to determine if they are feasible.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

As smart gun technologies are developed, OLES

will continue to provide technical guidance to

evaluate the technologies and their integration into

smart gun designs.

As designs mature, OLES will assist in developing

a plan to conduct limited field testing of prototype

smart guns at participating law enforcement agencies.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Progress reports, technical

reports, and a draft performance standard.

SUPPORT OF NIJ STANDARD ñ

0112.03, ìAUTOLOADING PISTOLS

FOR POLICE OFFICERSî

GOALS

The objective of this project is to provide continuing support to the autoloading pistol standard and

compliance test program.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

NIJ Standardñ0112.03 serves the interests of law

enforcement and corrections officers. This performance standard can be used to ensure that firearms

under consideration as duty firearms meet certain

basic safety, quality, and reliability requirements.
TECHNICAL STRATEGY

This latest revision of the standard was issued in

July 1999. Two commercial test laboratories have

been certified by NIJ to conduct testing to the standard. Since the standard was published, some issues have arisen that required technical studies and

assessments to resolve. OLES serves in a technical capacity to monitor testing under the formal

Compliance Testing Program administered by

NLECTC, conduct studies where needed, and maintain the standard.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Relevant findings will be

documented and, if necessary, clarifications will be

made to the standard.

REVISION OF NIJ STANDARD ñ

0307.01, ìMETALLIC HANDCUFFSî

GOALS

The objective of this project is to revise NIJ Standardñ0307.01.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

The classic mass-produced steel handcuff, little

changed over the last 90 years, is used for arrests

and for prisoner transport. The limitations of traditional handcuffs have become evident, particularly during the transport of prisoners, where prisoners have been known to pick the double lock with

a bit of wire, or defeat the pawl directly with a piece

of thin material, or break the ìcheek platesî apart

at the ratchet pivot. An improved standard could

force desired improvements in the design of metallic handcuffs.

NIJ Standardñ0307.01 serves the interests of law

enforcement and corrections officers. With the

anticipated improvements, a revision to this standard would provide a better way to test and evaluate handcuffs, resulting in better equipment being

available to public safety officers.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

OLES previously had investigated handcuff design

parameters and performance test options. This

work led to the development of force-torque test

equipment for evaluating handcuffs and a better understanding of handcuff design theory. Past research also identified shortcomings with the standard, such as the absence of: 1) test methods for

longitudinal testing of handcuffs having no tongues

on the cheek plates; 2) test methods for handcuffs

of ìnon-standardî size; and 3) identifying factors

6 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

that affect the picking of handcuff locks. These

shortcomings will be addressed through the development of improved, more versatile, test methods.

Validation tests are planned to confirm that the test

methods yield acceptable and reproducible results.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: A draft of the revised

standard and specifications of specialized test

equipment.

REVISION OF NIJ STANDARD ñ

0113.00, ì12-GAUGE SHOTGUNS

FOR POLICE USEî

GOALS

The objective of this project is to establish minimum performance requirements and methods of test

for shotguns to be used by law enforcement and

corrections officers.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

The current base version of the standard, NIJ Standardñ0113.00 was released in March 1989. This

standard serves the interests of law enforcement

and corrections officers because it can be used to

ensure that shotguns selected meet certain basic

dimensional, functional, safety, and firing requirements. Within the last decade, the use of less-thanlethal munitions by law enforcement and corrections officers has increased dramatically. Some of

these munitions are designed to be fired from shotguns, but not all shotguns function properly with

them. The standard will be updated to reflect the

types and use of shotguns for law enforcement and

corrections applications.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

New test fixtures have been built so that the shotguns can be consistently held for controlled firing

tests, and studies have been completed to identify

the most popular types of shotguns used by law

enforcement and corrections personnel. Revised

test methods will be developed, validated, and then

incorporated into a new revision of the standard.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Progress reports and a

revised draft of the standard.

DEVELOPMENT OF NIJ STANDARD FOR

LESS-THAN-LETHAL WEAPONS

GOALS

NIJ has a broad program area established to research Less-Than-Lethal Technologies. These
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 7

technologies are utilized in weapons that are designed to temporarily incapacitate, confuse, delay,

or restrain an adversary in a variety of situations

without the use of lethal force. These devices, such

as pepper spray, distraction devices (flash-bangs),

and kinetic energy projectiles (bean bags, rubber

bullets, and ring airfoil projectiles), have been used

routinely in certain altercations, riots, prison disturbances, and hostage rescues. Through this broad

program, NIJ identifies, develops, and evaluates

new or improved devices that will minimize the

risk of death and injury to law enforcement officers, corrections officers, suspects, prisoners, and

the public. The objective of this project is to develop a performance standard for less-than-lethal

weapons.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Law enforcement agencies, corrections facilities,

and the military are relying on various less-thanlethal weapons technologies to diffuse potentially

life-threatening situation. Numerous studies have

characterized many types of less-than-lethal weapons; however, a standardized method for testing and

evaluating these weapons for level of injury has

not yet been established. As a result, there is great

variability in the manner in which the devices are

tested and great variability among products regarding their performance and their potential to cause

serious injury, or even death, to the subject. A standard that establishes test methods and acceptable

performance levels will lead to less-than-lethal

weapons that are less likely to produce unwanted

bodily injury.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

OLES plans to work with the Federal civilian and

military agencies that have interests in less-thanlethal technologies ó such as the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate ó to review existing research and to develop standard test methods for evaluating lessthan-lethal weapons. Some research projects have

been completed and others are underway to relate

human responses and biomechanical surrogate responses to known attack stimuli. These studies will

be reviewed to establish acceptable performance

levels for less-than-lethal weapons. OLES will then

develop a draft performance standard establishing

performance levels, test methods, and special test

equipment.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Quarterly progress reports

and a draft performance standard.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARMORED CAR

STANDARD

GOALS

The objective of this project is to develop an NIJ

standard for the minimum performance requirements and methods of test for armored cars.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

There currently is no U.S. standard describing the

protection levels of armored cars used for personal

protection. As a result, there have been instances

where vendors have advertised their armored cars

as being able to defeat certain types of threats. Field

tests have shown some of these claims to be false.

To rectify this situation, a uniform standard is

needed that clearly defines the types of threats being tested and the test methods.

The armored car standard serves the interests of

agencies that must purchase armored cars. A standard would provide a consistent means by which

to assess the performance of armored cars, allowing the purchasing agent to purchase an armored

vehicle with confidence that it will meet certain performance levels.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

OLES has participated with other government agencies to conduct limited testing to identify important factors that should be assessed in the performance standard. The Technical Support Working

Group (TSWG) is sponsoring most of the work on

this effort. TSWG plans to let contracts to address

specialized areas required for this standard: ballistics testing, blast testing, optical qualities testing,

automotive performance testing, and quality assurance testing. OLES will provide technical support

and oversight of those contracts and integrate the

final products of each into a draft performance standard for armored vehicles. OLES will coordinate

the standard review process so that the armoring

industry can comment on the draft standard.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: A final draft performance

standard.

TEST PROTOCOL DEVELOPMENT FOR

GUNLOCKS

GOALS

The objective of this project is to develop a standard test protocol for evaluating gunlocks.
CUSTOMER NEEDS

Several states have recently passed firearms safety

measures. For example, Maryland requires that all

new handguns be sold with locks to prevent children and other unauthorized users from using the

firearm. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts uses

consumer protection regulations to prohibit the sale

of firearms without tamper-resistant serial numbers,

child-protection features, and trigger locks. Michigan and New York have similar firearms safety legislation. With such emphasis on firearm safety

measures, it is inevitable that certain issues will be

raised; such as defining how good a locking mechanism must be, and describing how to assess the locking mechanism to determine if it is acceptable for

its intended application.

The U.S. Congress is planning to implement a gunlock program, whereby $75M per year would be

set aside to purchase and distribute gunlocks. No

performance standards exist by which to assess the

performance of gunlocks, potentially leading to

problems should some of these locks distributed

through the government program prove to be ineffective.

This test protocol will serve the interest of the general consumer and provide guidance to lock and

firearms manufacturers. This test protocol will ultimately promote public safety by establishing a

consistent method for assessing the performance

of gunlocks.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

OLES participates on ASTM International Subcommittee F15.53 on Non-Integral Firearm Locking Devices. This subcommittee is developing a

performance-based standard for gunlocks. OLES

provides laboratory support to evaluate and validate proposed test methods, assists in drafting the

provisional standard, and participates in

interlaboratory trials.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Technical support to ASTM.

DEVELOPMENT OF A FRANGIBLE

AMMUNITION SELECTION GUIDE AND

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

GOALS

This project consists of three parts: (1) producing

a Selection Guide of existing frangible ammunition; (2) performing ballistic testing of frangible

ammunition against various targets; and (3) developing a performance standard.

8 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Frangible ammunition can be simply defined as any

round possessing a bullet or projectile that, upon

impact with hard structural surfaces, will ìshatterî

or deform without perforating the target. Key performance requirements of frangible rounds are that

they remain effective against their targets without

causing significant collateral damage.

Frangible ammunition is a current and viable option for criminal justice and public safety agencies

in certain situations. For example, frangible ammunition is ideal in some tactical applications to

minimize collateral damage. In other cases, some

training facilities are ìlead-free,î and many types

of frangible ammunition can be utilized at these

facilities.

OLES believes that an immediate increase in demand for existing frangible ammunition will occur, leading to a dramatic increase in the number

of choices of this type of product. Development of

a performance standard will ensure that existing

and new choices of frangible ammunition meet recognized minimum safety, quality, and performance

requirements.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

OLES will produce a ìSelection Guide for Frangible Ammunition.î This guide will identify the

state-of-the-art in existing frangible ammunition

types, models, calibers, and sources. The guide

will provide a reference for selection and purchase

of frangible ammunition for various criminal justice and public safety applications.

Follow-on efforts will involve conducting performance tests of frangible ammunition against a variety of targets. Eventually, the test methods developed for ammunition performance characterization

will be incorporated into a performance standard

for frangible ammunition. The standard will also

establish performance requirements for the ammunition. Development of a performance standard

would allow for implementation of a formal Compliance Testing Program, through which frangible

ammunition could be formally tested against the

standard.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: ìSelection Guide for

Frangible Ammunition,î a report describing ammunition

performance against standard targets, and a draft

performance standard.
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 9

REVISION OF NIJ STANDARD ñ

0108.01, ìBALLISTIC RESISTANT

PROTECTIVE MATERIALSî

GOALS

The objective of this project is to revise the NIJ

standard that establishes minimum performance

requirements and methods of test for ballistic resistant protective materials.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

The current revision of the standard, NIJ Standard0108.01 was released in September 1985. Law enforcement agencies rely on this standard to ensure

the quality and reliability of ballistic resistant materials used for personal protection purposes. These

materials are of many types, and can be found in

shields, ballistic resistant plates, and vehicle armor. Others have applied the standard to evaluate

ballistic-resistant materials used in construction of

ballistic-resistant barriers and enclosures. The current standard does not reflect any of the improvements that were recently introduced into the ballistic resistant body armor standard, and harmonizing

the test methods and threat levels of the two ballistic standards is important.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

Under the current effort, a new draft revision of the

standard will be developed by incorporating many

of the improvements from the body armor standard; specifically: 1) introduction of a ballistic limit

test methodology; 2) updating of the ballistic

threats; and 3) specification of formal test procedures that require a uniform reporting style. Test

trials are planned to validate the test methods.

A determination will be made whether to include

testing of transparent materials in the revised standard or to develop a separate performance standard for those materials. All test methods will be

validated through experimental testing, and the draft

standard will be submitted to user and technical

committees for review and comment.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: A revised draft of the

standard.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

# Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor Compliance

Testing Program Technical Support ñ OLES provided technical support to this program, which is

administered by NIJ and the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center. The program utilizes NIJ Standardñ0101.04, ìBallistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor,î which was developed by OLES and published in September

2000. Two commercial laboratories were certified

to conduct testing under the Compliance Testing

Program, and armor manufacturers contract with

the laboratories for test services.

# Publication of NIJ Standard ñ 0101.04, ìBallistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor,î Revision A, June 2001 ñ This latest revision clarifies

several issues that arose during the body armor

Compliance Testing Program run by NIJ.

# Stab-Resistant Body Armor Compliance Testing Program Technical Support ñ OLES provided

technical support to this program, which is administered by NIJ and the National Law Enforcement

and Corrections Technology Center. The program

utilizes NIJ Standardñ0115.00, ìStab Resistance

of Personal Body Armor,î which was developed

by OLES and published in September 2000. Two

commercial laboratories were certified to conduct

testing under the Compliance Testing Program, and

armor manufacturers contract with the laboratories

for test services.

# Gunshot Residue Forensics Project Support

ñ OLESí Research Facility was utilized to obtain

residue from gunshots in support of NISTís Chemical Sciences and Technology Laboratory (CSTL)

forensics projects.

# Research Test Facility Relocated ñ In early

April 2002, the National Institute of Standards

and Technology (NIST) awarded a contract to

Stevenson Group Contracting, Inc. to construct for

OLES a new Research Test Facility in the Industrial Building on NISTís main campus. Construction was completed by the end of September and

the new Research Test Facility has been commissioned for use. Support of the project was provided by the National Institute of Justice, NIST,

and NISTís Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory. Test activities previously housed

in the old facility, an abandoned NIKE missile site

adjacent to the NIST campus, are being moved to

the new facility. The test facility is used to support

work on Weapons and Protective Systems projects

requiring ballistics capabilities as well as those that

do not.

# Gunlock Standard Development Initiated ñ

OLES has been participating on ASTM International Subcommittee F15.53 to develop a performance standard for ìNon-integral Firearm Locking Devicesî (gunlocks).
# Scientific Exchange Program ñ OLES hosted

a scientist from the Home Office of the Police Scientific Development Branch in the United Kingdom for a week as part of NIJís foreign scientist

exchange program. While here, the scientist had

the opportunity to participate in ongoing research

efforts in ballistic-resistant and stab-resistant body

armor, autoloading pistols, and gunlocks.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

NIJ Standardñ0101.04, ìBallistic Resistance of Personal Body

Armor,î Revision A, June 2001.

NIJ Standardñ0115.00, ìStab Resistance of Personal Body

Armor,î September 2000.

NIJ Standardñ0112.03, ìAutoloading Pistols for Police Officers,î Revision A, July 1999.

10 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 11

DETECTION, INSPECTION, AND ENFORCEMENT

TECHNOLOGIES

As Americaís homeland security efforts intensify,

the work of OLESí Detection, Inspection and Enforcement Technologies program becomes increasingly important. Several projects focus on improving the capability to detect and image concealed

weapons. One such project is developing a revolutionary millimeter-wave imaging system compact

enough to be used almost anywhere and able to

image metallic weapons under clothing in real time.

Others projects support improvements in the accuracy and safety of current metal detectors. These

include two studies ó the electrical properties of

metals used in handheld weapons, and the other, of

materials that emulate the electromagnetic properties of the human body.

The Detection, Inspection and Enforcement Technologies program is also updating NIJís standard

for X-ray systems used to assist in disarming bombs,

and is developing evaluation standards for advanced human recognition systems and an improved liquid-filled camera that will enhance law

enforcement and security surveillance efforts.

MILLIMETER-WAVE CONCEALED

WEAPON IMAGING SYSTEM

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

GOALS

The objective of this project is to develop a long

distance (up to 8 m) mm-wave actively illuminating concealed weapon imaging system.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

This imaging system will provide a method for examining/screening/scanning people for weapons

and other threat items from a safe distance. The

distance typically considered safe by the law enforcement community is 8 m.

The Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Advisory Council (LECTAC) has listed concealed weapon detection and imaging as their top

law enforcement and corrections (LEC) priority.

Present metal weapon detectors are inadequate

because of their limited range (less than 15 cm for

a hand-held device and less than 0.5 m for a walkthrough device) and form (hand-held device is a

wand and the walk-through is a portal). Presently,

there is no system that can be used as a portable

long-distance concealed weapon viewer. Furthermore, the ambiguity of simple detection presents

liability issues for subsequent search.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

Specific tasks are as follows:

# Provide assessment of imaging system considering spatial resolution, frame rate, clarity, and

gray scale intensity and projections for improvements in these parameters, if applicable.

# Interact with Raytheon to leverage their

efforts in antenna-coupled millimeter-wave

microbolometer development.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Prototype imaging system

using two-dimensional monolithic imaging arrays.

TWO-DIMENSIONAL MONOLITHIC

MICROBOLOMETER IMAGING ARRAYS

FOR CONCEALED WEAPONS

DETECTION

GOALS

The objective of this project is to develop roomtemperature, antenna-coupled, niobium microbolometer arrays, with requisite optics and front-end

electronics, for concealed weapons imaging applications in the millimeter-wave range.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

LECTAC has listed concealed weapons detection

and imaging as their top LEC priority. Presently

there are no monolithic array technologies that are

being developed in the millimeter-wave range; this

range is the most appropriate for concealed weapons imaging because of the relatively short wavelength and the ability to penetrate clothing material. Monolithic detector arrays, using silicon integrated circuit processing technology, have the

promise of being very inexpensive compared to

present hybrid approaches (detector, mixer, local

oscillator, etc. for each pixel). Furthermore, the

present hybrid arrays must be scanned to provide

sufficient areal coverage and resolution, and this

scanning reduces system ruggedness and increases

system cost. The low cost microbolometer arrays

would simplify the design and lower the cost of

millimeter-wave range concealed weapons imaging and detection systems, and this cost savings

would benefit the LEC community.

Technical Contact:

A. George Lieberman

Thomas Russell

Staff-Years:

11.0 professionals

Funding Sources:

100% Other Government

Agencies

Project Champions:

ï Federal Bureau of

Investigation (FBI),

Engineering Research

Facility, Quantico, VA

ï Home Office, Police

Scientific Development

Branch (PSDB), United

Kingdom

ï Law Enforcement Video

Association

ï NIST Electronics and

Electrical Engineering

Laboratory (EEEL)

ï NIST Information

Technology Laboratory

(ITL)

ï NIST Manufacturing

Engineering Laboratory

(MEL)

ï Notre Dame University,

South Bend, IN

ï Society of Automotive

Engineers

ï University of South

Florida, Tampa Bay, FL

ï U.S. Secret Service,

Washington, DC
Several delays have been encountered because of

unexpected technical difficulties, such as, low yield

in mounted arrays, excessive signal (or pixel) noise,

and interference. The yield of mounted arrays has

been improved and more arrays have been fabricated for back-up. Signal noise, which was due to

improper shielding has been resolved. Several

static images of a small-caliber handgun have been

acquired and these images exhibit interference.

This interference is what is observed with coherent illumination techniques but has not been observed with passive techniques. The interference

we observed was approximately the same for illumination by a continuous-wave (cw) source, a frequency-modulated cs source, and a pulsed noise

source. Because of the lack of coherence in the

noise source, the corresponding image was not expected to exhibit interference. Consequently, the

effect of illumination on the quality of images from

an active imager must be addressed.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

Specific tasks are:

# Complete development and assessment of

8-pixel readout boards

# Fabricate wafer scale antenna-coupled

microbolometer imaging arrays for testing

# Investigate the effects of passive and active

illumination on image quality

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Report describing performance of readout boards and imaging arrays. A video

image of a moving handgun obtained from an imaging

array or, if pixel yield is low in the array, by emulating

array imaging via scanning a single pixel.

DEVELOPMENT OF EVALUATION

STANDARDS FOR STILL RECOGNITION

SYSTEMS

GOALS

The objective of this project is to design methods for

the evaluation of systems that identify humans in

imagery and define the standards for the collection,

dissemination and use of databases of imagery.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Standard databases and measurement methods

(software implementations of evaluation metrics)

are needed to allow quantitative performance testing of biometric recognition products over a wide

12 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

range of highly specific identification and verification applications. The specific application being

addressed by this work is human identification of

uncooperative subjects at a distance. The reliability and efficacy of biometric systems which are candidates for deployment can be evaluated using these

methods.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

In prior fiscal years, NIST has been funded to conduct data gathering efforts, which have resulted in

a human identification database. Using the database, NIST has developed the measurement methods for analyzing performance of facial recognition systems and is analyzing gait recognition systems. The techniques are applicable to a wide range

of biometrics. This effort is jointly funded by the

NIJ and the Defense Advanced Research Projects

Agency (DARPA). The NIST database is a multimodal, multi-site, and multi-biometric collection

permitting a broad range of investigations. Among

these the Human Identification 1 (HID-1) evaluation protocol addresses performance on imagery

from hundreds of individuals taken over many

months, both close up and at a distance, on still

and video data, obtained using a range of visible

and infra-red sensors under varying lighting conditions, both indoors and outdoors.

NIST will continue work to support the evaluation

of human recognition systems. This will be a threepronged approach:

# eXtensible Markup Language (XML) Standards for Self-Documenting Human ID Evaluation

Materials: NIST will refine the current version 0.99

used in Facial Recognition Vendor Testing (FRVT)

2002 and release a definitive human evaluation

framework (HEF) suite suitable for use by other

members of the Human ID community.

# Department of State Images: NIST will use up

to 6.8M images from the Department of State (DOS)

images, and possibly supplement those with more

from DOS, in an investigation of the effect of gallery size on recognition rates. Particularly, a baseline

algorithm such as principle component analysis

(PCA) will be used on very large galleries. NIST

will attempt to model these processes and explain

phenomenological results such as the identification rates dropping as the log of the gallery size.

# FRVT 2002 analysis: NIST will further the

analysis of the FRVT 2002 data sets.
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 13

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Refined XML Standards for

Self-Documenting Human ID Evaluation Materials;

results on study of gallery size on recognition rates;

results of further analysis of the FRVT 2002 data sets.

LIQUID-FILLED CAMERA FOR

ENHANCEMENT OF SHADOW DETAIL

GOALS

Develop a simulated-eye-design (SED) camera for

surveillance purposes to reveal deep shadow detail in bright or high-contrast scenes by dramatically reducing the wash-out glare arising from the

lens and camera body.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Often high contrast scenes are encountered in police work that make it difficult to identify people

or activities obscured by bright lights or brightly

lit areas. Cameras are needed to be able to see the

details in shadows or dark areas that can better replicate the performance of the eye. For such situations the SED technology may be ideally suited.

For example, many surveillance situations occur

with vehicle headlights or area lights that can wash

out important details or activities in shadow or dark

areas of the scene. But if a person were observing

that same area with their eye, they would have no

trouble seeing details in the shadowed areas. Similarly, faces can be difficult to identify by surveillance cameras because of bright pavement or floor

areas, whereas the eye would have no trouble making the identification if it were in the same place as

the camera. To have a camera technology that can

better reproduce the glare avoidance and dynamic

range of the eye would offer many advantages over

current camera technologies for police applications.

Despite advances in electronic photography as with,

for example, charge-coupled-device (CCD) cameras, all cameras suffer from the effects of veiling

glare. In many of these cases, the eye can see a

sufficient dynamic range to distinguish shadow and

dark detail in all but the most extreme situations,

whereas even the best cameras cannot reveal the

dark detail readily seen by the eye. Often, as with

surveillance cameras, it is the shadow or dark details that is required for proper identification and

analysis of the scene or object under investigation

such as a face or terrorist activities occurring in

shadows. The first prototype of the SED camera

exhibited a factor of three improvement in reducing the glare from an ordinary camera. It is hoped

that by careful attention to construction details that

a factor of 10 or 100 improvement can be achieved

making such cameras more like the eye in their ability to discern shadow detail.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

In the first phase of the research several different

technologies (CCD and CMOS) were evaluated and

an astronomical CCD camera was selected. Several cameras and the appropriate software were purchased and characterized to obtain a performance

baseline. The CCD chip was then tethered and

placed within an in-house built camera housing with

a simple lens and aperture, and the system tested

for vacuum integrity. An internal aperture was used,

since it was determined to be advantageous over

an external aperture.

Several different liquids were investigated to determine the effect of their particulate suspending

qualities in use against a CCD chip surface. The

Rayleigh scattering and refractive index mismatching were the principle properties examined. A

pumping and filtering system, along with a special

viewing cell, were constructed for this purpose. The

camera was tested for three conditions: air-filled,

ethanol filled, and immersion oil filled. The best

case was provided by filling the camera with ethanol, giving a 7x increase in the measurement of

contrast ratio.

The next phase of research will be the following:

# Use of a Scientific Grade CCD: A system in

which the CCD is tetherable or at least socketable

(where we could tether the camera ourselves) and

that provides the required 16-bit dynamic range, is

still desirable. Thus a search for a higher-grade

CCD camera will continue.

# Internal Aperture Design: Internal apertures

with different reflective properties will be investigated to determine which if any provide an improvement in overall system performance.

# Solid Medium Suitability Study: Investigate

the transmission properties of candidate solids to

be used in place of liquids so that the camera light

path is mostly solid. Non-solid regions include a

gel or liquid that connects the solid to the CCD

chip surface and any areas requiring a liquid fill

for mechanical purposes (such as a variable iris or

changing volume for focusing). Compare the

Rayleigh scattering within solids to that encountered in liquids. A proper hermoelectric cooler requires the use of a solid medium.

# Camera Implementation: Integrate any of the

results of the above research into a SED camera
prototype and determine the resulting veiling glare

reduction compared to a normal camera of similar

detector array quality.

# Verification using NFS probe: An independent method for verification of the performance of

the liquid-filled camera is required for establishing its validity. A photodetector mounted with a

narrow-frustum slet (stray-light elimination tube)

will be used to measure the same contrast patterns

as the camera. Similar results will further corroborate the cameraís measurement capabilities.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: The results of this research

will be published as NIST Internal Reports (NISTIRs)

as each component of the plan is brought to completion. Annual, quarterly and monthly progress reports

will be generated as requested.

IDENTIFYING AND CHARACTERIZING

MATERIALS THAT EMULATE THE LOWFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC

PROPERTIES OF THE HUMAN BODY

GOALS

The objective of this project is to develop and measure materials that adequately emulate the dielectric properties of the human body over a frequency

range of 80 Hz to 10 MHz.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Effective modeling and testing of metal detectors

requires well-characterized phantom materials and

recipes for preparing them.

Safety Issues: There are a plethora of medical electronic devices (MEDs) that are used to assist or

supplant poor or absent physiological functions.

There also is a steadily increasing number of people

who are becoming reliant on these devices to lead

a normal life. These MEDs include but are not

limited to cardiac defibrillators, cardiac pacemakers, infusion pumps, and spinal cord stimulators.

MEDs may be located entirely within the body (implanted), on the outer surface, or both. Some MEDs

are programmed magnetically, and all may be susceptible to electromagnetic energy radiated by other

electronic or electrical devices. MEDs are frequently exposed to electromagnetic interference

(EMI) emitted from other electronic devices. Most

emitting devices are not intentional radiators and

there exist various regulations to restrict their emitted EMI. However, the interaction between MEDs

and intentional radiators is a concern. Commonly

encountered radiators are the hand-held (HH) and

14 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

walk-through (WT) metal detectors typically used

for security applications. These detectors may emit

frequencies close to those used by the MEDs. HH

and WT detectors are used at courthouses, correctional facilities, schools, governmental buildings,

and at special events. Unlike air travel, which is a

voluntary activity, most situations that require an

individual to visit a courthouse or governmental

building are not voluntary. Consequently, the safety

of persons with MEDs is not an avoidable issue.

Unfortunately, there is little information, other than

anecdotal, about the interaction of MEDs with HH

and WT metal detectors.

NIJ Standards: The draft revisions of the NIJ standards for HH and WT metal detectors contains a

body interference test. Although this test is representative of actual use, it is not reproducible or

accurate. What is desired is a material that can

mimic the EM properties of the human body over

the frequency range of 80 Hz to 10 MHz so that

the body interference test can be made reproducible and repeatable. The goal is to develop and

characterize a material that has nominally the same

relevant electromagnetic (EM) characteristics as the

human body. It is proposed that a material will be

developed that will simulate the relevant EM properties of the human body over the frequency range

of 80 Hz to 10 MHz and temperature range of 36 °C

to 40 °C.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

FY2002 research will focus in the following areas.

# Continued measurements and modification of

candidate materials to match published conductivity values.

# Develop mixture equations that yield realistic

results for mixtures of carbon black and silicone.

# Increase accuracy of mixture, map electrical

characteristics from pre-cured mixture to its solid

state.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Further study of the

reproducibility, temperature, and time stability of the

composite materials.

Develop and study mixture equations that will predict

the conductivity from the conductivities and volume

fraction of the constituents.

Write a journal article based on the study of the mixture

equations for the carbon-black composites.
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 15

ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF METALS

USED IN HAND-HELD WEAPONS

GOALS

The objective of this project is to set up measurement apparatus to measure the conductivity and

permeability of metals and to identify and characterize the electrical properties of a suite of metals

commonly used in weapons.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

The magnetic fields used in metal detector operations interact with metallic objects through eddy

currents. In modeling the metal detector it is important to have well characterized metal reference

materials. The conductivity and permeability are

highly temperature dependent. The characterization of metals is through precise measurement of

metal conductivity and permeability. The material

parameters must be measured as a function of frequency and temperature.

Metals may be ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, or diamagnetic. Ferromagnetic metals such as iron have

a permeability much greater than 1, whereas materials such as aluminum and copper have a permeability close to 1. Conductivity is related to the

mobility of electrons in a metal under an applied

electric field. Conductivity is described theoretically by the Drude model of metals, which predicts

only small changes from dc up to the high gigahertz frequencies.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The current measurement process requires one

sample for the conductivity in the form of a rod and

another sample in the form of a toroid for the permeability test. Our goal is to develop a new permeability test method for the permeability on rod

samples so only one sample is needed for both

measurements.

# Study the field dependence of the permeability as a function of temperature. Permeability depends on the magnetic field strength and this

variable needs to be studied for complete characterization.

# Increase our accuracy in the conductivity measurement using a new, more accurate voltmeter.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Use measurement systems

to measure samples sent in from other agencies

interested in characterization of specific samples.

EMERGENCY VEHICLE SIRENS

GOAL

The objective of this project is to provide law enforcement agencies and other users of emergency

vehicle sirens, such as emergency medical and fire

services, with an improved, comprehensive document (or limited series of documents produced by

a single source) that includes test methods, performance criteria, and mounting and installation guidelines for emergency vehicle sirens, which can be

referenced in purchasing and other documents.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

In August 2000, a Guide to Test Methods, Performance Requirements, and Installation Practices for

Electronic Sirens Used on Law Enforcement Vehicles, NIJ Guide 500-00 was published. The siren

guide informs law enforcement agencies about the

contents of existing documents that are currently

recognized and used by the siren industry to specify

siren tests, performance requirements, and mounting and installation guidelines.

Documents included in the Guide that specify emergency vehicle siren measurement procedures, performance criteria, and mounting and installation

techniques include the NIJ Standard-0501.00 Emergency Vehicle Sirens, the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 13 Article 8, the U.S. General

Services Administration (GSA) Federal Specification for the ìStar-of-Lifeî Ambulance, and the SAE

Recommended Practice Emergency Vehicle SirensSAE J1849. All of these documents were reviewed

and found to have shortcomings. It was also determined that there was little, if any, recognition of

the NIJ Standard by the emergency vehicle siren

industry or law enforcement agencies. The GSA

Specification, which references CCR Title 13 for

its test methods, is the only document for which an

established siren certification program exists. The

only laboratories approved to perform the GSA

Specification testing are operated by companies that

manufacture siren components. The National Fire

Protection Association references the Society of

Automotive Engineers (SAE) SAE J1849 in its

1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus. Not

only is an improved comprehensive document

needed, but the lack of an independent test laboratory and the references to different documents by

different public safety agencies is problematic for

the emergency vehicle siren industry and is a source

of confusion for consumers.
TECHNICAL STRATEGY

NIST will work with the SAE, a voluntary, private,

consensus standards-developing organization, to

improve its recommended practice, which has been

under continuous management by the SAEís Emergency Warning Lights and Devices Standards Committee. This Committee formed an Emergency Vehicle Siren Task Force to revise SAE J1849.

The Task Force decided that the revision of SAE

J1849 should be written in three phases; siren systems with single loudspeakers (phase I), siren systems with multiple loudspeakers (phase II), and individual siren components (phase III). Each phase will

likely produce one document in a limited series of

documents intended as a revision of SAE J1849.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Draft revision of SAE J1849.

Initial completion of phase I draft revision of SAE J1849

by the Emergency Vehicle Siren Task Force. Forward

this draft to SAE Emergency Warning Lights and

Devices Standards Committee (parent committee of the

Task Force) for its approval.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

# Gait Recognition Database ñ A 20 GB database of stereoscopic synchronized video of 30 subjects walking a ìracetrackî course was released in

January 2001.

# Facial Evaluation Recognition Test

(FERET) Face Image Database ñ A new and final FERET face recognition database was released

in March 2001.

# Large Scale Face Testing ñ Obtained 6.6M

face images from the Department of State. And selected a large scale test sample containing 37,000

individuals with four images each.

# FRVT ñ Conducted the FRVT 2002 test in

which 14 vendors participated. Approximately 1012

match scores were generated and analyzed.

# Simulated-Eye Design Camera ñ A simulatedeye design (SED) camera, a prototype liquid-filled

charge-coupled-device (CCD) camera system, was

constructed to improve the ability to capture highcontrast images. This design dramatically reduced

the stray light effects (veiling glare) arising from

light scattering off of the lens surface, iris, and other

components, thus increasing the contrast when acquiring an image. When compared to a simple airfilled camera system, the SED camera demonstrated

a seven-fold improvement in the measurement of

contrast. Often high contrast scenes that are encountered by surveillance cameras make it difficult to

16 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

identify people or activities obscured by bright

lights or in brightly lit areas. Cameras, such as the

SED, are needed to be able to see the details in

shadows or dark areas.

# Lidar Performance Standard ñ Technical

Manual DOT HS 809 239, Speed Measuring Device Performance Specifications: Lidar Module

was recently revised by OLES and released for distribution. Lidars are laser-based devices used by

police to enforce traffic speeds in situations requiring rapid and unique speed determinations on congested roads where radar devices are less useful.

# Walk-Through Metal Detector Testing ñ The

latest revision of NIJ Standard-0601.02 was finalized by OLES and is being prepared for publication. A formal Compliance Testing Program for

walk-through metal detectors, modeled around

those used for other products such as body armor,

is being established. To kickoff the Compliance

Testing Program, walk-through metal detectors

from several manufacturers will soon be tested to

the standard at a commercial test laboratory. In

addition, NIJ and OLES coordinated detection performance tests specified in the Standard on two

metal detectors of interest to the TSA, as part of

the TSAís Advanced Metal Detector Program.

PUBLICATIONS

R. Wagner, NIJ Guide 500ñ00, ìGuide to Test Methods, Performance Requirements, and Installation Practices for Electronic Sirens Used on Law Enforcement Vehicles,î National

Institute of Justice, Wash., DC, August 2000.

NISTIR 5096, ìDetection of Quasi-Static Electric Fields Radiated by Electrically Small Emitters,î June 2000.

M. Misakian, ìEquations for the Magnetic Field Produced by

One or More Rectangular Loops of Wire in the Same Plane,î

NIST Journal of Research, Gaithersburg, MD, July/August

2000.

S. Nolen et al. îProperties of Cavity-Backed Slot-Ring Antennas at 95 GHz,î pp. 49-57 SPIE Volume 4373, Passive Millimeter-Wave Imaging Conference, Orlando, Fl, April 2001.

M. Misakian, T. P. Casamento, O.B. Laug, ìDevelopment of

Emulator for Walk-Through Metal Detectorsî, IEEE Trans.

Electromagnetic Compatibility, Vol. 44, No. 3, pp 486-489,

August 2002.

T. Baker-Jarvis, R. Kaiser, M.D. Janezic, ìPhantom Materials

for Metal Detector Researchî, URSI Maastricht, August 2002.

N. G. Paulter, NISTIR 6915, The National Institute of Justice

Standards for Hand-Held and Walk-Through Metal Detectors

Used in Concealed Weapon and Contraband Detection,î NIST,

Gaithersburg, MD, October 2002.

N. G. Paulter, ìNIJ revises metal detector standards,î Law

Enforcement Technology, October 2002, pp. 62 to 73.
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 17

J. Baker-Jarvis, R. Kaiser, M.D. Janezic, N.G. Paulter, and

K.L.. Sticklett, NIST Technical Note 1514, ìMetal Detector Studies: Research Materials,î NIST, Gaithersburg, MD,

August 2002.

E.N. Grossman, S. Nolen, N.G. Paulter, and C.D. Reintsema,

ìConcealed weapons detection system using uncooled, pulsed,

imaging arrays of millimeter-wave bolometers,î Proceedings

of the SPIE, Vol. 4373, Passive Millimeter-Wave Imaging Technology V, Orlando, FL, April 2001, pp. 7 - 15.

N.G. Paulter, E.N. Grossman, G.N. Stenbakken, B.C. Waltrip,

S. Nolen, and C.D. Reintsema, ìDesign of an active mm-wave

concealed object imaging system,î Proceeding of the SPIE,

Vol. 4373, Passive Millimeter-Wave Imaging Technology V,

Orlando, FL, April 2001, pp. 64 - 71.

N.G. Paulter, ìUsersí Guide for Hand-held and Walk-through

Metal Detectors,î NIJ Guide 600-00, National Institute of Justice, Washington, DC, January 2001.

N.G. Paulter, ìGuide to the Technologies of Concealed Weapon

and Contraband Imaging and Detection,î NIJ Guide 602-00,

National Institute of Justice, Washington, DC, February 2001.

N.G. Paulter, ìWalk-through Metal Detectors for Use in Concealed Weapon and Contraband Detection,î NIJ Standard0601.01, National Institute of Justice, Washington, DC,

September 2000.

N.G. Paulter, ìHand-held Metal Detectors for Use in Concealed Weapon and Contraband Detection,î NIJ Standard0602.01, National Institute of Justice, Washington, DC,

September 2000.

NHTSA Technical Manual DOT HS 808ñ998, ìSpeed Measuring Device Performance Specifications: Radar Module,î in

print.

NHTSA Technical Manual DOT HS 808ñ999, ìSpeed Measuring Device Performance Specifications: Photoradar Module,î in print.

NHTSA Technical Manual DOT HS 809-239, ìSpeed Measuring Device Performance Specifications: Lidar Module,î July

1, 2001.

P. J. Phillips, E. M. Newton, ìMeta-Analysis of Face Recognition Algorithms,î to be published in Proceedings of International Conference on Computer Vision and NISTIR 6719,

March 2001.

S. Leigh, A. Heckert, A. Rukhin, J. Phillips, P. Grother, ìTransformation, Ranking and Clustering for Face Recognition Algorithm Evaluation,î November 20, 2001, Third Workshop on

Automatic Identification Advanced Technologies, March 14-

15, 2002, Tarrytown, New York, USA.

A. Rukhin, P..Grother, J. Phillips, S. Leigh, E. Newton, A.

Heckert, ìDependence Characteristics of Face Recognition

Algorithms,î International Conference on Pattern Recognition, August 11-15, 2002, Quebec City, Canada.
18 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

CHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND MATERIALS

OLESí Chemical Systems and Materials program

concentrates on research and standards related to

chemical technologies used by the criminal justice

and public safety communities. The increasing use

of less-than-lethal chemicals such as pepper spray

(oleoresin capsicum, OC) raises questions about

the safety and effectiveness of products currently

on the market. The program is examining pepper

spray canister products to determine their ingredients, potency, and dose characteristics. This work,

coupled with a study to evaluate the dose-related

effects of pepper spray on the human body, is in

preparation for developing the first standard for

pepper spray products.

In regard to standards, the forensic science community has an inherent need for standard reference

materials (SRMs) and reference materials (RMs).

Currently NIST supplies industry, academia, government, and other users with over 1300 reference

materials of the highest quality and metrological

value. SRMs are used for three main purposes: to

help develop accurate methods of analysis (reference methods); to calibrate measurement systems;

and to assure the long-term integrity of measurement quality assurance programs. To provide this

support in the forensic science laboratories, OLES

initiates projects that will create SRMs and RMs

where the community determines that a void

exists.

The criminal justice community and employers in

both the private and public sectors have expressed

strong interest in less invasive tests than those now

used to detect illegal drug use. In response, the

Chemical Systems and Materials program is investigating two alternatives: sweat-based drug testing

techniques and saliva as a drug testing specimen.

In 1999 the program issued the first NIJ standard

for protective gloves for law enforcement and

corrections users. Today it continues to provide

technical support to the National Law Enforcement

and Corrections Technology Center at Rockville,

Maryland for its glove testing program based on

that standard.

REFERENCE MATERIALS (RM) FOR

BULLETS AND CASINGS

GOALS

The objective of this project is to provide sets of

virtual and physical signature standards for both

bullets and casings as NIST RMs to support Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearmsí (ATF) and

the FBIís NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistics Information Network). In addition, NIST will demonstrate the practicality of using the NIST proposed

algorithm for bullet signature comparisons.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

As with fingerprints, every firearm has unique characteristics that leave identifiable signatures on the

bullets and casings that it fires. By analyzing these

ballistic signatures, examiners can connect a firearm to bullets or casings discharged during criminal acts. The Integrated Ballistics Identification

System (IBIS) has proven extremely effective as

an automated tool for this process. IBIS uses techniques of image capture, image analysis, and electronic databases. However, to demonstrate completely the reliability of this system, high quality

measurement standards for bullets and casings are

required. This project will address this need for

standard bullets and casings and will improve the

evidentiary collection process of the criminal justice system nationwide.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The plan consists of two component projects. First,

establish bullet signature measurement traceability to NIST and the National Laboratory Center at

ATF utilizing the 20 standard bullets numbered

NIST Reference Material, 8240-021 to 8240-040.

From this establish 2D and 3D virtual and physical

bullet signature standards. The same process will

be conducted on 40 NIST Reference Material casings. Second, a computer software program, using

the newly developed NIST algorithm for bullet signature comparisons will be developed.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Virtual signatures and 40

NIST Reference Material 8240 bullets and 40 NIST

Reference Material casings.

A REVISED REFRACTIVE INDEX GLASS

STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL

GOALS

To support Federal, State and Local Crime Laboratories through the production of a glass refractive index standard reference material.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Associating a sample of glass to a potential source

can involve a number of different examinations, inTechnical Contact:

Alim Fatah

Philip Mattson

Susan Ballou

Staff-Years:

3.0 professionals

Funding Sources:

100% Other Government

Agencies

Project Champions:

ï NIST Electronics and

Electrical Engineering

Laboratory (EEEL)

ï University of Utah,

Center for Human

Toxicology (CHT), Salt

Lake City, UT

ï U.S. Department of

Justice

National Law Enforcement and Corrections

Technology Center,

Rockville, MD
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 19

cluding the determination of chemical composition,

refractive index and density. The instrumentation

for these measurements rely upon high quality and

quantitative standards in order to be properly calibrated. The past glass NIST SRM has been discontinued, creating a void in the necessary standards thus and thereby the need for the creating of

a new glass SRM.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

Determine a suitable glass source, itsí chemical

properties and the form that would support the

forensic analyst. Process this material and statistically analyze the quantitative results to ensure that

adequate accuracy and precision have been

attained.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: A NIST Standard Reference

Material for glass Refractive Index.

REVISED ETHANOL-WATER STANDARD

REFERENCE MATERIAL FOR BLOODAND-BREATH-ALCOHOL ANALYSIS

GOALS

To create a revised Standard Reference Material

for blood and breath alcohol analysis to benefit

Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies in their respective alcohol testing programs.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

A current SRM product of NIST (SRM 1828a) contains 4 ampoules with a 96 % (w/w) of ethanol.

However most blood alcohol levels in driving under the influence (DUI) cases fall in a range different than the percentage provided in the NIST SRM

set, not ideal for analysis purposes. These standards must be diluted in order to prepare the required concentration levels for the laboratoryís

analytical methods. The laboratories therefore require a revised set of concentrations to ensure technical accuracy.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The overall design of the project will closely follow that of SRM 1828a and its subsequent recertification to ensure consistency. Two independent analytical methods will be used to develop,

confirm, and report the ethanol concentration in

sample lots. The quantitative results from this analytical work will be statistically analyzed to ensure

accuracy and precision has been attained.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Certified ampoules

containing the new SRM with all requisite documentation will be available.

NIST REFERENCE MATERIAL (RM)

FOR GUNPOWDER AND PIPE BOMB

RESIDUE

GOALS

The objective of this project is to improve forensic

laboratoriesí capability to determine and detect

handgun and pipe bomb components through the

incorporation of quality gunpowder and residue

measurements and to provide compositional gunpowder RM that will enable the validation of crime

laboratory methods and encourage the expanded

use of quantitative gunpowder measurements in

forensic casework.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

A reference material (RM) from NIST provides the

optimum value for the evaluation of procedures and

laboratory techniques. The incorporation of this

product into laboratory protocols will assist in accreditation requirements, improve evidence interpretation and provide a statistical basis for inclusion into courtroom presentations.

Forensic laboratories have seen an increase in the

requests to provide evidentiary evaluation of residue samples from handgun and pipe bombs. As

part of the forensic laboratory accreditation process, the American Society of Criminal Laboratory

Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board

(ASCLD/LAB) has been establishing requirements

for conducting explosives analysis. However, proficiency samples or SRM explosive propellants are

not available to meet the ASCLD/LAB requirements. In addition, the quantitative evaluation of

gunpowder additives as a means of individualizing

residue evidence is under-utilized by many of the

smaller local and state crime laboratories. Development of a gunpowder reference material will provide forensic laboratories with measurements that

are traceable to NIST, helping to improve laboratory capabilities and meet accreditation requirements.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

A smokeless powder combination has been selected

for its stability and desirable composition. This

material will be packaged in approximately 300

units in 5 gram quantities after which a statistical

design for subsampling the bottled material will be

determined. The Statistical Engineering Division
will assist in the statistical design and data evaluation for the final certified values.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Development of a rugged

analytical method for the determination of NG, DPA,

and EC in the rifle powder RM prototype.

Prepare a document on the certification and availability

of the Reference Material.

A STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL

FOR DRUGS OF ABUSE IN HUMAN

SERUM

GOALS

To produce a Standard Reference Material (SRM)

of drugs of abuse in a human serum matrix.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Drug abuse remains a significant social problem in

the United States and determinations of drugs of

abuse in seized contraband or in bodily fluids is

one of the most common types of analyses carried

out in crime laboratories. In forensic toxicology,

both urine and blood are tested for dugs of abuse.

The SRM should be composed of the same matrix

for which the testing is being conducted. The current available SRM is in a freeze-dried urine matrix, causing the analyst to extrapolate test results

done in blood to the urine standard. Combining

drugs of abuse analytes with a serum matrix is necessary to meet stringent testing requirements present

in the laboratory environment.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

Determine the number and identity of analytes that

should be included, their respective concentrations;

optimum methods for their analysis and potential

matrix compositions to mimic commonly encountered samples in crime laboratories. Sealed ampoules of the selected drugs and their metabolites

will be analyzed and subjected through the certification process.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: A SRM in a human serum

matrix in ampoule form.

A STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL

FOR ARSON ANALYSIS

GOALS

Previous work at NIST had developed Standard

Reference Materials (SRMs) for various petrochemicals and fuels. However, no standard mixture for the identification of hydrocarbons in petro20 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

leum-based materials is offered. A new SRM for

arson analysis containing a homologous series of

hydrocarbons with additional aromatic constituents that would be amenable to gas chromatography is being developed.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

One of the many determinations at a fire scene is

whether ignitable liquid was utilized in the spread

of the fire. The presence of ignitable liquid residues can infer that the fire was an act of arson, a

serious crime that is responsible for significant

losses of personal property and human lives each

year. A part of the residue analysis is the identification of the class of the liquid that is largely based

on the carbon number of the various hydrocarbon

solutes found in the sample mixture. A number of

fuel SRMs are offered at NIST. However, these

SRMs are intended for analysis of trace inorganic

and organic components in various petrochemicals

and do not contain reliable and quantitative information regarding the carbon number distribution

of solutes. The solute concentrations will be

varied as necessary to best suit the needs of arson

analysts.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

Analytes of interest will include even numbered,

straight chain hydrocarbons from n-hexane (C6)

to n-tetracosane (C24), toluene, p-xylene, o-ethyltoluene, m-ethyltoluene, and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene

in a solvent such as carbon disulfide or dichloromethane. This action will satisfy the ASTM specifications covering the range of volatile liquids commonly found in fire debris.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Complete statistical analysis

of analytical results providing certified ampoules of

analytes.

HUMAN AND ANIMAL DOSE RESPONSE,

TOXICOKINETIC AND POTENCY

ASSESSMENT OF PEPPER SPRAY

PRODUCTS FOLLOWING TOPICAL AND

AEROSOLIZED EXPOSURE

GOALS

The objectives of this three year project are: 1)

chemically characterize a series of less than lethal

(LTL) oleoresin capsicum (OC) pepper spray products as a method of determining and ultimately predicting product potency; 2) apply the products and

the individual capsaicins identified in the products

to human skin to determine response and potency;
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 21

3) investigate the toxicological effects of inhalation of the same products; and 4) determine the

extent of absorption and the distribution of these

capasicum analogs via dermal and nasal exposure.

The data generated will be utilized to: 1) predict

product potency by chemical analysis, dermal response or a combination of the two methods; 2)

determine the relative potency of the individual

capsaicin analogs; 3) determine and quantify the

effects of the products and the individual capsaicins when applied dermally; 4) develop sensitive

and specific analytical methods that can be used to

identify and quantify capsaicin analogs in pepper

spray products and in biological samples; 5) determine the extent of dermal absorption of the major

capsaicin analogs; and 6) determine toxicity and

the extent of nasal absorption of the major capsaicin analogs following aerosolized exposure and

determine if stimulant drug use affects toxicity or

absorption.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

OC is an extract of hot peppers. In addition to its

use in food and pharmaceuticals, it is an active ingredient in the aerosol sprays used by law enforcement agencies to subdue non-cooperative individuals through skin contact, eyes, and inhalation. Although 1-chloroacetophenone (CN) and 0-

chlorobenzylidene malonitrile (CS) have been used

for riot control for many years, they are not suitable for use against individuals as is OC. Recent

findings have shown that OC is an effective incapacitant, reducing assaults against officers and injuries to officers and suspects, while reducing the

number of complaints filed against cities regarding use-of-force by law enforcement officers. At

the same time, however, a number of areas of concern have surfaced with regard to the use of OC.

These areas include legal and policy issues, technical issues such as product specification and performance, medical issues such as the safety and toxicity of OC, especially with regard to long term

use of OC, and operational issues such as training

and safety procedures for users.

OLES is particularly interested in addressing the

ìtechnical issuesî aspects of this problem. Given

the product composition and potency, health, safety,

ethical and legal concerns surrounding the use of

less-than-lethal (LTL) OC weapons, a systematic

study is needed to determine product content and

effects following the two most common routes of

exposure: nasal and dermal. The study will examine the dose response relationship between product OC concentration and incapacitant effects as a

measure of product potency. There have been reports of allergic reactions, toxicity and other effects from exposure to OC. There is also paucity

of scientific data relating dermal or aerosolized exposures to physiological effects. The minimum exposure (dose) needed to achieve an intended effect

without adverse side effects has not been determined. Any adverse health or safety events carry

the additional threat of legal consequences to the

officer and law enforcement agency.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The objectives of the third and final year of this

research project are to: 1) chemically characterize a

series of LTL OC spray products as a method for

determining ó and ultimately predicting ó product potency; 2) apply the products and the individual capsaicinoids identified in the products to

human skin to determine response and potency; 3)

investigate the toxicological effects of inhalation

of the same products; and 4) determine the extent

of absorption and the distribution of these analogs

following dermal and nasal exposure of drug free

and drug treated rats. With these data, it will be

possible to: 1) predict product potency by chemical

analysis, dermal response or a combination of the

two methods; 2) determine relative potency of the

individual capsaicin analogs; 3) determine and quantify the effects of the products and the individual

capsaicinoids when applied dermally; 4) develop

OLES is helping to characterize and establish

performance standards for pepper spray.
sensitive and specific analytical methods that can

be used to identify and quantify capsaicin analogs

in pepper spray products and in biological samples;

5) determine the extent of dermal absorption of the

major capsaicin analogs; and, finally, 6) determine

toxicity and the extent of nasal absorption of the

major capsaicin analogs following aerosolized exposure and determine if stimulant drug use affects

toxicity or absorption.

DELIVERABLES: The deliverables are quarterly

reports and the final report of the findings of the study.

OLEORESIN CAPSICUM CANISTER

STUDY

GOAL

At the present time, the ìpepper sprayî commercial products on the market are not well defined.

There is no specification of active ingredients and

manufacturers use a wide range of formulations and

labeling schemes.

OLES is planning to solicit, through a competitive

contract, a qualified laboratory to perform research

and conduct a study involving sampling and analyzing the contents of commercial pepper spray

canisters from at least five of the major commercial manufacturers, to make quantitative measurements of the internal pressure, concentration of

active agent(s) capsaicinoid compounds present in

the aerosol spray, the propellants and carriers. The

study will also include shelf-life stability studies

of the canisters (devices) at specified environments,

aerosol firing tests, spray range tests, and drop tests

to gauge device mechanical safety and stability. It

is hoped that data from this type of study will suggest improvements and serve as the basis for minimum voluntary labeling and performance standards.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

OC is an extract of hot peppers. In addition to its

use in food and pharmaceuticals, it is an active ingredient in the aerosol sprays used by law enforcement agencies to subdue non-cooperative individuals through skin contact, eyes, and inhalation. Law

Enforcement agencies that have used OC over the

last 10 years have found that administration of OC

to subjects resisting arrest results in effective incapacitation (which is reversible in 15 minutes to 20

minutes) 85-90 % of the time. The reasons for the

10-15 % failure include low concentration of OC in

the canister, poor delivery owing to low pressure,

bad aim, variability of subject responses or a combination of these factors. OLES is particularly in22 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

terested in addressing some of these product failure issues that face the law enforcement community to help them perform their functions more

safely and effectively.

Although CN and CS have been used for riot control for many years, they are not suitable for use

against individuals as OC is. Recent findings have

shown that OC is an effective incapacitant, reducing assaults against officers, injuries to officers and

suspects, while reducing the number of complaints

filed against cities regarding use-of-force by law

enforcement officers. At the same time, however,

a number of areas of concern have surfaced with

regard to the use of OC. These areas include legal

and policy issues, technical issues such as product

specification and performance, medical issues such

as the safety and toxicity of OC, especially with

regard to long term use of OC, and operational issues such as training and safety procedures for users. OLES is particularly interested in addressing

the ìtechnical issuesî aspects of this problem.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The project will examine a number of commercially

available canisters from at least five of the major

commercial OC manufacturers that are in use by

some of the large law enforcement agencies in the

U.S. The study will use analytical methods that

have been previously developed and optimized for

OC analysis by OLES to examine the vehicles used,

propellant pressure, OC concentration and other

properties of the canister that may cause the failures observed and reported by some of the law enforcement, agencies. NIJ standard 0110.00, which

deals with testing hand-held aerosol tear gas weapons, will be used as a guide in measuring spray

pattern of canisters and other physical property

characterization studies of the commercial OC

canisters.

FY2003 DELIVERABLE: The deliverables are quarterly

reports and the final report of the findings of the study.

The estimated project duration is 24 months from the

official date of contract award.

PROTECTIVE GLOVE PROJECT

GOALS

The objective of this project is to provide technical support to the National Law Enforcement and

Corrections Technology Center at Rockville, Maryland in their testing program for protective gloves

that are used by law enforcement and corrections

users.
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 23

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Law enforcement and corrections officers have

been increasingly requesting hand protection as part

of their protection equipment package. They need

gloves that will provide them protection against

sharp objects such as blades and hypodermic

needles; the gloves have also to be resistant to

pathogen penetration and have sufficient dexterity

and tactility such that officers can perform their

normal duties while wearing such gloves.

OLES issued the protective glove test protocol as

NIJ Test Protocol 99-114, ìTest Protocol for Comparative Evaluation of Protective Gloves for Law

Enforcement and Correction Applications,î June

1999. OLES also helped National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center

(NLECTC) in selecting qualified glove testing labs

through a competitive process. This resulted in the

selection of Touchstone Labs and TRI/Environmental Labs as the two NIJ qualified labs to conduct

protective glove testing in accordance with NIJ Test

Protocol 99-114. NLECTC is now in the process

of testing commercial gloves that will be subjected

to qualification testing at the two NIJ qualified labs.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: OLES will continue to

provide technical support to NLECTC, including travel

to the testing labs, observing the glove testing,

providing technical support to the labs and clarifying to

them any questions that they may have with regard to

the glove testing protocol and helping NLECTC with

interpretation of test data from the labs.

Samples of protective gloves.

AN EVALUATION OF INNOVATIVE

SWEAT-BASED DRUG TESTING

TECHNIQUES FOR USE IN CRIMINAL

JUSTICE DRUG TESTING

GOALS

The current methodology for analysis of drugs involves the use of blood, plasma, and urine as

samples. However, obtaining these samples is either invasive or they can be adulterated. In addition, their matrices are relatively complex, thus requiring more intensive and time-consuming sample

preparation and/or determination. Sweat, on the

other hand, can be obtained non-intrusively, allows

protection of privacy, reduces the possibility of

adulteration, and has the potential for estimating

the actual circulating concentration of drugs. In

addition, sweat is less complex and more easily

prepared for analysis. This proposal focuses

on the development of sweat-based drug testing

techniques.

The goals of this project are to: 1) modify and test

innovative, less invasive liquid perspiration collection (LPC) devices, with a particular focus on the

Macroduct Brand sweat collection device; 2) adapt

drug-testing kits for use in analyzing liquid perspiration samples; and 3) assess the validity and utility of the LPC devices as a method of drug testing

for use by the criminal justice populations.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Criminal justice agencies make extensive use of

drug testing to determine if arrestees, probationers, etc., are using illicit drugs. Currently, virtually

all drug-testing in the criminal justice system is in

the form of urine testing, involving the collection

and handling of urine specimens. Although the

urinalysis techniques are accurate, agencies are

seeking drug-testing techniques that are relatively

non-invasive. This project is designed to evaluate

the accuracy and utility of liquid perspiration collection (LPC) in drug testing in a criminal justice

setting. This technology will provide a non-intrusive method of drug monitoring and detection,

which has been indicated as a priority technology

area by the Law Enforcement and Correction Technology Advisory Council (LECTAC).

The first two years of the three-year project have

been completed and we just started the third and

final year. In the first two years, all scheduled tasks

were completed, including: 1) the conducting of a

pilot test of the liquid perspiration collection (LPC)

devices; 2) the preparation of an Interim Report,
versions of which are being published in the open

literature and as an NIJ report; 3) preparations for

the full field test at the DC Pretrial Services Agency;

and 4) the implementation of the field test, now in

its fifth month.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

In the third and final year of the study, the field test

will be completed and specimens and related data

will be analyzed. A report will be prepared describing the procedures used in modifying the liquid

perspiration collection device, the results of the

field test, and presenting recommendations for future use of the LPC device. Depending on the results of the field test, guidelines will also be prepared for the use of the LPC as a drug testing device.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: The deliverables are

quarterly reports and the final report of the findings of

the study.

EVALUATION OF SALIVA AS AN

ALTERNATE DRUG TESTING SPECIMEN

GOALS

Determining the utility of saliva as a valid specimen for non-intrusive testing of drugs of abuse for

law enforcement and the criminal justice community has been the overall objective of this research.

Specific objectives for this project were: 1) to perform a thorough literature search to establish the

state of knowledge about the use of saliva as a testing specimen in forensic applications (information

gathered from that search was used to write a comprehensive report on the current state of the scientific literature about saliva drug testing); 2) to assess the use of the saliva as a specimen for drugs

of abuse testing and estimating circulating blood

drug concentrations through use of a clinical study;

3) to determine if commercially available immu24 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

noassay screen tests could used to detect codeine

and metabolites in saliva and plasma; 4) to determine if GC/MS could be used to assess the codeine

and morphine concentrations in saliva; and 5) to

determine if collection methods had an effect on

saliva drug concentration. A University of Utah

IRB approved clinical study was used to determine

plasma and saliva drug distributions following codeine administration. Saliva was collected using

three different commercial collection devices:

acidic stimulation, non-acidic stimulation, and by

a controlled method.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

This technology will provide a non-intrusive method

of drug monitoring and detection, which has been

indicated as a priority technology area by the

LECTAC.

Historically, forensic drug testing has been performed primarily on blood, plasma or urine. Although alternate specimens such as saliva, sweat

and hair may be available in most situations, they

are seldom collected. Scientists and practitioners

continue to search for specimens that can be easily

collected by non-invasive techniques and collected

under direct observation. Saliva is a unique specimen worthy of experimentation. It is easily and

non-invasively collected, can be collect under direct observation, it is a filtrate of the blood, should

ëreflectí blood-drug-concentrations and it is easily

processed for testing.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

A one-year study designed to focus on the issues

of collection device efficiency and specimen validity determination is the objective for the final

year of this research project. The planned experiments will bring the study to a logical conclusion

and assist in making recommendations for the use

of saliva as a drug-testing specimen. This will also

allow us to establish standards for evaluating commercial saliva collection devices that have recently

come to the market.

DELIVERABLE: The project has been completed and

the final report delivered to OLES. The report entitled

ìNIJ Report 605-00, Evaluation of Saliva as an

Alternate Drug Testing Specimenî is now going through

internal review, the report will be forwarded to NIJ for

approval and publication as an NIJ Technical Report.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

# A Standard Bullet ñ A standard reference bullet was created at NIST with NIJ funding, through

OLES assessment of use of saliva as a non-intrusive

forensic test may lead to more accurate drug testing

results.
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 25

OLES, as a means to establish both national and

international uniformity between all law enforcement agencies utilizing the Integrated Ballistics

Identification System (IBIS). The manufacturer of

the IBIS system has had a chance to ìplayî with

the NIST bullet and found surprising results. The

NIST bullet assists in maximizing the best acquisition of the bullet image, the orientation of the line

pattern and the statistical properties of the cross

correlation scores, all factors of the numerical scoring of a match. They are considering equipping each

IBIS system with the standard reference bullet.

PUBLICATIONS

ìThe Detection of Drugs of Abuse in Liquid Perspiration,î

Journal of Analytical Toxicology, Vol. 25, pp. 625-627

(2001).

 ìDetermination of Capsaicin, Dihdrocapsaicin, and

nonivamide in self-defense weapons by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem

mass spectrometry,î Journal of Chromatography A, Vol.

912, pp. 259-267, (2001).

 ìThe Effects of Collection Methods on Oral Fluid Codeine Concentration,î submitted to the Journal of Analytical Toxicology.

 ìEvaluation of Saliva as an Alternate Drug Testing Specimen,î Submitted to WERB.

 NISTIR 6825, ì An Evaluation of Innovative Sweat-Based

Drug Testing Techniques for Use in Criminal Justice Drug

Testing,î March 2002.

ìQuantitative Analysis of Capsaicinoids In Fresh Peppers,

Oleoresin Capsicum, and Pepper Spray Products,î J. Forensic Sci. 46, 502-509, (2001).

ìDetection of Pepper Spray Residues on Fabrics Using

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry,î J. Forensic

Sci. 47, 37-43 (2002).

 ìEstablishment of Ballistics Measurement Traceability

Using NIST RM 8240 Standard Bullets,î Proceedings of

2002 NCSL, August 2002, San Diego, CA.

 ìStandards for Bullets and Casings,î materialstoday, Vol.

5., No. 11, pp.26-31, (2002).

National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology

Center, Tech Beat, Fall 2002, ìMatching Bullets,î pg. 7,

Available at http://www.nlectc.org/pdffiles/tbfall2002.pdf.
26 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

FORENSIC SCIENCES

Forensic investigators increasingly rely on technology to support their job, and OLESí Forensic Sciences program works to ensure that they have tools

that yield accurate results that will hold up in court.

In the area of high-tech (computer) crime, the program is developing tools for validating investigative software and preventing inadvertent modifications of electronic files under investigation. It

has developed a National Software Reference Library that helps investigators identify suspect files

on a hard drive more quickly and easily, and is leading development of a series of guides to the proper

gathering, handling and examination of evidence

related to high-tech crimes.

The Forensic Sciences program is also developing

tools in other areas: a revised standard reference

for identifying glass by refractive index and a calibrated refractive index oil for comparing glass

specimens; a revised SRM for blood-and-breath

alcohol analysis as well as an SRM for fire debris

analysis. Related to drugs of abuse, the program is

developing a reference material containing select

drugs in a human serum matrix and evaluating an

aerosol drug identification kit for possible use in

schools. To assist fire investigators, the Forensic

Sciences program is conducting projects related to

burn pattern recognition, measurement and simulation of ignition sources, and computer simulations of actual fire events. The program is also at

the forefront of a number of projects related to forensic analysis of DNA.

NATIONAL SOFTWARE REFERENCE

LIBRARY (NSRL)

GOAL

The objective of this project is to provide a validated database of known software, file profiles, and

file signatures (ìfingerprintsî) for use by law enforcement organizations in computer forensic investigations.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Investigation of computer hard drives requires a

tremendous effort in reviewing individual files. A

typical desktop computer contains thousands of

files, each of which must be reviewed for evidentiary content. To eliminate as many legitimate files

from search as possible, an automated filter program is beneficial to screen all files for specific

profiles and signatures. If the file profile and signature match the profile and signature in a database of known files, then it can be eliminated from

review. Those that do not match would be subject

to further investigation. The crux of this project is

to collect known software, to develop the mechanism for producing the profiles and signatures of

known files, and to distribute this information to

law enforcement organizations in a cost effective

and efficient manner.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

An automated known file filter (KFF) program has

been developed that can screen all files for specific profiles and signatures. The KFF would then

automatically compare the profile and signature to

a database of validated known files, and output a

list of those files that do not match the contents of

the validated database. Files that do not match

would be subject to further investigation. A prototype implementation of this system has been developed and an extract of this database will be made

available through NISTís Standard Reference Database (SRD) Office as Special Database #28. Security and stability of the process and the implementation of the database are top priorities in its

development.

Beta-testing organizations are helping to verify the

operation and accuracy of the database during a

pre-delivery shakedown period.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: The master database is the

primary deliverable. An adjunct to this is the extracted

database that is available to users in CD format,

through the NIST SRD Office for purchase on a

subscription basis. The master database is continually

updated with newer versions of software and new

releases. Additional software from non-Windows

operating systems will be included as it becomes

available. Additional sources of software will be sought

among vendors and government agencies. Additional

functionality for the database will be investigated.

COMPUTER FORENSICS TOOLS

TESTING (CFTT)

GOALS

The goal of digital evidence examination is to gain

access to and examine the data. The objective of

this project is to verify the operation and output of

automated software programs, generally termed

ìtools,î used by Law Enforcement agencies to examine computer evidence.

Technical Contact:

Susan Ballou

Alim Fatah

Staff-Years:

13.5 Professionals

Funding Sources:

100% Other Government

Agencies

Project Champions:

ï Bureau of Alcohol,

Tobacco and Firearms

(ATF), Rockville, MD

ï Department of Defense

(DoD), Computer

Forensics Laboratory,

Linthicum, MD

ï Department of Navy,

Investigative Support &

Forensics Subgroup,

Technical Support

Working Group (TSWG),

Arlington, VA

ï Federal Bureau of

Investigation (FBI),

Washington, DC

ï Forensic Technology

Incorporated (FTI),

Montreal, Canada

ï National Center for

Forensic Science (NCFS),

Orlando, FL

ï NIST Building and Fire

Research Laboratory

(BFRL)

ï NIST Chemical Science

and Technology Laboratory (CSTL)

ï NIST Information

Technology Laboratory

(ITL)

ï NIST Manufacturing

Engineering Laboratory

(MEL)

ï NIST Materials Sciences

and Engineering (MSEL)

Laboratory (MSEL)
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 27

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Processes in a computer examination should be

conducted on data that have been duplicated using

accepted forensic procedures and, whenever possible, should not be conducted on original evidence.

To meet this requirement, automated software programs or ìtoolsî are available for purchase and

touted as meeting the needs of a computer investigation, such as creating an exact duplicate of a hard

drive or to write block. However, presentation of

this evidence in court demonstrates a need for verification of currently available tools that advertise

forensic capabilities. The contention in court is

that some alteration, failure to recover, or tampering with the evidence occurs through the use of

these tools. To verify the results produced by these

tools, NIST was asked to provide expertise in developing test suites and a testing framework to

structure the testing of these software products. The

information provided by NIST as a neutral party

would be used by law enforcement organizations

to determine several factors:

# Whether specific tools should be used in forensics examinations.

# How the tools should be used.

# The limitations of the toolís capabilities.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The initial approach is the development of general

classifications of functionality in order to group

similar testing requirements. For example, we are

concentrating immediate efforts on disk imaging,

write blocker functions, and selected analysis functions. Further classifications will develop as requirements are identified. The common characteristics

of each classification are decomposed into testable requirements. Assertions are derived from

these requirements along with assertions from specific capabilities of individual tools. Each assertion

is then tested within the overall testing framework

to produce results that are repeatable, reproducible, and objectively measurable. Actual test results will be reported to manufacturers and users.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Reports describing the

overall concept and framework for testing computer

forensics tools are published as web documents and

as printed documents (for tests go to; http://

www.cftt.nist.gov) (for reports go to; http://

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/sciencetech/ecrime_pub.htm).

Further reports on each automated tool tested will be

produced and published on-line when completed.

Additional disk imaging tools will be tested and

specification for software write blockers will be

published along with test cases.

TWO NEW QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES

FOR DIGITAL EVIDENCE

INVESTIGATIONS

GOALS

The objective of this project is to produce and

distribute quick reference guides to continue to

support law enforcement agencies that have or are

in the process of incorporating a digital investigation unit. These guides contain information that

will assist in national uniformity in the administration of a digital evidence facility; procedure incorporation, collection, examination; and legal

applications.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

The increasing use of the Internet have enabled

the integration of computers and other electronic

devices into nearly every aspect of modern life.

These same advances are being exploited by criminals at an alarming rate thereby putting additional

responsibilities on the law enforcement community.

Officials are dealing with established crimes such

as kidnapping, child pornography, and fraud. These

crimes are now committed electronically, through

the use of computers. Police departments are finding a considerable lack of trained personnel that

have computer knowledge. Due to this deficiency

in computer knowledge many criminal cases are

being overlooked, improperly handled or, when

seized, are then sent to the few qualified laboratories that are overworked and understaffed. Many

viable forms of electronic evidence are being overlooked because of investigative personnelís unfamiliarity with sources and depositories of this type

of evidence. The proposed guides will provide law

enforcement quick access to a wealth of information concerning protocols for investigating high

technology crime and investigative interpretation.

The published material will also provide reference

information for literature review, legal support, and

a guide for structured training programs.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The Examination of Digital Evidence guide is ready

for publication pending final National Institute of

Justice (NIJ) review. The guides addressing high

technology will be initiated in the near future. Individuals that will compose the working group for

these new guides will be determined by a selection

process initiated by the Office of Law Enforcement

Standards. Private, Federal, State and Local entities will be contacted to provide names of interested individuals from which a select number of

participants will be chosen.
FY2003 DELIVERABLES: A series of quick guidance

booklets.

BURN PATTERN RECOGNITION

STANDARDS

GOALS

The objective of this project is to investigate the

formation of fire patterns from ignitable liquid spills

near the walls and corners of rooms on the interior

surfaces of structures.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Previous research has shown that fire patterns provide useful data in determining the origin of fires.

Due to the large number of factors that affect the

formation of these patterns, the Burn Pattern Recognition Program has sought to understand fire

pattern formation from ignitable liquid spills. During a forensic fire investigation, it is vital to understand the impact of these factors and how they contribute to the interpretation of a particular burn

pattern. These factors are assessed when conducting full-scale spill fire experiments in a controlled

laboratory environment and by studying the effects

of imposed radiant heat flux. Effects of additive

fuel source are also a major concern. The extent of

these effects is obtained through experiments that

include accelerated and un-accelerated fires with

and without furniture.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The next step in understanding gasoline spill fires

is to study spills located near the walls and corners

of rooms, since the room boundaries will have an

effect on the development of the fire as well as the

patterns formed. Spill fire experiments will be

conducted with fires located near walls and in the

corners of rooms. Floor coverings will include

carpet and wood, while wall materials will consist

28 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

of gypsum board and concrete. The building and

furniture materials will be the same as those used

in the past in order to keep the number of experimental variables as small as possible. A large quantity of information has been gathered on the response of gypsum board to varying degrees of temperature. This information will be incorporated into

a fire simulation software program allowing better

modeling of fires.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: A technical report will be

prepared for publication documenting the results of the

study.

MEASUREMENT AND SIMULATION OF

REAL IGNITION SOURCES

GOALS

The objective of this project is to measure and document the burning characteristics and fire-spread

potential of common small ignition sources, such

as candles and electric heaters.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Accurate inputs are needed to describe the fire characteristics of common ignition sources and the reaction of materials exposed to different heating

rates. This information will provide a basis for recreating possible fire scenarios and allow the testing of predicted fire development in relation to collected evidence and witness statements.

Possible fire scenarios of interest to fire investigators have been discussed with Bureau of Alcohol,

Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) agents. Taking into

consideration the recent investments by NIST) to

advance the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS model

for thermal radiation heat transfer, radiant sources

have been given priority because of the likely success in modeling radiant ignition. The first fire

source to be measured and modeled will be radiant

space heaters followed by candles.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

Sources such as candles and electric heaters are

being characterized in laboratory scale experiments

at NIST. Modules compatible with the present public release of the FDS fire simulation model will be

developed to duplicate, in fire simulations, the major burning and/or heat transfer characteristics of

these sources.

Testing will also be conducted to assess the ability

and conditions under which the selected sources

can ignite different common materials (cardboard,

plastics, wood, fabrics, etc).

NIST staff examine infrared image resulting from a fire

test of a wall board sample. © 2002 Robert Rathe
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 29

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: This project is designed to

deliver a database of usable experimental information

about the burning characteristics and ignition potential

of ignition sources identified as priorities for investigators. In addition, a report will be provided that will

include the measured fire characteristics of ignition

sources, the results of tests to ignite different materials

with those sources, and the ability of the FDS fire

model to predict the major features of the fire and

ignition process.

DEVELOPMENT OF INTERACTIVE FIRE

PATTERN STANDARD DATABASE

GOALS

To assist in the understanding of the fire behavior

in a number of ìline of duty deathî (LODD)

incidents through the use of a computer based fire

simulator.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

When faced with the difficult task of investigating

a death associated with a fire, the need for scientifically based calculations is imperative. Advances

in computer hardware and fire modeling technology have, for the first time, made it possible for

arson and fire investigators to recreate fire scenarios

that appear as animations using ordinary

computers. Recently, NISTís Fire Dynamics

Simulator/Smokeview technology (see http://

www.fire.nist.gov/fds/) has been used in the investigation of fire fighter deaths and injuries. The

fire simulations provide insight into fire growth and

the spread of fire and hot gases through the structures. This information educates, provides investigative support and offers a demonstrative capability for court.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

Information from controlled fires is compared with

the computer model predictions of temperature and

heat flux of the fire gases. Model results are compared with patterns (thermal damage) caused by

real fires. Results from other research projects related to burn pattern and ignition sources are also

inserted into the software program.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Technical report validating

the capabilities of fire pattern generating capabilities of

FDS for use in court. A standard protocol for the use

of FDS to recreate fire simulations. The report will

include comparisons of computer model results with

physical evidence that can be documented in the field.

EVALUATION OF NARCOTIC DETECTION

AND IDENTIFICATION FIELD TEST KITS

GOALS

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of field

test kits for drugs of abuse commonly found within

an academic environment. To determine any false

positives or false negatives and to provide a list of

those agents that initiate the response.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Field test kits are important tools for law enforcement officers to screen suspected materials for the

determination of whether such materials might contain controlled substances. At the completion of

the test, a color reaction may develop and if the

appropriate color is observed in the correct time

frame, a determination can be made that the material may contain the target drug. Such color tests

involve a reaction with a particular functional

group, which may be present in materials that are

not controlled substances. The law enforcement

office requires guidance on the limitation and specifications of the available field tests.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The project strategy consists of purchasing the detection kits from a third party vendor and subject

them to testing. Sensitivity tests will utilize known

quantities of pure standards of the target drugs that

will be subjected to testing according to the manufactures instructions. Amounts of the standard drug

will be applied from 10x the limit of detection down

to 0.5x and lower if measurable signal is still found

at the 0.5x level.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Technical report stating the

obtained results.

RESEARCH IN DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC

ACID (DNA) IDENTIFICATION

METHODS AND STANDARDS

GOALS

The objective of this project is to assist in finding

solutions to DNA problems that occur with crime

scene evidence. These research programs address

the realm of DNA from collection issues to statistical individuality. Various programs will be detailed, each supporting the other by their attributes.
A. STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

(SRM) FOR PCR-DNA ANALYSIS

The SRMs for DNA Analysis is a program that

addresses the issue of mandatory requirements set

by the National DNA Advisory Board (DAB) and

the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors-Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/

LAB), concerning the validation of DNA procedures and protocols. To fulfill these requirements,

laboratories must put into action a process that will

link results to an accepted standard or reference.

The DNA SRM provides the necessary tool for

PCR procedure and kit validation.

This subproject will continue to evaluate stock

depletion of the current SRM production and prepare future plans to maintain supplies. NIST continues to be the technical advisor for laboratories

with questions concerning the proper use of the

SRM.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: SRMs for validation,

procedural development and method evaluation within

laboratories conducting DNA profiling. SRM 2395

Human Y Chromosome DNA, SRM 2391b PCR-based

DNA Profiling Standard.

30 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

Sixteen capillaries enable high DNA throughput,

allowing more samples to be simultaneously analyzed.

© 2002 Robert Rathe

B. STR TYPING WITH THE ABI

PRISMô 3100 16-CAPILLARY

GENETIC ANALYZER

The evaluation of the ABI 3100 16-capillary array

instrument for typing short tandem repeats (STR)

kits commonly used in the forensic community to

determine the feasibility of coupling multiplex STR

and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) assays

with capillary array systems for high-throughput

DNA testing purposes.

Utilizing an ABI 3100 16-capillary system, a successful process has been completed that analyzed

a variety of STR typing kits including Promegaís

PowerPlexÆ 16 and Applied Biosystemsí

IdentifilerTM 16plex kits. These commercial kits and

the development of new research multiplex assays

use a variety of fluorescent dye combinations with

both 4-dye and 5-dye chemistries; therefore, generating DNA fragment analysis matrices on the

3100 using various combinations of the following

dyes: 5FAM, JOE, NED, ROX, 6FAM, HEX, FL,

TMR, CXR, VIC, PET, and LIZ. This has been

evaluated on both the ABI 310 (single capillary)

and ABI 3100 (16-capillary array) instruments.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: To provide a new highthroughput DNA procedure and expand the use of the

ABI 3100 for developing novel Y chromosome STR kits

for human identification purposes.

C. MINISTR SYSTEMS

A new set of DNA tests were developed to help

with analysis of degraded DNA samples recovered

from the World Trade Center disaster. Primers have

been moved in close to the repeat region of common STR markers to aid analysis of degraded DNA

that has been broken up into small pieces. A set of

six primer pairs, dubbed ìBig Miniî was provided

to various agencies for validation experiments.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: To provide a new test

method for inclusion with DNA procedures to expand

the capabilities of utilizing degraded DNA.

D. RECOVERY OF DNA FROM AGED

BLOODSTAINS ON UNTREATED PAPER

Evaluate the long-term stability/quality of

bloodstains on various substrates when subjected

to a range of temperatures. Results enable DNA

storage facilities to make a more informed decision on whether or not they should continue to store

samples at -20 °C.

Many reference DNA sample repositories or ìDNA

banksî are now in existence, primarily for support
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 31

of epidemiological and genetic research or to enable identification of forensic evidence or human

remains. The nature of the sample, how it is collected, and how it is stored are critical issues for

the ultimate utility of any DNA banking effort.

Successful DNA typing requires that samples contain an adequate quantity of DNA and that this DNA

can be isolated from polymerase chain reaction

(PCR) inhibitors (heme, proteins, and many other

whole blood components). Current methods of

DNA typing use multiplexes of Short Tandem Repeat (STR) loci detected as PCR amplified products ranging in size from 100 through 450 nucleotide basepairs (bp).

Over 300 anonymous bloodstains have been examined that have been stored on untreated Schleicher

& Schuell 903 paper (S&S 903) from two years to 15

years at varying temperatures with and without

humidity control.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Continue longitudinal studies

on aged samples stored on several media and under a

variety of conditions and provide a manuscript

detailing the findings.

E. GENOTYPING SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE

POLYMORPHISMS IN THE Y CHROMOSOME

AND THE MITOCHONDRIAL GENOME

Development and evaluation of high throughput

technologies for typing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for human identification purposes.

SNPs are the most common form of genetic variation in the human genome. SNPs exist in approximately 1 out every 1,000 base pairs. The typing of

SNPs throughout the genome can facilitate genetic

mapping, disease association studies, and evolutionary studies. Recent analysis of SNP markers

located on the non-combining region of the Y chromosome provides information on tracing human

migration patterns and evolution.

To design a SNP assay that can simultaneously

detect 10 informative sites from around the entire

mtDNA genome. The assay uses multiplex PCR

to amplify small PCR products around each variable site. The 10plex assay using the SnaPshot approach should be presented soon in a publication

format.

This work has resulted in tools for the rapid optimization of multiplexed polymerase chain reaction

and primer extension reactions to improve throughput for SNP analysis. Further, comparisons have

been made with various primer extension assays

amenable to mass spectrometric analysis for SNP

genotyping. The utility of MALDI-TOF MS to accurately and rapidly type samples is illustrated

through results of Y chromosome and mtDNA SNP

markers, including M9, M42, M45, M89, and M96.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Evaluate technologies to

assist other labs and agencies that are currently

involved in typing SNPs. Eventually develop assays

that will also be compatible with other instrumentation

formats such as capillary electrophoresis, fluorescence

polarization, and fluorescent microspheres.

F. PROTOTYPE Y CHROMOSOME

STANDARD (SRM 2395)

Providing a Y chromosome SRM for calibration

of DNA typing instrumentation. In an effort to support the growing demand for Y chromosome testing, NIST is developing an SRM that can be used

to calibrate instrumentation and verify assay performance with Y STR and Y SNP markers.

Over 140 candidate DNA materials for SRM 2395

have been screened. From these samples, five male

and one female DNA samples have been selected

and extensively characterized. These candidate

materials reflect multiple alleles at each Y STR and

SNP locus. These six candidate (A through F) SRM

samples will be tested with commercially available

and research multiplex assays. In addition, all of

the DNA samples are being sequenced to confirm

exact repeat compositions of the STR markers. SNP

markers are being analyzed with multiple technologies to confirm the polymorphic nucleotide present

in each sample.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Completion of an SRM 2395

and assessing its utility to the forensic community.

G. DEVELOPMENT OF Y STR

MEGAPLEX ASSAYS

The development of high-level multiplex PCR reactions for typing STRs located on the Y chromosome for human identification purposes is receiving a high level of attention in the forensic community. Y chromosome short tandem repeat markers

have a number of applications in human identity

testing including typing the perpetrator of sexual

assault cases without differential extraction and

tracing paternal lineages for missing persons investigations. In order for Y STR systems to become more widely accepted within the forensic

DNA typing community, robust multiplex assays

are required.

The multiplexes being developed are the first to

include all of the European 11-locus ìextended haplotypeî in a single reaction. To improve the power

of discrimination for Y chromosome tests, strategies
are being developed for rapidly preparing multiplex

PCR assays that utilize both four and five dye chemistries for detection and permit simultaneous amplification of 20 or more Y chromosome STR markers in a single reaction. An important design aspect of our multiplex assays is that PCR product

sizes are kept under 350 bp in order to ensure a

greater success with testing degraded DNA

samples. Primer design issues are considered and

efforts are undertaken to avoid any homology with

X chromosome sequences. Primers have been redesigned from previously published work with

these Y STR markers to make them more compatible in a multiplex amplification. The robustness

of the multiplex will be tested in three independent

laboratories. In addition, allele ranges for each of

the Y STR markers have been well characterized

in a diverse set of world population samples.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: The testing of the 20plex

PCR primer set for genetic population studies as well

as human identification purposes.

H. DEVELOPMENT OF NON-HUMAN

MULTIPLEX

DNA has found a way to assist in criminal investigations through unconventional methods. No

longer does DNA testing require the finding of a

bloodstain, saliva or human hair at the scene or on

the victim to connect the suspect to the crime. Other

unique aspects found as part of the criminal investigation are being put into action. The MeowPlex,

is a new DNA test using tetranucleotide STR Markers for the domestic cat. NIST is assisting the National Cancer Institute in the creation of a robust

multiplex STR assay for cats and the development

of population databases for various cat breeds.

32 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

Already, one criminal case was solved utilizing this

method of showing a hair found on the suspect

could be associated to the victimís particular cat

breed.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: The creation of a robust

multiplex STR assay for cats and the development of

population database for various cat breeds.

I. RESULTS FROM THE INTERLABORATORY

MIXTURE STUDY

NIST has coordinated a series of interlaboratory

examinations of multiplexed STR systems. Part of

the purpose has been to evaluate the influence of

DNA quantitation accuracy on STR multiplex signal intensity. A total of 74 laboratories responded

with data from seven samples that were provided

for analysis. Over 100,000 data points have been

generated for evaluation during this challenging

exercise. The initial report focuses on the linkages

connecting the measurement of the concentration

of the DNA to the observed STR multiplex signal

intensities. Further scientific detail will be expounded in each released report.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Publications

SUMMER FORENSIC FELLOWSHIP

RESEARCH

GOALS

The objective of this project is to provide a technical training experience for post-baccalaureate students in forensic science. In addition, the studentís

efforts will support research goals on a project of

recognized technical importance to the NIJ and

OLES.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Fewer than ten U.S. universities offer post-baccalaureate education in the forensic sciences. The

increasing demand for technical sophistication in

forensic laboratory personnel has increased the

demand for experienced technical staff. Unfortunately graduate fellowship research support from

common sources such as the National Science

Foundation (NSF) is focused solely on research in

the basic sciences.

The OLES summer fellowship provides masterslevel students with an internship experience in

projects that help advance forensic measurement

technology and standardization. This summerís

project evaluated the factors that cause handgun

gunpowder residues to be retained on the body and

optimizing residue collection protocols.

NIST staff with robotic station utilized in the STR

primer development. © 2002 Robert Rathe
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 33

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

Through an established selection process, obtain

potential participants that have a forensic science

background specifically in analytical chemistry.

The project selection depends upon current research

funding as well as current requirements in the forensic science community.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: A manuscript on the

retention and collection of GSR from hair and wigs as

the result of the combing process.

GUNPOWDER AND HANDGUN RESIDUE

RESEARCH

GOALS

The objective of this project is to examine the compositional characteristics of gunpowder and its postfiring residues as a means of detecting handgun use

and investigating pipe bomb crime. Quantitative

determination of the propellant (nitroglycerin ñ

NG), stabilizer (diphenylamine ñ DPA and ethyl

centralite ñ EC) additives contained in smokeless

gunpowder is being investigated as a means of associating evidentiary residue and gunpowder

samples with unfired powder exemplars.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

Current gunshot residue methods, based on the

detection of the metallic firing primer particles,

barium, antimony, and lead, use such techniques

as Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis that are costly to perform and

are seldom successful at determining handgun use.

The move toward replacement of these characteristic ìheavyî metal primers with more common metals may render the current test obsolete. Our approach examines the incompletely burned gunpowder as a means of residue detection. The research

also expands into the area of collection with promising results favoring combing of human or synthetic hair. The type of comb, number of passes

and method of extraction will be available for processing into a usable protocol.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The long-term goal is the development of an integrated approach to organic gunshot/explosives residue evaluation through effective sample collection,

optimized analytical measurements, and rigorous

graphical/statistical evaluation of the data. Firing

range experiments are completed and laboratory

evaluation of the samples is in progress. Various

types of hair combings are being evaluated for their

success in recovering organic gunshot residues.

Residue collection from the hair of human subjects

and wig-hair covered mannequins are part of the

evaluation process. To expand this process the effect of the position of a simulated shooter, victim,

and bystander is also being tested. Residue deposition from a revolver, semi-automatic handgun,

semi-automatic rifle, and shotgun will be studied.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Manuscripts detailing the

work product, one titled, ìA Graphical Approach to

Questioned and Known Sample Comparisons of

Smokeless Powderî and the other addressing the

bodily retention and collection methods for organic gun

shot residue.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

# DNA Data Base ñ Maintenance of a short tandem repeat DNA database commonly referred to as

STRBase (http://www.cstl.nist.gov/biotech/

strbase). The site is continually updated with new

training materials and literature sites and by expanding the contents of the database in regard to

variant alleles.

# NIJ Guide ñ NIJ Guide NCJ 187736 ìElectronic

Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Respondersî was published. This guide contains

detailed information that is useful to law enforcement and other responders who have the responsibility for protecting an electronic crime scene and

for the recognition, collection, and preservation of

electronic evidence.

# Reference Material Database ñ A Reference

Material Database on CD-ROM: The National Software Reference Library (NSRL) Reference Data Set

(RDS) is available for ordering. Go to http://

www.nist.gov/srd/nistsd28.htm to order NIST Special Database 28. The cost is $90 per year and entitles the purchaser to receive up to four distributions per year. The NSRL is composed of software

from various sources and incorporates file profiles

computed from this software into a Reference Data

Set (RDS) of information. The RDS can be used by

law enforcement, government, and industry organizations to review files on a ìsuspectî computer

by matching file profiles in the RDS. This will help

alleviate much of the effort involved in determining

which files are important as evidence on computers or file systems that have been seized as part of

criminal investigations.

# Computer Forensics Tool Testing ñ The Computer Forensics Tool Testing (CFTT) projectís Disk

Imaging Tool Specification reports can be found

at the following website: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/

nij/sciencetech/ecrime_pub.htm. The test results
provide information for toolmakers to improve tools

used in computer forensics investigations, users

to make informed choices, and the legal community

and others to understand the toolsí capabilities.

PUBLICATIONS

NIJ Report 604-00 ìFlammable and Combustible Liquid

Spill/Burn Patterns,î March 2001.

ìDeveloping a Quantitative Extraction Technique for the

Determining the Additives in Smokeless Handgun Powders,î .J. Forensic Sci. 2001; 46(4):802-807.

ìAssociating Gunpowder and Residues from Commercial

Ammunition Using Compositional Analysis with the Propellant to Stabilizer Ratio (P/S),î Accepted by J. Forensic Sci.

July 2001.

ìPolymerse chain reaction amplification of DNA from aged

blood stains: quantitative evaluation of the ìsuitability for purposeî of four filter papers as archival media,î Anal. Chem.

74: 1863-1869, 2002.

ìThe MeowPlex: A New DNA Test Using Tetranucleotide

STR Markers for the Domestic Cat,î Profiles in DNA,

September 2002, can be found at: http:/www.promega.com/

profiles/502/ProfilesInDNA_502_07.pdf.

Forensic DNA Typing: Biology and Technology behind

STR Markers. Academic Press, London (textbook published January 2001).

ìDetection of DNA polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP and

capillary electrophoresis,î Methods in Molecular Biology:

Capillary Electrophoresis of Nucleic Acids (Mitchelson,

K.R. and Cheng, J., eds.), Humana Press: Totowa, New

Jersey, Vol. 2, pp. 49-56.

ìThe application of capillary electrophoresis in the analysis of PCR products used in genetic typing,î Methods in

Molecular Biology: Clinical and Forensic Applications of

Capillary Electrophoresis (Petersen, J. and Mohammad,

A., eds.), Humana Press, Totowa, New Jersey, pp. 261-

284.

ìCapillary electrophoresis as a tool for optimization of

multiplex PCR reactions,î Fresenius J. Anal. Chem. 369:

200-205.

ìGenotyping of two mutations in the HFE gene using singlebase extension and high-performance liquid chromatography,î

Anal. Chem. 73: 620-624.

ìQuality control of PCR primers used in multiplex STR amplification reactions.î Forensic Sci. Int. 119: 87-96.

NIJ Grant 97-LB-VX-0003, ìImproved analysis of DNA short

tandem repeats with time-of-flight mass spectrometry,î Final

Report for, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of

Justice.

ìHigh-throughput genotyping of short tandem repeat DNA

markers with time-of-flight mass spectrometry,î .Encyclopedia of Mass Spectrometry, Elsevier Science, in press.

ìAnalysis of DNA single nucleotide polymorphisms using mass

spectrometry,î Encyclopedia of Mass Spectrometry, Elsevier

Science, in press.

34 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

ìHighly multiplexed assays for measuring polymorphisms

on the Y-chromosome,î Progress in Forensic Genetics 9,

Elsevier Science, in press.
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 35

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATION STANDARDS

The ability of law enforcement and public safety

agencies to communicate and exchange data in critical situations is fragmented by equipment incompatibilities and the lack of standards to provide a

common, nationwide approach to telecommunications and information sharing. To resolve the situation, the National Institute of Justice, developed

the AGILE program ó Advanced Generation of

Interoperability for Law Enforcement ó to develop

and implement interoperability standards.

OLESí Public Safety Communications Standards

program is dedicated to supporting AGILE. The

program is developing standards for voice, data,

image, and video transfers, drawing on existing

standards, discussions with end users regarding

their requirements, and participation in IT and wireless standards committees. To meet the needs of

law enforcement and public safety agencies until

standards are in place, the program is evaluating

commercial devices and services that can provide

interim interoperability.

NIJ STANDARDIZATION EFFORTS

RELATED TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

INTEROPERABILITY

GOALS

As part of the AGILE Program, provide engineering support, scientific analysis, technical liaison,

and test design and implementation to allow the

identification/development and validation of

interoperability standards for the criminal justice

and public safety communities, and other communication system products and services supporting

wireless telecommunications and IT needs. Further, provide technical assessments and evaluations

of existing and emerging commercial products and

services that may provide interim solutions for various interoperability scenarios.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

This project is geared toward solving public safety

interoperability and information sharing problems

by developing and adopting NIJ standards

for voice, data, image, and video information

transfers.

With the explosion of telecommunications and information technologies has come a disturbing trend

ó a lack of interoperability among systems. This is

demonstrated most dramatically in the public safety

community, as police and other agencies (such as

fire departments, emergency medical services, etc.)

fail to communicate with each other during multijurisdictional events (such as the Columbine High

School tragedy). Even when local or regional calamities do not occur, however, daily

interoperability problems continue to plague public safety agencies nationwide.

The Implementation Phase of the AGILE Program

was begun for IT interoperability. Close coordination was begun, and sustained, with NIJ, the Office

of Justice Programs (OJP), the Bureau of Justice

Assistance (BJA), the GLOBAL Infrastructure/

Standards Working Group (I/SWG), I/SWG Technical Working Groups, the XML Technology Focus Group, and individuals representing various

practitioner groups at the local, state, Federal,

and international levels. To facilitate progress of

The ability of an officer to communicate with other

local agencies and emergency responders is critical to

efficient and safe operations.

Effective communication is a critical aspect of both

law enforcement and corrections operations. Dispatch is the nerve center of the agency.

Technical Contact:

Kathleen Higgins

George Lieberman

Dereck Orr

Staff-Years:

10.0 professionals

Funding Sources:

100% Other Government

Agencies

Project Champions:

ï Institute for

Telecommunication

Sciences, the research

and engineering branch

of the National

Telecommunications

and Information

Administration (NTIA),

Boulder, CO
national-level committees, strategic and tactical

planning documents for OJP, I/SWG, and technical

working groups were developed. Also, detailed

structures and methodologies for the formal standardization process were constructed. Intensive

technical leadership and support was provided to

analyze and reconcile three dissimilar XML

(eXtensible Markup Language) specifications developed by different practitioner groups. A justice

community data dictionary was developed as a draft

standard for use by all practitioner groups, and a

ìPrinciples and Proceduresî report was written to

document the process used. The XML ìtechnical

reconciliationî process was recognized as a successful model to use for other salient interoperability issues that involve conflicting technical approaches and/or implementations.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The Implementation Phase of the Project can be

seen as falling into the follow functional support

areas.

A. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

INTEROPERABILITY STANDARDIZATION

This effort builds upon the work performed, and

accomplishments achieved, via FY2001 funding.

This subproject will continue to work closely with

the GLOBAL Infrastructure/Standards Working

Group to validate usersí requirements; validate the

current assets and plans of local, state, and Federal

public safety agencies; update the characterization

of current and emerging technologies; validate internal and external factors that may impact standardization options; establish and validate data

models and schema for sharing information among

agencies; and validate the strategic plan for moving the entire standardization process forward. In

addition, the subproject will provide overall planning and operational support to the GLOBAL Infrastructure/ Standards Working Group as it functions as the IT Technical Committee. Provide detailed technical review and analysis of thousands

of standards developed by standards development

organizations, and recommend standards to the IT

Working Groups and IT Technical Committee. As

part of that activity, classify all standards that were

considered by general subject area (e.g., architecture/data model, protocol, data composition, performance, security, etc.), and track the status of all

those standards using categories such as: ìrejected

as not being relevant,î ìbeing reviewed,î ìreviewed

and rejected,î and ìreviewed and recommended.î

The subproject will act as the Secretariat for the IT

interoperability standardization process by keep36 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

ing detailed records of: 1) the content and status of

proposed standards, 2) the IT Technical

Committeeís discussions and ultimate decisions

made regarding each standard, 3) the standards

recommended by the IT Technical Committee to

NIJ for adoption, and 4) the standards adopted as

NIJ Interoperability Standards. On an ongoing basis, the project will validate (through simulation

and/or demonstration/testing) that the chosen standards are compatible, fit together as an entire package, and specify effective and efficient interfaces

for local, State, and Federal systems.

B. TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION AND

ENGINEERING SUPPORT

Provide technical observations, analyses, demonstrations, and testing as part of technical evaluation activities aimed at determining the utility of

commercial interoperability products and services.

Technical evaluation efforts will address products

and services identified by NIJ, but also those various technologies determined (through OLES research) to have great potential as interim

interoperability solutions, over the short and longterm. Recommend emerging technologies worthy

of NIJ grant assistance, as required.

Respond to the immediate needs of the AGILE Program by performing other research and applied engineering activities as requested. These activities

may include strategic and tactical planning, system engineering, technical analysis, economic benefit studies, etc. Develop formal documents such

as guides or handbooks, and also presentations,

white papers, and other documentation to support

existing program tasks and/or proposed initiatives.

Evaluate proposals, designs, approaches, and other

technical overtures submitted/offered to NIJ, as

requested.

C. SUPPORT IT AND WIRELESS

STANDARDS COMMITTEES PARTICIPANTS

Provide travel/subsistence support to those representing local and state public safety agencies at the

meetings of the IT and Wireless Standards Working Groups and Technical Committees.

D. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS

INTEROPERABILITY STANDARDIZATION

Work closely with those chosen to represent the

wireless telecommunications users within the public safety community to validate usersí requirements; validate the current assets and plans of local, state, and Federal public safety agencies; update

the characterization of current and emerging tech-
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 37

nologies; validate internal and external factors that

may impact standardization options; and validate

the strategic plan for moving the entire standardization process forward. In addition, provide overall planning and operational support to those representing the wireless telecommunications users

as they function as the Wireless Technical Committee. Provide detailed technical review and analysis of thousands of standards developed by standards development organizations, and recommend

standards to the Wireless Working Groups and

Wireless Technical Committee. As part of that activity, classify all standards that were considered

by general subject area (e.g., architecture, protocol, performance, security, etc.), and track the status of all those standards using categories such

as: ìrejected as not being relevant,î ìbeing reviewed,î ìreviewed and rejected,î and ìreviewed

and recommended.î Act as the Secretariat for the

Wireless interoperability standardization process

by keeping detailed records of: 1) the content and

status of proposed standards, 2) the Wireless Technical Committeeís discussions and ultimate decisions made regarding each standard, 3) the standards recommended by Wireless Technical

Committee to NIJ for adoption, and 4) the standards adopted as NIJ Interoperability Standards.

On an ongoing basis, validate (through simulation

and/or demonstration/testing) that the chosen standards are compatible, fit together as an entire package, and specify effective and efficient interfaces

for local, State, and Federal systems. Provide close

technical liaison with the IT Technical Committee

to ensure that data transfer issues are addressed

consistently by the wireless and IT standardization activities, and that the two activities ultimately

converge.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: NIJ Standards, Reports,

Guides, Guidelines, Handbooks, White Papers, and

other products required to advance the AGILE Program

and other interoperability-related efforts within NIJ will

be provided.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

# Successfully coordinated with OJP and BJA

to advance standardization objectives of the Global Justice Information Network Program (GLOBAL) and its Advisory Committee (a Presidential

Advisory body).

# Provided technical support to GLOBALís Infrastructure/Standards Working Group (I/SWG) by:

1) developing I/SWG processes and procedures

outlining salient technical issues to address relative to information sharing, and 2) working with

practitioners to create effective standardized solutions.

# Worked closely with diverse members of the

Justice community to reconcile three different

implementation standards applying XML

(eXtensible Markup Language) and to develop a

ìJustice XML Data Dictionaryî that contains over

135 data elements that can be used commonly

across the Justice community.

# Coordinated with Department of Transportation and other ìJustice Partnersî to share Justice

work results and establish common interoperability

schemes.

PUBLICATIONS

The XML Justice Data Dictionary, a ìliving,î evolving database, currently containing over 135 reconciled data elements.

The XML Justice Standards Development ìPrinciplesî Report, describing the lessons learned in reconciling the 3 XML

standards and providing the procedures that were used.
38 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

CRITICAL INCIDENT TECHNOLOGIES

Long before the September 11th attacks and the war

on terrorism, OLES was already involved in

Americaís domestic preparedness and homeland

security efforts. The Critical Incident Technologies program, established as a separate program

area in 2001, consolidated existing projects with

new initiatives under a single administrative banner. The Critical Incident Technologies program

is being significantly expanded in fiscal year 2003.

This yearís program continues OLESí work on developing chemical and biological (CB) protection

equipment standards, including standards for respirators and CB detection and decontamination

technologies; investigating and validating advanced

lightweight protective clothing systems; and devising a test laboratory certification program. The

program has already published the first of a series

of CB protection equipment guides for emergency

first responders.

New programs introduced last year as a result of

the September 11th attacks included developing

both a testing standard and selection guide for frangible ammunition to be used aboard aircraft. The

Critical Incident Technologies program is being expanded this year to initiate development of radiological and nuclear detection equipment standards,

explosives detection equipment standards, revision

of NIJ Guide 100-00, ìGuide for the Selection of

Chemical Agent and Toxic Industrial Material Detection Equipment for Emergency First Responders, published in June 2000 and development of a

radiological/nuclear equipment detection equipment guide. The program has been restructured

and reorganized to better facilitate development of

the suite of chemical, biological, radiological,

nuclear and explosive protection equipment standards. This suite of standards includes development of performance standards for personal protective and respiratory protection equipment,

detection equipment, decontamination equipment,

selection care and maintenance guides and the support programs to facilitate equipment certification

such as laboratory selection and certification programs.

DEVELOPING CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL,

RADIOLOGICAL, NUCLEAR, AND

EXPLOSIVES (CBRNE) PROTECTION

EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

GOALS

The goal of the CBRNE Equipment Standards Development Program is to enhance public safety by

promulgating standards for CBRNE protective

equipment that ensure minimum performance, quality, and reliability. This suite of standards and subsequent performance evaluations will be disseminated to the pubic safety community to help them

make informed equipment purchases and to guide

manufacturers, developers, and the test and evaluation community to ensure product compliance.

The ultimate goal will be to link equipment certification and compliance to minimum performance

standards and Federal equipment grants programs.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

The objective of this project is to provide the criminal justice and public safety community a suite of

national chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear

and explosives (CBRNE) protective equipment

standards and to facilitate the adoption of these standards. Implementation of these standards is important to ensure that the criminal justice and public safety communities procure and use equipment

that achieves a minimum acceptable level of performance. To accomplish this mission, strong working relationships must be established and maintained with the criminal justice and public safety

user communities, to the point where the communitiesí representatives play a key and integral role

in all facets of the standards development process.

One primary means of accomplishing this is through

the Interagency Board (IAB) for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability. The suite of equipment standards will consist of: CBRNE personal

protective and respiratory protection equipment,

CBRNE detection equipment, CBRN decontamination equipment, and interoperable communications equipment. The IAB identified the respiratory equipment standards as the first priority for

development.

Technical Contact:

Alim Fatah

Philip Mattson

Thomas Russell

Staff-Years:

28.5 professionals

Funding Sources:

100% Other Government

Agencies

Project Champions:

ï Interagency Board for

Equipment Standardization and Interoperability,

Arlington, VA

ï National Institute for

Occupational Safety and

Health (NIOSH),

Morgantown, WVA

ï U.S. Army Soldier,

Biological and Chemical

Command (SBCCOM),

Aberdeen, MD

ï U.S. Department of

Justice, Washington, DC

National Institute of

Justice (NIJ)

Office for Domestic

Preparedness
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 39

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The CBRNE standards development program involves many agencies and activities. These agencies include the National Institute of Justice (NIJ),

the Department of Justiceís Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the U.S. Army

Soldier and Biological Chemical Command

(SBCCOM), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the InterAgency Board for Equipment

Standardization and InterOperability (IAB), the

Office of Homeland Security, the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Emergency

Management Administration (FEMA), and other

Federal agencies and professional organizations.

The CBRNE standards development program has

been restructured for FY03, and new initiatives have

been introduced. However, all the elements from

last yearís program remain in the current program.

The CBRNE standards development program consists of seven main project areas: 1) CBRN Respiratory Equipment Standards; 2) development of

CBRNE Personal Protection Equipment Standards;

3) development of CBRNE Detection Equipment

Standards; 4) development of CBRN Decontamination Equipment Standards; 5) development of

Selection, Care and Maintenance Guides; 6) development of CBRNE Protective Equipment Testing

and Test Laboratory Certification; and 7) support

of Domestic Preparedness Programs. Additionally,

a number of new CBRNE standards-related initiatives have been proposed for further development,

depending upon the availability of funding. The

A typical protective mask for first responders, law

enforcement officers, corrections officers, and EMS

providers.

specific tasks required to accomplish this program

are as follows.

A. DEVELOPMENT OF CBRN

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

STANDARDS

The objective of this task is to develop National

Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

(NIOSH) approved respiratory protection equipment standards against CBRN agents for emergency

first responders and public safety workers. To develop these, the following tasks will be performed:

1) determine applicability of existing industrial and

military warfare agent standards; 2) develop key

chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear design and

performance requirements; 3) modify and/or develop terrorism agent-specific test methods; and

4) prepare final evaluation, testing, and certification standards.

The purpose of these standards is to provide CBRN

equipment minimum performance standards for the

emergency first responder community when evaluating and purchasing CBRN defense equipment.

Multiple agencies including the NIOSH, NIST, NIJ,

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(OSHA), and the U.S. Army Soldier and Biological

Chemical Command (SBCCOM), have generally

agreed that the following activities are necessary

for development of a CBRN respirator standard and

sustainment of a continuing certification program:

1) hazards analysis/vulnerability assessments; 2)

standards development; 3) test method validation;

4) maintenance of CBRN equipment databases; 5)

publication of user guides, user-friendly decision

aid systems regarding respiratory protection issues

at chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear/explosives terrorism incidents; 6) provide technical assistance to domestic preparedness and homeland

security programs, partners, stakeholders, and civilian organizations as requested; and 7) certification and testing of CBRN equipment.

The subtasks within this yearís efforts include continuation of previous efforts and a new task. These

efforts include the NIOSH development of CBRN

respiratory protective equipment standards for air

purifying respirators and escape masks, a new effort to identify potential surrogates for chemical

warfare agents, continued testing of existing respiratory equipment by NIOSH, and SBCCOM support to NIOSH for development of respiratory

protective equipment standards and continued certification testing with live chemical warfare agents.
FY2003 DELIVERABLES: The major deliverables

include periodic (quarterly and annual) progress

reports, reports on major milestones such as the

hazard/threat analysis, draft and final performance

standards, hosting of public hearings on proposed

standards, staffing and equipping a suitable standard

testing laboratory, publication of user guides, and other

products required to fully implement the CBRN

respiratory protection standards. The standard for Self

Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) was implemented in January 2002. This year, the standards for

Air Purifying Respirators (APR) or gas masks and

escape masks will be developed.

40 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

The following specific efforts are necessary for the

development of CBRNE standards for all types of

PPE, other than respirators: 1) hazards analysis/

vulnerability assessment; 2) standards development ó this involves review of existing test methods, analyzing these test methods for applicability,

providing a matrix of prospective standards with

preliminary analysis and selection of the appropriate standards test; 3) testing of equipment; and 4)

publication of user guides.

Additional subtasks include a new initiative to

study existing military protective equipment effectiveness against toxic industrial chemicals, and development of CBRNE PPE communications interfaces. A project for field validation and certification of advanced lightweight Chemical/Biological

Agent/Toxic Industrial Chemical clothing systems

will continue this year.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Performance Standards for

PPE, and communications interfaces

C. DEVELOPMENT OF CBRNE

DETECTION EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

This task has been significantly expanded this year,

to include development radiological/nuclear detection equipment standards, and to begin examination of standardized procedures for calibration of

explosives detection equipment. The focus of the

chemical and biological agent detection equipment

standards program is to: 1) initiate investigation

into the relative capability of commercial chemical detectors to adequately detect, identify, and

quantify the toxic risk of aerosolized chemicals; 2)

initiate and investigation of interferants that commonly occur in cities, rural areas, suburban areas,

seaports, etc.; and 3) development and implementation of a test certification program for the detection equipment.

Radiological detection equipment technologies are

much further developed and widespread throughout the non-DoD community than are chemical or

biological detection equipment, and there are existing standards that may directly apply. However,

these existing standards generally apply to Department of Energy or health physics functions, and

may not always support the emergency first

responderís needs. The radiological/nuclear detection equipment standards effort will assess the

use, threatened use, or threatened detonation of a

nuclear devise or bomb, in which the energy is released through the fission or fusion process, or the

detonation of a devise used to disperse radiological material (a radiological dispersion device

A chemical/biological protective suit.

B. DEVELOPMENT OF CHEMICAL,

BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, NUCLEAR

AND EXPLOSIVES PERSONAL PROTECTION

(PPE) EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

The objective of this task is to develop standards

for personal protection equipment (PPE) which includes the suits, boots, gloves, etc., all additional

elements of PPE excluding respiratory protection

equipment. This task is separate from the respiratory protection equipment, since this effort is being conducted by agencies other than NIOSH. The

purpose of these standards is to provide CBRNE

equipment minimum performance standards to the

emergency first responder community when evaluating and purchasing CBRN defense equipment.
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 41

(RDD)). This effort includes the following tasks: 1)

determine the applicability of existing standards or

test methods; 2) determine if existing standards or

procedures require modification before adoption;

or 3) determine if new standards require development; 4) develop a testing and certification program; and, finally, 5) develop user selection, care

and maintenance guides for the equipment.

Another new initiative is related to conventional

explosives detection equipment. Two potential

tasks to be initiated this year are to develop procedures for the calibration and standardization of trace

explosive detection devices, and for the development of explosives standard reference materials.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: SBCCOM and other

collaborating/contributing agencies and organizations

will produce and deliver quarterly progress reports to

OLES. Participation and contribution to interagency

working groups and Standards Developing

Organizations.

D. DEVELOPMENT OF CBRN

DECONTAMINATION EQUIPMENT

STANDARDS

The program consists of the development of national certification and testing standards for chemical, biological, and radiological/nuclear decontamination equipment and materials. Partners will include U.S. Army SBCCOM, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease

Control.

Specific tasks to be performed include: 1) define

chemical and biological agent and radiological/

nuclear (CBRN) contamination detection levels required to meet acceptable airborne monitoring values, residual surface contamination levels, and PPE

selection; 2) assess available CBRN decontamination processes, materials and technologies; 3) develop test criteria and parameters for the recommended CBRN decontamination processes,

materials and technologies; 4) recommend CBRN

decontamination processes, materials and technologies to meet the userís requirements; and 5)

initiate the development of the equipment evaluation program.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: SBCCOM and other

collaborating/contributing agencies and organizations

will produce and deliver quarterly progress reports to

OLES. Participation and contribution to interagency

working groups and Standards Developing

Organizations.

E. DEVELOPMENT OF SELECTION, CARE

AND MAINTENANCE GUIDES

User-friendly decision aid systems, and selection,

care and maintenance (SCAM) guides will be published to provide guidance to the users. By design

and necessity, the standards and test protocols are

very technical. This is to ensure that reproducible

test results can be obtained at different test sites.

The SCAM guides provide important information

to the user on the appropriate uses and limitations

of the equipment, selection guidelines, maintenance

and decontamination guidelines, and other critical

information. These guides, in most cases, will be

developed by the agency that is developing the standard and test protocols, in conjunction with the standards development.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: SBCCOM and other

collaborating/contributing agencies and organizations

will produce and deliver quarterly progress reports to

OLES. Participation and contribution to interagency

working groups and Standards Developing

Organizations.

F. DEVELOPMENT OF CBRNE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TESTING PROGRAM AND

LABORATORY CERTIFICATION

The purpose of this task is to provide program

management, technical, and administrative support

to facilitate the process to certify test laboratories

and agencies to conduct testing in accordance with

the approved CBRNE suite of standards.

Once standards have been approved, the next step

is to certify testing facilities to conduct tests to the

standard. This is the final step to ensure that equipment meets the stated performance standard. The

standards will be administered through the appropriate agencies; e.g., NIOSH will administer the

respiratory protection equipment standards. In

some cases, where existing agencies do not have

oversight or responsibility for a standard, the standard may be published by NIJ.

The primary steps to be conducted in this process

are: 1) conduct planning and management functions

necessary to support laboratory and test agency

certification to test to the CBRNE standards suite;

2) issue progress reports to the funding agency and

to the IAB; 3) certify, in collaboration with other

standards team members, qualified laboratories that

are capable to conduct equipment testing and certification in accordance with the national suite of

standards; 4) maintain pertinent agreements, standards and guides to include review and updates.
A new element to this task in FY03 is to facilitate

the expansion of the live chemical warfare agent

testing program through upgrading the testing capabilities at other sites.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Project milestone updates,

staffing and coordination of procedures for equipment

certification programs and test laboratory certification.

G. SUPPORT OF DOMESTIC

PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS

The goal of this task is to provide program management; and technical and administrative support

to domestic preparedness programs, in particular

to the activities related to the development of national standards and guides for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE)

protective equipment.

OLES is the executive agent for the IAB, responsible for implementing the national suite of responder CBRNE equipment standards. OLESís efforts were instrumental in the IAB adoption of the

first six standards in the National Suite in September 2002.

The primary tasks of this subproject are: 1) conduct planning and management functions necessary

to support development; and implementation of

CBRNE standards suite; 2) provide user needs and

requirements to standards development process; 3)

canvas literature both in the U.S. and worldwide

for existing applicable standards that can be used

or adapted to the standards development process;

4) coordinate with other standards organizations

on providing forums for soliciting input for the standards agencies and organizations on development

process from users and industry; 5) attend conferences and forums related CBRNE threats, protection equipment standards and counterterrorism

threat scenarios that will be helpful in standards

development effort; 6) issue progress reports to the

funding agency and to the IAB; 7) promulgate relevant standards and guides; 8) develop standards

user guides; 9) certify, in collaboration with other

standards team members, qualified laboratories that

are capable to equipment testing and certification

in accordance with the national suite of standards;

10) maintain pertinent agreements, standards and

guides to include review and updates; and 11) coordinate efforts with the Department of Homeland

Security.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Interagency agreements,

project milestone updates, staffing and coordination of

draft standards/guides, and promulgation of approved

standards and guides.

42 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

DEVELOPMENT OF CBRNE

PROTECTION AND COMMUNICATION

EQUIPMENT GUIDES FOR EMERGENCY

FIRST RESPONDERS

GOALS

The goal of this project is to develop chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives

(CBRNE) protection equipment communication

equipment guides for emergency first responders.

The currently published equipment guides include

chemical agent and toxic industrial material detection, biological detection, communications, personal protective equipment, and decontamination

equipment. OLES has established interagency

agreements with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the U.S.

Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command

(SBCCOM) to develop a suite of national CBRNE

protection standards; the first of these guides was

published in 2000 and the remaining guides are in

the various stages of review and comment before

publication. These guides will be distributed to

the user community and also posted on the web

and hence will be available on-line.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

The guides will focus on CBRNE agent protection

equipment in areas of detection, personal protection, decontamination, and communication. The

purpose of these guides is to provide CBRNE

equipment information to the emergency first responder community when evaluating and purchasing CBRNE defense equipment. This sharing of

information is critical to the many emergency first

responder communities who have received or are

in the process of receiving CBRNE equipment

grants funding from the U.S. Department of

Justiceís Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP).

The heightened national concern that terrorists will

employ chemical agents, toxic industrial materials

(TIMs), and/or biological agents against domestic

targets is prompting state and local first responders to enhance their response capabilities. NIJ is

the focal point for providing support to state and

local law enforcement agencies in the development

of counterterrorism technology and standards, including technology needs for CBRNE defense. In

recognizing the needs of state and local emergency

first responders, NIST, supported by NIJ, TSWG,

SBCCOM, and the IABís Standards Coordination

Committee, developed the first set of CBRNE defense equipment guides. The guides focused on
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 43

CB equipment in areas of detection, personal protection, decontamination, and communication. The

purpose of these guides is to provide CBRNE

equipment information to the emergency first responder community when evaluating and purchasing CBRNE defense equipment. This sharing of

information is critical to the many emergency first

responder communities who have received or are

in the process of receiving funding from the Office

for Domestic Preparedness.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The initial editions of the guides have been completed, and have been published and issued as NIJ

Guides. This effort required working with the emergency first responder community, NIST, SBCCOM,

NIJ, and TSWG to get their thoughts and comments

on the equipment guides. The guides were then be

submitted to NIJ for a legal review. Following the

legal review and incorporation of all comments,

the guides were finalized and resubmitted to NIJ

for final approval and publication. Thus far, the

decontamination, communication and biological

agent detection guides have been through the NIST

review process and have been submitted to NIJ for

final approval and publication.

This year the plan is to revise the chemical/biological detection equipment guide, develop and

publish a new radiological detection equipment

guide, and begin the work to revise and update NIJ

Guide 100-99 on explosives detection equipment.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Drafts and final versions

(paper and electronic) of each guide, monthly reports,

and a final comprehensive summary report are the

required deliverables. It is critical that annual updates

to each guide be made. These updates will allow the

emergency first responder community to stay aware of

new equipment as it becomes available, as well as old

equipment that is no longer available. The first update

to the Chemical Detection Guide is tentatively

scheduled for first quarter of 2003. It would be best to

have the updates made electronically and be made

available through NIJís Justice Technology Information

Network (JUSTNETR).

THE EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATION

USED IN MAIL STERILIZATION ON

MICROELECTRONIC DEVICES

GOALS

To investigate the impact of mail sterilization using electron beam irradiation on the functionality

and performance of microelectronic devices.

CUSTOMER NEEDS

The U.S. Postal Service has decided to use a sterilization process using electron beam irradiation to

destroy possible contamination with anthrax spores.

The typical dose used in the process can exceed 70

kGy. Smart cards, including debit and pay cards,

use standard silicon integrated circuit (IC) technology similar to that used in personal computers and

consumer electronics. This dose has already been

shown to destroy the functionality of ìsmart cardsî

with embedded microchips used by many banking

institutions. It is also expected that such a dose will

destroy or seriously degrade the functionality of

other electronic devices sent through the mail system. Initial studies suggest that magnetic stripe

cards may be unaffected. Manufacturers of electronic products are now faced with the prospect of

finding another way to deliver their products. For

many of the products, the dose at which devices

fail is not known. Furthermore, it is not known

whether design or process changes could be implemented in the products to ìhardenî the electronics

to withstand the sterilization process.

Smart cards are only one part of a larger problem.

Personal computers and consumer electronics if

subjected to the same sterilization process will also

become inoperable. This proposal will only address

the IC technology used in smart cards, but the results could be used to assess the vulnerability of

other consumer electronics products.

TECHNICAL STRATEGY

The first step of the project is to determine the

maximum permissible dose that the electronics in

smart cards can tolerate before failure. This step

can be performed in collaboration with the manufacturers of the smart card electronics, the manufacturer of the sterilization equipment, and the U.S.

Postal Service. Sample test cards or chips can be

obtained from the manufacturers and subjected to

increasing doses of ionization radiation at the manufacturer of the sterilization equipment or at NIST

using gamma irradiation. The NIST irradiation facilities will be used if detailed studies need to be

conducted that cannot be accomplished by the

manufacturer of the sterilization equipment. If

needed, the effects of the e-beam irradiation will

be correlated to the effects of gamma irradiation

using NIST supplied microelectronic samples. The

cards could be returned to the manufacturers or to

NIST for functional testing. The results of this first

phase is important to determine if some chips will

survive the minimum dose required to kill anthrax

spores.
The second step is to assess the effects of increasing levels of ionizing radiation on individual devices that comprise the chips in smart cards. This

could be accomplished by using test chips supplied

by the chip manufactures. Results will point to specific areas in the microchip that are most vulnerable to parameter drift and failure. Information from

this phase of the project could be used by the manufacturers to implement design changes in the

architecture of the chip to harden the chip against

the dose levels determined to kill anthrax spores.

Such design changes would provide a long-term

solution.

FY2003 DELIVERABLES: Smart card chip survival

data as a function of dose level for e-beam and gamma

irradiation. Correlation study between e-beam

irradiation effects and gamma irradiation if needed.

Device parameters, such as the parameters that

characterize the operation microelectronic transistors,

drift as a function of radiation dose. Experimental data

for field oxide and inter-layer dielectric charging.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

# Guides for First Responders ñ A series of first

responder equipment guides was developed by

OLES and published by the National Institute of

Justice (NIJ). These guides provide comprehensive listings of personal protective equipment,

chemical and biological detection equipment,

chemical and biological agent decontamination

equipment and emergency first responder communication equipment. These guides have been published in hard copy format, and are available for

download from the NIJ website: http://

virlib.ncjrs.org/LawEnforcement.asp. They guides

will also be issued in a user friendly electronically

searchable CD-ROM.

# CBRNE Protective Equipment Standards ñ

A number of key milestones were achieved in the

NIJ-funded program to develop CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive)

protective equipment standards for emergency first

responders. The first standard, for the certification of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

(SCBA) in a CBRN environment, was implemented

by the National Institute for Occupational Safety

and Health (NIOSH) and equipment certification

testing has begun. This effort was funded by NIJ,

with the program managed by OLES, and accomplished by NIOSH in conjunction with the U.S.

Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command.

Additional milestones included the publication of

a detailed threat analysis to support the development of these standards, and a comprehensive re44 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory

view of international and other standards relating

to CBRNE protective equipment.

PUBLICATIONS

NIJ Guide 101-00, October 2001, ìAn Introduction to

Biological Agent Detection Equipment for Emergency First

Responders.î

NIJ Guide 102-00, October 2001, ìGuide for the Selection

of Personal Protection Equipment for Emergency First

responders.î

NIJ Guide 103-00, October 2001, ìGuide for the Selection

of Chemical and Biological Decontamination Equipment

for Emergency First Responders.î

NIJ Guide 104-00, October 2001, ìGuide for the Selection

of Communication Equipment for Emergency First

Responders.î
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 45

OFFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT STANDARDS

ORGANIZATION (810.02)

For additional information about the Office of Law Enforcement Standards, please visit our

Web sites at http://www.eeel.nist.gov/oles or http://www.nlectc.org. Staff may be contacted at

the following telephone extensions (301ñ975ñXXXX):

Name Title Extension

Kathleen Higgins Director, OLES 2754

Thomas Russell Special Assistant to the Director 2665

Sharon Lyles Administrative Support Assistant 2757

Melissa Naddeo Secretary 2756

Susan Ballou Program Manager, Forensic Sciences 8750

Alim Fatah Program Manager, Chemical Systems and Materials 2753

George Lieberman Program Manager, Detection, Inspection and 4258

Enforcement Technologies

Philip Mattson Program Manager, Critical Incident Technologies 3396

Dereck Orr Program Manager, Public Safety 2296

Communication Standards

Kirk Rice Program Manager, Weapons and Protective Systems 8071

Nathaniel Waters Engineering Technician 5128
Division/Office Publication Editor: Thomas Russell

Publication Coordinator: Gaylen R. Rinaudot

Printing Coordinators: Warren Overman

Verna M. Moore

Document Production: Technology & Management Services, Inc.

Gaithersburg, Maryland
January 2003

For additional information contact:

Telephone: (301) 975-2757

Facsimile: (301) 948-0978

On the Web: http://www.eeel.nist.gov/oles/