U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI Laboratory 2005 Report

An FBI Laboratory Publication

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Quantico, Virginia

The FBI Laboratory 2005 Report

may also be viewed online at

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/labannual05.pdf

FBI Publication #0357
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Table of Contents

Message from the FBI Laboratory Director....................................................................ii

Investigation ................................................................................................................1

Chemistry Unit................................................................................................................1	

Cryptanalysis and Racketeering Records Unit......................................................2

DNA Analysis Unit I...........................................................................................4

DNA Analysis Unit II .........................................................................................5

Explosives Unit................................................................................................................7	

Evidence Response Team Unit.............................................................................9

Firearms-Toolmarks Unit ...................................................................................10

Hazardous Materials Response Unit...........................................................................12	

Investigative and Prosecutive Graphic Unit........................................................16

Latent Print Operations Unit.............................................................................18

Latent Print Support Unit .................................................................................18

Photographic Operations and Imaging Services Unit..........................................20

Questioned Documents Unit.............................................................................21

Structural Design Unit.......................................................................................22

Trace Evidence Unit ..........................................................................................26

Hurricane Katrina .............................................................................................27

Tsunami Team...................................................................................................28

Collaboration .............................................................................................................30

Chemical-Biological Sciences Unit.....................................................................30

Combined DNA Index System Unit ..................................................................32

National Missing Person DNA Database ...........................................................34

Regional mtDNA Laboratories..........................................................................35

Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center.....................................................37

Scientific Working Groups ................................................................................37

Innovation ..................................................................................................................39

Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit.......................................39

Laboratory Instrument Automation...................................................................44

AccuTOF-DART Technology............................................................................45

DNA Robotics..................................................................................................46

Administration ..........................................................................................................47

Administrative and Security Unit.......................................................................47

Evidence Control Unit.......................................................................................49

Facility Services Unit.........................................................................................49

Planning and Budget Unit..................................................................................50

Education ...................................................................................................................51

Quality Assurance and Training Unit..................................................................51

Crime Laboratory Development Symposium......................................................52

Celebration.................................................................................................................53

Laboratory Family Day ......................................................................................53

Junior Scientist Program....................................................................................55

Back-to-School Supply Drive .............................................................................56
ii

Investigations and intelligence gathering are the lifeblood of the FBI, and the FBI Laboratory 

supports those efforts. FBI Laboratory personnel routinely examine evidence from major 

cases, as well as other cases you may never read about in the newspaper. Whether the case 

is big or small, just around the corner or halfway around the world, the FBI Laboratory 

approaches each one with the same steadfast determination and desire to be the world’s 

foremost forensic laboratory upon which FBI field offices, investigative and intelligence 

agencies, and the American public can always rely.

Reorganized for Success

It’s been said that the only constant is change. At the FBI Laboratory, we are constantly 

assessing our policies, practices, and performance to ensure that we provide the highest 

quality service to our constituents. Ongoing evaluation also remains essential for our 

continued accreditation by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory 

Accreditation Board. Often, and perhaps inevitably, the result of that evaluation is change. 

FBI Laboratory employees meet those changes with professional and positive attitudes.

In 2005 our commitment to quality led to a restructuring of the Laboratory. The 

reorganization involved placing the Quality Assurance and Training Unit under the authority 

of the Deputy Assistant Director of the Forensic Analysis Branch. The Quality Assurance 

Manager, who heads the unit, now reports directly to the Laboratory Director. 

We also reorganized the Latent Print Units and created a program manager to oversee 

issues relating to Daubert, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that sets forth the criteria for 

admitting expert testimony in court. I believe that these and other changes we initiated 

will help the FBI Laboratory achieve and maintain the high standards our constituents 

expect from us and that we demand from ourselves.

FBI Laboratory personnel routinely respond to bombing incidents, hazardous 

crime scenes, and other events as requested by the FBI and other duly constituted 

law enforcement agencies worldwide. In 2005 employees from the FBI Laboratory 

responded to an unprecedented number of events around the globe. For example, in 

Thailand, we joined forensic teams from more than 30 countries to help identify the 

victims of one of the worst natural disasters in history: the tsunami. At home, we 

responded to a force of nature less powerful than the tsunami but no less daunting—

Hurricane Katrina.

Message from the 

FBI Laboratory Director

Dwight E. Adams, Ph.D.
iii

Share Our Accomplishments

As you read this year’s report, you’ll read the stories of the men and women who dedicate 

themselves to help the victims of crime and other devastating events. You’ll get an inside 

look at a number of cases, join us in our partnerships, view some of our new technology, 

discover how we keep the Laboratory running smoothly, learn about our education efforts, 

and help celebrate our accomplishments, both in the Laboratory and in the community. 

Indeed, the FBI Laboratory stands as a partner with law enforcement and intelligence 

agencies, the forensic community, and also with our neighboring community, the people 

who live and work just outside the borders of our home here in Quantico, Virginia. 

Television makes crime scene investigation look glamorous, where cases are often solved 

in less than an hour. But in reality, the exploitation of forensic evidence requires excellent 

education and training, a steadfast dedication to quality, and persistence, sometimes leading 

to years of hard work. The FBI Laboratory is committed to these values so that we can best 

serve the law enforcement, intelligence, and forensic communities.

Dwight E. Adams, Ph.D.

Director

FBI Laboratory

Quantico, Virginia
iv
1

 Investigation

Conducting forensic analysis to support FBI investigations remains the lifeblood of the 

FBI Laboratory. This section describes the units whose primary responsibilities involve 

casework, whether those responsibilities consist of responding to a crime scene or natural 

disaster to collect evidence, identify victims, or take photographs; examining evidence, 

reporting the findings, and testifying in court; or producing the exhibits to be used during 

a trial. This section also details some of the major cases and events Laboratory personnel 

worked in 2005.

Chemistry Unit 

The Chemistry Unit conducts timely, high-quality chemical and metallurgical analyses on 

evidence; reports findings; provides testimony in court; assists in crime scene investigations; 

and provides advanced training to law enforcement agencies to support the investigative 

priorities of the FBI and the law enforcement community.

The Chemistry Unit comprises five subunits that reflect the individual specialties of the 

personnel assigned to each.

General Chemistry Subunit 

The General Chemistry Subunit is responsible for the analysis of unknown powders, liquids, 

and stains to determine their chemical identities or characteristics. The cases assigned to 

this subunit usually involve threat letters; dyes and tear gases associated with bank dye 

packs; drug and pharmaceutical analyses; ink analyses; analysis of petroleum products; and 

analysis of flammable fluids.

Metallurgy Subunit

The Metallurgy Subunit is responsible for the metallurgical analysis of materials. This is 

a specialty discipline that few forensic laboratories have available. Therefore, this subunit 

receives a significant number of cases from other federal agencies as well as state and local 

contributors. FBI cases submitted to this subunit often involve major bombing investigations.

Paints and Polymers Subunit

The personnel assigned to the Paints and Polymers Subunit analyze evidence for paint, 

tapes, adhesives, and other polymeric materials. The cases submitted to this subunit usually 

evolve from hit-and-run homicides, espionage, bombings, and counterterrorism investigations. 

This subunit also maintains the National Automotive Paint File, which contains entries 

dating as far back as the 1930s. The Paints and Polymers Subunit also serves as the U.S. 

repository for the Paint Data Query database. State and local law enforcement agencies 

investigating hit-and-run homicides rely on both the National Automotive Paint File and 

the Paint Data Query database.

In 2005 the Paint and Polymers Subunit facilitated two week-long classes at the FBI 

Academy. Twelve students from local, state, federal, and international law enforcement 

agencies attended The Forensic Analysis of Tapes in June, and in December, an additional 

12 students from state and local law enforcement attended The Forensic Analysis of Paints. 

Instructors for each class were brought in from academia, industry, instrument manufacturers, 

and other forensic laboratories to share their expertise with class attendees. Both classes 

included extensive laboratory exercises designed to reinforce concepts presented during 

the lectures. During the laboratory exercises, the students had an opportunity to analyze 

various types of tapes and paints in addition to mock cases.
2

Toxicology Subunit

The Toxicology Subunit analyzes biological samples and food evidence for the presence 

of poisons and drugs. In addition to analyzing the numerous case submissions from FBI 

field office investigations, this subunit provides substantial support to state and local 

agencies that lack appropriate resources to carry out needed toxicological examinations.

Instrument Operation and Support Subunit

Personnel in the Instrumentation Operation and Support Subunit maintain and repair all 

of the Chemistry Unit’s analytical instrumentation while ensuring that all instruments are 

fully compliant with quality assurance mandates. Although personnel in this subunit do 

not work cases, the arduous task of maintaining more than 175 different instruments 

directly affects the outcome of the work performed by all Chemistry Unit personnel. 

Bank Robbery Case

Six men went on trial in May 2005 for their participation in a series of armed, takeoverstyle bank robberies in the Washington metropolitan area. The Chemistry Unit and other 

units in the Laboratory processed numerous items of evidence presented at trial, including 

clothing and currency stained with red dye. The Chemistry Unit examiner who analyzed 

the evidence linked the stains to the dye packs used by the banks. The Chemistry Unit (as 

well as the Trace Evidence Unit) also examined duct tape seized from the subjects, while 

other Laboratory units processed DNA evidence, latent prints, hair and fibers, weapons, 

and other evidentiary items. The voluminous forensic evidence in the case helped convict 

the men of numerous federal offenses in addition to bank robbery.

Cryptanalysis and Racketeering Records Unit

The Cryptanalysis and Racketeering Records Unit (CRRU) examines manually encrypted 

documents in support of all FBI investigative programs. During 2005 CRRU examiners 

deciphered records and communications from street and prison gangs, violent criminals, 

drug traffickers, organized crime groups, and domestic terrorist groups. 

Carlie Brucia Murder Investigation 

On February 1, 2004, Carlie Brucia, age 11, was abducted at a car wash in Sarasota, Florida. 

The abduction was captured via a video surveillance camera located at the car wash. On 

February 3, 2004, subsequent to the profiling of the abduction, tips led authorities to 

Joseph P. Smith. Smith was arrested and initially held on violation of probation charges. 

During the evening hours of February 5, 2004, the body of Carlie Brucia was found behind 

a church, located approximately three miles from where she had been abducted. She was 

found lying face up on the edge of a shrub line, wearing only a red shirt, a bra, and a sock, 

with bruising around her neck consistent with that of strangulation. The following morning 

Smith was charged with the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Carlie Brucia. 

In August 2005 the FBI’s Tampa Field Office requested CRRU assistance in deciphering 

an encrypted letter written by Joseph Smith to his brother. Smith enciphered the message 

by replacing letters of the alphabet with a series of one- or two-character combinations 

of numerals and symbols. To further complicate decryption, he wrote the message from 

right to left, starting at the bottom of the page and working his way up. Despite these 

obstacles, CRRU examiners were able to quickly decipher the message, which contained 

incriminating references to hiding evidence and moving the body.
3

Enciphered letter written 

by Smith

Cipher key used to decipher 

Smith’s message

I WLSH L HAD SOMTHLN JULCY TO SAY OH OK THE BACKPACK AND 

CLOTHES WENT IN FOUR DIFFERENT DUMPSTERS THAT MONDAY 

I CAME TO YOUR HOUSE FOR ADVISE I WENT IT I LEFT IT OUT IN 

THE OPEN I DRAGED THE BODY TO WHERE ST WAS FOUND DESTROY 

THIS AFTER DECIFERING IT AND SHUT UP 

Verbatim translation of Joseph Smith’s message to his brother

In all, the Laboratory received more than 100 items for analysis. A DNA Analysis Unit I 

examiner extracted a full 13-locus male profile from a semen stain found on Carlie Brucia’s 

shirt. The DNA profile from Joseph Smith matched the profile from the evidence, and 

he was determined to be the source of that DNA.

In November 2005 a CRRU examiner presented the decryption evidence at Smith’s trial, 

and a DNA examiner testified to the DNA evidence. On November 17, 2005, the jury 

convicted Smith in the abduction and murder of Carlie Brucia.
4

DNA Analysis Unit I

The DNA Analysis Unit I (DNAUI) provides serological and nuclear DNA testing services 

in criminal and counterterrorism investigative matters to all federal agencies; U.S. attorneys; 

military tribunals; and duly constituted state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies 

in the United States, its territories, and other countries. The unit also provides expert 

witness testimony in criminal judicial proceedings on both a national and international level.

DNAUI personnel perform two evidence-processing functions: serology and nuclear DNA 

analysis. Serology involves screening evidentiary materials for biological stains, such as 

blood in homicides or other violent crimes and semen in sexual crimes. Nuclear DNA is 

the genetic blueprint that is unique to every individual, with the exception of identical 

twins, and is passed on by both mother and father. Nuclear DNA testing can be performed 

on the stains identified serologically and compared to reference samples obtained from the 

subject or victim in the case. Nuclear DNA testing also can be performed on samples that 

are not usually screened serologically, such as envelopes, hats, cigarette butts, and bottles. 

It can help answer the questions: Who licked this envelope flap? Who was wearing this 

hat? Who smoked this cigarette? Who drank from this bottle? Because of the extremely 

high discriminatory power of nuclear DNA analysis, these questions often can be answered 

with reasonable certainty.

DNAUI also maintains the Federal Convicted Offender (FCO) Program. The FCO Program 

requires collecting and processing samples from any individual convicted of a federal felony. 

Once the Laboratory receives the sample, DNA analysis is performed and the subsequent 

DNA profile is uploaded into the National DNA Database. The FCO Program supplies 

collection kits and receives samples from more than 500 collection sites across the United 

States. Since the program’s inception in June 2001, more than 100,000 samples have been 

received. In 2005 alone, the FCO Program received more than 73,000 samples. This increase 

over subsequent years was due to the Justice for All Act of 2004, which expanded the list 

of qualifying offenses from sexual assaults and crimes of violence to all felonies. The FCO 

Program currently receives 7,000 to 8,000 samples every month. In January 2006 Congress 

passed the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005, which further expands the list of qualifying 

federal offenses to include all federal arrestees. This new act will result in an increase of 

approximately 100,000 samples per year. The FCO Program eventually will use robotics 

and automation to handle the high production that this legislation requires. 

Unit personnel have provided training to more than 3,500 law enforcement and forensic 

laboratory personnel during more than 20 separate in-services, schools, seminars, working 

groups, and conferences. The FBI, specifically DNAUI, is responsible for developing and 

maintaining a DNA audit document for assessing compliance with DNA standards and also 

provides DNA auditor instruction to all American Society of Crime Laboratory 

Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board inspectors, in addition to the forensic DNA 

community, on how to interpret the DNA standards. 

The American Prosecutors Research Institute provides training on DNA technology to 

state and local prosecutors. The goal of the training is to provide participants with the 

knowledge and skills necessary to understand, investigate, and present forensic DNA 

evidence effectively and persuasively in court. DNAUI provides instructors for these classes 

numerous times throughout the year. The benefits of this program include ensuring that 

prosecutors receive proper training, establishing communication between forensic examiners 

and prosecutors, and making pretrial meetings more productive by reducing the training 

needed during these meetings. 

DNAUI has been responsible for developing a memorandum of understanding between 

the FBI and the District of Columbia to facilitate the staffing and training of qualified
5

DNA scientists to service a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) DNA program. 

Specifically, the unit has developed position descriptions, salary levels, and experience and 

educational requirements and has assisted in the recruitment, interview, and hiring of 

technical positions to staff the program. DNAUI also is providing the necessary training, 

supplies, and quality assurance/quality-control support. Two MPD serologists have completed 

training, and DNAUI is in the process of training an MPD DNA examiner. The group will 

ultimately function autonomously within the FBI Laboratory in Quantico until a permanent 

facility is established by the MPD in the District of Columbia.

Vermont Capital Case

In the early morning hours of November 27, 2000, Terry King, a 53-year-old grandmother, 

was carjacked and held hostage by Donald Fell and Robert Lee. They had just killed two 

people and needed a getaway vehicle. Four hours later, Fell and Lee beat King to death as 

she prayed in a field. After Lee’s death in prison, the fate of Fell became a landmark case 

in the state of Vermont. The state had abolished the death penalty in 1987, making this 

federal case Vermont’s first capital case in more than 40 years. In June 2005 a DNAUI 

examiner testified that King’s DNA was identified on Donald Fell’s boots. The jury convicted 

Fell on all four counts after two hours of deliberation. Jurors unanimously reached a deathpenalty verdict.

DNA Analysis Unit II

The DNA Analysis Unit II (DNAUII) 

examines biological items of evidence—such 

as hair, bones, and teeth—from crime scenes 

to determine the mitochondrial DNA 

(mtDNA) sequence. Typically, these items 

contain low concentrations of degraded DNA, 

making them unsuitable for nuclear DNA 

examinations. The high sensitivity of mtDNA 

analysis allows forensic scientists to obtain 

information from old items of evidence 

associated with cold cases and small pieces of 

evidence containing little biological material.

Additionally, the maternal inheritance of mtDNA allows scientists to compare the mtDNA 

profile of a set of remains to that of reference samples from such individuals as the mother, 

brother, sister, or any other maternally related individuals of a missing person. These samples 

should have the same mtDNA profiles because all maternal relatives inherit the same 

mtDNA. Because mtDNA is maternally inherited and multiple individuals can have the 

same mtDNA type, unique identifications are not possible using mtDNA analyses. However, 

mtDNA analysis is an excellent technique to use for obtaining information in cases where 

nuclear DNA analysis is not feasible. 

In addition to criminal casework, the DNA Analysis Unit II focuses considerable attention 

on other programs of interest to the forensic DNA community: the National Missing 

Person DNA Database, the Regional Mitochondrial DNA Laboratory Program, and the 

Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods Mitochondrial DNA Population 

Database.

The unit also provides training to the forensic science community. Each year unit members 

teach a two-week Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis course, which provides the 

scientific foundation for human mitochondrial DNA biology and the practices used to
6

accurately convey the information gained from typing samples. Course participants regularly 

include national and international members of the forensic community. Topics include 

heteroplasmy, contamination, quality assurance/quality control, report preparation, statistics, 

population database, and legal issues. Additionally, the course covers such fields as trace 

evidence and physical anthropology and their importance to forensic mtDNA analysis. 

Students conduct extensive literature reviews and moot-court exercises. The course also 

provides an intense practical experience in the analytical methods used to generate mtDNA 

profiles by having course participants perform the laboratory procedures. Participants take 

a sample through extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, 

postamplification quantitation, cycle sequencing, and capillary electrophoresis. The students 

then analyze and interpret the data. Because of the unparalleled expertise of the DNAUII 

staff, participants receive a comprehensive introduction to forensic mitochondrial DNA 

analysis.

Shauna Howe

On October 27, 1992, 11-year-old Shauna Howe was abducted while walking home from 

a Girl Scout Halloween party in Oil City, Pennsylvania. Three days later, searchers found 

her lifeless body at the bottom of a 30-foot drop from a train trestle. The autopsy revealed 

that Shauna had been sexually assaulted and that she had been alive when she was thrown 

from the bridge. Forensic evidence was collected from her body, and the evidence was sent 

to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory and the FBI Laboratory.

Over the next 12 years, several suspects were taken into custody, but in 2004, three main 

subjects were identified: Eldred Ted Walker, James O’Brien, and Timothy O’Brien. Walker 

confessed that he and the O’Brien brothers had kidnapped Shauna and brought her to his 

residence. Walker became a witness for the state and testified that he had heard the child 

screaming and crying while the O’Brien brothers raped her. He advised that he did not 

participate in the sexual assault. 					

The DNA Analysis Unit II processed two questioned hairs in this case: one hair located 

on Shauna’s Girl Scout sash and one hair located on her sock. Mitochondrial DNA sequences 

from these items matched the mtDNA sequences obtained from the O’Brien brothers. 

The unit’s testimony helped convict the O’Brien brothers in October 2005. 

On October 31, 2005, the town of Oil City resumed trick-or-treating for the first time 

in 13 years.
7

Explosives Unit

The Explosives Unit (EU) plays an important role in helping the FBI meet its primary 

mission of preventing terrorist attacks. The unit’s main responsibility involves the examination 

of evidence associated with bombings. Explosives examinations involve identifying the 

form and function of components used in the construction of incendiary and improvised 

explosive devices (IEDs). The unit also performs chemical analyses to determine the type 

of explosive used in devices. This includes analyzing bulk substances as well as the residues 

left behind after an explosive detonates. Unit members also assist investigators in determining 

if debris from a fire of suspicious origin indicates the presence of an accelerant. 

The unit maintains two resources that help it achieve its mission. The Explosives Reference 

File contains several thousand standards that help examiners identify the components and 

manufacturer of explosive and incendiary devices. The Explosives Reference Tools database 

(EXPeRT) combines the text of FBI Laboratory reports with evidentiary photographs 

from bombing cases and permits the rapid retrieval of information on any aspect of the 

forensic examination. The database also contains manufacturer data and open-source 

literature on the construction and use of explosives and explosive devices. An examiner 

can search EXPeRT, find similar devices, and identify similarities in components used in 

the construction of an IED.80

Providing field support, investigating bombing crime scenes, searching bomb-making 

factories and safe houses in which bombs or bomb components may be present, conducting 

training in bombing crime scene investigations, and providing testimony in court represent 

other responsibilities of EU personnel.

In 2005 the Explosives Unit provided forensic and/or technical assistance for more than 

25 international bombing crime scenes/searches. The unit also provided training to more 

than 200 federal, state, and local investigators on bombing crime scene investigations. In 

addition, the EU provided financial support and subject-matter experts in support of the 

FBI’s Large Vehicle Bomb Post-Blast Course. The only one of its kind, this course has 

provided training for more than 2,500 students, including U.S. military personnel; federal, 

state, and local investigators; and numerous international law enforcement partners. 

Amman Hotel Bombings

On November 9, 2005, three near-simultaneous suicide bomb attacks occurred at the 

Radisson SAS, Grand Hyatt, and Days Inn hotels in Amman, Jordan. At the Radisson, the 

bomber infiltrated a wedding reception and detonated an IED just as the bride and groom 

were arriving. At the Grand Hyatt, the bomber stood in the bar of the hotel lobby and 

initiated an IED hidden under his leather coat. The attack at the Days Inn took place on 

the street outside the front lobby, apparently after the bomber had tried and failed to 

initiate his device inside.

At the request of the Jordanian government, the FBI sent a joint team comprised of 

Laboratory Division and Washington Field Office (WFO) personnel to support the FBI’s 

legal attaché in Amman. The team, which arrived November 12, included a senior WFO 

Evidence Response Team leader, along with experts in DNA, explosives chemistry, and 

IED construction.

FBI team members initially assisted their Jordanian counterparts by reviewing evidence 

collected from the three bomb scenes. This review revealed that all three devices employed 

an explosive charge to propel steel balls. Each IED appeared to have two independent 

fusing systems. One system employed a mechanical-action grenade fuse, whereas the other 

fusing system had two automotive-type switches connected to an electrical blasting cap.
8

The bombers carried the IEDs under their coats in vests made from lightweight cloth 

supported by nylon straps.

On November 12 the Jordanian authorities raided an apartment believed to be the safe 

house used by the bombers. With the help of the FBI team, the Jordanians collected 

fingerprints, hairs, and other trace evidence for laboratory analysis. The next day, the 

Jordanian government announced the arrest of Sadijah Mubarak Atrus al-Rishawi, an Iraqi 

national. She admitted that she had been a part of the suicide team and had worn an IED 

into the Radisson along with her husband, who successfully employed his device.

The Jordanian authorities made available for inspection by the FBI team an IED found 

hidden at the house where al-Rishawi had been taken into custody. This device consisted 

of a vest constructed from muslin-like cloth and nylon straps. Taped inside the vest were 

two sheets of metal balls suspended in a clear, caulk-like material. Also found inside the 

vest were two clear plastic bags containing plastic explosives. This IED also had two fusing 

systems consistent with the fusing systems recovered from the three bomb scenes.

The FBI Laboratory continues to support the Jordanian authorities in their forensic 

examinations. DNA evidence found on the al-Rishawi suicide vest may help trace the 

source of these IEDs back to the bomb maker.

The devastating damage 

caused by three suicide 

bombings at the 

Radisson, Grand Hyatt, 

and Days Inn hotels in 

Amman, Jordan
9

Evidence Response Team Unit

Established in 1992, the Evidence Response Team Unit (ERTU) provides training, crime 

scene equipment and supplies, and on-scene support to the ERTs in each of the FBI’s 56 

field offices. There are currently 1,128 ERT members field-wide participating in the ERT 

program.

The ERTU provides all field offices the following resources:

An annual budget for crime scene supplies and equipment.

Mobile command posts and other crime scene vehicles and trailers to use 		

at crime scenes.

Sophisticated tools that include forensic light sources, laser transit 			

systems, digital cameras, and laptop computer technology.

Other services provided by ERTU include:

Use of the Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team.

Basic and advanced forensic training for all field ERT personnel.

Operational ERT support and consultation to field offices upon request.

The ERT Program is an effective tool that supports FBI priorities to prevent acts of 

terrorism and investigate acts of terrorism as they occur. ERTs field-wide also support 

investigations encompassing the FBI’s other investigative priorities.
10

Firearms-Toolmarks Unit

Personnel in the Firearms-Toolmarks Unit (FTU) examine evidence related to firearms, 

firearm components, ammunition, ammunition components, tools, and toolmarks. Evidence 

in a typical case may include a number of recovered rifles, pistols, and shotguns; silencers 

and other muzzle attachments; magazines; holsters; and a variety of fired and unfired 

cartridges. Lead and other metal fragments, shot wads, shot cups, and bullets removed 

from bodies at autopsy are also frequently received in firearms-related casework. Evidence 

submitted in toolmark cases may include screwdrivers, scissors, knives, pliers, wrenches, 

crowbars, hammers, saws, wire, sections of sheet metal, chains, safety-deposit boxes, human 

bone or cartilage, plates, locks, doorknobs, bolts, and screens. 

Forensic firearms examinations are based on firearms identification, which involves 

determining whether a bullet, cartridge case, or other ammunition component was fired 

by a particular firearm. Firearms examiners microscopically compare bullets and ammunition 

components with each other as well as with any number of firearms to determine whether 

an association exists between the items submitted as evidence and items whose origins are 

known. Similarly, forensic toolmark identifications involve determining whether a toolmark 

was produced by a particular tool. Examiners compare the micro- and macroscopic features 

of toolmarked items with known and questioned tools that may have produced them.

Other tests and examinations routinely performed by unit personnel include:

Trigger pull tests.	 Gunshot residue examinations.

Function tests.	 Ejection pattern testing.

Full-auto conversion tests.	 Trajectory analysis examinations.

Accidental discharge tests.	 Silencer testing.

Shot pattern examinations.	 Serial number restorations.
11

The unit maintains two reference collections: the Reference Firearms Collection, which 

contains more than 5,500 handguns and shoulder firearms; and the Standard Ammunition 

File, a collection of more than 15,000 military and commercial ammunition specimens 

from both domestic and international manufacturers. 

Firearms examiners provide field support in FBI investigative matters and administrative 

inquiries, assisting with the collection, preservation, and processing of evidence at crime 

scenes. More frequently, unit field teams provide crime scene trajectory reconstructions 

and analyses as needed, both in the United States and overseas.

The unit also serves as a liaison with national and international forensic laboratories. 

Examiners provide extensive training to members of law enforcement agencies and crime 

scene personnel and investigators. The unit sponsors regular training schools in trajectory 

analysis, gunshot residue analysis, firearms identification, and the identification of stolen 

motor vehicles. In 2005 the unit provided training in these areas in Quantico and at other 

U.S. locations, as well as in Spain and Israel. FTU examiners also traveled to Canada, Italy, 

and Thailand to provide expert training in serial-number restoration techniques, basic 

firearm and toolmark identification, and crime scene searches relating to shooting scenes.
12

Hazardous Materials Response Unit 

The Hazardous Materials Response Unit (HMRU) provides rapid scientific and technical 

assessments of threats involving hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 

materials, including weapons of mass destruction (WMD). HMRU provides these assessments 

to FBI field offices, legal attachés, and Headquarters divisions. 

The HMRU provides on-site operational and investigative assistance, including scientific 

and technical support, to FBI investigations involving hazardous materials. HMRU supervises 

on-site safety oversight at high-hazard crime scenes (e.g., collapsed structures and confined 

spaces) and supports tactical and hazardous device response operations where hazardous 

materials may be present. 

The HMRU currently supports 27 Hazardous Materials Response Teams (HMRTs) 

operating in FBI field offices. These teams comprise more than 300 response personnel, 

predominantly FBI Special Agents, who require response equipment, medical monitoring, 

and specialized training. The HMRU provides training, certification, and oversight to 

these HMRTs. In addition, the HMRU assists the FBI’s International Training Unit by 

providing WMD exercises, crime scene training, incident command, and WMD 

recertification. 

In 2005 the HMRU deployed on 75 missions, completed 220 scientific assessments, and 

provided operational advice via 223 conference calls. 

Success for the HMRU program is linked to close and effective working relationships 

within the FBI, with other government agencies, and in academia. These close working 

relationships have expanded beyond the national borders of the United States to 

include representatives of international governments. In 2005, at the request of 

the Georgian government, the HMRU deployed to the Republic of Georgia on 

two different occasions to assist on three different investigations. The first 

investigation involved the deaths of Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and Deputy 

Governor Raul Usupov, who were found dead of apparent accidental carbon 

monoxide poisoning. The second investigation was the attempted assassination 

of the President of the United States, George W. Bush. The third investigation 

involved the search and recovery of physical evidence from 14 cars transported to 

Georgia after being stolen in the United States. HMRU personnel tirelessly 

responded to and managed hazardous crime scenes involving the collection of 

hazardous evidence. The effort displayed by HMRU personnel represents a

superb example of international law enforcement cooperation and liaison.
The Death of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Governor, Tbilisi, Georgia

In early February 2005 the Republic of Georgia’s Prime Minister and Deputy Governor 

were found dead by apparent carbon monoxide poisoning. Although the deaths appeared 

to be accidental, immediate public speculation began about possible political assassination, 

foul play, and the strange circumstances surrounding their deaths. Therefore, the Georgian 

government requested FBI assistance with its investigation. Given the stature and prominence 

of the deceased, the request for FBI assistance was of great importance and considered a 

highly sensitive matter. The Georgian government immediately made it known publicly 

that the FBI would assist in this investigation, which was heralded by all media outlets and 

the local international community as an extremely positive step. Less than four days after 

the incident, a team from HMRU arrived on the scene with an overwhelming amount of 

pertinent scientific equipment and appropriate scientific and hazardous materials personnel. 

HMRU personnel re-created the scene and conducted a four-hour test to measure the air 

quality in the apartment under conditions that approximated as closely as possible those 

of the morning the bodies were discovered. Nothing was observed during the testing or in 

the analysis of the test data by the Laboratory Division to contradict the preliminary finding 

of the Georgian government that the Prime Minister and Deputy Governor died of carbon 

monoxide poisoning because of a faulty heater.

HMRU personnel about to enter the apartment where the officials’ bodies were found

Threat Against the President of the United States, Tbilisi, Georgia

On May 10, 2005, Vladimir Arutinian attempted to attack the President of the United 

States by throwing a hand grenade in the general vicinity of the President during a public 

speech in Freedom Square in Tbilisi, Georgia. Subsequent joint investigation by the FBI 

and the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs led to Arutinian’s capture on July 20, 2005. 

In the course of postarrest searches of Arutinian’s apartment, investigators discovered that 

Arutinian had assembled a vast and complex chemistry laboratory in a basement storage 

area of his apartment building. This laboratory contained vast quantities of unidentified 

chemical substances, compounds, and acids. The Georgian government immediately requested 

FBI assistance in the processing and dismantling of this laboratory because it potentially 

posed a grave danger to the Georgian public. On July 23, 2005, a team of FBI personnel 

responded from the FBI Laboratory, including HMRU, the Explosives Unit (EU), the 

Photographic Operations and Imaging Services Unit (POISU), and the Latent Print Units, 

as well as several members from the FBI’s Washington Field Office (WFO) Hazardous 13
14

Materials Response Team and Evidence Response Team. During the search process, HMRU 

and EU provided the scientific and technical oversight to assess and evaluate all of the 

hazardous and explosive materials, and the WFO HMRT conducted all search tactics based 

on the continual scientific and technical assessment by HMRU and EU. The four-day search 

identified many items of evidence, specifically, hazardous chemicals, explosive items, and 

laboratory equipment. A total of 265 chemical containers were removed, of which 154 

samples were taken for potential future forensic analysis by the FBI Laboratory. The 

contributions of Laboratory Division personnel not only resulted in the recovery of crucial 

evidence about Arutinian’s intentions and activities but also prevented further loss of life 

or serious injury to Georgian investigators. Without the equipment and personnel the FBI 

provided, certain chemical substances would have definitely killed or maimed the Georgian 

team members attempting to recover them. 

Meanwhile, back at the FBI Laboratory, DNA Unit I received seven separate evidence 

submissions. An examiner and several biologists in the unit expedited the submissions and 

quickly developed a full DNA profile from a piece of cloth that had been wrapped around 

the grenade Arutinian had thrown. After receiving a reference sample taken from Arutinian, 

DNAUI was able to definitively link him to the cloth.

In addition, the Firearms-Toolmarks Unit examined component parts of the unexploded 

grenade. The FTU examiner concentrated on the fact that the grenade failed to detonate 

and thus carefully examined the primer of the grenade and the depth to which it had been 

struck. The FTU findings helped the other Laboratory units formulate their final analyses, 

which identified and helped convict Arutinian.

In January 2006 a Republic of Georgia court sentenced Arutinian to life in prison for his 

failed assassination attempt.

Vladimir Arutinian threw this 

grenade near President Bush 

during his visit to Tbilisi. 

Fortunately, it failed to detonate.

President Bush addresses a crowd

in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Arutinian’s basement

laboratory

Chemicals found in

Arutinian’s laboratory
15

Collision and Derailment of Norfolk Southern Trains

Graniteville, South Carolina

In January 2005 a Norfolk Southern freight train collided with a parked train, releasing its 

load of chlorine and killing nine people. Several hundred residents were hospitalized. The 

FBI’s Columbia Field Office advised that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) 

had arrived on the scene and had begun its preliminary investigation. The NTSB investigation 

team requested FBI forensic assistance, in accordance with the recent memorandum of 

understanding between the NTSB and the FBI. The NTSB specifically requested that the 

FBI locate the railroad switch involved in the accident. The switch was close to the derailment 

in a chemically hazardous area. The Columbia Field Office requested that the HMRU 

deploy to conduct the appropriate search of the switch site. Using Level A personal protection 

equipment, HMRU personnel entered the scene to provide documentation, specifically of 

the railroad switch involved in the derailment incident, and to retrieve the railroad switch 

lock and handle for later forensic analysis. 

The NTSB later determined that the accident occurred as a result of human error. A crew 

working on the parked train failed to return the switch to its proper position, causing the 

freight train to leave the main track, hit the parked train, and derail, spilling its hazardous 

load.

Norfolk Southern 

train derailment, 

Graniteville, 

South Carolina

Railroad contractors 

stand by while HMRU 

personnel document 

the scene.
16

Investigative and Prosecutive Graphic Unit

In 2005 the Investigative and Prosecutive Graphic Unit (IPGU) provided a wide array of 

investigative, prosecutorial, and operational support for the FBI. An enhanced support 

base for counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and criminal matters provided the foundation 

for the unit’s efforts.

Unit personnel produced or enhanced digital imagery for crime scene surveys and 

reconstructions, the documentation of bombing and shooting scenes, artist composite 

drawings, facial age progressions, digital photographic manipulations and retouches, facial 

reconstructions from skeletal remains, and numerous forms of demonstrative evidence.

In the area of crime scene reconstruction, unit personnel traveled to numerous domestic 

scenes to conduct site surveys and secure digital documentation data. The data they collected 

enabled them to produce to scale two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) scene 

reconstructions. In conducting these surveys, personnel used both traditional methods and 

state-of-the-art digital and laser data-collection devices. The Total Station, a laser/digital 

survey instrument, was used to digitally document several of these scenes. In several other 

instances, a 3-D, high-resolution laser scanner was used. For one of the larger, more complex 

scenes, personnel used the Total Station in conjunction with the laser scanner to aid in the 

collection of the data.

The images below show a photograph of a 3-D laser scanner, one of the scanned “point 

cloud” data sets, and a completed rendering from the data collected. To create these images, 

unit personnel scanned the interior of a bank in Ohio where a police officer was shot and 

killed by a would-be robber.
17

The image below depicts the point-cloud data set collected from a 3-D laser scanner. The 

data set represents one of dozens of scans taken throughout this particular neighborhood. 

It displays specific areas where a violent gang allegedly committed numerous homicides. 

The result of this effort was a complete to-scale, interactive depiction of multiple crime 

scene locations. In addition to these scene reconstructions, the final product contained 

imagery of the individuals suspected of perpetrating these crimes and the ability to visualize 

spatial relationships between locations and individuals, as well as photographic documentation 

of the crime scenes.

The IPGU also provided crime scene reconstruction support for crimes that occurred 

overseas, most notably, in Lebanon and Azerbaijan. In these cases, Evidence Response 

Team personnel or Explosives Unit examiners collected the data, which was then handcarried or transmitted electronically to the IPGU. Once received, the information was 

reviewed, processed, and converted to a 2-D, hard-copy format. The completed images 

were used by investigators, both domestically and internationally.

Unit personnel prepared artist composite drawings in direct support of FBI, U.S. Department 

of Defense, and intelligence personnel on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq. In several 

cases, IPGU personnel at the Laboratory in Quantico or at FBI Headquarters in Washington, 

D.C., conducted interviews with witnesses overseas by using video teleconferencing. In 

this way, the unit can reach out to any location in the world that has similar technology, 

remotely conduct interviews, and prepare, in real time, high-quality images to support 

investigations.

One of the areas in which the unit provided the most visible support for the FBI’s 

counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and criminal investigative efforts involved the 

production of high-quality digital photographic manipulations and retouches. Since the 

beginning of hostilities in the Middle East, the unit has provided an enormous amount of 

digital imaging support, with 2005 being perhaps the busiest period for this support. Using 

information provided by investigators, informants, the military, and other sources, the 

IPGU prepared retouched and age-enhanced images of some of the most dangerous 

terrorists in the world. This imagery spanned the globe from Iraq and Afghanistan to Bali 

to Colombia. Through these efforts, numerous terrorists have been identified and captured.

The IPGU’s production of demonstrative evidence for courtroom presentation is as 

significant as its investigative and operational support efforts. This work is highlighted by 

the support the unit has provided for the trial and sentencing of Zacarias Moussaoui, the 

al-Qaeda operative some believe was meant to be the 20th hijacker on September 11.
18

Since 9/11, IPGU personnel have been working on the production of investigative and 

prosecutive materials, including items ranging from simple charts and diagrams to complex 

digitally interactive displays of time-sensitive, multilayered interactions between individuals 

and organizations. These interactive presentations often include video and audio clips, 

scanned images of documents and photographs, and typed transcripts of telephone 

conversations. All of these served as the basis for the government’s case against the only 

person charged in connection with the September 11 terrorist attacks. 

In February 2006 the Investigative and Prosecutive Graphic Unit was merged with the 

Structural Design Unit to create the Special Projects Unit. This merger reflects the similar 

missions of both units.

Latent Print Operations Unit

The Latent Print Operations Unit (LPOU) consists of six teams of forensic examiners and 

two programs, Administrative Review and Case Flow Management. The forensic examiners 

conduct timely, high-quality scientific friction ridge examinations, produce written reports 

on their findings, present expert testimony relating to these examinations in legal proceedings, 

and provide training and field support to the national and international law enforcement 

communities. Personnel in the Administrative Review Program review all examination 

reports issued by the LPOU, while personnel in the Case Flow Management Program 

coordinate the assignment of cases to all forensic examiners to ensure the most effective 

and efficient flow through the LPOU.

Murder of Judge Joan Lefkow’s Mother and Husband

On February 28, 2005, U.S. District Court Judge Joan Lefkow returned home to find her 

mother, Donna Humphrey, and her husband, Michael Lefkow, murdered. The Chicago 

Police Department processed the initial crime scene, which yielded several items of evidence, 

including a broken window and a window pane from the point of entry. These items were 

submitted to the FBI and the Illinois State Police (ISP) laboratories for processing and 

yielded 12 latent fingerprints of value. The latent fingerprints eliminated four suspects and 

seven other individuals; however, no identifications were made. Numerous searches of the 

Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) also produced no 

identifications. 

On March 9, 2005, police officers in Wisconsin performed a traffic stop on a van. As they 

approached the vehicle, the driver shot and killed himself. In a suicide note found in the 

van, the driver admitted to killing Humphrey and Lefkow.

At the request of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office and the ISP, an LPOU examiner was 

assigned to process the crime scene and develop any blood evidence for which previous 

crime scene teams had not been equipped. The LPOU examiner developed blood pattern 

evidence that was used to corroborate the details set forth in the suspect’s suicide note. 

Known fingerprints obtained from the suspect following his suicide matched a latent 

fingerprint developed on the inside of the window used to enter the Lefkow home.

Latent Print Support Unit

The Latent Print Support Unit (LPSU) consists of five programs. Staff members working 

on the IAFIS Program coordinate, test, evaluate, and implement new IAFIS hardware and 

software from the latent print perspective and conduct liaison with the FBI’s Criminal 

Justice Information Services Division and the criminal justice community on all latent printrelated IAFIS issues. The Major Incident Management Program provides a point of contact 

for the worldwide deployment of the Disaster Squad and other special operations teams.
19

LPSU staff members assigned to the Standards and Practices Program draft, implement, 

and maintain the Latent Print Unit Quality Assurance Manual and the Latent Print Operations 

Manual and manage the Quality Assurance Program for the LPOU and the LPSU. Technology 

Development Program employees manage the operation of the Latent Print Digital Imaging 

System and coordinate, test, evaluate, and implement relevant biometric technology for 

application in friction ridge analysis. The Training Program staff manages, coordinates, and 

directs the training programs for both the LPOU and the LPSU. These programs include 

training for LPU physical scientists, forensic examiners, and new supervisors; in-service 

training for both FBI employees and law enforcement personnel outside the FBI; continuing 

education training for LPU employees; latent print training for Indian Country Evidence 

Task Force and Evidence Response Team personnel; training for new agents at the FBI 

Academy; and training for law enforcement personnel attending the FBI’s National Academy 

program. These programs maintain the LPOU’s ability to conduct or direct high-quality 

friction ridge examinations in a professional, competent manner and ensure compliance 

with FBI, Laboratory Division, and American Society of Crime Laboratory 

Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board-International policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Disaster Squad Deployment: Thailand 

As part of the forensic team that responded to Phuket, Thailand, to help 

identify the approximately 8,000 victims of the tsunami, members of the FBI 

Laboratory’s Disaster Squad traveled in three deployments between February 

and April of 2005. Working with Disaster Victim Identification Teams from 

more than 20 countries, the Disaster Squad applied specialized techniques to 

record friction ridge skin and compare the prints with antemortem exemplars 

in an attempt to identify the victims. During this time, approximately 1,500 

victims were printed. Some of the squad’s accomplishments included:

Introducing a successful method of rehydrating the victims’ hands to 

facilitate the legible recording of postmortem prints. This method 

is currently being used to reprint victims whose prints were illegible, 

resulting in additional identifications.

Providing recording materials superior to the materials previously used. 

Initiating additional printing techniques.

Devising quality-control measures to administratively document the 

recording of postmortem prints by more than 20 countries.

Recognizing the need to resize some of the postmortem prints to 

enhance Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) 

searches. The AFIS database now contains more than 800 

antemortem records and more than 3,700 postmortem records. More 

than 500 victims have been identified using AFIS.
Photographic Operations and Imaging Services Unit

The Photographic Operations and Imaging Services Unit (POISU), commonly referred to 

as “Photo Operations,” is responsible for coordinating and managing virtually all photographic 

services for the FBI. These services include conducting operational, investigative, and 

forensic photography; providing technical assistance; procuring and repairing camera and 

darkroom equipment; and conducting training in all aspects of photography and image 

capture. Photo Operations also captures, processes, and produces photographic images 

using traditional silver-based methods as well as digital imaging technologies. The unit not 

only manages the FBI Photographic Program but also is responsible for the oversight and 

management of the Field Photographic Program, encompassing more than 125 full-time 

and backup photographers in the FBI’s 56 field offices. The unit also provides investigative 

and forensic photography, imaging, and photographic-processing support for federal, state, 

local, and international law enforcement investigations. 

Photo Operations is divided into three separate subunits with very distinct and specific 

responsibilities.

The Operations and Training Subunit provides photographic support and services—

including forensic, crime scene, and evidentiary photography—directly to the Laboratory, 

FBI Headquarters divisions, and all FBI field offices. This subunit comprises primarily 

scientific and technical photographers who deploy to major crime scenes, agent-involved 

shootings, and other operational or investigative events. Additionally, as its name implies, 

the subunit provides all photographic training in the FBI. This includes new agents, field 

photographers, and outside agencies. Instruction includes virtually every aspect of 

photography and digital imaging.

The Photographic Equipment and Support Subunit has a wide-reaching span of 

responsibility. Personnel assigned to this subunit design and install photographic camera 

concealments; procure, disseminate, and repair photographic equipment including digital 

darkrooms; manage field office equipment transitions and upgrades; and manage all 

photographic production for the FBI. This subunit annually produces more than 1.5 million 

photographs ranging in size from 4 by 6 inches to 4 by 8 feet. This subunit also oversees 		

three regional photographic minilabs, which are located 	

in Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco. 

The Photographic Services Subunit oversees the 	

FBI Headquarters Portrait Studio, the Tactical Site 		

Survey Mission, the Aerial Photography Program, and 	

the Technical Imaging Group. The FBI Headquarters 	

Portrait Studio provides photographic support for 		

special events, anniversaries, retirements, and executive 	

management. Personnel assigned to the Tactical Site 		

Survey Mission work directly with the FBI’s Hostage 	

Rescue Team and Special Weapons and Tactics teams 	

to create virtual walkthroughs of special-event venues 	

or high-risk locations. The Aerial Program provides 		

oblique and direct vertical images of infrastructure, 		

crime scenes, special-event venues, and other areas to 	

use in investigative and tactical planning. Finally, the 	

Technical Imaging Group comprises eight 			

photographers dedicated to supporting the Latent 		

Print Units of the FBI Laboratory. They use essentially 	

every known photographic technique to capture, 		

process, and print high-quality images of latent 			

fingerprints.
21

In March 2005 Howard Harner was accused of making more than $47,000 from the sale of 

historical documents and signatures stolen from the National Archives Reading Room in 

Washington, D.C. Harner was arrested after a Civil War researcher recognized one of the 

signatures he was trying to peddle on eBay. It was suspected that Harner had gone to the National 

Archives Reading Room, checked out a letter dated June 4, 1861, that had been signed by 

Confederate Brigadier General Lewis A. Armistead, cut out Armistead’s signature, and returned 

the document to the unsuspecting curator. 

During the investigation, a fragment of paper containing the signature 

was seized from Harner. The National Archives asked the Questioned 

Documents Unit to confirm that the cutout Armistead signature did in 

fact originate from the letter. The task of matching the paper fragment 

edges of the signature to the letter seemed easy, although Harner had 

removed many signatures from many documents, and the precisely cut 

edges of the documents required microscopic evaluation to determine 

if they had been attached at one time. Some edge characteristics 

matched; however, the overwhelming proof came when QDU 

examiners used alternate light sources. Under ultraviolet light, an 

interesting phenomenon occurred. Just below the cutout area on the 

letter appeared a glowing, inverted image of General Armistead’s 

signature. The phenomenon is described as luminescence, and in this 

case, it was caused by the excitation of latent ink properties that had 

transferred to an area on the letter that had been in contact with the 

original signature. The two crease marks in the letter indicated that it 

had been folded in thirds, which explained the upside-down positioning 

of the glowing Armistead signature. To demonstrate that the luminescing 

signature on the letter originated from the signature on the paper 

fragment, the examiner positioned the fragment into the cutout area of 

the letter and photographed it under ultraviolet light. A transparent print 

of the letter was made and folded in the same manner as the original letter. 

The signatures aligned perfectly, and it could be positively determined that 

the signature seized from Harner did originate from the Archives letter. The 

signature and letter were returned to the National Archives, and Howard 

Harner was sentenced to two years in prison and fined $10,000.

Questioned Documents Unit

The Questioned Documents Unit (QDU) provides forensic support to federal, state, and 

local law enforcement agencies by conducting forensic examinations on evidence collected 

during investigations. These examinations include handwriting, typewriting, shoe prints, 

tire treads, alterations, obliterations, rubber stamps, plastic bags, and shredded documents.

The QDU also provides training to federal, state, and local forensic examiners on specialized 

technical topics in the forensic document, shoe print, and tire tread disciplines and assists 

law enforcement by providing information and presentations concerning the capabilities 

of the unit’s forensic disciplines in general. 

In 2005 personnel in the QDU provided evidence collection training to Indian Country 

investigators in Belcourt, North Dakota, and Window Rock, Arizona. Photographers and 

evidence collection personnel in the field also received training on chemical enhancement 

and photography techniques for shoe and tire impressions. QDU personnel also provided 

assistance to the FBI’s Baltimore and Albuquerque Field Offices. Finally, QDU personnel 

provided presentations and workshops at numerous professional meetings.

The Armistead 

letter with the 

signature 

cut out

An alternate light source reveals the invisible mirror 

image of the stolen signature.

Brig. Gen. Lewis A.

Armistead’s

signature cut

from the

National Archives

letter

The “Cutting Edge” of

Forensic Document Examination
22

Structural Design Unit

The mission of the Structural Design Unit (SDU) involves the collection and application 	

of information to create exhibits that visually support the FBI’s counterterrorism and 	

counterintelligence programs, all FBI investigations, federal and state prosecutions, 		

and FBI public liaison activities. 

Counterterrorism Support 

Security models (computer and physical)—The SDU fabricates three-dimensional 

(3-D) physical scale models of locations where prominent national and international events 

are scheduled and the potential for a terrorist attack is high. These replicas of terrain and 

building structures enable law enforcement crisis management and special operations and 

tactical personnel to develop security strategies. 

Crisis response models (computer and physical)—Three-dimensional physical and 

computer scale models are constructed of areas where terrorist acts or other critical incidents 

have occurred. These models give tactical response teams a realistic and accurate depiction 

of building layouts, including entryways, doorways, windows, stairwells, and any interior 

structural obstructions. Consequently, these scene reconstruction models assist law 

enforcement with the safe and successful breaching of facilities to extricate hostages and 

apprehend terrorists. 

Prosecutorial Support 

Demonstrative evidence (physical scale-model crime scene reconstructions)—

When expert or eyewitness testimony includes the interpretation of evidentiary concepts 

in which questions of line of sight and elevations are fundamental to the prosecution’s case, 

a 3-D physical model can be developed. To ensure that the model accurately illustrates the 

crime scene and correlated evidence, FBI technicians reconstruct the crime scene from 

blueprints, photographs, on-site measurements, and expert and eyewitness observations. 

Developing such demonstrative evidence frequently requires that the SDU technician 

travel to the crime scene to conduct a site survey to obtain distance and elevation 

measurements to accurately develop a scale model for trial.

In February 2006 the Structural Design Unit was merged with the Investigative and 

Prosecutive Graphic Unit to create the Special Projects Unit. This merger reflects the 

similar missions of both units.
23

SDU: 3-D Scanning 

The Structural Design Unit is using 3-D laser scanning for special-event planning and crime 

scene documentation. The potential applications for 3-D laser-scanning technology are 

limitless. It can be used for any situation in which an object’s actual 3-D shape geometry 

is unknown, needs to be verified, or needs to be visualized. Although the specific applications 

are limited only by the imagination, 3-D scanning has proven beneficial in several generalized 

applications. 

The SDU has the capability to laser-scan a wide range of items or parts, regardless of size 

or complexity. The unit can collect and process millions of points accurately and quickly. 

Complex items are ideal candidates for laser scanning. 

The SDU has purchased two 3-D scanner systems. A large-scale scanner can scan crime 

scenes as large as bridges, buildings, stadiums, and battleships and as small as vehicles and 

rooms. The SDU has scanned crime scenes from New York to Israel, while providing 

services at such major events as Super Bowl XL, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, 

the Little League World Series, the Daytona 500, the President’s State of the Union address, 

and the Rose Bowl. The unit’s small-scale scanner is used for smaller items, including 

evidence, toolmarks, bomb devices, and skeletal remains. 

Additional applications include 3-D crime scene modeling and visualization, deformation 

surveys, forensic analysis of accidents and crime scenes, bullet trajectories, evidence 

placement, as-builts and architectural surveys, and reverse engineering. Reverse engineering 

involves scanning an existing product of unknown geometry to obtain a 3-D representation 

for purposes of product development and prototyping (e.g., laboratory apparatus, 

concealments, tactical gear, and covert-operation tools).

Digital photo of the Rose Bowl, aerial view 3-D laser scan of the Rose Bowl, aerial view

Digital photo of the Rose Bowl, front view 3-D laser scan of the Rose Bowl, front view
Trooper David “Rocky” Eales

24

Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism Operations

Security Strategic Planning Models

Terrorists are constantly assessing the vulnerabilities of high-value targets, such as prominent 

national and international events. The planning of an effective security strategy by law 

enforcement for these potential terrorist targets remains critical. To that end, the SDU 

 can use 3-D laser-scanning technology to collect distance and elevation coordinates. 

 These measurement data are used as a basis for the reconstruction as a 3-D model 

 of a specific venue, to include terrain and building structures. The data provide 

 an accurate likeness to a particular location and can be used to plan security for 

 a special event or operation. 

 For example, at a large sporting event, 3-D scans would be taken of the entire 

 stadium and surrounding areas and connected together to create one large 

 3-D model of the needed areas. The data can then be used to analyze and 

 determine possible weak spots in security coverage and to illustrate risk areas, 

 entrance and exit routes, and point-to-point distances. The technology also 

 can provide the user a perspective from any location in the model to determine 

 vantage points and possible trajectories. 

 Hostage rescue teams and tactical teams also can use these models when 

 planning rescues. Laser-scanning technology can play a vital role in the 

 accurate collection of 3-D measurement data needed to reconstruct a large 

and complex location so that tactical response teams can breach a facility in the safest way. 

If potential high-risk sites, special events, or critical national assets are known about in 

advance, then scans should be conducted and stored for future use. 

Geographic information system (GIS) data collection is another major part of what the 

SDU provides. GIS is a computer software system used to capture, store, analyze, and 

display spatial information. The SDU collects such data as 3-D scans, global positioning 

system data, video, photographs, hand measurements, and blueprints and combines them 

into a GIS package. The GIS provides the ability to visualize on a map the location of 

important features or items, such as bridges, buildings, roads, rivers, vehicles, water supplies, 

telecommunication facilities, or people. A GIS not only can display the location of objects, 

but it also can indicate how these objects interrelate and react to certain stimuli. 

Crime Scene Reconstruction Prosecutorial Models

The SDU’s 3-D laser-scanning technology allows technicians to accurately collect detailed 

and precise 3-D measurements of a high-value target before an event occurs. In this way, 

even if a terrorist attack occurs and destroys buildings, the measurement data that have 

already been archived can be used to create a 3-D model for the prosecution. This form 

of demonstrative evidence is a potent tool for the concise and clear explanation of facts 

by an expert or eyewitness during courtroom testimony. 

On September 24, 1999, the Oklahoma State Patrol tactical team and the Drug Enforcement 

Administration prepared to execute a “no-knock” search warrant drug raid at the residence 

of Kenneth Barrett in Salisaw, Oklahoma. Barrett, suspected of operating a methamphetamine 

lab, had told his acquaintances he would kill any officers who tried to arrest him. As the 

tactical teams entered Barrett’s property, Barrett opened fire on the lead vehicle with a 

high-powered rifle. Trooper David “Rocky” Eales, a passenger in the vehicle, was shot and 

killed when a round struck him just above the side panel of his bullet-resistant vest.
25

The U.S. Attorney’s Office requested that a team from the FBI document the crime scene 

and aid witness testimony for trial by constructing a 3-D physical model. Two visual 

information specialists from the Structural Design Unit traveled to the crime scene and, 

using several methods, gathered the necessary information. Using the unit’s robotic Total 

Station, they completed a site survey. They also collected digital imagery information and, 

along with measurements taken by hand and aerial photographs of the scene, generated 

computer-aided drawings using the unit’s AutoCad software.

Next, the visual information specialists began producing the scene model. The AutoCad 

files were used to create laser-cut acrylic pieces for the house structure. The topography 

was accurately replicated using drawings generated from the survey data collected. 

Photographs (both digital and aerial film) were imported into the AutoCad drawings to 

verify the spatial relationships. The line-of-sight issues involved made accuracy and 

thoroughness essential.

A 3- by 6-foot terrain model was created. The model contained all of the details necessary 

to make the depicted scene as lifelike as possible. Grass and trees were included, as was 

real gravel to simulate the unpaved driveway. Wood lath detail was applied to the structure’s 

exterior. Furniture was replicated and added to the interior. All of this was done to help 

witnesses recognize and identify various aspects of the scene as an aid to their testimony.

The model proved critical in demonstrating aspects of the scene that could not be visualized 

by any other method. In fact, at least 40 witnesses referred to the model during their 

testimony in the lengthy trial.

In November 2005 Kenneth Barrett was convicted on three counts and sentenced to death 

for the murder of Trooper David Eales.
26

Trace Evidence Unit

The Trace Evidence Unit (TEU) identifies and compares specific types of trace materials 

that may be transferred during a crime. Physical contact between two people or between 

a person and an object may result in the transfer of trace materials. The identification and 

comparison of these materials often can link a suspect to a victim or a crime scene.

The mission of the TEU is to provide scientific examinations of physical evidence in the 

areas of hairs, fibers, fabric, cordage, soil, glass, building materials, feathers, wood, gemstones, 

and physical anthropology; to provide expert testimony relating to these examinations in 

legal proceedings; to provide training to the law enforcement community; to provide 

forensic field support in FBI cases; and to develop and implement new technologies to 

enhance scientific examinations.

In support of the caseworking mission of the Laboratory, in 2005 the TEU completed 

analysis on approximately 14,000 items of evidence in 2,400 cases. Approximately 1,500 

of these items were improvised explosive devices examined for hairs and fibers in support 

of the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC). When the TEDAC won 

the Director’s Award for Excellence in Outstanding Scientific Advancement, the TEU 

examiner working these TEDAC cases was included among the award recipients. 

To support the mission of training, the TEU sponsored or participated in numerous 

ventures. Unit members taught one- to two-week courses in hair and fiber examinations 

and Indian Country crime scene analysis to audiences in Budapest, Hungary; Arizona; 

Washington; South Dakota; and Quantico. In support of the regional mitochondrial DNA 

laboratory initiative, TEU members trained nine hair examiners who will work in these 

four regional laboratories. These laboratories partner with the FBI Laboratory to augment 

their capacity for mitochondrial DNA analysis in forensic and missing-person cases.
Hurricane Katrina

Evidence Response Team (ERT) personnel were called to action in New Orleans in the 

aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The storm caused significant damage to the New Orleans 

Police Department, including flooding the building used by the department’s crime scene 

investigation and laboratory personnel. Most of the department’s crime scene response 

vehicles had been flooded, taking away the ability to process crime scenes. Furthermore, 

most of the NOPD crime scene investigators are civilians who had been deemed 

“nonessential,” so they had evacuated the city. 

In the days following the hurricane, it became clear that the ERT could assist the NOPD 

by providing crime scene investigation response capability. Many FBI field office ERTs 

volunteered to assist, even before the full extent of the need became known. After the 

situation was evaluated, ERTs from the 

FBI’s Little Rock and Atlanta Field Offices 

were deployed. After two weeks, they were 

relieved by ERTs from the Knoxville and 

Columbia Field Offices.

ERT personnel worked 12-hour shifts and teamed with NOPD personnel so that all scenes 

would be managed by the NOPD with the FBI ERT in a support capacity. In addition to 

assisting on-scene, FBI ERT personnel conducted many informal training sessions for 

NOPD personnel on the various ERT equipment on-scene. The FBI also provided some 

basic crime scene investigation supplies to the NOPD to allow the department to continue 

working in the absence of the ERTs.

The FBI Laboratory’s Disaster Squad also deployed to the Gulf Coast in the wake of 

Hurricane Katrina. In the two months following Katrina, members of the Disaster Squad 

worked to obtain identifiable fingerprints from more than 800 victims whose bodies had 

been severely damaged by the heat and floodwaters. Personnel from the FBI’s Criminal 

Justice Information Services Division’s Fly Away Identification Team (FAIT) scanned the 

fingerprints and searched them against the FBI’s database of more than 47 million 

fingerprints. The prints were also searched against Louisiana’s own fingerprint database, 

which contains some prints not on file with the FBI, and led to several positive identifications. 

Together with the FAIT, the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory, and fingerprint 

specialists from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Disaster Squad positively 

identified 155 bodies. Efforts to identify the remaining victims continue at the Laboratory. 27

Some of the damage inflicted 

in New Orleans by Hurricane 

Katrina
28

Tsunami Team

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale erupted in the 

Indian Ocean off the coast of Sumatra. The massive quake created a powerful tsunami that 

struck a dozen countries in the region, with Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand being 

the hardest hit. A huge recovery effort ensued, and naturally, the FBI Laboratory took part.

Representatives from 32 nations assembled in Phuket, Thailand, to assist in the massive 

identification process. FBI personnel responded from the Evidence Response Team Unit 

(ERTU), the DNA Analysis Unit I, the Latent Print Operations Unit, and several ERTs 

from FBI field offices in Charlotte, New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Three separate 

teams rotated over a 60-day period to assist in DNA, fingerprint, and personal property 

matters.

Human remains were processed and stored in three separate locations; each was a severalhour vehicle ride from the others. Two of the sites were on temple grounds and contained 

primitive resources. The remaining site was the most efficient and adequately furnished 

of the three. There, team members could conduct six simultaneous postmortem examinations 

in a well-lit and air-conditioned environment. This site also had sufficient electricity to run 

numerous air-conditioned trailers to store the bodies. Three temporary, state-of-the-art 

morgues were brought in from Europe for each of the sites.

Latent Print examiners worked at one site to 		

oversee and offer quality control to the latent 		

print process. The examiners introduced the 		

boiling technique for severely decomposed 		

remains. This process greatly increased the 		

Disaster Victim Identification Team’s ability to 	

obtain friction ridge detail. The latent examiners 	

also regularly observed operations at the 			

identification section of the command post. In 	

doing so, they identified a problem with the 		

Automated Fingerprint Identification System 		

(AFIS) being used, 	which dramatically increased 	

the reliability of the AFIS 	searches.

DNA examiners established the various 

protocols required for processing both 

postmortem and antemortem samples. 

They also established the protocols 

used for the identification process and 

developed a method of tracking 

samples at all three sites using bar-code 

technology.

Despite the chaos and confusion inherent in a natural disaster, particularly one of this 

magnitude, the identification process was highly organized. A command post, known as 

the Information Management Center (IMC), was established in Phuket City and included 

members of the Thai government, the Royal Thai Police, the Thai Joint Chiefs of Staff,
29

an executive committee, and several 

subcommittees. The executive 

committee governed the entire process. 

The executive committee included 10 to

15 members, each representing a 

different country. The IMC 

commander sat on the committee, and a chairperson was designated on a rotating basis to 

oversee the committee. To keep everyone informed, a secretariat recorded the minutes of 

every executive committee meeting and distributed notes to committee members. Laboratory 

Division and field ERT personnel served on the executive committee and chaired the 

scientific subcommittee. 

An ERTU team leader or a senior ERT leader was assigned to each of the three rotations. 

The team leader was responsible for liaison and communication with the Department of 

State, the FBI’s legal attaché in Bangkok, the Laboratory, and the FBI’s Strategic Information 

and Operations Center (SIOC) in Washington, D.C. As a member of both the executive 

committee and the scientific subcommittee, the team leader attended daily meetings, 

voicing issues and submitting proposals from the scientific subcommittee to the executive 

committee. The team leader also provided daily briefings to the Department of State, the 

Laboratory, and SIOC.

The chair of the scientific subcommittee, which was held by DNA and ERT personnel, 

scheduled daily committee meetings and ensured that members from each of the disciplines 

(fingerprint, pathology, DNA, and odontology) attended. The chair maintained minutes 

from each meeting, distributing them to all members and introducing proposals through 

the U.S. seat on the executive committee.

The member of the property subcommittee visited each of the three processing sites and 

worked with local authorities, including the Royal Thai Police and Thai government 

attorneys. The property subcommittee member identified the methods used to collect, 

store, and release property in each of the three jurisdictions. The property subcommittee 

member was further tasked with developing overall protocols to release property to the 

victims’ families. A standardized protocol consistent with Thai law was developed to ease 

the process for both Thai families and other international government representatives.

Thousands of people lost their lives in the tsunami, which ranks among the world’s worst 

natural disasters. The cooperative efforts of FBI personnel and members of international 

Disaster Victim Identification Teams helped make the process of identifying the victims—

and perhaps the healing process as well—easier.
30

The complex nature of today’s crimes and the global reach of criminals require collaborative 

efforts from the agencies tasked with protecting their citizens. The Laboratory’s partnerships 

span the globe and encompass not only casework but also disaster response and research 

efforts. This section highlights the work of Laboratory units whose missions depend on 

collaboration. 

Chemical-Biological Sciences Unit

The mission of the Chemical-Biological Sciences Unit (CBSU) is to develop and maintain 

the FBI’s ability to conduct and direct high-quality forensic examinations of hazardous 

chemical, biological, and nuclear material and all related evidence. Developing and validating 

methods to analyze threat agents and establishing a support network of laboratories capable 

of providing a wide range of analytical capabilities and expertise remain critical to the 

success of this mission. 

CBSU staff members assigned to the unit’s Chemistry, Biology, and Nuclear Programs 

conduct or direct a variety of gene-based and immunological assays that detect and 

characterize pathogens, as well as analytical methods that identify and characterize toxins, 

hazardous chemicals, and radiological and nuclear materials. CBSU’s research and development 

efforts focus on validating existing pathogen identification assays, developing and evaluating 

novel molecular and genetic methods for characterizing biological agents, and identifying 

trace compounds within evidentiary samples.		

To fulfill its mission, CBSU has established partnerships with several federal and private 

laboratories capable of processing and analyzing hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, 

and nuclear (CBRN) evidence. These include:

The Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California.

The Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland.

The Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina.

The U.S. Army’s Edgewood Chemical Biological Forensic Analytical 			

Center, Edgewood, Maryland.	

The U.S. Army Military Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort 			

Detrick, Maryland.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal, and Plant Health Inspection 		

Service, Riverdale, Maryland.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Inspection Service, 			

Office of Public Health Science, Eastern, Midwestern, and Western 			

Laboratories.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National BioForensic 			

Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Frederick, Maryland.

Collaboration
31

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Enforcement 			

Investigations Center, Denver, Colorado.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Forensic Chemistry Center, 			

Cincinnati, Ohio.	

CBSU works with its partner agencies to develop and validate forensic protocols for 

examining CBRN evidence. Additionally, CBSU is establishing dedicated forensic laboratory 

facilities at the Savannah River National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National 

Laboratory, and the Edgewood Chemical Biological Forensic Analytical Center to support 

the forensic analysis of traditional trace and bulky evidence contaminated by CBRN 

materials. 

In coordination with other FBI Laboratory units, CBSU has established the Hazardous 

Evidence Analysis Team (HEAT). The HEAT consists of experienced FBI Laboratory 

examiners and technicians trained to analyze CBRN evidence at partner laboratory facilities. 

The HEAT has more than 60 active members from 14 units.

Through leadership of and participation in interagency scientific working groups, CBSU 

is leading the development of forensic guidelines for examining CBRN materials. CBSU 

leads the Scientific Working Group on Microbial Genetics and Forensics (SWGMGF) 

and the Scientific Working Group on the Forensic Analysis of Radiological Materials 

(SWGFARM). CBSU also participates significantly in the Scientific Working Group on 

the Forensic Analysis of Chemical Terrorism (SWGFACT).

Hazardous evidence analysis conducted at the National 

BioForensic Analysis Center, Fort Detrick, Maryland

Anthrax letter
32

 Combined DNA Index System Unit

 The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Unit directs and 	 

 manages the CODIS Program and operates the National DNA 

 Index System (NDIS). The CODIS Program consists of the 

 development, enhancement, and support of software that enables 

 forensic DNA laboratories to store, maintain, and search DNA 

 profiles from crime scenes, offenders, and missing persons. Support 

 of the CODIS software includes training for DNA analysts and 

 help-desk services, as well as a yearly national meeting for all CODIS 

 administrators. The unit also provides CODIS software to international 

 law enforcement laboratories to assist them in establishing a DNA database 

program. Thirty-nine law enforcement laboratories in 24 countries now have the CODIS 

software. 

CODIS consists of a three-tiered hierarchy of databases: the NDIS, the State DNA Index 

System (SDIS), and the Local DNA Index System (LDIS). The highest level in the CODIS 

hierarchy is NDIS, which contains the DNA profiles contributed by participating federal, 

state, and local forensic DNA laboratories. There are 176 NDIS participating sites consisting 

of 123 local laboratories and 53 state laboratories, including the FBI Laboratory, the U.S. 

Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, and a laboratory in Puerto Rico. The figure below 

depicts an example of the CODIS hierarchy at the national, state, and local level.

The NDIS contains more than 2.9 million profiles of offenders, crime scenes, and missing 

persons. Operation of NDIS requires determining the eligibility of samples for the National 

Index in accordance with applicable federal law, developing procedures for laboratories 

participating in the index, and monitoring the participating laboratories’ compliance with 

federal law. The CODIS Unit also provides administrative management and support for 

the NDIS Procedures Board and other DNA working groups. 

The concept behind CODIS is maintaining a database of a state’s convicted offender 

profiles and using it to solve crimes for which there are no suspects. Recognizing this, as 

early as the late 1980s, states began to enact laws requiring that offenders convicted of 

sexual offenses and other violent crimes provide DNA samples. These DNA samples were 

analyzed and then entered into the state and national DNA databases. All 50 states have

CODIS hierarchy using the state of Florida as an example
33

CODIS Statistics Through 2005

Category 	 Total No. Through December 2005

Investigations aided	 30,023

Forensic Index hits	 7,005

Offender Index hits	 21,314 (18,486 at SDIS and 2,828 at NDIS)

NDIS Statistics Through 2005		

Total Samples 

Category 	 Through December 2005

Convicted Offender Index	 2,805,572

Forensic Index	 125,913

Indicted Persons Index	 59

Missing Persons Index	 247

Relatives of Missing Persons Index	 722

Unidentified Human Remains Index	 322

Participants

Domestic Laboratories 	 176 state and local laboratories plus NDIS

International Laboratories 	 39 laboratories in 24 countries

Training 	 1,061 individuals in more than 217 		

laboratories have received CODIS training

such DNA database laws, and the overwhelming majority of these laws have been expanded 

to cover all felony offenders in those states. 

CODIS uses several indexes to generate investigative leads in crimes where biological 

evidence is recovered from the crime scene. The Convicted Offender Index contains profiles 

of individuals convicted of felony offenses and other crimes. The Forensic Index contains 

DNA profiles developed from crime scene evidence, such as semen stains or blood. There 

are also three missing-person-related indexes. The Relatives of Missing Persons Index 

contains DNA samples voluntarily contributed from the relatives of missing persons and 

is searched against the Unidentified Human Remains Index and the Missing Persons Index. 

How exactly does CODIS work? As an example, a sexual assault is committed and evidence 

is collected from the victim using a sexual assault evidence kit. A DNA profile of the 

perpetrator is developed from the evidence. If there is no suspect in the case or if the 

suspect’s DNA profile does not match that of the evidence, the laboratory will search the 

DNA profile against the Convicted Offender Index. If there is a match in the Convicted 

Offender Index, the laboratory will obtain the identity of the suspected perpetrator. If 

there is no match in the Convicted Offender Index, the DNA profile is searched in the 

Forensic Index. A match in the Forensic Index means that the laboratory has linked two 

or more crimes, and the law enforcement agencies involved in the cases can pool the 

investigative information obtained in each of the cases.

The chart below depicts the impressive statistics tallied by CODIS through the 2005 

calendar year.
34

The CODIS Unit had a number of accomplishments during 2005:

CODIS provided valuable assistance to law enforcement agencies across the 			

United States in 2005 by aiding 8,545 criminal investigations and generating 		

1,717 hits in the Forensic Index and 6,933 hits in the Convicted Offender Index. 

Participating federal, state, and local laboratories contributed more than 32,000 	

forensic DNA profiles and 785,000 offender DNA profiles to the National DNA 	

Index System.	

The unit provided CODIS software or enhancements to international law 			

enforcement agencies in Botswana, Chile, Croatia, Estonia, France, Greece, 			

Norway, and Spain.

The unit deployed electronic enhancements to the CODIS software to all CODIS 	

laboratories in the United States. 					

The National DNA Index System was relocated to the FBI Laboratory in 			

Quantico and a backup site was established. 

In monitoring compliance with federal law, the CODIS Unit processed, reviewed, 	

and closed 96 external quality assurance audits from forensic DNA laboratories 		

participating in the National DNA Index.

The 11th National CODIS Conference was held November 7–10, 2005, with 		

more than 350 participants, the largest attendance to date.

CODIS Success Story

David and Ann Scoville were honored presenters at the 5th National CODIS Conference 

held in 1999. Their 28-year-old daughter, Patricia, was found in a shallow grave near Moss 

Glen Falls in Stowe, Vermont, on October 29, 1991. While riding her bike down a popular 

hiking trail, Patricia had been attacked, raped, and murdered. Because there were no leads 

in the case, the Scovilles firmly believed that DNA evidence would be instrumental in 

solving their daughter’s murder. They advocated the passage of DNA database legislation 

in Congress and state legislatures throughout the Northeast. In 2002 the Scoville’s efforts 

were recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice when they received the Crime Victim 

Service Award for their work to strengthen state and national DNA databases.

The CODIS Unit was honored to have David and Ann Scoville return as the keynote 

speakers at the 11th National CODIS Conference in November 2005. This time, the 

Scovilles reported on a major development: in February 2005, the forensic evidence in 

their daughter’s case was linked to a Vermont convicted offender. A month later, an arrest 

was made for Patricia’s rape and murder. The DNA database system that the Scovilles had 

believed in and supported all of these years had not let them down. 

The National Missing Person DNA Database

In 2000 the Laboratory Division began developing the 

National Missing Person DNA Database (NMPDD) 

program to identify missing and unidentified persons 

using CODIS. The NMPDD contains three indices 

in which missing- and unidentified-person DNA profiles 

can be entered: Relatives of Missing Persons, 

Unidentified Human Remains, and Missing Persons. 

The Laboratory performs both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (STR) 

analyses on samples. As the following case illustrates, the NMPDD provides investigators 

with an opportunity to identify missing and unidentified persons on a national level.
35

Russell and 

Blanch Warren

Four Regional mtDNA Laboratories Now Accepting Casework

Four regional crime laboratories have partnered with the FBI Laboratory to augment the 

nation’s capacity to perform mtDNA analysis in forensic and missing-person cases. Prior 

to forming this partnership in 2003, the FBI Laboratory was the only crime laboratory in 

the country that performed no-cost mtDNA examinations for state and local law enforcement 

agencies. The increased use of mtDNA analysis will not only provide valuable information 

for solving violent crime and terrorism cases, but it also will enhance the quantity of profiles 

in the National Missing Person DNA database. This database will be a valuable resource 

with the potential to identify missing persons by linking them to DNA profiles of relatives 

or unidentified human remains. 

The following agencies compose the Regional mtDNA Program: 

Arizona Department of Public Safety Central Crime Laboratory, Phoenix, Arizona.

Connecticut Department of Public Safety Forensic Science Laboratory, Meriden, 		

Connecticut.

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Forensic Science Laboratory, St. Paul, 	

Minnesota. 

New Jersey State Police Crime Laboratory, Hamilton, New Jersey.

Washington State Missing Person: 

Russell Warren

Russell Warren traveled to Port Angeles, Washington, on 

July 3, 1929, to pick up his wife, Blanch, from Lincoln Hospital; 

to make payments on his 1927 Chevrolet sedan; and to purchase 

groceries and a washing machine. Russell and Blanch departed 

Port Angeles, Washington, and were last seen driving west on the 

Olympic Highway by Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. 

They were never seen again. They left behind two young sons. At 

the time, investigators searched the lake but found nothing. 

Then, in 2001, the Olympic National Park Dive Team renewed 

its search of the lake and found debris from a washing machine 

that was consistent with a brand sold in Port Angeles, 

Washington, in the late 1920s. On later dives, automobile parts 

were located. In 2002, a sonar scan was conducted, and a deep-dive team located a 1927 

Chevrolet sedan in approximately 165 feet of water. On later dives, photographs and videos 	

were taken of the site, and artifacts were removed 			

from the car to confirm the make and model. In 2004, 	

human remains were discovered near the vehicle and 		

were removed for forensic analysis. An anthropologist’s 	

report stated that the remains were probably from a 		

Caucasian male. A blood sample was obtained from a 		

daughter of Russell Warren’s sister, and the National 		

Park Service sent the evidence to the FBI Laboratory 		

for analysis in March 2005. The mtDNA profile from 		

the unidentified human remains was compared to the 		

mtDNA profile from Russell Warren’s niece. The FBI’s 	

analysis determined that Russell Warren could not be 		

excluded as the source of the human remains, and the 		

remains were returned to the National Park Service in 	

November 2005. The National Park Service concluded 	

that the remains were those of Russell Warren. The Warrens’ 1927 

Chevrolet sedan
The FBI Laboratory equipped these regional mtDNA laboratories, authorizes casework, 

and ensures that all laboratory analyses meet FBI quality standards. In addition, the FBI 

Laboratory funds the salaries of regional laboratory personnel as well as supplies and 

testimony travel. Since initiating this program, the FBI has provided training at the FBI 

Laboratory to all of the scientists from each of the regional crime laboratories. The training 

has encompassed laboratory procedures as well as scientific and legal issues affecting 

mtDNA analysis and microscopic hair examinations. The regional crime laboratories have 

renovated their laboratories and performed validation studies for the procedures they will 

use. Partner laboratories will be responsible for conducting mtDNA and hair analyses, 

reporting results, and testifying, if necessary. The initial term of the cooperative agreements 

with these laboratories is three years but may be renewed indefinitely for two-year periods. 

The FBI Laboratory remains committed to building long-term partnerships with state and 

local forensic laboratories to provide critical forensic services and to develop and implement 

new technologies. The FBI continues to benefit from working with the talented and 

dedicated employees from these regional crime laboratories as well as from international, 

national, state, and local laboratories.

Four 

Regional 

mtDNA 

Laboratories

36
37

Terrorist Explosive 

Device Analytical Center

In 2004 the U.S. Department of State 

reported that more than 85 percent of all 

terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and 

interests in the previous five years had 

involved the use of improvised 

explosive devices (IEDs). Clearly, a 

coordinated and systematic approach 

to investigating these attacks would stand the best chance of preventing them.

The Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC) provides such an approach, 

and as a multiagency center, it adheres closely to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations 

to reshape the U.S. intelligence program by centralizing and pooling government assets to 

address this problem.

Prior to the TEDAC initiative, there was no single U.S. government entity responsible for 

intelligence gathering and exploitation related to terrorist IEDs. Created at the FBI 

Laboratory in December 2003, the TEDAC represents a unified effort that combines law 

enforcement, intelligence, and military assets and serves as the single interagency focal 

point to receive, fully analyze, and store terrorist IEDs of interest to the United States, 

for the benefit of both the explosives and intelligence communities.

The TEDAC accomplishes its mission by performing a wide array of technical and forensic 

examinations directed at producing intelligence and other products to be used by the 

community at large. The TEDAC serves as a major repository center and is maintaining 

a database of all of the information developed. 

Analyzing the evidence and intelligence associated with IEDs involves the work of numerous 

professionals with varying expertise. From DNA, latent print, and explosives experts to 

military and intelligence community analysts, the TEDAC brings together every resource 

available in the FBI Laboratory and the U.S. government to increase our understanding 

of terrorist methods, to assist in the development of new ways of responding to terrorist 

attacks, and, most important, to identify those responsible to prevent them from terrorizing 

again.

Some experts believe that it’s only a matter of time before terrorists once again strike the 

U.S. homeland. The TEDAC is working hard to help prevent this from happening.

Scientific Working Groups 

The FBI Laboratory sponsors scientific working groups (SWGs) to improve forensic 

science practices and build consensus among international, federal, state, and local forensic 

community partners. Each SWG has a formal structure and functions in accordance with 

its bylaws. Membership is at the discretion of the chair of the working group. Most SWGs 

include members from both public and private organizations.

SWGs serve as a common voice for their scientific disciplines. Meetings held at least once 

a year allow SWG members to come together to discuss issues of concern and reach 

consensus on documents drafted throughout the year. In that regard, the SWGs create, 

prepare, and publish standards and guidelines for their constituents in the forensic 

community. These documents provide crime laboratories a solid basis for operational 

requirements. Enforcement of the guidelines is left to the appropriate governing agency 

and each group’s internal policies. The documents are published in peer-reviewed scientific 

journals in the group’s discipline. Forensic Science Communications, the Laboratory’s online 

scientific journal, publishes SWG standards and guidelines in virtually every quarterly 

issue.
38

In 2005 Laboratory-sponsored SWGs held 18 meetings and published several documents 

in Forensic Science Communications. Published works included “Introduction to Forensic Glass 

Examinations”; “Collection, Handling, and Identification of Glass”; “Initial Examination 

of Glass”; “Glass Fractures”; “Glass Density Determinations”; “Glass Refractive Index 

Determination”; “Elemental Analysis of Glass”; “Forensic Hair Examination Guidelines”; 

“Forensic Fiber Examiner Training Program”; and “Validation Guidelines for Laboratories 

Performing Forensic Analysis of Chemical Terrorism.” 

The FBI Laboratory currently sponsors the following groups:

Scientific Working Group for Firearms and Toolmarks (SWGGUN).

Scientific Working Group for Forensic Document Examination (SWGDOC).

Scientific Working Group for Materials Analysis (SWGMAT). 

Scientific Working Group on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (SWGSTAIN).

Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM).

Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal Detector Guidelines 			

(SWGDOG).

Scientific Working Group on the Forensic Analysis of Chemical Terrorism 			

(SWGFACT).

Scientific Working Group on the Forensic Analysis of Radiological Materials 		

(SWGFARM). 

Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology 		

(SWGFAST).

Scientific Working Group on Microbial Genetics and Forensics (SWGMGF). 

Scientific Working Group on Shoeprint and Tire Tread Evidence (SWGTREAD).

Additional SWGs may be sponsored by other FBI divisions or other agencies. For example, 

the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration supports the Scientific Working Group for the 

Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRUG). Whether sponsored by the FBI or another agency, 

scientific working groups ensure the consistency, credibility, and continued advancement 

of the forensic sciences.
39

Innovation

Criminals have become more sophisticated, while crime grows increasingly complex. 

Research and development lie at the heart of the FBI’s ability to function in this environment. 

By developing new techniques and using emerging technology, the FBI Laboratory helps 

law enforcement agencies worldwide solve crimes that might otherwise remain unsolved. 

This section describes the work the Laboratory is doing to enhance its capabilities.

Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit

The Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit (CFSRU) researches, develops, 

and delivers new technologies and methodologies to advance forensic science and combat 

terrorism. In order to successfully meet the ever-increasing technical complexity posed 

by the war on terror and the global scope of research and development projects, CFSRU 

scientists have initiated cooperative studies with scientists at other government agencies 

such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Central Intelligence Agency, the 

Department of Defense, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. 

Department of Energy. For example, the Microbial Rosetta Stone Database, first developed 

under a contract monitored by CFSRU scientists, has been expanded for use by the U.S. 

Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in evaluating 

microbial threats to the nation’s food supply. Scientists at CFSRU recently completed a 

five-year cooperative study with several international crime laboratories under the umbrella 

of the European Union to develop and test protocols for the use of element and isotope 

patterns to provide source information on human hair, nail, and bone; adhesive tapes; sugar; 

steels; and bullet lead used in international crimes, such as terrorism, organized criminal 

activities, and environmental crimes.

Through the Visiting Scientist and Research Partnership Programs administered by CFSRU, 

as well as outsourced and internal projects, unit personnel executed more than 100 projects 

in 2005. 

Automation of Nuclear DNA Analysis

Automated liquid-handling workstations have been customized to perform processes for 

short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping. These processes include extracting DNA from 

various substrates, setting up real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) for quantification 

of human DNA, diluting DNA extracts to working concentrations, setting up reactions 

for amplification of the STR loci, and preparing STR amplification products for analysis 

using capillary electrophoresis. Six liquid-handling instruments have been installed within 

the DNA Analysis Unit I, and verification and validation studies are currently under way.

Three-Dimensional Imaging of Toolmarks

An automated method of comparing toolmarks using three-dimensional images obtained 

by confocal optical microscopy has been developed under external contract and is ready 

for evaluation by personnel in the Laboratory’s Firearms-Toolmarks Unit. A statistical study 

of the degree of individualization of toolmarks by this technique has been completed.

Noninvasive Latent Fingerprint Development and 

Chemical Identification of Trace Evidence Within Prints 

Spectral imaging is recent technology that uses spectral responses plotted over an area to 

produce images. With infrared spectroscopy, the Laboratory can produce images in the 

infrared region using mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) array detectors, similar to the
40

charge-coupled device detectors used in digital photography. Because chemical information 

is obtained from the infrared spectra, pictures are produced based on the chemical 

composition. With the application of reflection analysis, the Laboratory has produced 

images of latent fingerprints deposited on aluminum, glass, black plastic bags, duct tape 

(both backing and adhesive), manila envelopes, copy paper, dollar bills, and other materials. 

Additionally, trace evidence such as explosives, drugs, and fibers has been identified from 

within the friction ridge deposits. Fingerprint images shown in Figures 1A and 1B were 

produced as composite images of the deposited materials’ major chemical components. 

The blue ridge patterns are composed predominantly of oils (represented by the peak at 

2,929 cm–1). The green spots are protein materials from skin particles (measured at 

3,240 cm–1). The responses plotted as red spots (measured at 3,072 cm–1) are a contaminant 

arising from RDX explosive wedged between the ridges. Complete infrared spectra are 

shown in Figure 1C, with the colors of the spectra corresponding to the image colors. 

Information provided by both the fingerprint image and the ability to identify RDX 

explosive could further link a subject to a crime. This capability demonstrates the power 

of chemical imaging in forensic analysis. The work has been conducted in collaboration 

with scientists from the National Institutes of Health, where spectral imaging is being 

developed to identify medical problems in human subjects. One of the most significant 

advantages is that these data are obtained noninvasively. Medical subjects and forensic 

evidence are not altered in any way. CFSRU scientists are developing a portable imaging 

instrument so that this technology can be brought to the crime scene.			

Figure 1A: Full latent fingerprint 

Figure 1B: Expanded view of the box in A 

Figure 1C: Spectra of the components
41

Research Partnership Program

The Research Partnership Program, which CFSRU coordinates, is an effort by the FBI 

Laboratory to improve forensic science through active collaboration with scientists in state 

and local forensic laboratories. The program funds research and development projects and 

database building. These projects leverage the experience of state and local forensic 

examiners for research purposes in disciplines that typically require extensive examiner 

training and experience to interpret results.

The primary goals of the program are:

To enhance the development and transfer of new forensic technologies and 		

procedures to caseworking examiners in state and local forensic laboratories by 	

collaborative research and development, testing, and validation studies.

To facilitate the implementation of protocols defined by scientific working 		

groups.

To catalyze the development of national forensic databases.

In 2005 CFSRU hosted two Research Partnership workshops:

Permanence of Friction Ridge Skin Detail—Permanence is one of the 		

fundamental principles of the friction ridge discipline that permit identification. 	

Although permanence is supported by the biological sciences, it has yet to be 		

studied empirically by comparing fingerprints over time. Five research partners 	

compared friction ridge detail on prints recorded using ink, photography, and 		

digital imaging.

Automotive Carpet Fiber Database—Automotive carpet fibers are frequently 	

found in abduction and homicide cases when victims were transported in vehicles. 	

The FBI Laboratory’s Trace Evidence Unit can determine the make, model, and 	

year of vehicles on the basis of physical-, optical-, and chemical-information 		

searches in the Automotive Carpet Fiber Database. Research partners began 		

reviewing and compiling database elements on automotive carpet fibers. Extensive 	

data-field enhancements were also reflected in the database utility. Contributions 	

from state and local forensic laboratories will permit the database to be updated 	

and maintained for continuing effectiveness as an investigative tool.

A Research Partnership Program update was held on August 16, 2005, in conjunction with 

the annual Crime Laboratory Development Symposium at the University of Michigan in 

Ann Arbor. The update featured eight technical presentations by CFSRU personnel covering 

the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. During the symposium, CFSRU hosted a 

poster session featuring 36 posters highlighting current research projects.

Visiting Scientist Program

The goal of the Visiting Scientist Program is to enhance the research and development 

capabilities of the CFSRU by providing highly qualified scientists from outside institutions 

to complement staff scientists and assist in performing duties consistent with the mission 

and needs of the unit. The Visiting Scientist Program provides a direct connection between 

the FBI Laboratory and academia. Through the program, university students, postgraduates, 

and faculty enhance their education by participating in forensic research initiatives using 

state-of-the-art equipment in the CFSRU laboratories. Participants are afforded unique 

work experience that offers professional development and increases their research 

contribution in their chosen field of study within the realm of forensics.
42

Experienced staff scientists guide the Visiting Scientists’ research by serving as mentors. 

Each Visiting Scientist is assigned one or two projects focused on meeting the needs of the 

operational units. Program participants may spend from three months to three years working 

in the laboratories in Quantico. At the end of their tenure, they are required to submit 

detailed reports or technical papers for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

Applications for the Visiting Scientist Program are accepted at 

http://www.orau.gov/orise/educ.htm.

In 2005 program funding allowed the FBI to offer this opportunity to 48 Visiting Scientists 

representing 37 academic institutions. During 2005, Visiting Scientists were actively 

involved in 34 research projects, contributed to the publication of 13 manuscripts, and 

were involved in 63 scientific presentations. In addition, Visiting Scientists participated 

in 18 specialized scientific training opportunities.

The following represent examples from among the 34 research projects involving contributions 

from Visiting Scientists in 2005.

Phenotypic Characterization of Microbes of Interest

Working together, biologists and chemists have discovered the potential for using fattyacid methyl ester (FAME) analysis for the characterization of bacteria of the Bacillus group 

as to their genetic strain and growth conditions. Standardized methods have been established 

to obtain consistent FAME profiles for each bacterium. These conditions will be used to 

test which of the many variables that constitute growth conditions affect variations in the 

bacterial FAME profiles.

Cocaine-N-Oxide Detection in Hair

A method was developed to detect the presence of the endogenous cocaine metabolite 

cocaine-n-oxide in hair. Preliminary studies show that this metabolite is present in a hair 

sample from a deceased known cocaine abuser.

Creation of a New FBI Facial Identification Catalog

Following biometric studies on facial features of individuals in the current catalog to validate 

the selected categories, approximately 40,000 photographs were sorted by ethnicity and 

traits. Sixteen or more photos were selected for each ethnic group for each facial-feature 

page. Mock-up catalog introductory pages were created and submitted to the Laboratory’s 

Investigative and Prosecutive Graphic Unit, along with the sorted images for the production 

of the new catalog. A lecture was recorded on video to document the biometric studies 

and explain the relevance of the greatly enhanced sections of the new catalog.
43

Validation of RE/FACE Software

The beta version of this facial reconstruction software program was delivered under contract. 

Skulls with accompanying photographs of the person when alive, obtained from the 

University of Tennessee Donated Collection, are being used to test the software. Defects 

in the software have been corrected, and further enhancements are in progress.

A Visiting Scientist evaluates methods for efficient DNA extraction from bones 

to assist in the identification of human remains.

A Visiting Scientist evaluates the use of cathodoluminescence as a means of 

determining the geographic origin of mineral grains. The resulting information 

could be used as a point of comparison in forensic examinations involving soil, 

building materials, and other geologic material.
44

Laboratory Instrument Automation

In 2005 the Chemistry Unit began acquiring new multipurpose robotic autosamplers that 

are interfaced with gas chromatograph-mass spectrometers to enhance the speed of analysis 

and eliminate manual sample preparation. Because sample preparation is very labor-intensive 

and repetitive, automation of these processes will improve the precision and accuracy of 

the results while eliminating user errors.

The autosamplers are available in two different configurations: single-rail and dual-rail prep 

stations. Several accessories can be added to a system to work in unison to complete 

multistep sample preparation. The dual-rail system is designed to complete more complex 

experimentation than the single-rail system.

The Chemistry Unit’s dual-rail prep station

The dual-rail prep station is fully programmable to perform automated sample preparation 

and sample introduction into the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. One rail of the 

prep station is an automated liquid-sample handler that performs a wide range of samplepreparation functions, including standard addition, spiking and rinsing, and dilution.

Depending on the selected hardware configuration, the second rail enables many automated 

sample-introduction options, including headspace sampling, solid-phase microextraction, 

and standard liquid and large-volume injection.

With the acquisition of two of these systems, the Chemistry Unit quickly recognized results 

in the validation of the analysis of alcohol in blood and urine. The systems are being used 

to support the Toxicology and General Chemistry Subunits as well as the Explosives Unit 

for a variety of analyses, including alcohol in blood and urine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, 

cyanide, volatiles, and arson.

Overall, these systems are worthy and necessary acquisitions for a laboratory that wants 

to stay current with changing technology and improve the quality of the results provided 

to its clients.
45

AccuTOF-DART Technology

In May 2005 the Chemistry Unit began using what is considered a breakthrough in mass 

spectrometer sample introduction: the DART ion source. DART, which stands for “Direct 

Analysis in Real Time,” is an atmospheric pressure source capable of ionizing liquid, solid, 

and gas samples in real time. The principle is based on an atmospheric pressure interaction 

of a sample with long-lived electronic excited-state atoms or molecules and atmospheric 

gases. The system uses helium or nitrogen to produce metastable atoms or molecules that 

interact with the analytes.

Sample analysis using the DART source

What does this all mean in terms of forensic chemical analysis? Coupling the DART source 

to the AccuTOF time-of-flight mass spectrometer lends to the analysis of samples with no 

preparation or extraction and provides data with accurate mass measurement. A complete 

analysis can be completed within minutes by simply holding a sample in the open gas 

stream. A basic DART analysis of a liquid or solid is performed by touching the end of a 

glass rod to a sample or adding a few microliters of sample solution to the tip of the rod 

and placing the material in the stream of gas on the DART source.

Since acquiring the AccuTOF-DART, the Chemistry Unit has used it to analyze many 

different types of chemicals and evidentiary materials—including drugs, poisons, sugars, 

explosives, dyes, and many other commercial products—in matrices ranging from solvents 

and urine to cereal bowl residue and clothing stains. This technique has been useful for 

both fast screening and high-end confirmation.
46

Robotics

DNAUII is validating the use of robotic platforms to automate analysis of the entire control 

region of mtDNA. The use of a robotic system will greatly decrease the time required to 

perform mtDNA analysis in the unit. Two Biomek 2000 robotic workstations will perform 

DNA extraction and preparation for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. 

Amplification and mtDNA sequencing will be accomplished on the TECAN Genesis 

Freedom robot. Validation is expected to be completed in early 2006. The automated 

analysis of mtDNA will benefit the National Missing Person DNA Database program as 

well as the SWGDAM mtDNA Population Database by expeditiously processing bloodstains 

or buccal swabs submitted for entry into the databases.

Biomek 2000 robot

TECAN Genesis Freedom robot
47

The combined efforts of every Laboratory Division unit contribute to the Laboratory’s 

success. The units featured in this section provide vital services that help the Laboratory 

achieve its mission year after year.

Administrative and Security Unit

The Administrative and Security Unit (ASU) provides administrative and security services 

to the Laboratory Division by coordinating, directing, and facilitating various programs 

and initiatives in the areas of personnel and staffing matters; physical, personnel, and 

communications security; and mail services to ensure Division-wide compliance with FBI 

policies, procedures, and guidelines. The unit also researches, plans, and implements various 

initiatives as assigned by Division executive management. The ASU completed several 

major initiatives in 2005.

Division Reorganization

In order to better accomplish its mission and support the FBI’s priorities, the Laboratory 

reorganized, and the ASU was responsible for overseeing the reorganization. Earlier in the 

year, the Bomb Data Center and Hazardous Device Response Unit had been transferred 

from the Laboratory’s Operational Support Section to the FBI’s Critical Incident Response 

Group. The decision was then made to dissolve the Operational Support Section and 

reassign its remaining units—the ASU, the Facility Services Unit, the Investigative and 

Prosecutive Graphic Unit, the Planning and Budget Unit, and the Structural Design Unit—

to the Forensic Science Support Section (FSSS). A new addition to the FSSS in 2005 was 

the IT Coordination Group. Both the FBI and the Laboratory recognize the critical role 

that technology plays in preventing and solving crimes, and the IT Coordination Group 

has been tasked with ensuring that the Laboratory uses state-of-the-art technology in all 

of its operations.

Recognizing the important roles of evidence control and quality assurance, the Laboratory 

placed the Evidence Control Unit and the Quality Assurance and Training Unit directly 

under the authority of the Deputy Assistant Director of the Forensic Analysis Branch. 

The Quality Assurance Manager, who heads the Quality Assurance and Training Unit, now 

reports directly to the Laboratory Director. 

The Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC), under the supervision of a 

Laboratory Section Chief, also reports directly to the Laboratory Director. The TEDAC 

contributes directly to the FBI’s counterterrorism mission by analyzing explosive devices 

used in terrorist events.

The Laboratory also reorganized the Division’s Latent Print Units in 2005 and created a 

program manager to oversee issues relating to Daubert, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that 

set forth the criteria for admitting expert testimony. As a result of the Laboratory’s 

reorganization, the ASU handled more than 35 position-classification actions, including 

the creation, reclassification, and modification of several positions.

Hiring/Staffing

As a part of the Resource Management Allocation Committee (RMAC), the Division’s 

executive management meets monthly to formalize the process of assigning its personnel. 

During 2005 the RMAC reviewed and recommended more than 55 separate requests to

Administration
48

post positions for Professional Support Staff, converted 3 Supervisory Special Agent Unit 

Chief positions to Professional Support positions, reassigned approximately 20 personnel 

and their positions within the Division, reimbursed the 2004 DNA Enhancement 

(20 positions), and created an additional Senior Scientist position. 

Honors Internship Program

The Laboratory hosted 18 interns during the summer of 2005. Each year, outstanding 

students are recruited from area colleges and universities throughout the United States to 

work for approximately 10 weeks during the summer. The Honors Internship Program 

offers students a capsule view of the FBI’s operations and provides them with an opportunity 

to explore the many career opportunities within the FBI. To date, 186 of the honors intern 

participants have returned to the FBI as full-time employees, 84 in Professional Support 

positions and 102 as Special Agents. Over the past few years, six interns have returned to 

work for the Laboratory in Professional Support positions.

New Administrative Classification

In 2004 the FBI’s Records Management Division announced the initiation of a new 

classification system for the management of administrative records. Though it may seem 

to be a simple task, ASU personnel had an arduous job ahead of them. They had to conduct 

a thorough review of approximately 630 administrative files as well as the policies and 

procedures needed to convert to the new classification. By September, ASU personnel had 

completed their review, written new policies and procedures, and trained key employees 

throughout the Division on how to use the new system. 

Public Key Infrastructure

Vigilant monitoring of Laboratory space and access-control procedures prevents unauthorized 

entry into FBI space. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is an FBI initiative that satisfies the 

principal security requirements of electronic transactions. Implementation of the PKI 

system allows the use of encrypted e-mail and electronic signatures and enhances the overall 

security of sensitive FBI information. To prepare for this initiative, the ASU coordinated 

the issuance of new badges and PKI registration for approximately 650 Laboratory employees. 

During the two-week training/registration process, more than 500 employees registered 

and received new badges. ASU personnel continue to serve as registration authorities and 

facilitate the issuance of new badges and PKI registration. 

Security

The ASU remains responsible for security in the Laboratory. In accordance with the 

American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, the Laboratory’s security measures are 

more extensive than any other FBI facility. Therefore, the ASU ensures that policies regarding 

access and control procedures for the Division are strictly followed and are regularly reviewed 

and revised as needed. 

In June 2005 the Laboratory participated in a 36-hour national exercise involving all federal 

agencies in the Washington, D.C., capital region. In the scenario, FBI Headquarters (FBIHQ) 

is destroyed, requiring all FBIHQ divisions to activate their Continuity of Operations Plans 

at an emergency relocation facility. Although the scenario did not directly impact the 

Laboratory building or Laboratory personnel, the Division played an essential supporting 

role in reconstituting FBI operations. As the sequence of events unfolded, the Division’s 

senior leadership provided ad hoc responses and logistical information to FBIHQ’s executive 

management. The exercise tested the Division’s ability to respond and communicate during 

an emergency situation under stressful conditions. The FBI’s mission was able to continue
through the successful relocation of its essential functions and with Laboratory Division 

support.

Evidence Control Unit

The Evidence Control Unit (ECU) is the first stop 

for all evidence received at the FBI Laboratory. 

With 10 separate units in the Laboratory 

examining evidence, the ECU is the focal point 

for managing the inherent administrative aspects 

of each piece of evidence. Before 

transporting the evidence to the 

Laboratory’s examining units, the 

ECU enters the case information 

into an automated evidence-control 

system, inventories each piece of 

evidence received, and designs an 

examination plan to direct the path 

the evidence will take through the 

Laboratory.

As the central point for the administrative management of evidence, the ECU provides 

a single point of contact for contributors. Each case is assigned to an ECU physical scientist, 

who tracks and manages the evidence from receipt to final disposition. The point of 

contact immediately establishes liaison with the contributor to acknowledge receipt of 

the evidence and to discuss pertinent case issues. This direct contact allows contributors 

to check the status of their evidence as well as to receive advice and guidance on packaging, 

transporting, and storing evidence.

The positive effects of this centralized evidence work flow can be seen in the ECU’s 

successful management of every piece of evidence the FBI Laboratory receives, whether 

it comes from high-profile major-case incidents or from the myriad pieces of evidence 

submitted every day to the Laboratory from all over the world.

Facility Services Unit

The Facility Services Unit (FSU) is responsible for facility, health, and safety matters in 

the Laboratory building and other facilities used by the Laboratory Division.

The Facilities group is made up primarily of maintenance personnel. This group is responsible 

for maintenance, repair, and alteration of Laboratory Division facilities, as well as oversight 

of contracts that provide maintenance, repair, or alteration to the facilities. The Facilities 

group oversees space management in the Laboratory and coordinates with the architectural 

and engineering firms that provide facility designs and studies for the Laboratory.

The Health Services group facilitates the Health Services Office and fitness center; ensures 

compliance with federal, state, and local occupational, environmental, nuclear, and 

transportation regulatory requirements; and oversees food-service operations. 

Electronics technicians are responsible for maintenance and modification to the Laboratory’s 

electronic systems. These systems include internal and external local area networks, security 

systems, internal telephone communications, and video teleconferencing equipment.

Overall, the FSU ensures the efficient and secure operation of the Laboratory’s facilities 

and grounds while advocating an environmentally and occupationally safe establishment. 49
50

Planning and Budget Unit

The Planning and Budget Unit (PBU) is responsible for all phases of planning, budgeting, 

acquisition, project management, auditing, and inventory and supply services for the FBI 

Laboratory. The core mission of the unit is to deliver these essential services in support 

of the Laboratory’s mission and the FBI’s strategic planning efforts. PBU provides Laboratory 

managers with real-time, online financial and project management information. The unit 

uses automated tools, templates, and reports to ensure that Laboratory investments are 

well planned, fully funded, successfully implemented, and appropriately managed. The 

support the unit provides is a critical link to the success of Laboratory programs and 

operations.

During 2005 PBU obtained and managed critical funding to enhance Laboratory services. 

The unit developed the Laboratory’s Program Plan, which provides the Laboratory’s strategic 

framework, initiatives, and resources needed to support crime problems and issues facing 

the FBI. The unit also implemented a centralized, remotely accessed, web-based system 

to capture, track, and manage Laboratory investments. Project management standards were 

established to integrate the best practices of investment management and ensure Laboratory 

project excellence and success. 

PBU performs a multitude of tasks that collectively contribute to the mission and success 

of the Laboratory. In 2005 the unit accomplished the following objectives: 

Developed the Laboratory’s 

Program Plan, Annual 

Budget Submission, and 

Spend Plan.

Implemented project 

management standards.

Processed 3,724 financial 

transactions.

Managed expenditures 

totaling $74 million.
51

Education

The Laboratory comprises a well-educated cadre of professional staff. Many staff members 

hold advanced degrees and pursue professional development activities on their own time. 

At the same time, the Laboratory provides continuing education and professional development 

opportunities for its employees as well as for members of the forensic community. The 

Division also remains responsible for proficiency-testing its examiners and maintaining its 

accreditation with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory 

Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). This section outlines some of the Division’s efforts 

in these areas.

Quality Assurance and Training Unit

The Quality Assurance and Training Unit (QATU) comprises three groups that work 

together to improve the quality and application of the forensic sciences. Quality Assurance 

personnel strive to continuously improve the quality system of the FBI Laboratory in order 

to maintain accreditation by ASCLD/LAB. Training personnel facilitate the delivery of 

forensic science information and training to law enforcement personnel. Library personnel 

are responsible for the technical-information needs of the Laboratory. They maintain the 

Laboratory’s reference collection and produce a number of forensic science publications.

Quality Assurance

The QATU supports the caseworking units of the FBI Laboratory by strengthening and 

expanding the Laboratory’s quality system and maintaining the Division’s accreditation 

through ASCLD/LAB. To meet these objectives, Quality Assurance personnel develop and 

maintain standards for quality assurance practices and general guidelines for standard 

operating protocols. These standards and guidelines are delineated in the Laboratory’s 

Quality Assurance Manual, which the QATU produces. Unit personnel also develop, coordinate, 

and review quality assurance programs; ensure the calibration and maintenance of instruments 

and equipment; and administer the proficiency-testing program. In addition, the QATU 

performs audits to verify that Laboratory personnel are following established quality 

assurance policies and programs. QATU personnel also coordinate Laboratory activities 

to maintain accreditation and provide quality assurance training.

Training

QATU personnel administer the Specialized Forensic Science Training program, which 

offers courses in the forensic sciences to law enforcement personnel. The unit also facilitates 

meetings of the Laboratory-sponsored scientific working groups. Composed of various 

members of the forensic community, the working groups meet regularly to establish and 

improve standards and practices in the forensic science disciplines and to build consensus 

among law enforcement agencies worldwide. QATU staff members also organize the annual 

Crime Laboratory Development Symposium for state and local forensic laboratory managers.

Library

The Laboratory Library provides forensic 

science information to scientists and 

examiners in the FBI and around the 

world. The information supports 

evidentiary examinations, prepares 

examiners for courtroom testimony, and 

facilitates research and development to
52

further forensic science knowledge, techniques, and instrumentation. The Library currently 

houses more than 8,000 scientific and technical books as well as 400 newspaper and journal 

subscriptions. 

The Library staff also produces several publications that are available to law enforcement 

personnel. Forensic Science Communications is an online, peer-reviewed forensic science journal 

with an international audience. The Handbook of Forensic Services provides guidelines and 

procedures for collecting, preserving, packaging, and shipping evidence. As its name 

suggests, the Laboratory’s Processing Guide for Developing Latent Prints delineates the techniques 

used to develop latent prints. 

Annual Crime Laboratory Development Symposium

In 2005 the FBI Laboratory partnered with the Ross School of Business at the University 

of Michigan for the 33rd Annual Crime Laboratory Development Symposium, which was 

held on campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The topic for the symposium was Preparing 

Future Leaders, and a host of distinguished University of Michigan faculty provided a 

comprehensive four-day program to more than 240 managers and laboratory directors from 

state, local, and international crime laboratories and law enforcement. Two of the keynote 

speakers were Dr. James Reilly, a NASA astronaut who spoke about leadership within a 

diverse community, and Dr. James Reese, who provided insight into individual and personal 

challenges that law enforcement employees face as a result of their careers. Topics provided 

to attendees included Leadership and the Road to Value Creation, Change, and Innovation; 

Managing the Unexpected; The Abundance Framework; Managing in Today’s Changing 

Environment; Understanding Your Work Style and the Impact Upon Your Effectiveness; 

Engagement: A Tool for Enabling Abundance; Building a Lab of Leaders: The Five Absolutes 

for High Performance; and The Essence of Positive Organizing.

The 33rd Annual Crime Laboratory Development Symposium was held 

at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Dr. James Reese

Dr. James Reilly
53

Celebration

Employees assigned to the FBI Laboratory work hard. Each year the Laboratory reserves 

a day for employees to bring their families to work and celebrate their accomplishments 

and simply spend time together as a family. The FBI Laboratory family also extends to the 

community. Laboratory employees reach out to the community and engage in projects to 

help residents lead better lives. This section celebrates the Laboratory’s extended family.

All Work and No Play...FBI Laboratory Family Day

In 2005 the Laboratory celebrated its second annual Family Day. This event started in 

August 2004 as a half-day classic-car display. It included a picnic lunch, musical entertainment 

by a disc jockey, and a moon bounce for the kids. In 2005 multiple fundraisers and the 

generous support of Laboratory staff established a budget to allow for the expansion of 

this event. The fundraisers included a donut sale, a flower sale, and a silent auction.

On Saturday, June 4, 2005, more than 250 people attended the all-day event. The classiccar display, picnic lunch, and moon bounce remained popular but had to vie for attention 

with many new attractions. A live band called “The Sunday Times” belted out classic-rock 

tunes, while children got their faces painted and collected stickers for their Junior Forensic 

Scientist Passports, among other activities. Children and adults alike lined up for photos 

with McGruff the Crime Dog and various other character cutouts. The athletically inclined

The Laboratory’s 

Family Day 2005
54

Classic cars on display

Two potential 

scientists inspect 

the Trace Evidence 

Unit’s display 

during the 

Laboratory’s 

second annual 

Family Day.

Three-legged race

played volleyball and ran three-legged races. The Evidence Response Team provided a live 

demonstration, while units in the Forensic Analysis Section and Scientific Analysis Section 

set up full-color displays to highlight each unit’s scientific techniques. The second annual 

FBI Laboratory Division Family Day gave FBI employees, their families, and their colleagues 

a day to share the unique spirit of pride and teamwork for which the FBI Laboratory family 

is known.
55

Junior Scientist Program

The FBI Laboratory entered into an agreement with Neabsco Elementary School in Dale 

City, Virginia, to sponsor the Junior Scientist Program. Through this alliance, the FBI 

Laboratory enhances the educational process and nurtures the development of tomorrow’s 

leaders in science. During the 2004 –2005 school year, Laboratory personnel provided 

presentations to the students on a variety of forensic topics. Personnel also served as judges 

and presented awards to the students during their annual science fair. On June 14, 2005, 

104 Neabsco students traveled to the FBI Laboratory for a tour and were awarded FBI 

Junior Scientist Certificates during a “graduation” ceremony.

Laboratory Director Dwight Adams reaffirms the Laboratory’s commitment

to support the fifth-grade science program at the school and presents Neabsco’s

principal with a certificate officially establishing this alliance.
56

Back-to-School Supply Drive

In August 2005, Laboratory employees participated in a back-to-school supply drive for 

the children of Stafford County, Virginia. When asked what supplies students needed, the 

school information officer replied, “We need everything.” Laboratory Division employees 

responded. They generously donated more than 700 pens and crayons, 100 erasers, 200 

notebooks, 4,800 sheets of paper, 12 backpacks, and numerous glue sticks, highlighters, 

scissors, rulers, and folders. The supplies were delivered to the county’s schools and distributed 

among the kids with the greatest need to help them get the school year started off right. 

Laboratory employees get an “A” for effort!
FORENSIC SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS

Forensic Science Communications is a peer-reviewed forensic science journal

published quarterly on the Internet by FBI Laboratory personnel. The journal is a 

means of communication between forensic scientists, permitting information of

value and interest to be rapidly disseminated among scientists and other

interested persons.

Submissions to the journal may include letters to the editor; review, research, or

feature manuscripts; book reviews; and technical notes or case reports.

Manuscripts and other information relating to the journal should be sent to:

Managing Editor

Forensic Science Communications

labfsc@ic.fbi.gov

Forensic Science Communications may be viewed online at

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/current/index.htm
FBI Laboratory 2005 Report

An FBI Laboratory Publication

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Quantico, Virginia

U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

2501 Investigation Parkway

Quantico, VA 22135

Official Business

Penalty for Private Use $300

PRESORTED STANDARD

POSTAGE & FEES PAID

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Permit No. G-168