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                            Topics
 Forensic Sciences

  NeydtStock/Shutterstock.com (see reuse policy). Description
              The term "forensic science" covers a broad range of forensic disciplines, each with its own set of technologies and practices. Some are laboratory based, while others revolve around expert interpretation of observed patterns.

Through various funding opportunities, research, and more, the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is working to provide critical information and resources to forensics personnel and to support programs and activities.

  
  
Funding
        
          See Current Funding Opportunities to learn about available funding from the OJP program offices related to this and other topics.
	Access the OJP Award Data page for details about grants awarded by OJP.
	Sign up for Funding News for weekly funding announcements and tips.



    
  
Recent Publications
        
                      Workflow to Facilitate the Detection of New Psychoactive Substances and Drugs of Abuse in Influent Urban Wastewater
                  Evidence-Based Evaluation Of The Analytical Schemes In ASTM E2329-17 Standard Practice For Identification Of Seized Drugs For Methamphetamine Samples
                  Wastewater-based Monitoring of the Nitazene Analogues: First Detection of Protonitazene in Wastewater

  View related publications


    
  
Upcoming Events
        
                      Foundational Statistics for Forensic Toxicology Webinar Series
                  American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Annual Symposium
                  FY 2024 Solicitation Webinar – DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program

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           |       View related on-demand events and training

  
  
Programs & Initiatives
        
          Learn about programs and initiatives from OJP and the OJP program offices related to this topic:

Bureau of Justice Assistance: Forensic Sciences
	National Institute of Justice: Forensic SciencesAlso see the Technology & Forensics page on the CrimeSolutions website for ratings of related programs.


  
  
Training & Technical Assistance
        
          Visit the following sites to learn about services from and supported by OJP program offices:

Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE)
	Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Training & Technical Assistance
    
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  Additional Resources
  Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find information about submitting DNA to assist in locating missing persons?
You can locate information about the collection of DNA to assist in the identification of missing persons on the DNA Analysis and CODIS Searching section of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) website.
For additional information, contact NamUs at 833-872-5176 or via email.
    
  
          Where can I learn more about the use of DNA to exonerate inmates postconviction?
Information on the use of DNA to exonerate inmates postconviction can be found on the Wrongful Convictions and the Exonerations Resulting from NIJ Postconviction DNA Testing Funding sections of the National Institute of Justice website.
Through grant funding, the Office of Justice Programs has provided millions of dollars to state and local forensic science laboratories to increase casework capacity, reduce backlogs, and improve quality. For example, grants obtained through the Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence program can be used to help defray the costs associated with postconviction DNA testing for violent felony offenses in which actual innocence might be demonstrated.
    
  
          How is DNA analyzed and used?
DNA has been used for forensic examinations since the late 1980s, with DNA testing advancing significantly since that time. Please view the following resources and websites to learn more about the use of DNA:

National Institute of Justice (NIJ): Forensic DNA: This section of the NIJ website provides extensive information on DNA, including NIJ-sponsored research and development projects.
	Short Tandem Repeat DNA Internet Database (STRBase): This website brings together the abundant literature on forensic DNA.
	American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS): This organization is committed to the promotion of education and the elevation of accuracy, precision, and specificity in the forensic sciences.
	International Association for Identification (IAI): The IAI is the largest and oldest forensic organization.
	PubMed: PubMed is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine that includes over 17 million citations from MEDLINE and other life science journals for biomedical articles dating back to the 1950s and includes links to full-text articles and other related resources.Additionally, a search of the Abstracts Database will also provide you with resources related to DNA and forensics.
    
  
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Date Modified: June 1, 2021
        Date Created: August 31, 2020
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