Page 1 of 12

NIJ Forensic Science Technology Working Group 

Operation Requirements, 2016

Updated based on discussion at the Forensic Science TWG meeting held December 13 and 14, 2016

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

Innovations, validations, and evaluations of software 

tools for mixture interpretation of casework samples. X X X Forensic Biology / DNA

Software tool designed to estimate the number of 

contributors, based solely on the data with no 

hypothesis input requirement from the user. 

X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Machine Learning based software tools that will fully 

inform the user on best next steps for DNA data flow 

and management, enhancing analyst productivity, and 

increasing quality outcomes, while maintaining 

laboratory information security.

X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Expert System for Forensic Evidence Analysis (including 

mixtures) X X X Forensic Biology / DNA

The ability to differentiate, physically separate, and 

selectively analyze DNA and/or cells from multiple 

donors or multiple tissue/cell types contributing to 

mixtures, with minimal or no sample loss.

X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Rapid, affordable and minimally-/non-destructive 

automated test to detect, locate, and/or confirm the 

presence of semen/sperm in a dried/aged or degraded 

stain and swab, and a method to efficiently physically 

isolate sperm cells/sperm-specific-DNA from nonsperm cells.

X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

The ability to quickly detect biological materials/fluid 

at a crime scene or on evidence taken from a crime 

scene, and simultaneously determine what type of 

biological fluid/cell type with minimal or no destruction 

of evidence sample(s).

X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Optimization of DNA evidence collection techniques 

and/or devices. X X X Forensic Biology / DNA
Page 2 of 12

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

Methods and/or knowledge to inform users about 

which processes maximize lysis and recovery of DNA at 

the elution and/or extraction steps, and/or direct 

amplification, for best downstream DNA analysis 

results.

X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Alternate approaches and/or instrumental platforms 

that can perform genetic typing X X X Forensic Biology / DNA

Age determination of stains (time since deposition) X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Better solutions to deal with contamination, such as (1) 

Methods or devices to remove contaminants from 

commercial products (e.g., pipette tips, tubes, 

reagents, etc.), (2) nontraditional methods to monitor 

the presence of contamination (e.g., changes in 

instrument sensitivity) with minimal disruption to 

laboratory workflow, and (3) for decontaminating 

laboratories.

X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Ethical and policy determination for Next Generation 

Sequencing data. X Forensic Biology / DNA

Evaluation of Next Generation Sequencing systems 

(instruments, kits and software) for forensic 

applications 

X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Y-STR database coordination and management. X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Development of a Y-STR computer program for mixture 

interpretation and statistical analysis X X Forensic Biology / DNA

Increase in the success rate of obtaining DNA profiles 

from compromised (damaged) DNA evidence X X X Forensic Biology / DNA

Develop mixture interpretation software for nonstandard DNA testing using new technologies X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Improve sample processing time for questioned 

samples X X Forensic Biology / DNA

Further development of alternative marker population 

databases X Forensic Biology / DNA

Perform studies required to discover the presence of 

linkage issues in combining alternative markers and 

traditional autosomal markers 

X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Further increase the discrimination power using 

genomic tools other than human DNA X X Forensic Biology / DNA
Page 3 of 12

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

Software for the resolution of complex kinships X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Rapid Sexual Assault Kit screening method X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

A better sexual assault evidence collection kit (to 

improve rapid rape kit screening and processing). X Forensic Biology / DNA

Successful analysis of forensic evidentiary samples (or 

DNA extracted from them) in a fully automated sample 

in answer out system where the “answer” would 

provide CODIS STR profile at a minimum. Other 

information might include biological fluid type, amount 

of DNA present, mixture interpretation, and/or mtDNA 

sequence analysis, YSTR profile, SNP information, etc.)

X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

The ability to detect/identify biological material (e.g., 

cell free DNA) that is invisible to the eye or alternate 

light sources (i.e. material left on touched objects), 

having sufficient quantity for downstream DNA 

analysis.

X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Better methods for collection and DNA analysis of 

evidence processed for latent fingerprints. This 

includes (1) a comprehensive study on latent print 

processes and their effect on common DNA 

chemistries (extraction, amplification, and/or both), (2) 

improved/new methods to recover DNA from difficult 

substrates (e.g., tapelifts), (3) better understanding of 

possible routes of contamination related to latent print 

processing.

X X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Improved methods for examining and interpreting 

touch DNA samples (to include cell free DNA) X X Forensic Biology / DNA

Studies to determine if/when front end steps (e.g., 

serology, sampling, extraction, purification, and/or 

quantification) should/could be removed from the DNA 

analysis workflow for the direct amplification of 

questioned samples.

X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Minimally-/Non-Destructive rapid screening to 

characterize sample/stain, based on factors about the 

contributors such as gender, number, and proportion 

of contribution, for DNA analysis.

X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA
Page 4 of 12

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

A secure means for information sharing across 

accredited NDIS participating forensic science 

laboratories to increase the understanding about 

laboratory workflows and processes that are models 

for best practices to be replicated, and potentially 

problematic areas to be avoided. 

X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Better and more affordable materials to reduce DNA 

loss/damage during transfer/storage. Increased 

knowledge & understanding of stability of DNA or 

other biological materials during storage.

X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

The ability to differentiate and “tag” a cell, identify and 

associate the biological source and other information 

(such as quality control to detect sample switches), and 

follow the “tag” through to profile generation

X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

A dynamic PCR system that performs quantitation, 

normalization, and amplification in one instrument 

phase. 

X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Studies of the mechanisms involved in DNA damage 

(including elements/metals that interfere with DNA 

analysis), and the development of new approaches and 

novel methods for overcoming damage and/or DNA 

repair (Identification of damaged DNA and repair 

mechanisms)

X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Body fluid/ cell type identification at the time of 

genetic analysis X X Forensic Biology / DNA

Phenotypic testing X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Macro screening of biological materials found at crime 

scenes

X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Affordable IT solutions for managing QC data to 

include a handsfree LIMS X Forensic Biology / DNA

The use of metagenomics to produce investigative 

leads X X Forensic Biology / DNA

Direct PCR with simultaneous human specific quant X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Practical studies for the utility of Surname inference for 

the development of investigative leads X Forensic Biology / DNA

Comprehensive Studies on DNA transfer and 

persistence X Forensic Biology / DNA

Novel biological methods for human identification X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA
Page 5 of 12

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

Non- or minimally-destructive method for DNA 

isolation X X X Forensic Biology / DNA

Better methods for quantitation that provide more 

information (e.g., number of contributors, contributor 

proportions, cell/tissue source) to make decisions 

regarding downstream analysis methods.

X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Objectively generated knowledge and understanding 

to assist the assessment of the significance of finding a 

DNA profile that might inform mathematical/statistical 

methods to address activity level.

X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Statistical methods to interpret DNA sequences that 

are generated from mixtures and mosaicisms. X X X Forensic Biology / DNA

Identical twin differentiation X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Genetic identification of Species of Forensic Interest X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Best Practices for Long Term Extract Storage X X X Forensic Biology 

/ DNA

Preliminary genetic screening differentiation for 

triaging biological evidentiary samples X X X Forensic Biology / DNA

Study of interpretation of report language by scientists 

and non-scientist stakeholders X X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Error rate studies on qualitative analysis (single tests 

and schemes) X X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Workable protocol for introducing proficiency tests 

into casework flow so as to be blind X X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Improved, broader, more available, more 

representative proficiency testing X X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Configurable, cost-effective laboratory information 

management systems

X X X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Research into scientifically-based acceptance criteria of 

analytical data generated in case samples X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology
Page 6 of 12

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

Access to methods/SOPs/spectra for use in identifying 

compounds of forensic interest X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Evaluation of validity of deconvolution software for 

spectra, such as IR, Raman, MS, etc.

X X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Better understanding of the challenges and relevance 

of isomers and/or metabolites encountered in forensic 

samples

X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Glossary of terms to define, for example, identification 

uncertainty (distinct from misidentification), and 

effective ways to communicate it clearly to customers 

(LE, triers of fact, etc.)

X X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Effective, faster, more efficient processes in sample 

detection, collection, handling, and analysis, data 

handling, and reporting

X X X X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Continued advancement of practical forensic 

application/development pertaining to emerging or 

current instrumentation

(e.g. microspectrophotometer, using the second 

derivative, thermal analysis coupled with FTIR or GCMS)

X X X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Publicly-available anonymized proficiency 

misidentification reports and corrective action plans X X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Appropriate and reasonable safety protocols for strong 

opiates/opioids X

Controlled 

Substances,

Toxicology

Lack of extensive research and data collection of novel 

psychoactive substances, to include but not limited to 

synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, and 

substituted cathinones, and related isomers

X Controlled 

Substances

Validated methods for THC quantitation in plant 

materials, edibles, extracts, etc. X Controlled Substances

Evaluation of efficient methods of triaging cases and 

successful case management agreements among labs 

and customer stakeholders

X X Controlled 

Substances

Research into most effective, efficient scheme/process 

for processing evidence X Controlled Substances
Page 7 of 12

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

Correction algorithm to allow comparison of spectra 

across instruments that could, for example, compare a 

reference standard to a library standard and determine

an algorithm to correlate them

X X Controlled 

Substances

Scheduling/legislation problems X Controlled 

Substances

Discriminating power using only GC/MS X X X Controlled 

Substances

Sufficient quantity of reference materials (to include 

quantitative samples) for use in forensic labs (to 

include parent drugs and metabolites)

X Toxicology

Research on correlation of blood and oral fluid values, 

esp. in regards to DUID interpretation, including 

differences between POC devices and lab confirmation

X Toxicology

Research on pre-analytic artifacts such as postmortem 

redistribution, site dependence, contamination, poor 

sampling, etc.

X Toxicology

Forensically-relevant approaches for statistical 

interpretation of evidence (e.g. postmortem toxicology 

levels) to give a better understanding of the value of 

the data

X Toxicology

Research to examine drug levels pre- and postembalming to assist in assessing cause of death if 

toxicology not completed prior to embalming

X Toxicology

Nationwide evaluation of administrative testing 

scheme policies X X Toxicology

Scientific foundations for the evaluation of evidence in 

support of qualified and definitive conclusions. X X

Impression & 

Pattern/

Trace Evidence

Determination of accuracy of forensic conclusions, 

including potential sources of error. X X X

Impression & 

Pattern/

Trace Evidence

Novel approaches to the statistical interpretation of 

forensic evidence. X X X X X

Impression & 

Pattern/

Trace Evidence

Support for standards development and validation of 

forensic methods. X X X

Impression & 

Pattern/

Trace Evidence

Evaluation of varied types of technical review and 

verification of casework. X X X X

Impression & 

Pattern/

Trace Evidence
Page 8 of 12

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

Novel and/or improved evidence recognition, 

collection, and visualization tools and analytical 

instrumentation.

X X X X

Impression & 

Pattern/

Trace Evidence

Fundamental understanding of how environmental 

factors can affect evidence. X

Impression & 

Pattern/

Trace Evidence

Understanding of the cognitive processes involved in 

pattern recognition as applied to forensic comparative 

analysis. 

X

Impression & 

Pattern/

Trace Evidence

Evaluation of sequential evidence processing methods. X X X

Impression & 

Pattern/

Trace Evidence

Evaluation of the effects of training, accreditation and 

certification on the accuracy of conclusions. X X

Impression & 

Pattern/

Trace Evidence

Quantitative methods of analysis to augment visual 

trace evidence examinations. X X X X Trace Evidence

Development of automated microscopical analysis and 

comparison of hair and fibers. X X X X Trace Evidence

Identification and characterization of nanomaterials in 

evidentiary materials. X X X X Trace Evidence

Construction of new and updating of existing 

databases with properties of new materials. X X Trace Evidence

Fundamental understanding of blood properties, 

droplet formation, droplet flight and the resultant 

formation of bloodstain patterns.

X X Bloodstain 

Pattern Analysis

An understanding of the interaction of blood with 

fabrics and textiles. X Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Understanding of the effects of ventilation on fire 

damage and patterns. X Fire & Arson Investigation

Characterization of electrical system response as a 

means to study fire progression. X X Fire & Arson Investigation

Repeatability and reproducibility of test measurements 

of large-scale structure fires. X X Fire & Arson Investigation

Adequate materials property data inputs for accurate 

computer fire models. X X X Fire & Arson Investigation

Evaluation of incident heat flux profiles to walls and 

neighboring items in support of fire model validation. X X Fire & Arson Investigation
Page 9 of 12

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

Algorithms for automated searching of make and 

model of crime scene footwear impressions within a 

database of known footwear outsole patterns. 

X X X Footwear

Understanding of the morphological variability of the 

shape of the foot and the resulting shoeless impression 

[barefoot and socked].

X Footwear

Quantitative assessment of intra- and inter-person 

handwriting and handprinting variation. X X X

Forensic 

Document 

Examination

Understanding of the kinematics of handwriting and 

digital signatures. X X

Forensic 

Document 

Examination

Reference collection databases for questioned 

document examiners. X

Forensic 

Document 

Examination

Comparative evaluation of automated handwriting 

identification systems. X X

Forensic 

Document 

Examination

Optimal methods and materials for the preservation, 

visualization, recovery and comparison of toolmarks in 

cartilage and bone.

X X X

Tool Marks/

Forensic 

Pathology/

Forensic 

Anthropology

Source attribution of drug tablets using manufacturing 

toolmarks. X X

Tool Marks/

Controlled 

Substances

Development of improved procedures and 

technologies for evidence detection and recovery. X X x x x

Crime Scene 

Examination

Difficulty in determining the cause and manner of 

death of infants and children, distingushing between 

natural, undetermined, accidental and non-accidental -

in sudden fatal events to include traumatic injury 

versus sudden non-traumatic causes of death, e.g. 

channelopathies, genetic disease, metabolic disorders, 

etc.

x x x

Forensic 

Pathology

Enhancement of unidentified decedent system(s) with 

weighting capability for antemortem and postmortem 

comparisons with the goal of providing a ranked list of 

“best matches” to effectively and efficiently identify 

potential candidates or hits.

X X X

Forensic 

Anthropology, 

Medicolegal 

Death 

Investigations
Page 10 of 12

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

Potential loss of forensic evidence due to decedent 

recovery, transport and handling from scene to 

morgue or what evidence is being obscured by 

performing evidence recovery prior to removal from 

the scene.

X X X

Medicolegal 

Death 

Investigations

Further development of effective biometric (e.g. 

fingerprints and facial recognition) capture techniques 

or devices for decedents, including decedents 

exhibiting various postmortem artifacts, both at the 

scene and in the morgue.

X X X X

Medicolegal 

Death

Investigations

Further studies to update anthropological 

morphometric, and growth and development datasets, 

and expanding underrepresented populations, 

applicable to assessment of biological profile.

X X Forensic 

Anthropology

Further research studies on force measurement, 

fracture mechanics and modeling of injuries ( to 

include bone tissue and soft tissue) to improve 

accuracy of trauma analysis and quantify error rates 

associated with trauma interpretation.

X Forensic 

Pathology

Further studies of innovative methods or technologies 

to determine precise time since death. X X X

Medicolegal 

Death 

Investigations

Development or improvement of imaging technologies 

for injury detection. X X X Forensic Pathology

Development of accessible (affordable) imaging 

technologies (whole-body imaging instruments), or 

increasing the availability of existing technologies for 

use in forensic-specific postmortem examination.

X X X X Forensic 

Pathology

Understanding Bias in Forensic Analyses X X

Multidisciplinary 

Forensic 

Disciplines

Development of a multidisciplinary statistical model, 

for example, likelihood ratio, for use in personal 

identification, based on population frequencies of 

traits (anthropological, friction ridge, radiological, 

odontological, pathological, biological, etc) to reduce 

subjectivity in decedent identifications.

X Forensic 

Anthropology
Page 11 of 12

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

Development of methods and/or systems for

identifying geographic region or country of origin of 

unidentified remains.

X X X

Forensic 

Anthropology, 

Forensic 

Pathology, 

Medicolegal 

Death 

Investigations

Development or enhancement of rapid, accurate and 

nondestructive preliminary tests at the crime scene to 

gain immediate investigative probative value, to 

include lead-free or unique ammunition.

X X X Crime Scene 

Examination

Further research on bone healing rates, at the macroand micro-levels, and the quantification of healing rate 

differences by age and by bone element.

X

Forensic 

Anthropology, 

Forensic 

Pathology

Further research into the effects of not always 

completing a full postmortem investigation. Is there an 

unknown error rate in diagnosis of cause and manner 

of death due to the necessity to decide field 

investigation vs. no-field investigation, autopsy vs. notautopsy, external exam vs. autopsy, and the roles of 

ancillary tests (toxicology, histology, microbiology), etc.

X X X X Forensic 

Pathology

Development of an antemortem dental radiograph 

repository to compare postmortem radiographs for 

identification.

X X

Forensic 

Anthropology, 

Forensic 

Pathology

Improved analysis and interpretation of sharp force 

trauma injuries on hard and soft tissue. X

Tool 

Marks/Forensic 

Pathology/Foren

sic Anthropology

Improved analysis and interpretation of blast/explosive 

trauma injuries. X

Forensic 

Anthropology, 

Forensic 

Pathology

Research to understand and identify hypoxic artifacts 

and traumatic brain injury in pediatric patients who 

have been on a ventilator.

X Forensic 

Pathology
Page 12 of 12

Technology Working Group 

Operational Requirements

Updated December 2016

Scientific 

Research

Technology 

Development

Policy or 

Protocol 

Development

Assessment & 

Evaluation

Dissemination 

&/or Training

Other

Forensic 

Discipline

Development of novel methods to locate clandestine 

graves. 

X X X

Forensic 

Anthropology,

Medicolegal 

Death 

Investigations

Studies to determine correlation of phenotypic, 

ancestral, and other genetic markers to the forensic 

anthropologist’s assessment of skeletal remains.

X X Forensic 

Anthropology

Development of on-scene tests and protocols for the 

safe detection, and processing of hazardous emerging 

synthetic drugs.

X X X

Crime Scene 

Examination, 

Controlled 

Substances