Expanding Social Science Research to Examine 

the Impacts of Forensic Science on the Criminal 

Justice System 

November 10, 2020 

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. 
 

 

Expanding Social Science Research to Examine the Impacts of 

Forensic Science on the Criminal Justice System: 

The Next Chapter of the NIJ Social Science Research on Forensic Science Portfolio: 

Moving from DNA to a Systems Approach to Forensic Science 

Co-Chairs: 

Jonathan McGrath, PhD Eric Martin 

MSFS Social Science Analyst 

Senior Policy Analyst Technology and Standards 

NIJ Office of Investigative Division NIJ Office of Research, 

and Forensic Sciences Evaluation, and Technology 

(OIFS) (ORET) 

Washington, DC Washington, DC 
 

 

 

 

DOJ Disclaimer 

• Any opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do

not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department

of Justice.

• Names of commercial manufacturers or products are incidental only, and

inclusion does not imply endorsement by the author(s) or the U.S.

Department of Justice.

• Unless otherwise noted, all figures, diagrams, media and other materials used

in this presentation are created by the respective author(s) and contributor(s)

of the presentation and research.
 

National Institute of Justice 

The research, development and evaluation agency 

of the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Dedicated to improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues 

through science. NIJ provides objective and independent knowledge and tools to 

reduce crime and promote justice. 
 

 

 

 

Expanding Social Science Research to Examine the Impacts 

of Forensic Science on the Criminal Justice System 

Presenters: 

James Anderson 

Director, Justice Policy Program and Institute for Civil Justice, RAND Corporation 

Kevin J. Strom, PhD 

Director, Center for Policing Research & Investigative Science, RTI International 

Donia Slack 

Research Forensic Scientist, Associate Director of NIJ Forensic Technology Center 

of Excellence (FTCoE), RTI International 
The Unrealized Promise of Forensic 

Science 

James Anderson, Carl Matthies, Sarah 

Greathouse & Amalavoyal Chari 

November 10, 2020 
 

 

Forensic Science Very Promising in 

Theory (I) 

• Criminal Justice System as system

• Forensic scientific evidence is additional

source of information

Slide 2 
 

 

 

Forensic Science Very Promising in 

Theory (II) 

• Objective and scientific – sometimes more

accurate

• Independent of other information

• Errors should be uncorrelated with other

errors

• Loosely coupled

Slide 3 
 

Forensic Science Very Promising in 

Theory (III) 

• Key assumptions to realize promise

– Scientific

– Independent/loosely coupled

Slide 4 
 

 

 

How Does it Work in Practice? 

• Sparse literature but consistent findings:

– Used in < 1% of cases (Parker, 1963)

– Little role despite availability (RAND/Greenwood,

1975)

– Rarely used (Peterson et al. 1984, 1987)

• Has its use increased, and if so how?

Slide 5 
 

 

 

 

 

What Did We Do? 

• Mixed-method study in five jurisdictions

– Sacramento County, CA, Sedgwick County, KS, Allegheny County, PA,

Bexar County, TX, and King County, WA.

– Interviews with detectives, forensic labs, prosecutors

– Collected random sample of 1000 reported crimes in each

jurisdiction to determine effect of forensic science (2007-2009)

• Analysis of national crime lab data

• Experimental survey of prosecutors and criminal defense

attorneys to understand effect of forensic evidence on plea

bargaining process

Slide 6 
Five Jurisdiction Study-Interviews 

• Interviews revealed that development of

forensic evidence was not independent of other

evidence

• Case status drove analysis of forensic evidence

• If no other evidence, little forensic analysis

• If case was going to trial, more analysis

Slide 7 
How Often is Forensic Evidence Collected 

and Analyzed? 

Site Homicide Rape Aggravated Assault Robbery Burglary 

Evidence 

Collected 

Evidence 

Analyzed 

Evidence 

Collected 

Evidence 

Analyzed 

Evidence 

Collected 

Evidence 

Analyzed 

Evidence 

Collected 

Evidence 

Analyzed 

Evidence 

Collected 

Evidence 

Analyzed 

Sacramento 96.2±2.4 87.1±7.3 91.8±3.4 74.5±13.2 52.4 ±4.8 9.4±1.2 54.5±2.5 3.5±0.5 30.0±7.8 0.4±0.6 

San Antonio 95.8±2.7 84.4±9.5 ----- ----- 43.5±16.1 10.7±3.3 15.0±5.8 0.5±0.9 4.6±1.5 0.6±0.9 

Seattle 89.6±4.5 17.1±13.8 60.1±4.0 8.7±3.3 17.4±6.3 0.9±0.9 13.4±0.6 0.7±1.3 18.5±4.3 1.2±1.2 

Wichita 80.4±6.7 65.9±6.3 81.9±9.1 30.2±4.0 80.7±5.8 6.0±2.1 51.0±7.9 3.3±2.3 37.9±11.6 1.1±1.0 

 

Slide 8 
 

At What Stage Did Forensic Analysis 

Occur? 

Prior to arrest Prior to plea bargain Prior to trial 

Request Complete Probative Request Complete Probative Request Complete Probative 

Trace analysis 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 1.5% 0.9% 0.0% 3.9% 2.0% 0.0% 

Drug analysis 1.0% 0.4% ND 1.3% 0.9% ND 1.4% 0.8% ND 

DNA analysis 3.5% 2.5% 1.7% 7.0% 6.8% 6.0% 22.4% 21.8% 19.9% 

Firearms 

/toolmark 

analysis 3.9% 3.2% 2.5% 9.1% 8.1% 4.2% 24.6% 23.2% 16.0% 

CODIS search 2.2% 2.2% 1.4% 6.6% 6.6% 3.4% 10.6% 10.6% 1.7% 

NIBIN 

searchb 3.2% 3.2% 0.4% 6.2% 6.2% 1.1% 16.8% 16.8% 2.5% 

Slide 9 
 

 

 

 

When is Analysis Occurring? 

• Forensic evidence is rarely analyzed prior to an arrest

(<12% in every category of crime)

– Detectives not using forensic evidence to identify suspects

• Forensic evidence is often not analyzed until the eve of

trial

• Additional information advantage of forensic science not

being utilized

• Reduces independence of forensic science if inconsistent

result will lead to lost case

Slide 10 
 - 

How Long is Analysis Taking? 

Average Analysis Time in Days 

Allegheny King Sacramento Bexar Sedgwick Overall 

Hair 237 . 55.5 92.27 . 88.82 

Fibers . . 30 85.88 . 74.7 

FTIR . 55.5 8.56 159.2 . 61.5 

SEM_EDX 299.11 . 52.44 41.06 . 75.7 

Fit match 39 . . 59 . 52.33 

Serology Screen 124.16 108.71 . 22.46 . 64.03 

Blood pattern 

interpretation . 209 . . . 209 

YSTR . 39 . 8 . 28.67 

GC_MS . 55.5 10.66 . 47.69 14.57 

Drug ID 115.57 . . 3 34.83 71.8 

STR 88.09 105.11 290.24 55.12 66.56 135.2 

Test fire 288 233.75 89.69 244.89 26.72 162.95 

Comparison scope 200.52 247.86 104.5 272.88 44.17 171.37 

Notes: Averages are calculated conditional on analysis being completed within the time frame covered by the study 

Slide 11 
 

 

Why is Analysis Occurring so Late in 

Criminal Justice Process? 

• Shortage of forensic lab resources –

required triage

• Forensics were viewed as means of

strengthening already strong cases

• Also viewed as means to meet unrealistic

jury expectations

Slide 12 
 

 

Compare to Theory 

• Rarely being used to identify suspects

• Rarely being used in charging

• In rare cases where it is used at all, often

being used to meet unrealistic jury

expectations

• Creates incentives for misconduct

Slide 13 
 

 

 

Lawyers Agree that Forensic Evidence 

Matters to Plea Bargaining 

• Experimental survey study showed that

strength of forensic evidence affected

acceptance of plea bargains in expected way

• Correlations between strong forensic

evidence and convictions

Slide 14 
 

Forensic Lab Efficiency 

• Fee-based laboratories have higher

productivity

• Laboratory management systems also

associated with increased productivity

Slide 15 
 

 

 

Conclusions 

• Theoretical promise of forensic science remains

unrealized (still)

• Limited and late use of forensic evidence undermines key

theoretical benefits of additional information and

independence

• Quicker turnaround is probably a necessary condition for

earlier use

• Fee-based labs appeared to have greater productivity

– Might also lead to more efficient triage system

Slide 16 

 

 

Sexual Assault Kit 

Processing as a 

Challenge and 

Opportunity in Sexual 

Assault Reform 

Kevin J. Strom, PhD 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Background 

Sexual Assault Kit (SAK): Set of items used 

by medical personnel for the preservation 

of physical evidence collected from a 

person following an allegation of sexual 

assault 

Unsubmitted SAKs that accrue in U.S. law 

enforcement agencies subject of increasing 

attention over past decade, as have 

untested SAKs pending analysis in crime 

laboratories. 
 

 

 

 

Why 

Unsubmitted 

SAKs 

Accumulated 

• DNA testing did not previously exist

• No policy regarding SAK submission and testing

• No funding to test all SAKs

• Benefit to investigations unclear

• Insufficient staffing to investigate and prosecute all

cases

• Victim-blaming and misinterpreting signs of trauma

Source: Campbell et al., 2016; Strom and Hickman, 2010 
 

 

BJA’s National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) 

• In FY2015, 20 jurisdictions were

selected to receive SAKI funding.

BJA funded 12 new jurisdictions in

2016, 9 new in 2017, 13 new in

2018, 10 new in 2019, and 7 new

jurisdictions in 2020.

• There are currently 71 SAKI

Grantees

Sites

• 25 statewide sites

• 3 multi-county site

• 13 county-level sites

• 29 city-level sites

• Total funding awarded to date:

~$220 million 
 

 

 

 

National Impact of 

SAKI 

Under SAKI, jurisdictions must: 

• Inventory all unsubmitted SAKs

• Conduct an investigative case review

associated with each unsubmitted SAK

• Create DNA testing plan

• Track sexual assault evidence

• Provide effective communication with

survivors of sexual assault
Why is it 

important to 

test 

unsubmitted 

SAKs? 

• Apprehend violent offenders

• Justice for victims

• Hold offenders accountable

• Populate CODIS

• Case connectivity

• Lawfully owed DNA

• Research

• Serial offenders

• Cross-over offending

• Reasons SAKs were not submitted for testing
-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impact: 

Crossover and 

Serial 

Offending 

Cuyahoga County, OH 

• Coded 433 sexual assaults between March 1992 and

September 2014 – 53% were connected to serial sex

offenders

• 53 kit-to-kit serial sex offenders

• 192 kit plus criminal history offenders

• Results

• Most serial sex offenders do not appear to

consistently stick to a certain “type” of victim or

offending pattern

• Of the 53 serial sex offenders

• 56.5% only sexual assaulted strangers

• 28.3% sexually assaulted at least 1 stranger and

at least 1 nonstranger

• And 15.1% only assaulted nonstrangers

Lovell, R., Luminais, M., Flannery, D. J., Overman, L., Huang, D., Walker, T., & Clark, D. R. (2017).

Offending patterns for serial sex offenders identified via the DNA testing of previously unsubmitted

sexual assault kits. Journal of criminal justice, 52, 68 78. 
NIJ Sexual Assault 

Kit Processing 

Efficiency 
 

 

 

 

Background 

NIJ-funded project to determine whether specific 

policies or characteristics of a jurisdiction result in 

more efficient processing outcomes. 

Goal: Conduct research to identify the most 

efficient practices for addressing the submission of 

SAKs in LEA’s and the testing of SAKs in crime 

laboratories. 
 

 

Mixed-Methods Study 

Study examined intra and 

interagency dynamics 

associated with SAK 

processing efficiency in a 

linked sample of crime 

laboratories (n=145) and 

LEA’s (n=321). 
Results: Findings 

show that 

backlogs can be 

explained by the 

combination of 

technical 

inefficiencies and 

lack of resources. 
Results: 

Jurisdictions 

cannot create 

sustainable SAK 

processing 

without investing 

in LEA and crime 

laboratory staff. 
 

Results: Agency 

policies directly 

affect partner 

agencies and 

should not be 

created in a silo. 
Recommendations 

Invest in staff hiring and 

retention 

Develop a system-wide process 

map 

Develop interagency 

multidisciplinary policies 
 

 

 

 

 

More 

Information 

Kevin J. Strom, PhD 

RTI International 

Director – Center for Policing Research & 

Investigative Science 

919.485.5729 

kstrom@rti.org 

www.rti.org/policing/ 

Strom, K. J., Hendrix, J. A., Parish, W. J., Melton, P. A., & Feeney, H. 

(2020). Estimating crime laboratory efficiency in the testing of 

sexual assault kits. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 65(5), 1497-1506. 

https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.14490 

Hendrix, J. A., Strom, K. J., Parish, W. J., Melton, P. A., & Young, A.

R. (2019). An examination of sexual assault kit efficiencies

among a nationally representative sample of law enforcement

agencies. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0887403419884730
 

 

The Impact of Research and Technology Dissemination 

Through the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence 

2016-MU-BX-K110 

Donia Slack, M.S., RTI International 

November 10, 2020 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer 

The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE), led by RTI International, is supported 

through a Cooperative Agreement from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Office of Justice 

Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (2016-MU-BX-K110). The opinions, findings, and 

conclusions or recommendations expressed in this presentation are those of the author(s) and 

do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice. Any products and manufacturers 

discussed are presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval 

or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence and RTI 

• The Forensic Technology Center of

Excellence is a program of the National

Institute of Justice

• Office of Investigative and Forensic

Sciences (OIFS)

• Instituted in 2007 and administered by RTI

International since 2011, The FTCoE has

reached tens of thousands of criminal

justice practitioners by providing unbiased

dissemination and evaluation of forensic

technologies, best practices, and policies

Dr. Jeri Ropero-Miller; 

Project Director; 

Senior Director of the 

Center for Forensic 

Sciences 

Nicole Jones; Associate Donia Slack; Associate 

Project Director; Director of Project Director; Forensic Science Translation Director of Research, and Implementation Technology, & Evaluation 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five goals of the FTCOE 

1. To provide scientific and technical support to NIJ’s research and development efforts

2. To facilitate demonstration, transfer, and adoption of appropriate technology into

practice by crime laboratories, forensic service providers, law enforcement, and other

criminal justice agencies

3. To provide technology assistance, information, and support to law enforcement and

other appropriate criminal justice agencies

4. To develop and provide access to resources for research, education, and best practices

in the forensic science and criminal justice community

5. To develop and implement strategic plans to evaluate the impact of NIJ’s forensic

science investments on the criminal justice system
 

 

 

 

 

The FTCoE provides scientific and technical support to the NIJ’s R&D efforts by 

facilitating transfer and adoption of technology into the criminal justice system 

Advancing Technology Sharing Knowledge Addressing Challenges 

The FTCoE places 

promising technical 

innovations in the hands 

of forward-thinking 

practitioners, 

stakeholders, and policy 

makers. 

The FTCoE provides 

knowledge transfer and 

integration which bridges 

the gap between the 

scientific and criminal 

justice communities. 

The FTCoE supports the 

NIJ’s research and 

development (R&D) 

portfolios, and transitions 

research into the hands of 

practitioners. 
 

Impact of Research and Technology Dissemination Topics of Interest 

• Evaluation of the impact of forensic science

investments on the criminal justice system:

• Advancing DNA Efficiencies

• Lean Facility Design for Optimizing Space

• Lean Six Sigma for Laboratory Processes

• Improvement Grants Return on Investment

• Rapid DNA Implementation

• Addressing Management Challenges

• Cost-benefit Analyses

• Workforce Calculator

• Sharing Knowledge

• Workforce Resiliency

• Juror Comprehension

• Current Projects
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expanding Beyond Theory – Advancing DNA Efficiencies (con’t) 

Lab Design Efficiencies Implemented 

• In 2013, NIST published the “White Book,

Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for

Facility Planning, Design, Construction and

Relocation”

• Guidance for ”Lean Facility Design (LFD)” thinking

for lab management, planning, architecture, and

engineering for publicly funded forensic facilities

• The FTCoE worked with the Midwest Forensics

Resource Center (Ames Laboratory) and the

Brazos Group to develop guidelines, checklists,

and evaluate key outcomes of the LFD process

• The FTCoE also performed a needs assessment

at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO)

using the process map and checklist

LFD Needs Assessment Checklist 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expanding Beyond Theory – Advancing DNA Efficiencies (con’t) 

LFD Needs Assessment Outcome LFD Needs Assessment Methodology 

• BSO completed the LFD assessment using the 

roadmap and checklist 

• Results indicated that issues that were 

identified were related to available space within 

the current facility 

• LFD led to the realization that a new facility 

would realize the best return on investment 

• Assessment allowed for BSO to begin the process of

procuring bids from architectural firms 

• Short-term solutions included: 

• Cloud options implemented for several current 

programs 

• Interagency communication gaps were improved 

• New management staffing was implemented to 

improve bottlenecks at the reporting stage 
 

 

 

 

 

Expanding Beyond Theory – Advancing DNA Efficiencies 

Placing processes into crime laboratories Tangible efficiencies outcomes 

• In collaboration with our partners at

West Virginia University College of

Business and Economics, their

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Certification Program for Forensic

Professionals was evaluated for

short and long-term impacts

• Course was taught by Tim

Kuperschmid, LSS Black Belt, Chief

of Laboratories at the NYC OCME
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expanding Beyond Theory – Advancing DNA Efficiencies (con’t) 

Lab Processes Implemented and Evaluated 

• Evaluating the biology system process

• Toxicology review process

• Cause of administrative errors in case files

• Reduce turnaround time for toxicology samples

• Process for converting paper archives to digital

• Evaluating review procedure in toxicology

• Decrease turnaround time of DNA Analysis

• Changing timesheets from paper to digital

• Evaluating technical review process for DNA

Analysis

• Improve the data analysis process of the blood

sample testing for alcohol

Performance Metrics 

• Was the project implemented as planned?

• Did the projects have unexpected/unintended

effects, and why?

• Were the projects expanded to other areas of

the lab and were there transferable skills and

tools learned?

• What was the leadership response?

• What kind of challenges did you have?

• What was most and least useful about this

program?

• What were the lessons learned from the

participants that dropped out?
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expanding Beyond Theory – Advancing DNA Efficiencies (con’t) 

West Virginia State Police Crime Laboratory -

Reducing Turnaround Time for DNA Analysis 

• Laboratory had two separate units 

• Serology 

• DNA 

• LSS principle of DMAIC was implemented 

• Define, measure, analyze, improve, control 

• Changes made: 

• Direct sample transfer from serology to DNA 

section; regular huddle meetings, move to 

paperless casefiles, outsourced older but still 

active cases, added 3 additional positions 

Quantitative Results 

• Year 1: the 17% reduction in TAT 

• Year 2: Additional TAT reduction for a total 

of 48% 

• Outsource of all SAKs 

• Unnecessary tasks were halted 

• Began tracking trends for yield lessons 

learned 

• Moved onto a LSS project in the Drug 

Identification Section 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Expanding Beyond Theory – Advancing DNA Unit Efficiencies 

Evaluating an NIJ Funded Forensic DNA Unit Timeline and Milestones for PBSO

Efficiency Improvement Program Grant 

• In 2009, the NIJ released a solicitation to help

agencies to develop and implement programs to

improve the capacity and efficiency of DNA units

• “Forensic DNA Unit Efficiency Improvement”

• The FTCoE performed a program evaluation on

the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office (PBSO)

to demonstrate the ROI (2009-DN-BX-K261)

Open 

Access 

FSI 

Synergy 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expanding Beyond Theory – Advancing DNA Unit Efficiencies (con’t) 

Quantitative Return on NIJ-funded Creation of a Biological Processing Lab Investment 

• In 2009, the PBSO FBU responded to the concerns of

Palm Beach County LEAs regarding TAT

• NIJ funded funded the creation of the PBSO Biological

Processing Lab (BPL), a prescreening laboratory

managed by a city police agency independent of the

PBSO

• Serviced three surrounding LEAs

• Prescreened crime scene evidence

• Project completed in 2012, first evaluation performed

by RTI in 2009, and re-evaluated by RTI/FTCoE in 2018

• Lessons learned – Laboratories require time to fully

implement processes before a thorough evaluation can

be completed

Creation of 

the Biological 

Processing 

Laboratory 

27% TAT 

reduction 

9% decrease 

in Analyst 

Caseload 

88% decrease 

in DNA backlog 

54% Increase 

CODIS entries 

in nonsuspect cases 

8% increase in 

Increase in 

LEA/Crime Lab 

Communication 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expanding Beyond Research – Advancing DNA Technologies 

Placing promising technical innovations in 

the hands of practitioners 

• In 2017 Richland County Crime Lab expressed

a desire to expand their Rapid DNA program

into the booking environment

• The FTCoE supported the validation and proofof-concept study of the RapidHIT ID placed in

the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center

• This study demonstrated that non-scientist

operators could produce DNA profiles meeting

QAS requirements for CODIS uploads

• Their Rapid DNA program has led to 69 profiles

uploaded into CODIS, generating 3 CODIS hits

Tangible criminal justice outcomes 
 

 

 

Addressing Management Challenges – FORESIGHT Evaluation 

Project FORESIGHT Seven Key Performance Areas 

• Project FORESIGHT is a business-oriented self- • Relative Volume and Activity

evaluation that provides laboratory managers

• Cost with actionable insights into the performance of 

their laboratories in comparison to similar labs • Personnel Productivity

• Developed and managed by FTCoE Partner, Dr. • Risk/Quality Paul Speaker, WVU College of Business and

Economics • Turnaround Time

• Funded by NIJ (2008-DN-BX-K223; 2010-D1-BX- • Backlog K016)

• Synthesizes operational opportunities for

improvement in budget, personnel, and/or

laboratory management
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Addressing Management Challenges – FORESIGHT Evaluation – 

ROI from Processing the Backlog of Untested SAKs 

Open 

Access 

FSI 

Synergy 

• The FTCoE and WVU evaluated the ROI at the jurisdictional level (net benefits to society relative to the investment)

• Previous cost-benefit studies analyze data across multiple jurisdictions across the country

• Costs range from $23 - $980 per kit

• FORESIGHT controls for economies of scale

• For smaller jurisdictions, the cost expenditures reach $1,842

• Regardless of expenditures, ROI for these labs is above 5,000%

• With perfect economies of scale, the societal ROI is 64,529% (for jurisdictions able to process 6,250/year)
 

 

 

 

 

Addressing Management Challenges – FORESIGHT Evaluation – 

Hidden Cost of the Opioid Crisis 

• Current financial considerations of the impact of the

opioid crisis are severely underestimated

• Cost to the criminal justice system is estimated at $8

billion

• $270 Million borne by crime labs

• FORESIGHT data indicate costs differ across different

analytical processes

• Expenditure rates are not aligned with projected 3%

annual rate

Open 

Access 

FSI 

Synergy 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Addressing Challenges – Optimizing a Sustainable Workforce 

Workforce Calculator 

• FTCoE & Project FORESIGHT developed a

workforce calculator, now in second-year

testing, to determine resources needed

(such as full-time equivalents) for

laboratories to best serve their

communities based on the following

inputs:

• Type of jurisdiction (metro, regional,

statewide)

• Crime Rates (violent and property)

• Population size served
 

 

Sharing Knowledge – Workforce Resiliency 

• Seven archived webinars hosted on

the FTCoE website

• Vicarious Trauma Toolkit (OVC)

• Stress, Vicarious Trauma, and Resiliency

for Forensic Science Professionals (NIJ

Funded survey)

• Four Just Science Podcast episodes

• Applied Leadership for Resiliency in CSIs

• Building Workforce Resiliency

• One Peer-reviewed Literature Review

• More to come in 2021!

Open 

Access 

FSI 

Synergy 
 

 

 

 

 

Sharing Knowledge – Juror Comprehension 

• The community has been striving to

institute reforms in the way conclusion

testimony is delivered in court

• The FTCoE performed a comprehensive

literature review, taking into account

cognitive psychology studies to present

recommendations for future research

• The FTCoE also presented tactics and

visual aides proven to help jurors interpret

subject matter expert testimony on a Just

Science Podcast episode

Open 

Access 

FSI 

Synergy 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming Soon! 

Impact Evaluations 

• Field Identification Drug Officer Program

• FIDO programs in Phoenix and Utah

• TAT, efficiency, productivity

• Scalability across other labs

• Mobile Drug Testing to Aid in Substance

Abuse Response

• Evaluation of a mobile drug testing lab in

Florida in response to COVID-19

• Lessons learned will be evaluated for

applicability across other jurisdictional needs

Cost Benefit Analyses 

• Cost Benefit of ME/C Outsourcing

• Cost-benefits of using the approach of outsourcing

will be evaluated and field practices will be reviewed

• Direct to DNA Cost Benefit Analysis

• Direct-to DNA approaches with respect to testing

and analysis will be evaluated. This will be in

consideration of recent legislation

• ROI from reducing TAT for processing DUI-Drug

Cases

• The economic impact of the increase in DUI-drug

driving and the costs associated with the crime labs

will be evaluated
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming Soon! 

Criminal Justice Related Reports Community Outreach 

• Lawfully Owed DNA • Just Science Podcast Seasons

• IAI Case Studies • The challenges of the CODIS database not • Psychopathy and Criminal Behavior being inclusive of DNA profiles obtained from • Jodi Arias Case convicted offenders, and in relevant states, • Grim Sleeper Serial Killer

arrestees will be discussed. Barriers and

• Webinars successful case studies will be presented. • New Mexico Decedent Image Database Series

• Forensic Genetic Genealogy Report • Accessing, utilizing, and measuring database data

• The technology of FGGS will be reviewed, and • Apps

detailed guidance will be provided based on • SAFER Recommendation App

individual state laws concerning third-party • Trace Evidence Collection App

doctrine. Best practices in relation to working • Events collaboratively with crime labs and LEAs will • NIJ’s R&D Symposium and Poster Session (Virtual) be presented.
Community Engagement and Collaboration 

https://forens 

iccoe.org/gra 

ntee-needs/ 
Thank you! 

Donia Slack 

dslack@rti.org 
 

 

Expanding Social Science Research to Examine the Impacts of 

Forensic Science on the Criminal Justice System: 

The Next Chapter of the NIJ Social Science Research on Forensic Science Portfolio: 

Moving from DNA to a Systems Approach to Forensic Science 

Presenters: 

Jonathan McGrath, PhD Eric Martin 

MSFS Social Science Analyst 

Senior Policy Analyst Technology and Standards 

NIJ Office of Investigative Division NIJ Office of Research, 

and Forensic Sciences Evaluation, and Technology 

(OIFS) (ORET) 

Washington, DC Washington, DC 
 

 

NIJ Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences (OIFS) 

• Lead federal agency for forensic science research and

development and administration of programs to improve laboratory

efficiency, reduce backlogs, and provide technical assistance

• MISSION: Improve the quality and practice of forensic

science through innovative solutions that support research and

development, testing and evaluation, technology, information exchange for

the criminal justice community.

https://www.nij.gov/about/Pages/oifs.aspx 
 

 

 

 

NIJ Office of Research, Evaluation and Technology (ORET) 

• Encourages and supports, research, development and evaluation to

further the understanding of:

– Causes and correlates of crime and violence

– Methods of crime prevention and control

– Criminal justice system responses to crime and violence

• Contributes to the improvement of the criminal and juvenile justice

systems

• Three major programs:

– Social science research and evaluation

– Technology solutions to criminal justice challenges

– Performance standards and testing equipment
SSRFS Portfolio 

NIJ Journal Article (2015) 

http://www.nij.gov/journals/Pages/welcome.aspx 

• Wave 1 (2005-2007) Basic questions

• Wave 2 (2007-2009) Emerging issues

• Wave 3 (2010-2013) Focused on findings of the

NAS report Strengthening Forensic Science in

the United States: A Path Forward
SSRFS Meeting 

• Meeting convened to take stock of

what the research portfolio has found

and where it should go

• Consensus of participants was that:

• Look beyond DNA

• Ballistics

• Cyber

• Digital

• Also look at forensic processing

between police and crime labs
 

 

 

 

Major Findings from the SSRFS Portfolio 

• DNA is most impactful in criminal cases:

• Can identify more prolific offenders in property crimes

• Many states starting to expand familial and partial match searches but many still

lack definitive authorizations

• Relationships between crime lab and police matter when it comes to reducing

backlogs

• Potential of forensic evidence may not be fully realized

• Often used to confirm suspects instead of identify them

• Other types of forensics (ballistics) has major investigative potential that is

underutilized

• In the court room, the expertise of the forensic tech matters in juror judgements

•
NIJ Strategic Research Plans 
 

 

Recent Solicitations/Awards – FY 2017 to FY 2020 

• Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime (FY 2017 – FY 2020)

Case Western Reserve University - Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Heroin and Crime 

Initiative: Informing the investigation and prosecution of heroin-related overdose 

U. of Pittsburgh - Novel Quantitation Workflow for Improved Drug Surveillance

U. of Alabama – Birmingham - What You Can't Buy, Can't Kill You

RTI - Prevalence of Fentanyl and Its Analogues in a Court-Ordered Mandatory Drug 

Testing Population 

U. of Kentucky - Wastewater Epidemiology To Examine Stimulant Trends (weTEST)

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/drugs https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/awards/2019-75-cx-0010 

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2019-15283 
 

Recent Solicitations/Awards – FY 2017 to FY 2020 

• Research and Evaluation on the Administration of Justice (FY 2019)

FIU - Improving Juror Comprehension of Forensic Testimony and Its Effects on 

Decision-Making and Evidence Evaluation 

• Research and Evaluation in Safety, Health, and Wellness in the Criminal Justice

System (FY 2019)

U. of New Hampshire - A Study of Trauma and Resiliency Among Forensic Examiners

Investigating Child Pornography

RTI - Understanding Work-Related Stress among Medicolegal Death Investigators: A 

National Survey and Mixed-Methods Impact Study 

• Research and Evaluation on Policing (FY 2019, FY 2020)

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2019-15645 https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17297 

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2019-15283 
NIJ Forensic Intelligence Model 

• “Integrating forensic evidence into the

intelligence process is an

evolutionary next step in

• reducing, disrupting, and preventing

serial and organized violent crimes,”

said NIJ Director David Muhlhausen.

• “NIJ is committed to examining and

communicating the potential of

forensic intelligence tools and models

for law enforcement agencies across

the United States.”

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/using-forensic-intelligence-combat-serial-and-organized-violent-crimes 
Key Findings: 

• Sufficient and consistent funding

• Strategic planning

• Address fluctuations driven by supply/demand

of services

• Strengthen the workforce

• Increasing systems-based approaches and

communications

https://forensiccoe.org/improving-e1/ December 2019 https://www.justice.gov/olp/forensic-science#needs 
Future Ideas: 

• Systems-based Approaches and Coordination

• Standardization and Best Practices

• Workforce, Resources, Court Operations

• Organizational Structure or Approach

• Knowledge and Data Transfer and Info Sharing

• Technology Adoption

• Increased Research Participation

https://forensiccoe.org/improving-e1/ December 2019 https://www.justice.gov/olp/forensic-science#needs 
Make connections to improve research 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/forensics/connecting-researchers-forensic-laboratories 
 

Thank you! 

Q & A 

Jonathan McGrath, PhD MSFS 

Senior Policy Analyst 

NIJ Office of Investigative and 

Forensic Sciences 

Washington, DC 

jonathan.mcgrath@ojp.usdoj.gov 

Eric Martin 

Social Science Analyst 

Technology and Standards Division 

NIJ Office of Research, Evaluation, 

and Technology 

Washington, DC 

eric.d.martin@ojp.usdoj.gov