Forensic Scientists

Resources

Automated DNA Typing: Method of the Future?
Describes the basics of DNA typing and the PCR/STR procedure, which makes it easier to work with the limited DNA samples found at crime scenes.

Development of a High-Throughput Method to Isolate Sperm DNA in Sexual Assault Cases
Evaluates a filtration method for isolating sperm for DNA analysis.

DNA, National Conference of State Legislatures
Briefly describes state policies for taking DNA samples from arrestees.

DNA Technology: A Policy Statement by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Recommends the use of specific guidelines to ensure the appropriate and fair collection of victims' and offenders' DNA.

FBI Laboratory Services
Provides forensic and technical services at no charge to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Laboratory examiners can provide expert witness testimony regarding the results of forensic examinations and provide technical assistance for drug-facilitated sexual assault.

Forensic Applications of Y Chromosome STRs and SNPs
Discusses DNA markers on the Y chromosome for the purpose of forensic applications.

Forensic Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Moving
Serves as a resource for designing, constructing, and moving crime laboratories.

Forensic Sciences: Review of Status and Needs
Reviews forensic science-related issues and makes recommendations for forensic analysis, training, and quality assurance.

Forensic Sciences Laboratory Service Manual
Includes information on case documentation, return of evidence and test reports, serology, DNA, sexual assault evidence collection kits, CODIS, evidence collection guidelines, packaging guidelines, toxicology, and substance abuse testing.

Forensic Sciences Resources on the Internet
Links to various forensics-related Web sites.

Forensic Toxicology Laboratories
Lists forensic toxicology laboratories in Europe and the United States.

The Future of Forensic DNA Testing: Predictions of the Research and Development Working Group
Discusses DNA typing methodology and statistical methods.

Handbook of Forensic Services
Provides guidance and procedures for safe and efficient methods of collecting and preserving evidence.

How DNA Evidence Works
Discusses how to prove that a suspect's DNA matches a sample left at the scene of a crime, create a DNA profile, and calculate a DNA profile frequency.

Postconviction DNA Testing: Recommendations for Handling Requests
Provides information on post-conviction DNA evidence, including legal issues and biological issues. It includes recommendations for prosecutors, defense counsel, the judiciary, victim assistance, and laboratory personnel.

Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories
Discusses standards for promoting quality assurance and covers areas such as personnel, facilities, evidence control, analytical procedures, equipment, audits, and safety.

Report to the Attorney General on Delays in Forensic DNA Analysis
Assesses the existing delays of crime scene DNA evidence analysis and suggests specific ways to eliminate those delays. For example, speedier analysis might be realized with different laboratory equipment, resource training, or more laboratory personnel.

San Diego Police Department: Sex Crime Toxicology Request Form
Serves as a sample toxicology request form.

Status and Needs of Forensic Science Service Providers: A Report to Congress
Presents the opinions of representative forensic organizations on the needs of forensic service providers beyond the DNA Initiative.

Survey of DNA Crime Laboratories
Contains findings from a survey on publicly operated forensic crime laboratory budgets, personnel, workloads, and procedures.

Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service Providers
Explains the potential significance of DNA evidence in criminal justice proceedings.

What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence
Briefly reviews DNA typing, evidence collection, evidence preservation, evidence transportation, and CODIS.