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2009 - December 21
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General Announcements
The following is a helpful list of NIJ solicitations that may be available next year, pending Congressional approval.
Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences
Program Name Convicted Offender and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction Program
Web Link http://www.dna.gov/funding/convicted Program Contacts Mark Nelson, (202) 616-1960, Mark.S.Nelson@usdoj.gov Minh Nguyen, (202) 305-2664, Minh.Nguyen@usdoj.gov Program Description This program is designed to accelerate the analysis of convicted offender and arrestee DNA samples collected by states. The goal is to provide timely data for the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for all 13 CODIS core STR loci. NIJ will issue a solicitation for applications from laboratories that want to reduce their backlog through in-house analysis or by sending samples to accredited fee-for-service laboratories for analysis. Eligible applicants are state or local government laboratories that have the statutory authority to collect and process DNA profiles from convicted offenders and arrestees. Program Name Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program
Web Link http://www.dna.gov/funding/backlog-reduction Program Contacts Mark Nelson, (202) 616-1960, Mark.S.Nelson@usdoj.gov Minh Nguyen, (202) 305-2664, Minh.Nguyen@usdoj.gov Program Description This program helps eligible states and local governments reduce forensic DNA sample turnaround time, increase the throughput of public DNA laboratories and reduce DNA forensic casework backlogs. These improvements are critical to preventing future DNA backlogs and helping the criminal justice system use the full potential of DNA technology. NIJ will provide funding for states and local governments to increase the capacity of their existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis to analyze DNA samples more efficiently and cost effectively. Eligible applicants may also request funds to handle, screen and analyze backlogged forensic DNA casework samples.
Program Name Forensic DNA Research and Development
Web Link http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/forensics/welcome.htm Program Contact Minh Nguyen, (202) 305-2664, Minh.Nguyen@usdoj.gov Program Description NIJ will fund research and development that enhances the forensic uses of DNA technology, with a focus on technologies that result in faster, more robust, more informative, less costly or less labor-intensive identification, collection, preservation and analysis of biological evidence. In FY 2010, priority will be given to research that focuses on the following needs:
Program Name Forensic DNA Unit Efficiency Improvement Program
Web Link http://www.dna.gov/funding/laboratory-efficiency Program Contacts Mark Nelson, (202) 616-1960, Mark.S.Nelson@usdoj.gov Minh Nguyen, (202) 305-2664, Minh.Nguyen@usdoj.gov Program Description Enhanced DNA laboratory capacity is critical for public crime laboratories to meet the increasing demand from the criminal justice community for DNA testing services. More law enforcement officers are realizing the importance of collecting, preserving and submitting forensic evidence from crime scenes (both violent and nonviolent). The result has been sharp increases in submissions of DNA evidence to the public crime laboratories. NIJ will issue a solicitation that seeks proposals from states and local governments for projects to improve the efficiency and capacity of public forensic DNA laboratories through the development and adoption of an improved laboratory process. Program Name Forensic Science Training Development and Delivery Program
Web Link http://www.dna.gov/training Program Contact Brigid O'Brien, (202) 305-1983, Brigid.OBrien@usdoj.gov Program Description The forensic science community has a critical need for trained forensic scientists in public crime laboratories. Additionally, there is a need to inform other criminal justice practitioners and policy makers on developments in forensic science. NIJ will provide funding for training providers and other relevant entities to develop and deliver knowledge-based forensic science curricula at the state and local levels. The objective is to train forensic scientists and to inform other criminal justice practitioners and policy makers. NIJ encourages applicants to propose enhancements or modifications to existing training programs for computer-based or Web-based delivery. Dissemination of the product and sustainability of the effort is a priority. Program Name Forensic Technology Center of Excellence
Web Link http://www.justnet.org Exit Notice Program Contact Charles Heurich (20) 616-9264, Charles.Heurich@usdoj.gov Program Description NIJ will issue a solicitation for the operation of the Forensics Technology Center of Excellence. This Center conducts testing, evaluation, technology assistance programs and other services related to forensic tools and technologies intended for use by law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies. Program Name Fundamental Forensic Research to Improve the Accuracy, Reliability and Measurement Validity of the Forensic Science Disciplines
Web Link http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/forensics/welcome.htm Program Contact Gerald LaPorte, (202) 305-1106, Gerald.LaPorte@usdoj.gov Program Description This NIJ solicitation extends prior NIJ work to improve the understanding of the accuracy, reliability and measurement validity of forensic science disciplines. NIJ is interested in research that focuses on expanding the scientific basis of forensic methods, as well as the development of quantifiable measures of the reliability and accuracy of forensic analyses. In the past, NIJ has encouraged applicants to propose new approaches to these problems, including quantization of methods that are currently qualitative in nature. NIJ is also interested in developing an understanding of human factors that may affect forensic analyses. Similar to professionals in other fields, forensic scientists may be subject to human observer bias, whether it is related to contextual bias, perceptual errors or other factors.
Program Name Graduate Research Fellowship
Web Link http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/funding/graduate-research-fellowship/welcome.htm Program Contacts Christine Crossland, (202) 616-5166, Christine.Crossland@usdoj.gov Marie Garcia, (202) 514-7128, Marie.Garcia@usdoj.gov Program Description NIJ’s Ph.D. Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) program provides awards to accredited universities that support graduate study leading to research-based doctoral degrees. NIJ invests in doctoral education by supporting universities that sponsor students who demonstrate the potential to successfully complete doctoral degree programs in disciplines relevant to the mission of the Institute. Applicants in policy and health sciences or in an education field are eligible to apply only if the doctoral research dissertation is in an NIJ-supported discipline (i.e., social and behavioral sciences, operations technology, information and sensors research and development, and investigative and forensic sciences). This program furthers the Department’s mission by sponsoring research to provide objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime and justice, particularly at the state and local levels. Program Name NIJ Visiting Fellowship
Program Contacts Christine Crossland, (202) 616-5166, Christine.Crossland@usdoj.gov Ron Wilson, (202) 307-2093, Ronald.Wilson@usdoj.gov Program Description NIJ’s Visiting Fellowship program supports research and development on high priority topics that enhance the capabilities of criminal justice systems to combat crime, violence and substance abuse. The overarching goal of the Visiting Fellowship program is to enhance NIJ’s efforts to facilitate the development or enhancement of new and innovative programs. A secondary goal is to foster the professional development of researchers by providing them an opportunity to work closely with career and political federal staff, contractors, grantees and a myriad of public and private organizations in Washington, D.C. The Visiting Fellowship program offers criminal justice researchers an opportunity to work full time on research addressing criminal justice issues relevant to NIJ and public policy. Through the program, fellows will investigate new approaches for resolving operational problems and become involved in NIJ’s criminal justice research programs. Program Name Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program
Web Link http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/forensics/nfsia Program Contact Alan Spanbauer, (202) 305-2436, Alan.Spanbauer@usdoj.gov Program Description This program awards grants to states and units of local government to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services. Among other things, funds may be used to eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic evidence and to train and employ forensic laboratory personnel, as needed, to eliminate such a backlog. States may apply for both “base” (formula) and competitive funds. Units of local government may apply for competitive funds only. Program Name Postconviction DNA Testing Assistance
Web Link http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/forensics/dna/postconviction/symposium/welcome.htm Program Contact Gerald LaPorte, (202) 305-1106, Gerald.LaPorte@usdoj.gov Program Description NIJ will provide funding to states to help defray the costs of post-conviction DNA testing. Specifically, funding may be used to review postconviction cases of forcible rape, murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, and to locate and analyze biological evidence samples associated with these cases. All DNA analyses conducted using funding from this program must be performed by a government-owned or fee-for-service laboratory that is accredited and currently undergoes external audits not less than once every two years. The audits must demonstrate compliance with the applicable DNA Quality Assurance Standards established by the director of the FBI.
Each DNA analysis conducted under this program must be maintained pursuant to any applicable federal privacy requirements.
Program Name Research and Development on Crime Scene and Medico-Legal Investigations
Web Link http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/forensics/welcome.htm; http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/forensics/priorities.htm Program Contact Danielle McLeod-Henning, (202) 353-3812, Danielle.Mcleod-Henning@usdoj.gov Program Description NIJ will issue a solicitation for proposals for research and development to enhance forensic crime scene examination and medico-legal investigations. Proposed projects may focus on, but are not limited to, crime scene examination, medico-legal death investigations, forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic odontology and fire scene analysis. Program Name Research and Development on Instrumental Analysis for Forensic Science
Program Contacts Brigid O'Brien, (202) 305-1983, Brigid.OBrien@usdoj.gov Frances Scott Simmons, (202) 305-9950, Frances.Scott@usdoj.gov Program Description NIJ will fund research and development to enhance instrumental methods of analysis employed within forensic science disciplines to improve the quantitative and qualitative analyses of evidence and to enhance the ability of the forensic science community to identify, analyze and interpret evidence. Program Name Research and Development on Pattern and Impression Evidence
Web Link http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/forensics/priorities.htm Additional information can be found in the NIJ report “Status and Needs of Forensic Science Service Providers: A Report to Congress,” available at http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/213420.pdf. Program Contact Danielle McLeod-Henning, (202) 353-3812, Danielle.Mcleod-Henning@usdoj.gov Program Description NIJ will fund research and development to enhance forensic scientists’ ability to identify, capture, visualize, analyze and preserve impression evidence and pattern evidence. Pattern and impression evidence may include, but is not limited to, firearms and tool marks, footwear impressions, tire tread impressions, bite marks, blood spatter, friction ridges, fracture match and questioned documents. Program Name Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Training Development and Delivery
Web Link http://www.sane-sart.com/index.php?topic=topicConferences Exit Notice Program Contact Brigid O'Brien, (202) 305-1983, Brigid.O’Brien@usdoj.gov Program Description SANE programs offer multidisciplinary, victim-centered, critical health care to victims of sexual assault. SANE services help preserve the victim’s dignity, enhance medical evidence collection for better prosecution and promote community involvement with crime victims and their families. In a recent study, researchers found a statistically significant increase in cases accepted for prosecution, cases in which the suspect plead guilty and several other measures of case progression in the criminal justice system. NIJ will issue a solicitation for proposals to develop curricula and deliver training for SANE programs. Program Name Solving Cold Cases with DNA
Web Links http://www.dna.gov/solving-crimes/cold-cases/; http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/260/cold-case-resources.htm; http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/260/cold-case-strategies.htm Program Contact Charles Heurich, (202) 616-9264, Charles.Heurich@usdoj.gov Program Description NIJ will provide funding for states and units of local government to identify, review and investigate violent crime cold cases that have the potential to be solved using DNA analysis, and to locate and analyze biological evidence associated with these cases. Experience has shown that cold case programs can solve a substantial number of violent crime cold cases, including homicides and sexual assaults. Advances in DNA technologies have substantially increased the successful DNA analysis of aged, degraded, limited, or otherwise compromised biological evidence. As a result, crime scene samples once thought to be unsuitable for testing may now yield DNA profiles. Additionally, samples that previously generated inconclusive DNA results may now be successfully analyzed using newer methods. Program Name Using DNA Technology to Identify the Missing
Web Links http://www.namus.gov, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/256/missing-persons.html Program Contact Charles Heurich (202) 616-9264, Charles.Heurich@usdoj.gov Program Description The goal of the Using DNA Technology to Identify the Missing solicitation is twofold: (1) to assist eligible entities in performing DNA analysis on unidentified human remains and/or reference samples to support the efforts of states and units of local government to identify missing persons and (2) to enter the resulting DNA profiles into the FBI’s National DNA Index System using the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) version 6.0. Reflects correction (title change): change “Assured Communications for Law Enforcement Research and Development” to “Technology Research and Development: Assured Communications for Law Enforcement Operations”
News around the globe
Probe: Crime data faked
New York Inspector General's report focuses on State Police forensic scientist, but also criticizes lab for oversight and training deficiencies. Police Lab Returns Wrong Blood Alcohol Tests
Colorado A report shared how the Colorado Springs Metro Crime Lab forensic chemist unit yielded blood alcohol test results that were higher than the actual results. In an operations bulletin posted to the GBI’s Web site regarding forensic biology services and dated July 21, 2009, Director Vernon M. Keenan addressed the criminal justice community’s concern regarding laboratory turnaround on submitted DNA samples.
Incorrect results at labs across the nation produce doubts about a discipline once thought of as an exact science.
DNA science makes freedom a reality
Wisconsin A few cells of skin left on the clothing of a sexual-assault victim were the key to freeing Forest “Woody” Shomberg from his cell at Columbia Correctional Institution last month.
The New York State Commission on Forensic Science on Friday approved modifications to regulations and the DNA Databank implementation plan that will allow forensic laboratories to provide potentially crucial information to law enforcement officials investigating a crime.
Hawley Crippen began his life as the only son of a wealthy Michigan family. He finished it at the end of a rope in London's Pentonville Prison.
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Sponsors
Employment OpportunitiesCrime Lab ManagerCity of OmahaOmaha NE Forensic Scientist IV-PhysicalAlaska Scientific Detection LaboratoryAnchorage AK Forensic Scientist II Biology/DNALas Vegas Metropolitan Police DepartmentLas Vegas NV Firearms Examiner-Forensic Scientist I/IINorth Louisiana Criminalistics LaboratoryShreveport LA Physical Scientist (Firearms and Toolmarks Examiner)US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory Biologist (Forensic DNA Examiner)US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory Fingerprint SpecialistUS Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory
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