Evaluation of Purdue University’s 3D Imaging Prototype for Footwear and Tire Impressions

Date September 2022 Overview Supported by two National Institute of Justice (NIJ) awards (2016-DN-BX-0189 and 2019-R2-CX-0069), Dr. Song Zhang and his research team at Purdue University led the development of a fully automated 3D imaging system for footwear and tire…

Human Factors in Forensic Science Practice

This webinar originally occurred on June 21, 2022 Duration: 1 hour Overview Human factors may encompass any way in which people’s psychological or physiological attributes affect a system or process. Physiological considerations include things like the ergonomics of laboratory workstations…

Just the Analysis of Impressions and Patterns

Original Release Date: May 27, 2022 In episode four of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Assistant Professor Jessica Zarate and 5th year student Kristen Szabelski at Madonna University in Michigan, as well as Dr.…

Human Factors in Forensic Science Practice Sourcebook

Publication Forensic Science International: Synergy, March 2022 Editors Heidi Eldridge, PhD | RTI International Barbara A. Spellman, JD, PhD | University of Virginia School of Law Thomas Busey, PhD | Indiana University, Psychological and Brain Sciences Working Group Members Paul…

U.S. National Footwear Database System Feasibility Study

This webinar originally occurred on February 15, 2022. Duration: 1 hour Overview Shoeprints at crime scenes, along with suspects’ footwear, are routinely collected and analyzed by qualified examiners in crime laboratories and forensic units to identify, include, or exclude suspects’…

Footwear Evidence Conclusions: A Discussion of Standards, Recommendations, and Structure

This webinar originally occurred on September 30, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview It can be challenging to write reliable, accurate conclusions that meet the expectations of stakeholders that oversee and use footwear evidence reports. Some of the challenges associated with…

Best Practices for Digital Image Processing

This webinar originally occurred on August 5, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview In the criminal justice community, digital images are used for scientific analysis and comparison. Unfortunately, many digital images are not always captured with the necessary clarity required for…

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Image Quality and Clarity: The Keys to Forensic Digital Image Processing

This webinar originally occurred on August 3, 2021 Duration: 1 hour Overview The ability to accurately and reliably analyze and compare forensic digital images relies on two key elements: image quality and image clarity. Most forensic examiners understand that resolution…

 Just the Impression and Pattern/Trace Evidence Portfolio

Original Release Date: June 11, 2021 In episode two of our 2021 NIJ R&D and Beyond mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Gregory Dutton, a physical scientist in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at the National Institute of Justice, to discuss NIJ’s Impression, Pattern, and Trace…

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2020 SWAFS Virtual Conference

Overview In October 2020, the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) helped the Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (SWAFS) host their first virtual conference. This event, which saw over 1,400 unique attendees across three days, covered a multitude of topics…