Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)
Plastic bags are present in many criminal cases. Analyzing these bags in a forensic case can sometimes identify the manufacturer. More importantly, forensic comparison of bags from a known box or other known source can determine whether the bag could have originated from that source. This webinar discusses the manufacturing process, class and randomly acquired characteristics, examination techniques, and comparisons between questioned and known bags. The final segment includes a discussion of recent research in this area, followed by a question-and-answer period.
This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on August 20, 2024.
(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)
Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)
In bloodstain pattern analysis, pattern classification is the step in the method where the analyst evaluates the features of bloodstains to determine the potential mechanism of creation. The community has standard definitions for these different bloodstain patterns; however, classification is based on features, not definitions. This webinar guides the analyst through the process of establishing objective criteria for what features must be present to include specific pattern types within the pattern classification step. This will also include a discussion about embracing qualitative uncertainty in pattern classification.
This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on August 1, 2024.
(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)
Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the High-level plenary meeting to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations – General Assembly, 80th session.
"Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, I invite you to return for a moment to our earliest days.
When the Organization first opened its doors, many of its staff bore visible wounds from war — a limp, a scar, a burn.
One of them was Major Brian Urquhart, the second person to be hired by the UN.
A British soldier during the Second World War, he had been blown up on a ship in the Channel;
Witnessed the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp;
And carried, for the rest of his life the limp from a parachute that failed to open.
He was not alone.
A clerk might quietly mention a bullet wound.
A delegate, the shard of shrapnel still lodged in his chest.
They had seen the worst of humanity — the horrors of the death camps, the cruelty of combat, cities entirely wiped out.
And it was precisely because of what they had witnessed that they chose to serve peace.
Excellencies,
There is a persistent myth that peace is naïve. That justice is sentimental. That the only “real” politics is the politics of power and self-interest.
But those early staff were not idealists untouched by reality.
They had seen war. And they knew:
Peace is the most courageous, the most practical, the most necessary pursuit of all.
In building the United Nations, they created something extraordinary.
A place where all nations — large and small — could come together to solve problems that no country can solve alone.
And yet, at this moment, the principles of the United Nations are under assault as never before.
As we meet, civilians are targeted, and international law trampled in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and beyond.
As we meet, poverty and hunger are on the rise as progress on the Sustainable Development Goals falters.
As we meet, the planet burns, with fires, floods, and record heat raging through climate chaos.
At the same time, we are moving towards a multipolar world.
But without strong multilateral institutions, multipolarity has its risks –– as Europe learned in the First World War.
To meet these challenges, we must not only defend the United Nations, we must strengthen it.
That is the purpose of Agenda 2030, the Pact for the Future, and the UN80 initiative: to renew the foundations of international cooperation, and to ensure that we can deliver for people everywhere.
Excellencies,
Over the years, our Organization has lead the way to some of humanity’s greatest triumphs:
The eradication of smallpox.
Healing the ozone layer.
And, above all, the prevention of a third world war.
The tests of the next 80 years will be both familiar and new.
The battle will continue against war and poverty.
But also climate chaos, runaway technologies, the militarization of space, and crises we cannot yet imagine.
To meet the challenges, let us remember what our founders knew:
The only way forward is together.
Let us rise to this moment with clarity, courage, and conviction.
And let us realize the promise of peace.
Thank you".
Full remarks: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-09-22/secretary-generals-remarks-the-general-assembly-marking-the-80th-anniversary-of-the-united-nations-bilingual-delivered-scroll-down-for-all-english-and-all-french
Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)
When working within a coroner or medical examiner’s office, engaging with the bereaved is a daily task. While this task can sometimes feel monotonous or routine, this webinar challenges this myth and shows that it should be anything but. It provides insight on the importance of a trauma informed approach to supporting all grieving individuals. It discusses the value of collaborating with trained professionals, such as victim advocates, and lessons learned from the presenters’ combined years of experience working with people experiencing trauma.
This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 26, 2024.
(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)
Comments to the media by Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, joined by the governments of Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Fiji, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, The Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Republic of Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, The Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, The United Kingdom, The United States of America, and the European Union, on the emergency meeting on threats to International Peace and Security.
Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)
This session busts the myth that new toxicology screening tools can fully replace traditional toxicology testing. The session discusses the appropriate integration of current rapid toxicology screening tools into MEC offices as a method of triaging cases, rather than a determination of toxicology related causes of deaths. Topics covered in this webinar include the rationale for rapid screening at different points in the investigation (e.g., triage of case); differences between toxicology screening and confirmation testing; and exemplar case studies to highlight salient points.
This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on October 8, 2024.
(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)
An uncertain geopolitical era has emerged, marked by shifting alliances, volatile economic policies and weakening multilateral cooperation. This moment calls for stakeholders to identify steps to strengthen global security and stability.
What paths exist for continued security cooperation and how are organizations adapting to operate more effectively in an increasingly unpredictable world?
Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)
Former medicolegal death investigators highlight the mental health challenges faced by medicolegal death investigation professionals, particularly the effects of indirect trauma. By sharing personal experiences, research data, and practical strategies, they aim to raise awareness about early signs of PTSD, stress, and burnout. Emphasizing the importance of resilience, community support, and vulnerability, the presentation encourages fostering trauma-informed workplaces and prioritizing wellness, including practical strategies. The goal is to help professionals recognize issues before they escalate and maintain long-term well-being in demanding careers.
This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on September 19, 2024.
(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)