Advances in Chemical Sorting of Commingled Remains Compressed

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

Forensic anthropologists face the challenge of sorting remains from commingled assemblages. This webinar examines how chemical signatures of bone can complement physical reassociation strategies. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) offers rapid, visually non-destructive analysis that acquires chemical information from bone. Statistical evaluation of chemical profiles taken across 1284 bones from 45 individuals reveals that physicochemical variation exists between individuals and, consequently, can be used to classify the bones. This NIJ-funded research study highlights the efficiency of LIBS-based chemical analysis in expediting the reassociation of commingled remains and its potential for advancing forensic techniques.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on November 30, 2023.

(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.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SooAHncapOk

Using Risk Management to Optimize Forensic Laboratory Operations

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

The use of risk management has been historically absent from the management of forensic science laboratories. While ISO 31000 (Risk Management Principles and Guidelines) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) emphasized risk management, it was not until ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 highlighted its importance that forensic science managers began to take note. Even since its inclusion in ISO/IEC 17025, there remains a misunderstanding on what risk management is and how it can be used to improve laboratory operations. The webinar will demonstrate how incorporating a risk management program into a forensic laboratory’s management system assists in optimizing operations and continual improvement.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on June 30, 2022.

(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.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkutilYFhrU

Trauma Informed Investigations for Sexual Assault Cases

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This webinar will highlight the importance of conducting a victim-centered, trauma-informed investigative interview for sexual assault cases. Trauma-informed investigative interviews lay the foundation for improved victim engagement with the criminal justice system and increased ability to resolve sexual assault cases.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 26, 2022

(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.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkmoaUs5X_c

Skeletal Sex Estimation and Practitioner Use of MorphoPASSE final

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This presentation briefly discusses the current state of skeletal sex estimation in forensic anthropology. The primary focus of this presentation is on the MorphoPASSE: Morphological Pelvis and Skull Sex Estimation database and program for skeletal sex estimation. The presentation details the revised trait descriptions and scoring procedures, with examples, and demonstrates how to use the MorphoPASSE graphical user interface and interpret the output. By the end of this presentation, practitioners will be comfortable applying the MorphoPASSE method to skeletal sex estimation in forensic contexts.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on October 5, 2022.

(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.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOYaqcCbBfY

Strangulation in Sexual Assault Cases: Considerations for Evidence Collection

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This webinar will explore the prevalence of strangulation in sexual assault cases, including considerations for evidence collection and supporting victims.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 14, 20222

(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.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExPbyxqnJEI

Intro and Basics of Statistics for Forensic Toxicology

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This session provides an overview of the fundamental principles of statistics as encountered and applied in forensic toxicology. Various elements of statistics are often utilized or relied upon by scientists to describe produced results and to demonstrate if forensic instruments or processes are “working” or “in-control”. Here we establish the basic terminology for the principles of statistical analysis. Participants will begin to be better equipped to interpret and analyze forensic toxicology data accurately and effectively.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 9, 2024. It is one of six webinars in the Foundational Statistics for Forensic Toxicology series.

(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.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd8VffBBZog

Let’s Talk About Stats

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

In this fireside chat, session six of the the Foundational Statistics for Forensic Toxicology series, panelists include practitioners and experts in forensic toxicology, and subject matter experts for the application of statistics in forensic toxicology. Join us in a dynamic and engaging session to explore common frustrations and challenges experienced in the laboratory, providing participants with valuable insights and practical solutions. Panelists will share their personal experiences and perspectives, offering tips, strategies, and best practices for overcoming these challenges effectively.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on July 18, 2024. It is part six in the Foundational Statistics for Forensic Toxicology series.

(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.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJoHK_QQfcQ

Statistical Tests and Hypothesis Testing

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This third session of the Foundational Statistics for Forensic Toxicology series explores hypothesis testing, a fundamental concept in statistical analysis, and its applications in forensic toxicology. Participants will gain an understanding of the different types of statistical tests, their respective applications, and how they can be utilized to uncover meaningful insights from toxicological data.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 30, 2024. It is one of six webinars in the Foundational Statistics for Forensic Toxicology series.

(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.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCNu4aYo1Ok

Use of Controls and Other Control Chart Elements in Forensic Toxicology

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

In this fourth session of the Foundational Statistics for Forensic Toxicology series, we address common challenges, misconceptions, and questions encountered in day-to-day forensic toxicology laboratory settings related to statistics. Participants will gain insights into the practical application of statistical concepts and terminology in quality control and control charting, including trends and outliers. Furthermore, participants will learn about data interpretation, distinguishing between results that occur due to statistical significance and those the occur due to random variation.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on June 20, 2024. It is one of six webinars in the Foundational Statistics for Forensic Toxicology series.

(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.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD09Gr2n6HE

Distributions & Standard Deviation

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This second session in the Foundational Statistics for Forensic Toxicology series explores various distributions commonly encountered in forensic toxicology (normal, rectangular, etc.). Participants will learn about the characteristics of these distributions and how they manifest in toxicological data. Also, this session covers statistical measures that can describe and compare distributions, including variance, standard deviation, and relative standard deviation. Through practical examples, participants will gain insight into how these statistical techniques are applied in forensic toxicology.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 23, 2024. It is one of six webinars in the Foundational Statistics for Forensic Toxicology series.

(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.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unZqvafnVR8