FTCOE – Technologize.Innovate.Collaborate

Abstract

The National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) is a science multiplier that advances technologies, shares knowledge, and addresses challenges through a multifaceted perspective between the scientific and justice communities. Through a diverse group of partners, thought leaders, researchers, and policymakers, the FTCOE supports the implementation of new, innovative forensic technology and best practices by forensic professionals and is dedicated to elevating the status of forensic science.
Since 2012, the FTCOE works collaboratively with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) in areas related to NIJ and ASCLD strategic research priorities to advance the quality and efficiency of forensic science practice. These activities encompass forensic intelligence, data exchange, workforce development, laboratory accreditation, interlaboratory comparisons, and technological advancements in emerging drug threats, pattern analysis, genetic genealogy, and laboratory management. Individual laboratories or laboratory systems can partner with FTCOE to evaluate the impact of novel technologies or processes and share outcomes with the broader forensic science community. This presentation at the 2025 ASCLD Symposium will include information about these initiatives and ways that individuals and laboratories can participate.
An overview of FTCOE resources available to forensic science service providers at no cost will be shared. Learn about the FTCOE’s expansive repertoire of technical evaluations; guidance resources; online and digital educational tools; special events; working groups; among other resources that drive the adoption of research and development outcomes, technology transition, and evidence-based practice. Tools and resources that help forensic science service provider leaders is a focus the FTCOE is dedicated to providing. Various tools that can be accessed on the ForensicCOE.org website include: a newly updated Cost-Benefit Analysis Tool for Labor Expenditure Associated With Sexual Assault Kit Processing Workflows; a Laboratory Reporting and Analysis Tool for Digital Evidence (LabRAT DE) in Project FORESIGHT; recent video additions to the Trace Evidence Collection Mobile App to strengthen instructions; and a risk management tool — Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) — that identifies and quantifies the influence of failures or potential failures in processes or activities; a continuously updated ASCLD Accreditation Initiative (AAI) Toolkit designed to assist laboratories and forensic units working toward accreditation to an international standard; among others. Recent and ongoing FTCOE activities include symposia and policy and practice forums such as the Graduate Research Symposium and the Firearm and Toolmarks Policy and Practice Forum; technology working and development groups such as the Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group, Footwear Intelligence Development Group, the Latent Print Technical Leader Working Group, and the Data Exchange for Medicolegal Death Investigation Systems. These events and other highlights from 2024-2025 FTCOE activities will be shared. On average, FTCOE efforts lead to more than 330,000 resource engagements of the forensic community annually.
The FTCOE cultivates relationships and works with the community to create buy-in for effective change. Forensic science organizations must adapt and change in response to the challenges facing the community, but it is critical for leaders to have the information they need to evaluate whether innovations and technologies fit their mission needs to maintain resilience for the workforce and the laboratory’s reputation. Specifically, this year the FTCOE has been working with NIJ and the community as part of a special initiative to conduct an operational needs assessment to determine the projected workload, backlog, personnel, workforce, resources, turnaround times, equipment, and additional needs of forensic science providers and forensic medical service providers. These resources promote a synergy of the FTCOE and forensic professionals to technologize, innovate, and collaborate globally for the advancement of forensic laboratorie