The many disciplines of forensic science are constantly changing and evolving, particularly as technological advancements increase law enforcement’s ability to use forensic evidence more efficiently and effectively. A recent National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report, “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward,” discusses a number of non-technological areas in several forensic disciplines where improvements are needed. As the use of forensic evidence expands, policy questions arise and must be addressed.
NIJ is interested in a wide range of research that will improve public safety and advance the administration of justice by helping to improve the use of forensic evidence in the criminal justice system and ensure the integrity of forensic processes. Potential research could stem from advances in the field, or from recommendations or discussions in the NAS report. A key area involving forensic laboratories is that of “context bias” and the need for a greater understanding of the scope of this issue in forensic laboratories. Are there benefits of moving to blind verification processes in the forensic disciplines that rely on expert interpretation, for example, and, if so, what are the benefits and/or drawbacks to incorporating blind verification processes? Another key systems-related research topic is an assessment of the medicolegal death investigation system to determine its status and needs. Yet another project might examine the impact of the NAS report on the forensics field and/or other parts of the criminal justice system; for example, how widespread is knowledge of this report or have there been more challenges by the defense bar to forensic evidence?
There are myriad other topics that would further the goal of improving the effectiveness of forensic evidence within the criminal justice system. These include studies that seek to improve the identification and collection of forensic evidence at crime scenes; improve the use and understanding of forensic evidence in the courtroom; and examine the impact on the criminal justice system and victim reporting of Federal STOP grant program eligibility provisions enacted in 2006 that have the effect of requiring participating States to incur the full out-of-pocket cost of forensic medical exams to victims of sexual assault without requirements for participation in the criminal justice system or cooperation with law enforcement (see 42 U.S.C. § 3796gg-4). Applicants are free to propose such projects or to propose other social science projects in the area of forensic science. Applicants are cautioned that this solicitation is not requesting research specifically to expand the scientific basis of forensic methods (i.e., the physical science aspects of forensic analyses). (NIJ’s solicitation entitled “Fundamental Research to Improve Understanding of the Accuracy, Reliability, and Measurement Validity of Forensic Science Disciplines” may request applications for such research.)
