Forensic Technologies Center of Excellence

On September 20, 2007, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) announced the establishment of the Forensic Technologies Center of Excellence as part of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) system. Each new center will provide—with respect to a specific technology area—testing, evaluation, specialized technology assistance programs, and other services with regard to tools and technologies intended for use by law enforcement, crime laboratories and other criminal justice agencies. This program furthers the Department's mission by improving the safety and effectiveness of criminal justice technology and the access of law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies to that technology.

The Forensic Technologies Center of Excellence will support the NIJ Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation activities within the DNA and general forensics portfolios and related areas by:

• Identifying technology requirements
• Supporting NIJ's research and development programs
• Testing, evaluating, and demonstrating technologies
• Supporting the adoption of new technology
• Developing technology guidelines
• Providing specialized technology assistance and support to criminal justice agencies on a national basis

The Forensic Technologies Center of Excellence will also host and support the General Forensics and DNA Forensics Technology Working Groups, execute the Grant Progress Assessments and DNA quality assurance audit programs, execute the Expert System Testbed project including demonstrations, and support technology adoption activities through exhibits at national conferences. In addition, the center will host technology transfer workshops, and related activities, host and continue to populate the online National Clearinghouse on Science, Technology and the Law, and host and manage the National Y-STR Database.

Project Manager: John Paul Jones
E-mail: John.Paul.Jones@usdoj.gov

Last updated: September 20, 2007