FBI Laboratory - Fifty Years

• NCJ Number: 86013
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1982) Pages: 743-748
• Author(s): W Y Doran
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This essay describes the work of the FBI's Forensic Science Research and Training Center (FSRTC) and the work of the major sections of the FBI Laboratory: Document, Scientific Analysis, and Special Projects.

Abstract

The FSRTC was dedicated June 16, 1981, and it presently houses a permanent instructional staff comprising a Forensic Science Training Unit and a group of scientists comprising the Research Unit. The FSRTC provides expert forensic science instruction to State and local crime laboratory personnel. Research projects are conducted by the permanent staff to upgrade and expand the forensic science capabilities available to law enforcement. Additionally, the facility provides for bringing in researchers from academia and other specialty areas to engage in research projects of interest to the forensic science community. The Document Section of the FBI Laboratory performs analyses that include the comparison of handwriting, hand printing, mechanical printing, paper, inks, indented writing, charred paper, and shoeprint and tire tread impressions, as well as examinations involving gambling matters, polygraph techniques, decipherment of secret codes, and language translations. The Scientific Analysis Section is subdivided into units whose functions correspond approximately to the various disciplines included under criminalistics: Chemistry/Toxicology, Firearms/Toolmarks, Serology, Explosives, Instrumental Analysis, Elemental Analysis, Mineralogy/Metallurgy, and Microscopic Analysis. With the speed and accuracy of the computer combined with the imagination and talents of visual information specialists, there is virtually unlimited potential for development of investigative aids in the area of automated facial composites and mug file search and retrieval. The FBI's Special Projects Section is currently exploring the nature and cost-effectiveness of available technology for these purposes.