This publication discusses the role of Forensic Technologies Center of Excellence (CoE) in supporting the criminal justice community.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) established the CoE as part of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) system. The CoE supports NIJ research, development, and testing and evaluation activities within the DNA and general forensics program. Previously, there were numerous centers that all provided these individual services to NIJ. The CoE formed them into one cohesive unit with members that work together more closely than when they were independent of each other. The CoE's goal is to become a "one-stop shop" that meets the forensic needs of the criminal justice community. The major push of CoE thus far has been in creating webcasts and podcasts and providing education outreach.