CFSR

Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research

Mission

The Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit (CFSRU) provides technical leadership/advancement of counterterrorism and forensic sciences for the FBI as well as for state and local law enforcement agencies through the development and validation of new technologies/techniques by both internal and outsourced research efforts and through advanced scientific training in specialized forensic procedures.

The Team

Research chemists, research biologists, biologists, management and program analysts, and supervisory physical scientist

The Work

The CFSRU fulfills its mission through five core programs:

Research and Development Program

Create and coordinate the creation of new forensic techniques, instrumentation, and protocols for FBI Laboratory units to use in terrorism and violent crime cases, in such areas as DNA analysis, trace organic chemical analysis, toxicology, explosives, fingerprints, drug and materials analysis (e.g., paints, tapes, inks, glass, and metals), database development, anthropology, microbial forensics, and field instrumentation.  The program also publishes results in scientific journals.

Visiting Scientist Program

Upon completion of an FBI background investigation, enable highly qualified scientists from outside institutions to spend between three months and three years assisting with CFSRU research projects.  University professors, post-graduate, Ph.D., MS, and BS level students qualify for the program.

Research Partnership Program

Transfer new forensic technologies and procedures to case-working examiners at state and local crime labs through collaborative studies and implement SWG-defined protocols and national forensic databases.  Workshops include automotive carpet fiber database, messenger RNA (mRNA) profiling of human semen, visualization and identification of pepper spray on evidentiary materials, 1-step purification of DNA from different matrices, and permanence of friction ridge skin detail.

Advanced Technical Training

Provide formal classroom training and training symposia to the FBI and federal, state, local, and international crime laboratory/law enforcement personnel in courses such as forensic infrared spectroscopy, forensic mass spectrometry, and chromatographic methods, and regularly counsel state and local law enforcement agencies on specific issues.

FIRMS Network Conference

The Fourth Forensic Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (FIRMS) Network Conference was held in Washington, D.C. from April 12-14, 2010.