Future Programs

Field Investigation Drug Officer (FIDO) E-Crime Awareness Tools Firearm Examiner Training

Field Investigation Drug Officer (FIDO) The efficiency of the entire criminal justice system is impacted by the overwhelming caseload of drug investigations. As a result, many cases fail to be prosecuted in a reasonable timeframe or are dismissed due to a lack of timely sample analysis. Straightforward possession drug cases comprise a significant percentage of those investigations. Handling the cases at the investigative level has the potential to streamline the adjudication process, enabling the reduction of backlogged investigations and the efficient use of resources. Under the direction of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Centers (NLECTC) and the Forensic Resource Network (FRN) formed a focus group consisting of representatives from the law enforcement, forensic science, corrections, legal, and judicial communities to facilitate the development and deployment of the Field Investigation Drug Officer Program. Click for additional FIDO program details and pilot site evaluation Program Features and Benefits Based on the evaluation of an existing model, operated by the Phoenix Police Department, which has demonstrated a positive impact on the regional criminal justice system with cost savings and increased efficiency at all levels Comprised of a comprehensive training program, recommended practice guide, and quality assurance system that provides law enforcement personnel with the resources necessary to perform preliminary identification of the most commonly encountered drugs of abuse (marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin) Designed with sufficient flexibility to enable adaptation based on agency-specific needs and resources Includes the articulation of legal issues, guidelines for quality assurance, materials for development of training and certification programs, and guidelines for the selection, testing and evaluation of testing materials and emerging technologies Establishes minimum standards for FIDO programs, including program management issues, officer and trainer selection, and efficacy assessment Provides immediate investigative information without the need for extensive laboratory analysis as well as facilitation of case adjudication in the preliminary phase; field test may factor into obtaining an immediate plea agreement. (Cases proceeding to trial are submitted for complete analysis at the laboratory.) Back to top

E-Crime Awareness Tools The Electronic Crime Partnership Initiative (ECPI) is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Committed to enhancing law enforcement officers’ ability to solve computer crimes, the ECPI is a multidisciplinary team of professionals that includes \experts from law enforcement, academia, the government, and the private sector. Experts at ECPI teach police officers to solve computer crimes and develop digital evidence in crimes, such as rape and murder. Officers learn that computers can facilitate criminal acts and are trained to conduct more sophisticated investigations that can build stronger cases. The NIJ has established working groups within the Electronic Crime Partnership Initiative (ECPI) that define the core of the electronic crime research agenda. These working groups include: Tools and Technology Standards and Certification Awareness and Outreach Technical Assistance Policy and Legal Education and Training For more information about these working groups: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/ecrime/ecpi.htm The NFSTC’s continuing efforts for the NIJ’s E-Crime Program and the Electronic Crime Partnership Initiative (ECPI) include the following: Participation in ECPI working group meetings E-Crime community awareness and outreach efforts Attendance and support for NIJ E-Crime program review meetings Support for the analysis, design, and development of NIJ’s new Electronic Crime Scene Guide Ongoing technology support for NIJ and ECPI E-Crime awareness efforts and symposiums To support the efforts of the NFSTC in this rapidly expanding area of forensics, the NIJ has increased funding for 2007. This funding is designated for the development of additional awareness tools and a one-day course to support the release of the updated Electronic Crime Scene Guide. Back to top

Firearms Examiner Training The NFSTC is working with the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) to develop a training program for newly hired and current Firearms Examiners. The use of a technology-based-training (TBT) approach offers an engaging format to capture attention and to increase trainee comprehension. It is anticipated that this approach will streamline and standardize the training of firearms examiners, thus allowing for the effective allocation of available funds to reach the maximum number of interested parties. To compress the training period, the subject matter was approached by breaking down the work performed by examiners into specific tasks. This was accomplished by working with a number of experts in firearms examination to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the tasks required of a firearms examiner. Formatted in a knowledge-based CD-ROM containing theoretical and academic content Supplemented with photographs, graphics, animations, and other multimedia tools to enhance learning and hold the attention of the trainee Comprised of a series of modules corresponding to the current AFTE training manual Appropriate for use in an academy or laboratory setting with an accompanying practical training guide Reviewed extensively by a panel of reviewers appointed by AFTE Accompanied by a digitally formatted revision/update of the existing AFTE training manual of skills and abilities as a complement to the knowledge based CD (will be made available upon request from AFTE) The Firearms Examiner technology-based training product will be available at no cost to forensic laboratories involved in firearms identification for law enforcement agencies.
Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) President Ron Marrs, wrote in the March 2005 AFTE newsletter: Stakeholder Feedback Back to top