NCFS
National Center for Forensic Science at UCF

The National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS), a program of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), is housed at the University of Central Florida. NCFS was formed in 1997 to serve the forensic science, investigative, and criminal justice communities and to enhance their capabilities. The NCFS has close working relationships with UCF's Forensic Science, Computer Science, Engineering, and Criminal Justice Programs. It is also involved in partnerships with the FBI, BATF, the U.S. Secret Service, and various state and local agencies.

Research Project: Physical Evidence

• Ignitable Liquids Reference Collection Database: Over 200 samples of ignitable liquids have been collected and analyzed by the NCFS. The results of these analyses were made available on the Internet so that any forensic laboratory in the world can access it for use in their forensic examinations and purchase small samples for reference.
• Multi-Agency Fire and Arson Mapping Database: With the help of the UCF Computer Sciences and the Volusia County Fire Services, the NCFS is developing an Internet database to record the circumstances of every fire. The system will provide predictive modeling, analysis, and mapping, which will be used in the investigations of suspicious fires, wild fires, HAZMAT, and other emergencies.
• Characterization and Origin Identification of Explosives by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry: The NCFS is currently studying post-explosion residues in order to determine the characteristics of the explosives used. This research will allow the NCFS to create a profile of each of these explosives that will be used to determine the type and manufacturer of each explosive.

Research Project: Digital Evidence

• Accreditation of Forensic Laboratories Providing Digital Evidence Examinations: Through the efforts of the NCFS, the Scientific Working on Digital Evidence, and their national and international partners, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/ Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) now recognizes the investigation of digital evidence-such as computer forensics, digital audio, and digital video-as a forensic science discipline eligible for accreditation. This recognition means that accredited laboratories must treat digital evidence according to formalized procedures and standards set forth for the discipline.
• Development of Consensus Guidebooks in the Area of Digital Evidence: The NCFS coordinated two separate, national groups to develop two guides, entitled "Digital Evidence in the Courtroom" and "A Manager's Guide for Planning, Designing, Constructing, Moving, Staffing and Equipping a Computer Forensic Facility".

Research Project: Biological Evidence

• Validation of Y-chromosome Multiplexes (Y-STR) for Operational Uses: Y-STR analysis is a valuable tool used by forensic laboratories to identify the perpetrators of sexual assaults. Presently, only a limited number of laboratories have the capability to perform Y-STR analysis. The NCFS is currently working with several private vendors to validate their products so that Y-STR testing will become more accessible to the forensic science community.
• Development of Y-STR Chromosome National Database: In order for Y-STR information to be admissible in court the related statistical data must come from a single, large-population database. To develop this comprehensive database, the NCFS has established partnerships with four state crime laboratories, which assist by collecting samples. When complete, this database will be the only one of it kind in the world.
• Development of a Speedy Rape Kit Screening Method: In the United States an estimated 180,000 to 500,000 rape kits sit in crime labs awaiting analysis. Comparing DNA evidence to a suspect's DNA can take several weeks, but through this project the NCFS intends to create an efficient test that will first screen for the presence of male DNA. If any male DNA is discovered, then the more time-consuming DNA comparison can be carried out.