nist-gov/www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster

1518 lines
118 KiB
Text
Raw Normal View History

2025-03-05 18:59:57 +00:00
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="content: http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/ dc: http://purl.org/dc/terms/ foaf: http://xmlns.com/foaf/0.1/ og: http://ogp.me/ns# rdfs: http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema# schema: http://schema.org/ sioc: http://rdfs.org/sioc/ns# sioct: http://rdfs.org/sioc/types# skos: http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core# xsd: http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema# ">
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8" /><script type="text/javascript">(window.NREUM||(NREUM={})).init={ajax:{deny_list:["bam.nr-data.net"]}};(window.NREUM||(NREUM={})).loader_config={licenseKey:"37b7ccb661",applicationID:"1089704227"};;/*! For license information please see nr-loader-rum-1.283.2.min.js.LICENSE.txt */
(()=>{var e,t,r={122:(e,t,r)=>{"use strict";r.d(t,{a:()=>i});var n=r(944);function i(e,t){try{if(!e||"object"!=typeof e)return(0,n.R)(3);if(!t||"object"!=typeof t)return(0,n.R)(4);const r=Object.create(Object.getPrototypeOf(t),Object.getOwnPropertyDescriptors(t)),o=0===Object.keys(r).length?e:r;for(let a in o)if(void 0!==e[a])try{if(null===e[a]){r[a]=null;continue}Array.isArray(e[a])&&Array.isArray(t[a])?r[a]=Array.from(new Set([...e[a],...t[a]])):"object"==typeof e[a]&&"object"==typeof t[a]?r[a]=i(e[a],t[a]):r[a]=e[a]}catch(e){(0,n.R)(1,e)}return r}catch(e){(0,n.R)(2,e)}}},555:(e,t,r)=>{"use strict";r.d(t,{Vp:()=>c,fn:()=>s,x1:()=>u});var n=r(384),i=r(122);const o={beacon:n.NT.beacon,errorBeacon:n.NT.errorBeacon,licenseKey:void 0,applicationID:void 0,sa:void 0,queueTime:void 0,applicationTime:void 0,ttGuid:void 0,user:void 0,account:void 0,product:void 0,extra:void 0,jsAttributes:{},userAttributes:void 0,atts:void 0,transactionName:void 0,tNamePlain:void 0},a={};function s(e){try{const t=c(e);return!!t.licenseKey&&!!t.errorBeacon&&!!t.applicationID}catch(e){return!1}}function c(e){if(!e)throw new Error("All info objects require an agent identifier!");if(!a[e])throw new Error("Info for ".concat(e," was never set"));return a[e]}function u(e,t){if(!e)throw new Error("All info objects require an agent identifier!");a[e]=(0,i.a)(t,o);const r=(0,n.nY)(e);r&&(r.info=a[e])}},217:(e,t,r)=>{"use strict";r.d(t,{D0:()=>m,gD:()=>v,xN:()=>h});r(860).K7.genericEvents;const n="experimental.marks",i="experimental.measures",o="experimental.resources",a=e=>{if(!e||"string"!=typeof e)return!1;try{document.createDocumentFragment().querySelector(e)}catch{return!1}return!0};var s=r(614),c=r(944),u=r(384),l=r(122);const d="[data-nr-mask]",f=()=>{const e={feature_flags:[],experimental:{marks:!1,measures:!1,resources:!1},mask_selector:"*",block_selector:"[data-nr-block]",mask_input_options:{color:!1,date:!1,"datetime-local":!1,email:!1,month:!1,number:!1,range:!1,search:!1,tel:!1,text:!1,time:!1,url:!1,week:!1,textarea:!1,select:!1,password:!0}};return{ajax:{deny_list:void 0,block_internal:!0,enabled:!0,autoStart:!0},distributed_tracing:{enabled:void 0,exclude_newrelic_header:void 0,cors_use_newrelic_header:void 0,cors_use_tracecontext_headers:void 0,allowed_origins:void 0},get feature_flags(){return e.feature_flags},set feature_flags(t){e.feature_flags=t},generic_events:{enabled:!0,autoStart:!0},harvest:{interval:30},jserrors:{enabled:!0,autoStart:!0},logging:{enabled:!0,autoStart:!0},metrics:{enabled:!0,autoStart:!0},obfuscate:void 0,page_action:{enabled:!0},page_view_event:{enabled:!0,autoStart:!0},page_view_timing:{enabled:!0,autoStart:!0},performance:{get capture_marks(){return e.feature_flags.includes(n)||e.experimental.marks},set capture_marks(t){e.experimental.marks=t},get capture_measures(){return e.feature_flags.includes(i)||e.experimental.measures},set capture_measures(t){e.experimental.measures=t},capture_detail:!0,resources:{get enabled(){return e.feature_flags.includes(o)||e.experimental.resources},set enabled(t){e.experimental.resources=t},asset_types:[],first_party_domains:[],ignore_newrelic:!0}},privacy:{cookies_enabled:!0},proxy:{assets:void 0,beacon:void 0},session:{expiresMs:s.wk,inactiveMs:s.BB},session_replay:{autoStart:!0,enabled:!1,preload:!1,sampling_rate:10,error_sampling_rate:100,collect_fonts:!1,inline_images:!1,fix_stylesheets:!0,mask_all_inputs:!0,get mask_text_selector(){return e.mask_selector},set mask_text_selector(t){a(t)?e.mask_selector="".concat(t,",").concat(d):""===t||null===t?e.mask_selector=d:(0,c.R)(5,t)},get block_class(){return"nr-block"},get ignore_class(){return"nr-ignore"},get mask_text_class(){return"nr-mask"},get block_selector(){return e.block_selector},set block_selector(t){a(t)?e.block_selector+=",".concat(t):""!==t&&(0,c.R)(6,t)},get mask_input_options(){return e.mask_input_options},set mask_input_options(t){t&&"object"==typeof t?e.mask_input_options={...t,password:!0}:(0,c.R)(7,t)}},session_trace:{enabled:!0,autoStart:!0},soft_navigations:{enabled:!0,autoStart:!0},spa:{enabled:!0,autoStart:!0
<noscript><style>form.antibot * :not(.antibot-message) { display: none !important; }</style>
</noscript><script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-HEQ0YF2VYL"></script>
<script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments)};gtag("js", new Date());gtag("set", "developer_id.dMDhkMT", true);gtag('set', {'cookie_flags': 'SameSite=None;Secure', 'cookie_domain': 'www.nist.gov'});gtag("config", "G-HEQ0YF2VYL", {"groups":"default","page_placeholder":"PLACEHOLDER_page_location","link_attribution":true,"allow_ad_personalization_signals":false});gtag("config", "G-CSLL4ZEK4L", {"groups":"default","page_placeholder":"PLACEHOLDER_page_location","link_attribution":true,"allow_ad_personalization_signals":false});gtag("event", "custom", {"node_title":"Speeding Up the Wheels of Justice: How NIST Resources Can Help Crime Labs Work Faster ","node_id":"1868826","blog_author":"Briana Capistran","content_type":"Blog entry"});</script>
<meta name="description" content="Forensic science is not as easy as it looks on TV. But NIST resources are helping crime labs examine evidence more efficiently — so the justice system can work better for everyone" />
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster" />
<link rel="shortlink" href="https://www.nist.gov/node/1868826" />
<meta name="citation_title" content="Speeding Up the Wheels of Justice: How NIST Resources Can Help Crime Labs Work Faster | NIST" />
<meta property="og:site_name" content="NIST" />
<meta property="og:type" content="Article" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster" />
<meta property="og:title" content="Speeding Up the Wheels of Justice: How NIST Resources Can Help Crime Labs Work Faster" />
<meta property="og:description" content="Forensic science is not as easy as it looks on TV. But NIST resources are helping crime labs examine evidence more efficiently — so the justice system can work better for everyone" />
<meta property="og:image" content="https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/social/public/images/2024/12/04/briana_lab_table_web_ready_111824jpg.jpg?itok=Are2FNf_" />
<meta property="og:image" content="https://www.nist.gov/themes/custom/nist_www/img/homepage/nist_mark.png" />
<meta property="og:image:width" content="1050" />
<meta property="og:image:height" content="799" />
<meta property="og:image:alt" content="Briana Capistran wears safety glasses as she poses smiling in the lab with computers and other equipment in the background." />
<meta property="article:author" content="Briana Capistran" />
<meta property="article:tag" content="GC-MS" />
<meta property="article:published_time" content="2025-01-08T07:00-05:00" />
<meta property="article:modified_time" content="2025-01-08T08:48-05:00" />
<meta name="dcterms.title" content="Speeding Up the Wheels of Justice: How NIST Resources Can Help Crime Labs Work Faster" />
<meta name="dcterms.creator" content="Briana Capistran" />
<meta name="dcterms.description" content="Forensic science is not as easy as it looks on TV. But NIST resources are helping crime labs examine evidence more efficiently — so the justice system can work better for everyone" />
<meta name="dcterms.publisher" content="Briana Capistran" />
<meta name="dcterms.contributor" content="NIST" />
<meta name="dcterms.date" content="2025-01-08T07:00-05:00" />
<meta name="dcterms.type" content="text" />
<meta name="dcterms.format" content="text/html" />
<meta name="dcterms.identifier" content="https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster" />
<meta name="dcterms.source" content="NIST" />
<meta name="dcterms.created" content="2025-01-08T07:00-05:00" />
<meta name="dcterms.modified" content="2025-01-08T08:48-05:00" />
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" />
<meta name="twitter:description" content="Forensic science is not as easy as it looks on TV. But NIST resources are helping crime labs examine evidence more efficiently — so the justice system can work better for everyone" />
<meta name="twitter:site" content="NIST" />
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Speeding Up the Wheels of Justice: How NIST Resources Can Help Crime Labs Work Faster" />
<meta name="google-site-verification" content="QMu0ODkER3rN5hLcMLqNVf7e3bkjYsNLTuhqfH48jCA" />
<meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" />
<meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" />
<meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" />
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />
<meta name="nist_search_modified" class="elastic" content="2025-01-08T08:48:00-05:00" />
<script type="application/ld+json">{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@graph": [
{
"@type": "Article",
"@id": "https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster",
"headline": "Speeding Up the Wheels of Justice: How NIST Resources Can Help Crime Labs Work Faster",
"name": "Speeding Up the Wheels of Justice: How NIST Resources Can Help Crime Labs Work Faster",
"description": "Forensic science is not as easy as it looks on TV. But NIST resources are helping crime labs examine evidence more efficiently — so the justice system can work better for everyone.",
"image": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": "https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/social/public/images/2024/12/04/briana_lab_table_web_ready_111824jpg.jpg?itok=Are2FNf_",
"width": "1050",
"height": "799"
},
"datePublished": "2025-01-08T07:00-05:00",
"dateModified": "2025-01-08T08:48-05:00",
"author": {
"@type": "Person",
"@id": "https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/authors/briana-capistran",
"name": "Briana Capistran",
"url": "https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/authors/briana-capistran"
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "GovernmentOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.nist.gov/",
"name": "National Institute of Standards and Technology",
"url": "https://www.nist.gov/"
}
}
]
}</script>
<meta name="nist_search_bundle" class="elastic" content="blog" />
<link rel="icon" href="/themes/custom/nist_www/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" />
<title>Speeding Up the Wheels of Justice: How NIST Resources Can Help Crime Labs Work Faster | NIST</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_hKAD9a0878O1Pdb6alKtCmESLiUtQmrBX15rQUvSgOA.css?delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nist_www&amp;include=eJxNTgsOwyAIvZCpRzKotCNFaYTW9fazW5ctIYRH3i9CWoPJmM3H3x0oSXWV1II9sOD4CUdooUj2mRQiY2Cqq9NTDcvQKr75fmGJwB9t7_2L8WkX3-e2b8DTDd1B2NW_9zS8d75dCiyVZkpuJjZsPsFmNCqpJAIOBTPBFToYDKfsFkarJAe200vFJH8NCqUmSoYvWkVdRQ" />
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_kGS0ApDpFo-_3JI4Ijxg4RCWlTqsImK3lqH7bCv5v2U.css?delta=1&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nist_www&amp;include=eJxNTgsOwyAIvZCpRzKotCNFaYTW9fazW5ctIYRH3i9CWoPJmM3H3x0oSXWV1II9sOD4CUdooUj2mRQiY2Cqq9NTDcvQKr75fmGJwB9t7_2L8WkX3-e2b8DTDd1B2NW_9zS8d75dCiyVZkpuJjZsPsFmNCqpJAIOBTPBFToYDKfsFkarJAe200vFJH8NCqUmSoYvWkVdRQ" />
<link rel="stylesheet" media="print" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_-IXwLuTUdm8IGHxib8GX8wWKw3LjKsNWSYYskZ5fEGg.css?delta=2&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nist_www&amp;include=eJxNTgsOwyAIvZCpRzKotCNFaYTW9fazW5ctIYRH3i9CWoPJmM3H3x0oSXWV1II9sOD4CUdooUj2mRQiY2Cqq9NTDcvQKr75fmGJwB9t7_2L8WkX3-e2b8DTDd1B2NW_9zS8d75dCiyVZkpuJjZsPsFmNCqpJAIOBTPBFToYDKfsFkarJAe200vFJH8NCqUmSoYvWkVdRQ" />
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_RS8YGnRq2Xi5aD-GQC3GKwBe6bOWBBmEmXrb2xB5FMM.css?delta=3&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nist_www&amp;include=eJxNTgsOwyAIvZCpRzKotCNFaYTW9fazW5ctIYRH3i9CWoPJmM3H3x0oSXWV1II9sOD4CUdooUj2mRQiY2Cqq9NTDcvQKr75fmGJwB9t7_2L8WkX3-e2b8DTDd1B2NW_9zS8d75dCiyVZkpuJjZsPsFmNCqpJAIOBTPBFToYDKfsFkarJAe200vFJH8NCqUmSoYvWkVdRQ" />
<script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_GM8kl6wk698qKTTwusj83bCoGHHtOZ1UinjY1sE_Qbk.js?scope=header&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nist_www&amp;include=eJxdjQGuAiEMRC8Ev0ciBbpYBUqAFb39h3WNxoQmvOnM1KK7mS7zFbCfv7k2FURCJIMZ47Oza_ArqMytm42n5mXkKOhNr7OEc4CAr3XjTpxKlTvBr7CuHFq_UKJ5V6LFapJ48NzQzuLI-XZ4IESxGPUZgQuhp_pGM8b4ctCjryD4uheMfycqJylR7m_5RG2f-s40qL6aE4bMGzvVCqY5GcRue3PYSS1fM9c9FTOjOxysF-vF_8MPg8U"></script>
</head>
<body class="node-1868826">
<a href="#main-content" class="visually-hidden focusable" data-elastic-exclude>
Skip to main content
</a>
<div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas>
<!-- nist-index-ignore-start -->
<section data-elastic-exclude class="usa-banner" aria-label="Official government website">
<div class="usa-accordion">
<header class="usa-banner__header">
<div class="usa-banner__inner">
<div class="grid-col-auto">
<img class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/libraries/nist-component-library/dist/img/us_flag_small.png" alt="U.S. flag">
</div>
<div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto">
<p class="usa-banner__header-text">An official website of the United States government</p>
<p class="usa-banner__header-action" aria-hidden="true">Heres how you know</p>
</div>
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner-default">
<span class="usa-banner__button-text">Heres how you know</span>
</button>
</div>
</header>
<div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner-default">
<div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg">
<div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6">
<img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/libraries/nist-component-library/dist/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true">
<div class="usa-media-block__body">
<p>
<strong>Official websites use .gov</strong>
<br/>
A <strong>.gov</strong> website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6">
<img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/libraries/nist-component-library/dist/img/icon-https.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true">
<div class="usa-media-block__body">
<p>
<strong>Secure .gov websites use HTTPS</strong>
<br/>
A <strong>lock</strong> ( <span class="icon-lock">
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewbox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" role="img" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-title banner-lock-description" focusable="false">
<title id="banner-lock-title">Lock</title>
<desc id="banner-lock-description">A locked padlock</desc><path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z"/></svg>
</span>
) or <strong>https://</strong> means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- nist-index-ignore-end -->
<div data-elastic-exclude>
<!-- nist-index-ignore-start -->
<div class="nist-print-header" style="display:none;">
<p class="nist-print-header__url">https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster</p>
<img class="nist-print-header__logo" width="289" height="38" src="/libraries/nist-component-library/dist/img/logo/nist_logo_sidestack.svg" alt="National Institute of Standards and Technology" />
</div>
<div class="usa-overlay"></div>
<header class="usa-header nist-header--www nist-header--minimal" role="banner">
<div class="usa-navbar">
<div class="usa-logo flex-fill">
<a href="/" title="National Institute of Standards and Technology" aria-label="Home">
<img src="/libraries/nist-component-library/dist/img/logo/logo.svg" alt="National Institute of Standards and Technology" width="300px" height="80px" />
</a>
</div>
<div class="usa-header__right grid-row flex-auto">
<div class="grid-col-fill nist-header__search-group">
<form class="usa-search usa-search--small"
accept-charset="UTF-8"
action="/search"
id="search_form"
method="get">
<div role="search">
<label class="usa-sr-only" for="search-form">Search NIST</label>
<input class="usa-input" id="search-form" type="search" name="s" placeholder="Search NIST" required="" maxlength="128">
<button class="usa-button" type="submit"><img src="/libraries/nist-component-library/dist/img/usa-icons-bg/search--white.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search"></button>
</div>
</form>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-auto padding-left-1">
<button class="usa-menu-btn">Menu</button>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<nav aria-label="Primary navigation" class="usa-nav">
<div class="usa-nav__inner">
<button class="usa-nav__close">Close</button>
<ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion">
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<a class="usa-nav__link" href="/publications">Publications</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="primary_menu-2"><span>What We Do</span></button>
<div id="primary_menu-2" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu">
<div class="grid-row">
<div class="tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/topics" class="usa-nav__link">All Topics</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/advanced-communications" class="usa-nav__link">Advanced communications</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/artificial-intelligence" class="usa-nav__link">Artificial intelligence</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/bioscience" class="usa-nav__link">Bioscience</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/buildings-construction" class="usa-nav__link">Buildings and construction</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/chemistry" class="usa-nav__link">Chemistry</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/cybersecurity" class="usa-nav__link">Cybersecurity</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/electronics" class="usa-nav__link">Electronics</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/energy" class="usa-nav__link">Energy</a>
</li>
</ul></div><div class="column-break tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/environment" class="usa-nav__link">Environment</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/fire" class="usa-nav__link">Fire</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/forensic-science" class="usa-nav__link">Forensic science</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/health" class="usa-nav__link">Health</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/information-technology" class="usa-nav__link">Information technology</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/infrastructure" class="usa-nav__link">Infrastructure</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/manufacturing" class="usa-nav__link">Manufacturing</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/materials" class="usa-nav__link">Materials</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/mathematics-statistics" class="usa-nav__link">Mathematics and statistics</a>
</li>
</ul></div><div class="column-break tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/metrology" class="usa-nav__link">Metrology</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/nanotechnology" class="usa-nav__link">Nanotechnology</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/neutron-research" class="usa-nav__link">Neutron research</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/performance-excellence" class="usa-nav__link">Performance excellence</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/physics" class="usa-nav__link">Physics</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/public-safety" class="usa-nav__link">Public safety</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/quantum-information-science" class="usa-nav__link">Quantum information science</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/resilience" class="usa-nav__link">Resilience</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/standards" class="usa-nav__link">Standards</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/transportation" class="usa-nav__link">Transportation</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="primary_menu-3"><span>Labs &amp; Major Programs</span></button>
<div id="primary_menu-3" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu">
<div class="grid-row">
<div class="tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/adlp" class="usa-nav__link">Assoc Director of Laboratory Programs</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/laboratories" class="usa-nav__link">Laboratories</a>
<ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li>
<a href="/ctl" class="usa-nav__link">Communications Technology Laboratory</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/el" class="usa-nav__link">Engineering Laboratory</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/itl" class="usa-nav__link">Information Technology Laboratory</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/mml" class="usa-nav__link">Material Measurement Laboratory</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/pml" class="usa-nav__link">Physical Measurement Laboratory</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul></div><div class="column-break tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/user-facilities" class="usa-nav__link">User Facilities</a>
<ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li>
<a href="/ncnr" class="usa-nav__link">NIST Center for Neutron Research</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/cnst" class="usa-nav__link">CNST NanoFab</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/labs-major-programs/research-test-beds" class="usa-nav__link">Research Test Beds</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/laboratories/projects-programs" class="usa-nav__link">Research Projects</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/laboratories/tools-instruments" class="usa-nav__link">Tools &amp; Instruments</a>
</li>
</ul></div><div class="column-break tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/major-programs" class="usa-nav__link">Major Programs</a>
<ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li>
<a href="/baldrige" class="usa-nav__link">Baldrige Performance Excellence Program</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/chips" class="usa-nav__link">CHIPS for America Initiative</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/mep" class="usa-nav__link">Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/oam" class="usa-nav__link">Office of Advanced Manufacturing</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/spo" class="usa-nav__link">Special Programs Office</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/tpo" class="usa-nav__link">Technology Partnerships Office</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="primary_menu-4"><span>Services &amp; Resources</span></button>
<div id="primary_menu-4" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu">
<div class="grid-row">
<div class="tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/content/standards-measurements" class="usa-nav__link">Standards and Measurements</a>
<ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li>
<a href="/calibrations" class="usa-nav__link">Calibration Services</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/nvlap" class="usa-nav__link">Laboratory Accreditation (NVLAP)</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/nist-quality-system" class="usa-nav__link">Quality System</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/srm" class="usa-nav__link">Standard Reference Materials (SRMs)</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/sri" class="usa-nav__link">Standard Reference Instruments (SRIs)</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/standardsgov" class="usa-nav__link">Standards.gov</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/pml/time-and-frequency-division/time-services" class="usa-nav__link">Time Services</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/pml/owm" class="usa-nav__link">Office of Weights and Measures</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul></div><div class="column-break tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/services-resources/software" class="usa-nav__link">Software</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/data" class="usa-nav__link">Data</a>
<ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li>
<a href="https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/" class="usa-nav__link">Chemistry WebBook</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://nvd.nist.gov/" class="usa-nav__link">National Vulnerability Database</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/pml/productsservices/physical-reference-data" class="usa-nav__link">Physical Reference Data</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/srd" class="usa-nav__link">Standard Reference Data (SRD)</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="https://shop.nist.gov/" class="usa-nav__link">Storefront</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/tpo" class="usa-nav__link">License &amp; Patents</a>
</li>
</ul></div><div class="column-break tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="https://csrc.nist.gov/" class="usa-nav__link">Computer Security Resource Center (CSRC)</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/nist-research-library" class="usa-nav__link">NIST Research Library</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="primary_menu-5"><span>News &amp; Events</span></button>
<div id="primary_menu-5" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu">
<div class="grid-row">
<div class="tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/news" class="usa-nav__link">News</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/news-events/events" class="usa-nav__link">Events</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/blogs" class="usa-nav__link">Blogs</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/feature-stories" class="usa-nav__link">Feature Stories</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/awards" class="usa-nav__link">Awards</a>
</li>
</ul></div><div class="column-break tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/video-gallery" class="usa-nav__link">Video Gallery</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/image-gallery" class="usa-nav__link">Image Gallery</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/pao/media-contacts" class="usa-nav__link">Media Contacts</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__primary-item">
<button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="primary_menu-6"><span>About NIST</span></button>
<div id="primary_menu-6" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu">
<div class="grid-row">
<div class="tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-nist" class="usa-nav__link">About Us</a>
<ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li>
<a href="/director/leadership" class="usa-nav__link">Leadership</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/director/nist-organization-structure" class="usa-nav__link">Organization Structure</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/about-nist/budget-planning" class="usa-nav__link">Budget &amp; Planning</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-nist/contact-us" class="usa-nav__link">Contact Us</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-nist/visit" class="usa-nav__link">Visit</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/careers" class="usa-nav__link">Careers</a>
<ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li>
<a href="/iaao/academic-affairs-office" class="usa-nav__link">Student programs</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul></div><div class="column-break tablet:grid-col-fill"><ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/about-nist/work-nist" class="usa-nav__link">Work with NIST</a>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/history" class="usa-nav__link">History</a>
<ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list">
<li>
<a href="http://nistdigitalarchives.contentdm.oclc.org/" class="usa-nav__link">NIST Digital Archives</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/nist-museum" class="usa-nav__link">NIST Museum</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/nist-and-nobel" class="usa-nav__link">NIST and the Nobel</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="usa-nav__submenu-item">
<a href="/education" class="usa-nav__link">Educational Resources</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</nav>
</header>
<!-- nist-index-ignore-end -->
</div>
<div class="grid-container">
</div>
<div
id="block-nist-www-content" class="nist-block"
>
<section
class="nist-page__content usa-section clearfix"
>
<a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a>
<div
class="nist-page__region nist-page__region--content-top-full"
>
<div
class="nist-block"
>
<div class="entity-reference">
<div class="nist-blog-header nist-blog-header--purple nist-blog-header--inner">
<div class="nist-blog-header__bkgrd">
<div class="nist-blog-header__main grid-container">
<div class="grid-row">
<h2 class="nist-blog-header__title">
<a href="/blogs/taking-measure"> Taking Measure
</a>
</h2>
<div class="nist-blog-header__tagline">
<p class="text">Just a Standard Blog</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-container margin-top-4">
<div
class="nist-page__region nist-page__region--content-top"
>
<div
class="nist-block"
>
<h1 class="nist-page__title">Speeding Up the Wheels of Justice: How NIST Resources Can Help Crime Labs Work Faster</h1>
</div>
<div
class="font-body-md"
>
<div class="daterange"><time datetime="2025-01-08T12:00:00Z">January 8, 2025</time>
</div>
</div>
<div
class="nist-block"
>
<span>By: </span>
<a href="/blogs/taking-measure/authors/briana-capistran" hreflang="en">Briana Capistran</a>
</div>
<div
class="nist-block"
>
<!-- nist-index-ignore-start -->
<div data-elastic-exclude class="nist-block nist-social__wrapper">
<h2 class="nist-social__title">Share</h2>
<div class="social-media-sharing">
<div class="nist-social__wrapper--share">
<div>
<a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster"
title="Facebook" class="nist-social nist-social--facebook-gray">
<span>Facebook</span>
</a>
</div>
<div>
<a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster&amp;source=https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster"
title="Linkedin" class="nist-social nist-social--linkedin-gray">
<span>Linkedin</span>
</a>
</div>
<div>
<a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://x.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster&amp;status=https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster"
title="X.com" class="nist-social nist-social--x-gray">
<span>X.com</span>
</a>
</div>
<div>
<a href="mailto:?subject=NIST.gov&amp;body=Check out this site https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster"
title="Email" class="nist-social nist-social--envelope-gray">
<span>Email</span>
</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- nist-index-ignore-end -->
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-container margin-top-4">
<div class="grid-row grid-gap-6">
<div
class="nist-page__region nist-page__region--content tablet-lg:grid-col-8"
>
<div
class="nist-block"
>
<div class="text-with-summary">
<figure class="nist-image--lightbox nist-image" data-lightbox="https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/2800_x_2800_limit/public/images/2024/12/04/briana_lab_table_web_ready_111824jpg.jpg?itok=-6qYRluQ" data-media-id="725526">
<img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/960_x_960_limit/public/images/2024/12/04/briana_lab_table_web_ready_111824jpg.jpg?itok=C8LH9QdL" width="960" height="731" alt="Briana Capistran wears safety glasses as she poses smiling in the lab with computers and other equipment in the background. " typeof="foaf:Image" />
<figcaption class="nist-image__caption">
<div data-caption-editable="true" class="nist-image__caption-content">
<p>NIST researcher Briana Capistran developed a comprehensive instruction guide to help forensic labs check, or validate, their instruments. This free resource can help save forensic analysts crucial time as they work on their cases.</p>
</div>
<div class="nist-image__credit">
<span class="nist-image__credit-label">Credit:</span>
M. King/NIST
</div>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Unlike what you may see on TV or in the movies, forensic analysis of crime evidence takes a long time. And understaffed forensic laboratories around the country often have <a href="https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/publicly-funded-forensic-crime-laboratories-2020">huge backlogs</a> of evidence to process. The methods typically used to analyze these samples can take tens of minutes to complete, at minimum.&nbsp;</p><p>That may not sound like much. But multiply this by the hundreds or thousands of samples a forensic laboratory needs to analyze. This means cases take longer to prosecute, and the justice system moves more slowly than it should.&nbsp;</p><h2>Science of Crime Scene Analysis</h2><p>The first step in analyzing evidence typically involves the analyst looking at a sample in a way that gives them broad chemical information about the samples contents. We call this a screening technique. Once the analyst has completed that step, they will use other tools or methods to get more detailed information.&nbsp;</p><p>Screening is an important part of the analysts work, but these approaches dont all provide the level of detail the analyst needs quickly enough.&nbsp;</p><p>Luckily, companies are inventing new screening tools that work faster and provide higher levels of detail.&nbsp;</p><p>But when a forensic laboratory gets a new instrument, the staff has to check it very thoroughly through a series of procedures and experiments, called validation. Validation demonstrates that the instrument can analyze evidence with the required precision and accuracy, among other criteria. This is important because a forensic analyst needs to not only trust that the results of an analysis are correct but also be able to testify to their accuracy in court.&nbsp;</p><p>So, as forensic labs begin to use new equipment and methods, analysts need to validate these instruments. However, there are currently no prescribed steps specific to each analytical approach that can be followed to quickly and easily do this. Documenting validation processes often takes analysts months to complete, taking analysts away from their casework.&nbsp;</p><p>What does this evidence analysis process look like in practice in a forensic laboratory?&nbsp;</p><p>Analysts use an approach called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry">gas chromatography-mass spectrometry</a>, or GC-MS, to analyze most evidence samples, such as seized drugs and fire debris. Gas chromatography separates a sample into its different components. Mass spectrometry identifies and detects individual compounds using a unique chemical signature. So, if youre looking at a sample made up of multiple illegal drugs, for example, gas chromatography would separate the different drugs in the sample. Mass spectrometry would tell you what the individual drugs are in that sample.&nbsp;</p>
<figure class=" align-center nist-image--lightbox nist-image" role="group">
<div data-lightbox="https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/2800_x_2800_limit/public/images/2024/12/04/briana_preparing_samples_web_ready_111824.jpg?itok=XKn0cZHh" data-media-id="725536">
<img alt="Briana Capistran wears safety glasses and purple gloves as she prepares small vials at a lab table. " height="640" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/960_x_960_limit/public/images/2024/12/04/briana_preparing_samples_web_ready_111824.jpg?itok=72BEtfsV" typeof="foaf:Image" width="960">
</div>
<figcaption class="nist-image__caption">NIST researcher Briana Capistran prepares drug samples to be analyzed.<div class="nist-image__credit">
<span class="nist-image__credit-label">Credit:</span>
M. King/NIST
</div></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>GC-MS is the gold standard in forensics, but it also takes a lot of time — time many analysts simply dont have.&nbsp;</p><p>Many labs are now using a faster version of this system, called rapid GC-MS. Its not as precise, but it does a great job of screening samples, so the analysts can better understand the samples contents. Potentially, the analyst can save the full GC-MS for samples that really require it. Thats another time saver — possibly cutting analysis time from 20 minutes down to one or two minutes per sample.</p><h2>Helping Labs Validate Their New Equipment<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>As a research chemist who has used this rapid version of GC-MS for the last several years, I developed a comprehensive instruction guide for rapid GC-MS validation processes that analysts can use in their own efforts. I tailored this guide to two forensic applications: seized drug screening and fire debris screening. While these samples might not look similar, both contain compounds that rapid GC-MS analyzes and detects. These samples are also some of the most common types of evidence received in a forensic laboratory.</p><p>I designed a validation process for both applications and documented it from start to finish. This free resource provides information on the materials the analyst would need to purchase, what analyses to perform on what days, and what data to gather. Accompanying spreadsheets have automated calculations built in. So, just by entering the specified data, an analyst can see almost immediately if the instrument is validated or not.</p>
<figure class=" align-center nist-image--lightbox nist-image" role="group">
<div data-lightbox="https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/2800_x_2800_limit/public/images/2024/12/04/briana_operating_rapid_gcms_machine_web_ready_111824.jpg?itok=ap4MuF9I" data-media-id="725531">
<img alt="Briana Capistran wears safety glasses and purple gloves as she operates laboratory equipment. " height="640" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/960_x_960_limit/public/images/2024/12/04/briana_operating_rapid_gcms_machine_web_ready_111824.jpg?itok=5OvwZejI" typeof="foaf:Image" width="960">
</div>
<figcaption class="nist-image__caption">In the lab, Briana Capistran uses rapid gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze a drug sample. Gas chromatography separates different drugs in a sample, and mass spectrometry tells you what individual drugs are in the sample.<div class="nist-image__credit">
<span class="nist-image__credit-label">Credit:</span>
M. King/NIST
</div></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>My goal was to do all that behind-the-scenes work so an analyst in a forensic laboratory could jump right into the validation procedure. All the analyst has to do is download an information package and follow the instructions.&nbsp;</p><p>This information package is so detailed because Ive done this work myself. I validated NISTs own rapid GC-MS system and documented each step of the process. This will help our team serve as a resource for analysts who may have questions as they go through the process themselves.</p><p><span>The&nbsp;</span><a href="https://data.nist.gov/od/id/mds2-3189"><span>tool</span></a><span> is new, and we are very eager to receive&nbsp;feedback.&nbsp;We hope to create more of these tools in the future to</span> facilitate this critical science.&nbsp;</p><div class="nist-callout"><h2><a><span>Forensic</span></a> Analysts: Need to Validate Your Rapid GC-MS? Use Our Template</h2><p>NIST provides a free resource for forensic laboratories to use in validating their rapid GC-MS technology for seized drugs and ignitable liquids. Access our resources below:&nbsp;</p><ul type="disc"><li><a href="https://data.nist.gov/od/id/mds2-3189">Rapid GC-MS Validation Template</a></li><li><span class="spamspan"><span class="u">briana.capistran</span> [at] <span class="d">nist.gov</span><span class="t"> (Send Feedback on Our Validation Tool)</span></span>&nbsp;</li></ul></div><h2>Time Saved Will Help the Justice System<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>With the persistence of the <a href="/feature-stories/safe-efficient-reliable-new-science-fight-against-killer-drugs" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="dce93abd-366d-404e-8d2d-bd9d9b0d4f36" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Safe, Efficient, Reliable: New Science in the Fight Against Killer Drugs">opioid epidemic</a> nationwide and the <a href="https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/residential-fires/intentional.html">rising number of arson cases over the last few years</a>, forensic analysts chemistry-related workload is only increasing.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/publicly-funded-forensic-crime-laboratories-2020">Backlogs</a> continue to be a major issue, especially in the seized drug field. One of the reasons for this is the influx of drugs designed to have similar chemical structures and effects to illegal drugs, known as <a href="https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/nida-asks/can-science-keep-up-with-designer-drugs">designer drugs</a>. These drugs are made to circumvent the legal system, but they often still wind up in samples with illegal drugs.&nbsp;</p><p>While using new techniques like rapid GC-MS could improve overall analysis times, the time required to develop specific validation protocols can deter a lab from investing in these systems. Thats where NIST researchers can help. Our resources can help get new tools up and running in a forensic laboratory. This means samples can be analyzed quickly, and hopefully, criminal cases can proceed faster.&nbsp;</p><h2>Solving Real-Life Mysteries&nbsp;</h2><p>From a young age, Ive loved science and problem-solving. When I was applying to college, I knew I wanted to study applied science, but I wasnt sure exactly what.&nbsp;</p><p>As an avid reader of all things mysterious and investigative, I wound up studying forensic science, which was still a very new major at the time. I went on to get my masters degree in forensic science and a Ph.D. in chemistry because Ph.D. programs in forensic science werent as common at the time.&nbsp;</p><p>Toward the end of my graduate schooling, my masters degree adviser introduced me to NIST research chemist <a href="/blogs/taking-measure/nist-partnership-helps-communities-manage-unknown-dangers-common-street-drugs" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="35f23e0f-f49d-49cb-b44d-b219b788f338" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="NIST Partnership Helps Communities Manage Unknown Dangers in Common Street Drugs">Edward Sisco</a>. I started with NIST as a postdoctoral researcher in 2021 and have since continued
<figure class=" align-center nist-image--lightbox nist-image" role="group">
<div data-lightbox="https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/2800_x_2800_limit/public/images/2024/12/04/briana_with_computer_web_ready_111824.jpg?itok=RF8yjaO0" data-media-id="725541">
<img alt="Briana Capistran wears safety glasses and purple gloves as she points to a computer screen showing information from lab analyses. " height="640" loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/960_x_960_limit/public/images/2024/12/04/briana_with_computer_web_ready_111824.jpg?itok=l7HjfZi2" typeof="foaf:Image" width="960">
</div>
<figcaption class="nist-image__caption">Briana Capistran gets information on the drug sample about a minute after she placed the sample into the machine that analyzes it.<div class="nist-image__credit">
<span class="nist-image__credit-label">Credit:</span>
M. King/NIST
</div></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Having the flexibility and freedom to pursue the research I am passionate about was one of the best parts of my postdoc experience. I realized how much of an impact NIST research can have on the forensic community and the general public. Knowing that I could make a difference by helping forensic chemists do their jobs more effectively motivated me to continue my work at NIST.&nbsp;</p><p>Now, my research involves drug analysis in addition to fire debris. Ive done some impactful projects in both spaces. Ive worked to improve analytical methods for drug analysis and researched the best ways to prepare fire debris samples for analysis. While each focuses on a different type of evidence, all of the same chemistry principles apply and can be transferred from one sample to the next.</p><p>What I love the most about working in this field is its problem-solving roots and real-world impact. I fell in love with forensic science because its one of the most applied versions of chemistry.&nbsp;</p><p>At its core, chemistry gives us the foundational pieces of knowledge to answer bigger questions. Forensic chemistry applies that knowledge to solve important and time-sensitive problems. It enables me to see how the research I do on a daily basis can be directly used to help others. As a community, were using scientific knowledge to positively impact people everywhere and, hopefully, keep people safer.&nbsp;</p><h2>Looking Ahead to New Challenges in the Forensic Field<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Im looking forward to continuing in this career field and applying my knowledge to forensic science as the discipline continues to grow and change.&nbsp;</p><p>One of the challenges in forensic science is that it can be quite subjective. <a href="https://doi.org/10.17226/12589">Calls to improve objectivity in the field</a> have sparked significant advancements over the last decade and more.&nbsp;</p><p>While drug analysis has progressed greatly in this time, some fields, like fire debris analysis, still rely on visual examinations to identify sample contents. Unfortunately, these visual judgment calls can affect analyst conclusions due to human bias. However, scientists at NIST and other institutions are researching ways to make these processes more objective.</p><p>The stakes of forensic science work are extremely high. Our work in this field has the potential to impact many peoples lives, including whether a victims family gets justice or an innocent suspect is set free or imprisoned.&nbsp;</p><p>Forensic science is, at its core, interdisciplinary <span>—</span> requiring the knowledge and expertise from professionals of so many disciplines. Knowing that I can play a role, however big or small, in progressing the field is my motivation for the work I do each and every day.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div
class="nist-block"
>
<div class="nist-tags">
<a href="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248616">Forensic Science</a>,
<a href="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248636">Drugs and toxicology</a>,
<a href="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249461">Public safety</a> and
<a href="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249321">Law enforcement</a></div>
</div>
<div
class="nist-block"
>
<h2
class="nist-block__title"
>About the author</h2>
<div class="nist-field nist-field--label-hidden entity-reference">
<div class="nist-field__items">
<div class="nist-field__item">
<article
about="/blogs/taking-measure/authors/briana-capistran" class="nist-teaser"
>
<div class="nist-teaser__image">
<div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/blogs/taking-measure/authors/briana-capistran" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/2023/02/07/Professional%20headshot_2%20%284%29.jpg?itok=ynYzLaGi" width="76" height="100" alt="Capistran_Headshot" typeof="foaf:Image" />
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper">
<header>
<h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/blogs/taking-measure/authors/briana-capistran"><span>Briana Capistran</span>
</a></h3>
</header>
<div class="nist-teaser__content">
<div class="text-with-summary"><p><span>Briana Capistran has been a research chemist at NIST since 2021. Her research focuses on the development and optimization of analytical methods and workflows to improve forensic evidence analysis, specifically related to fire debris and seized drugs. Briana earned her Ph.D. in chemistry and M.S. in forensic science from Michigan State University in 2021 and 2020, respectively, and her B.A. in forensic science from Saint Anselm College in 2015. In her spare time, Briana enjoys reading, discovering local coffee shops with her husband, and watching her favorite </span><em><span>Friends</span></em><span> episodes.</span></p></div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div
class="views-element-container nist-block no-print"
>
<h2
class="nist-block__title"
>Related posts</h2>
<div><div class="js-view-dom-id-cef6fdaab3d2f485011234ad1f81cdda172962c90e50b1f7b450aaa7752cfd8f">
<div>
<article
about="/blogs/taking-measure/drones-disaster-zones-how-advanced-3d-mapping-technology-can-help-first" class="nist-teaser"
>
<div class="nist-teaser__image">
<div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/blogs/taking-measure/drones-disaster-zones-how-advanced-3d-mapping-technology-can-help-first" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/2025/01/06/judges_watching_drone_compeition_012925.jpg?itok=2msUHID6" width="100" height="67" alt="Four men are protected by a net structure as they look away from the camera toward a drone flying in a large high-ceilinged room with street signs on the walls." typeof="foaf:Image" />
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper">
<header>
<h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/blogs/taking-measure/drones-disaster-zones-how-advanced-3d-mapping-technology-can-help-first"><span>Drones in Disaster Zones: How Advanced 3D Mapping Technology Can Help First Responders Save Lives</span>
</a></h3>
<div class="nist-teaser__date">
<div class="daterange"><time datetime="2025-01-29T12:00:00Z">January 29, 2025</time>
</div>
</div>
</header>
<div class="nist-teaser__content">
<div class="text-with-summary"> NIST is working to help emergency workers have more information in a crisis by encouraging the development of advanced drones at an affordable price.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
<div>
<article
about="/blogs/taking-measure/safety-moon-shot-how-fire-research-cut-deaths-half-generation" class="nist-teaser"
>
<div class="nist-teaser__image">
<div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/blogs/taking-measure/safety-moon-shot-how-fire-research-cut-deaths-half-generation" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/2018/03/15/17el035_christmas-tree-burn-color-corrected.jpg?itok=m4MNbkUk" width="100" height="91" alt="A Christmas tree is engulfed in flames. To the left is a chair. In front is a coffee table, rug and fishbowl. To the right is a tall bookshelf. There are 3 wrapped presents under the tree. A timer reads 8:04 seconds." typeof="foaf:Image" />
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper">
<header>
<h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/blogs/taking-measure/safety-moon-shot-how-fire-research-cut-deaths-half-generation"><span>Safety Moon Shot: How Fire Research Cut Deaths by Half in a Generation</span>
</a></h3>
<div class="nist-teaser__date">
<div class="daterange"><time datetime="2024-10-29T12:00:00Z">October 29, 2024</time>
</div>
</div>
</header>
<div class="nist-teaser__content">
<div class="text-with-summary"> NIST research helped make the smoke alarm a standard part of our homes, and its one of many ways our fire research has made everyone safer.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
<div>
<article
about="/blogs/taking-measure/facing-facts-keep-our-biometrics-secure" class="nist-teaser"
>
<div class="nist-teaser__image">
<div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/blogs/taking-measure/facing-facts-keep-our-biometrics-secure" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/2024/09/25/mei_ngan_and_ron_swanson_disguise.png?itok=3Xvy-MHv" width="100" height="63" alt="Side-by-side photos show Mei Lee Ngan disguised with a wig, moustache and makeup (left) and as her normal, smiling self (right). " typeof="foaf:Image" />
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper">
<header>
<h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/blogs/taking-measure/facing-facts-keep-our-biometrics-secure"><span>Facing the Facts to Keep Our Biometrics Secure</span>
</a></h3>
<div class="nist-teaser__date">
<div class="daterange"><time datetime="2024-10-02T12:00:00Z">October 2, 2024</time>
</div>
</div>
</header>
<div class="nist-teaser__content">
<div class="text-with-summary"> As facial recognition has become more common — from opening your smartphone to identifying yourself at a national border — NISTs work in facial recognition has
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div
class="nist-block no-print"
>
<h2
class="nist-block__title"
>Comments</h2>
<section>
<article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-157596" class="nist-comment js-comment">
<footer class="nist-comment__info">
<p class="submitted">
<span class="nist-comment__author"><span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Jeff</span></span>
on
<span class="nist-comment__date">January 8, 2025 10:26 AM</span>
<mark class="hidden nist-comment__new" data-comment-timestamp="1736357553"></mark>
</p>
<div class="nist-comment__permalink"><a href="#comment-157596">Permalink</a></div>
</footer>
<div class="nist-comment__content">
<div class="text-long"><p>Fascinating article about a career we often hear about, but know little about! Thanks, and keep up the good work.</p>
</div>
<ul class="links inline nist-comment__links">
<li class="comment-reply nist-comment__link">
<a href="/comment/reply/node/1868826/comment_node_blog/157596">Reply</a></li></ul>
</div>
</article>
<article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-157711" class="nist-comment js-comment">
<footer class="nist-comment__info">
<p class="submitted">
<span class="nist-comment__author"><span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="Ραφαήλ -Απόλλων Καμπούρης">Ραφαήλ -Απόλλων Καμπούρης</span></span>
on
<span class="nist-comment__date">January 14, 2025 1:22 PM</span>
<mark class="hidden nist-comment__new" data-comment-timestamp="1736886477"></mark>
</p>
<div class="nist-comment__permalink"><a href="#comment-157711">Permalink</a></div>
</footer>
<div class="nist-comment__content">
<div class="text-long"><p>perfect</p>
</div>
<ul class="links inline nist-comment__links">
<li class="comment-reply nist-comment__link">
<a href="/comment/reply/node/1868826/comment_node_blog/157711">Reply</a></li></ul>
</div>
</article>
<article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-157746" class="nist-comment js-comment">
<footer class="nist-comment__info">
<p class="submitted">
<span class="nist-comment__author"><span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Jeremy Smiley</span></span>
on
<span class="nist-comment__date">January 16, 2025 12:26 AM</span>
<mark class="hidden nist-comment__new" data-comment-timestamp="1737032173"></mark>
</p>
<div class="nist-comment__permalink"><a href="#comment-157746">Permalink</a></div>
</footer>
<div class="nist-comment__content">
<div class="text-long"><p>Hello,<br />
After reading the denoted portfolio I was most defenantly intrigude by the</p>
</div>
<ul class="links inline nist-comment__links">
<li class="comment-reply nist-comment__link">
<a href="/comment/reply/node/1868826/comment_node_blog/157746">Reply</a></li></ul>
</div>
</article>
<article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-157866" class="nist-comment js-comment">
<footer class="nist-comment__info">
<p class="submitted">
<span class="nist-comment__author"><span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Judie Evangelin</span></span>
on
<span class="nist-comment__date">January 23, 2025 8:23 AM</span>
<mark class="hidden nist-comment__new" data-comment-timestamp="1737642938"></mark>
</p>
<div class="nist-comment__permalink"><a href="#comment-157866">Permalink</a></div>
</footer>
<div class="nist-comment__content">
<div class="text-long"><p>This looks so challenging but very intriguing, loved learning something new today. Briana, you&#039;re amazing. Thank you for the free resource templates you&#039;ve attached.</p>
</div>
<ul class="links inline nist-comment__links">
<li class="comment-reply nist-comment__link">
<a href="/comment/reply/node/1868826/comment_node_blog/157866">Reply</a></li></ul>
</div>
</article>
<h2>Add new comment</h2>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_Lx5yvw0vUi4TN7C0L-5Rdrp4Q049mXEKn-dXREWOtBs.css?delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nist_www&amp;include=eJxLzCvJTMov0U-E0Hpp-UW5OsmJBSXJGYn6SYnFqTppmTklqUX6KUWlBYk5ehAeAD47FNs&amp;exclude=eJx1UAuuwyAMuxAdR0IBsi5bIBWfdb39QrunVZOeRFDsWI7BQ3i4JnoW67-9u1fj_xlRkGxmkZnRQQbeGoVqfwmTqTZ3JeWirJkFomtFbSjPdoZjXKkhpaXIE-0vMSLsXLthQt0s7KG4JNFGquDVmCk_TN1qw6QJK-56O7N44HM_fazsDSFi-YNuXdez-oSHBF9tLLCx9AX48oHmSbhWu98XDdMZTV0gaWUr_tprgKaUBAJ2CSPByEbBMGzSm9PwQZ9XNisZg_Bh6O49LSrP_bCeBp4G_kZLFIqMH3oD_KWsjg" />
<form class="comment-comment-node-blog-form comment-form usa-form antibot" novalidate="novalidate" data-drupal-selector="comment-form" data-action="/comment/reply/node/1868826/comment_node_blog" action="/antibot" method="post" id="comment-form" accept-charset="UTF-8">
<noscript>
<div class="antibot-no-js antibot-message antibot-message-warning">You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.</div>
</noscript>
<div class="form-item js-form-item form-type-textfield js-form-type-textfield form-item-name js-form-item-name">
<label for="edit-name" class="usa-label">
Your name
</label>
<input data-drupal-default-value="Anonymous" data-drupal-selector="edit-name" type="text" id="edit-name" name="name" value="" size="30" maxlength="60" class="form-text usa-input" />
</div>
<input data-drupal-selector="form-fsek5k4u-tutsin-iwcmzabhlv8pfqg5ctpdgape-d0" type="hidden" name="form_build_id" value="form-FsEk5K4u_TutSIn_iwCmZaBhLV8Pfqg5CtPDGApe_D0" class="usa-input" /><input data-drupal-selector="edit-comment-comment-node-blog-form" type="hidden" name="form_id" value="comment_comment_node_blog_form" class="usa-input" /><input data-drupal-selector="edit-antibot-key" type="hidden" name="antibot_key" value="" class="usa-input" /><div class="field--type-text-long field--name-comment-body field--widget-text-textarea js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" data-drupal-selector="edit-comment-body-wrapper" id="edit-comment-body-wrapper"> <div class="js-text-format-wrapper js-form-item form-item">
<div class="form-item js-form-item form-type-textarea js-form-type-textarea form-item-comment-body-0-value js-form-item-comment-body-0-value">
<label for="edit-comment-body-0-value" class="usa-label form-required">
Comment
<span class="usa-label--required"> <span class="usa-sr-only">Required</span>*</span></label>
<div class="form-textarea-wrapper">
<textarea class="js-text-full text-full form-textarea required usa-textarea resize-vertical" data-entity_embed-host-entity-langcode="en" data-media-embed-host-entity-langcode="en" data-drupal-selector="edit-comment-body-0-value" id="edit-comment-body-0-value" name="comment_body[0][value]" rows="5" cols="60" placeholder="" required="required" aria-required="true"></textarea>
</div>
</div>
<div class="js-filter-wrapper filter-wrapper hidden js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" data-drupal-selector="edit-comment-body-0-format" id="edit-comment-body-0-format"><div class="js-filter-guidelines filter-guidelines js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" data-drupal-selector="edit-comment-body-0-format-guidelines" id="edit-comment-body-0-format-guidelines"><div data-drupal-format-id="plain_text">
<h4>Plain text</h4>
<ul>
<li>No HTML tags allowed.</li>
<li>Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.</li>
<li>Lines and paragraphs break automatically.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<fieldset data-drupal-selector="edit-captcha" class="captcha captcha-type-challenge--image">
<legend class="captcha__title js-form-required form-required">
CAPTCHA
</legend>
<div class="captcha__element">
<input data-drupal-selector="edit-captcha-sid" type="hidden" name="captcha_sid" value="652055811" class="usa-input" /><input data-drupal-selector="edit-captcha-token" type="hidden" name="captcha_token" value="2lZFCilql8SumbeLn2YAOIhX8DAtPxqF1UTMC2dNPIg" class="usa-input" /><div class="captcha__image-wrapper js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" data-drupal-selector="edit-captcha-image-wrapper" id="edit-captcha-image-wrapper"><img data-drupal-selector="edit-captcha-image" src="/image-captcha-generate/652055811/1741066881" width="180" height="60" alt="Image CAPTCHA" title="Image CAPTCHA" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" />
</div>
<div class="form-item js-form-item form-type-textfield js-form-type-textfield form-item-captcha-response js-form-item-captcha-response">
<label for="edit-captcha-response" class="usa-label form-required">
What code is in the image?
<span class="usa-label--required"> <span class="usa-sr-only">Required</span>*</span></label>
<input autocomplete="off" data-drupal-selector="edit-captcha-response" aria-describedby="edit-captcha-response--description" type="text" id="edit-captcha-response" name="captcha_response" value="" size="15" maxlength="128" class="form-text required usa-input" required="required" aria-required="true" />
<div id="edit-captcha-response--description" class="description help-block">
Enter the characters shown in the image.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="captcha__description description">This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.</div>
</fieldset>
<div data-drupal-selector="edit-actions" class="form-actions js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" id="edit-actions"><input data-drupal-selector="edit-submit" type="submit" id="edit-submit" name="op" value="Save" class="button button--primary js-form-submit form-submit usa-button" /></div>
<div class="comments__disclaimer padding-top-2">
<em>Please be respectful when posting comments. We will post all comments without editing as long as they are appropriate for a public, family friendly website, are on topic and do not contain profanity, personal attacks, misleading or false information/accusations or promote specific commercial products, services or organizations. Comments that violate our comment policy or include links to non-government organizations/web pages will not be posted.</em>
</div>
</form>
</section>
</div>
</div>
<aside class="nist-page__region nist-page__region--sidebar-second tablet-lg:grid-col-4">
<div>
<div
class="nist-block"
>
<div>
<div about="/blogs/taking-measure">
<div
class="nist-block no-print"
>
<h2
class="nist-block__title"
>Our Science in Your Inbox</h2>
<div class="text-long"><p>Subscribe to our weekly emails.</p>
<form action="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIST/subscribers/qualify" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post">
<input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="&#x2713;">
<input type="hidden" name="authenticity_token" value="GleKn0r3EFkuIRsIWsyLN6Mrqim4qc3U7eIUCWGqBFz2ziQ/qv0gnQTJUhVbKHMSlmrsC7UHIm6S8IfK6qk9EQ==">
<input type="hidden" name="topic_id" id="topic_id" value="USNIST_309">
<div class="grid-row grid-gap-1">
<div class="tablet:grid-col-8">
<label class="usa-sr-only" for="email">Enter Email Address</label>
<input class="usa-input" type="text" name="email" id="email" title="email" placeholder="Your Email Address">
</div>
<div class="tablet:grid-col-4">
<input type="submit" name="commit" value="Sign Up" class="usa-button margin-top-1">
</div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
</div>
<div
class="views-exposed-form usa-form filters nist-block" novalidate="novalidate" data-drupal-selector="views-exposed-form-search-blog-taking-measure-search-page"
>
<h2
class="nist-block__title"
>Search</h2>
<form action="/blogs/taking-measure/search" method="get" id="views-exposed-form-search-blog-taking-measure-search-page" accept-charset="UTF-8" class="usa-form">
<div class="form-item js-form-item form-type-textfield js-form-type-textfield form-item-k js-form-item-k form-no-label">
<input placeholder="Search this blog" data-drupal-selector="edit-k" type="text" id="edit-k" name="k" value="" size="30" maxlength="128" class="form-text usa-input" />
<div id="edit-k--description" class="description help-block">
Put exact phrase in quotes (e.g., "artificial intelligence")
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-col-12 form-actions js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" data-drupal-selector="edit-actions" id="edit-actions"><input data-drupal-selector="edit-submit-search-blog" type="submit" id="edit-submit-search-blog" value="Search" class="button js-form-submit form-submit usa-button" /></div>
</form>
</div>
<div
class="nist-block no-print"
>
<h2
class="nist-block__title"
>Stay connected</h2>
<div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/nist" class="nist-social nist-social--facebook" title="Facebook" ><span>Facebook</span></a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/nist" class="nist-social nist-social--linkedin" title="LinkedIn" ><span>LinkedIn</span></a><a href="https://www.x.com/nist" class="nist-social nist-social--x" title="X (Twitter)" ><span>X (Twitter)</span></a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/nist" class="nist-social nist-social--youtube" title="Youtube" ><span>Youtube</span></a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nist/" class="nist-social nist-social--instagram" title="Instagram" ><span>Instagram</span></a><a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIST/subscriber/new?topic_id=USNIST_309" class="nist-social nist-social--envelope" title="GovDelivery" ><span>GovDelivery</span></a></div>
</div>
<div
class="views-element-container nist-block"
>
<h2
class="nist-block__title"
>Categories</h2>
<div><div class="js-view-dom-id-38fd45f35f57fd5c18ba59bc33ae2d9b44bf1ddd127f9d4576773ad2256e4485">
<div>
<select class="usa-select ViewsJumpMenu js-viewsJumpMenu" title="-- Choose --" id="blog-categories-takingm-jump-menu">
<option>-- Choose --</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249466">Advanced communications</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248321">Bioscience</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248371">Buildings and Construction</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248416">Chemistry</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248486">Electronics</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248531">Energy</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248561">Environment</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248586">Fire</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248616">Forensic Science</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248651">Health</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249421">Information technology</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/2748236">Infrastructure</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248866">Manufacturing</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/248946">Materials</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249011">Mathematics and statistics</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249051">Metrology</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249126">Nanotechnology</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249451">Neutron research</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249426">Performance excellence</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249241">Physics</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249461">Public safety</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249456">Resilience</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249341">Standards</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/2813456">Technology transfer</option>
<option data-url="/blogs/taking-measure/categories/249396">Transportation</option>
</select>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</aside>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-container">
</div>
</section>
</div>
<div data-elastic-exclude>
<!-- nist-index-ignore-start -->
<footer class="nist-footer padding-bottom-4">
<div class="grid-container nist-footer__info">
<div class="grid-row">
<div class="tablet:grid-col-6">
<div class="nist-footer__logo">
<a href="/" title="National Institute of Standards and Technology" rel="home">
<img class="nist-footer__logo-img" src="/libraries/nist-component-library/dist/img/logo/NIST-Logo-Brand-White.svg" alt="National Institute of Standards and Technology logo" width="300px" height="42px" />
</a>
</div>
<div class="nist-footer__contact">
<h3 class="nist-footer__contact-heading">HEADQUARTERS</h3>
<address>
100 Bureau Drive<br>
Gaithersburg, MD 20899<br>
<a href="tel:301-975-2000">301-975-2000</a>
</address>
<p>
<a href="mailto:do-webmaster@nist.gov">Webmaster</a> | <a href="https://www.nist.gov/about-nist/contact-us">Contact Us</a> | <a href="https://www.nist.gov/visit">Our Other Offices</a>
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="tablet:grid-col-6">
<div class="nist-footer__social-links">
<a class="nist-social nist-social--x-white" href=" https://x.com/NIST">
<span>X.com</span>
</a>
<a class="nist-social nist-social--facebook-white" href=" https://www.facebook.com/NIST">
<span>Facebook</span>
</a>
<a class="nist-social nist-social--linkedin-white" href=" https://www.linkedin.com/company/nist">
<span>LinkedIn</span>
</a>
<a class="nist-social nist-social--instagram-white" href=" https://www.instagram.com/nist/">
<span>Instagram</span>
</a>
<a class="nist-social nist-social--youtube-white" href=" https://www.youtube.com/NIST">
<span>YouTube</span>
</a>
<a class="nist-social nist-social--giphy-white" href=" https://giphy.com/nist">
<span>Giphy</span>
</a>
<a class="nist-social nist-social--rss-white" href=" https://www.nist.gov/news-events/nist-rss-feeds">
<span>RSS Feed</span>
</a>
<a class="nist-social nist-social--envelope-white" href=" https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIST/subscriber/new">
<span>Mailing List</span>
</a>
</div>
<div class="nist-footer__feedback">
How are we doing? <a class="usa-button" rel="nofollow" href="/form/nist-gov-feedback?destination=/blogs/taking-measure/speeding-wheels-justice-how-nist-resources-can-help-crime-labs-work-faster" title="Provide feedback">Feedback</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="grid-container">
<div class="nist-footer__nav" role="navigation">
<ul>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/privacy-policy">Site Privacy</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/oism/accessibility">Accessibility</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/privacy">Privacy Program</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/oism/copyrights">Copyrights</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://www.commerce.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy">Vulnerability Disclosure</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/no-fear-act-policy">No Fear Act Policy</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/office-director/freedom-information-act">FOIA</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/environmental-policy-statement">Environmental Policy</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/summary-report-scientific-integrity">Scientific Integrity</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/nist-information-quality-standards">Information Quality Standards</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://www.commerce.gov/">Commerce.gov</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="http://www.science.gov/">Science.gov</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="http://www.usa.gov/">USA.gov</a>
</li>
<li class="nist-footer__menu-item">
<a href="https://vote.gov/">Vote.gov</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</footer>
<!-- nist-index-ignore-end -->
</div>
</div>
<script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/1868826","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"back_to_top":{"back_to_top_button_trigger":100,"back_to_top_speed":1200,"back_to_top_prevent_on_mobile":false,"back_to_top_prevent_in_admin":true,"back_to_top_button_type":"image","back_to_top_button_text":"Back to top"},"google_analytics":{"account":"G-HEQ0YF2VYL","trackOutbound":true,"trackMailto":true,"trackTel":true,"trackDownload":true,"trackDownloadExtensions":"7z|aac|arc|arj|asf|asx|avi|bin|bsh|c|csv|doc(x|m)?|dot(x|m)?|dw(fx|g|gd)|dxf|eps|epub|exe|f(90)|flv|gif|gz|gzip|hqx|jar|jpe?g|js|m1v|mp(2|3|4|e?g)|mobi|mov(ie)?|msi|msp|pdf|phps|pl|png|ppt(x|m)?|pot(x|m)?|pps(x|m)?|ppam|sld(x|m)?|thmx|qtm?|ra(m|r)?|rfa|rtf|rvt|sch|sea|sit|swf|tar|tgz|tif|txt|txz|wav|wma|wmv|wpd|wrl|xls(x|m|b)?|xlt(x|m)|xlam|xml|xsd|z|zip"},"nist_search":{"clickTracking":"search-report-click","isDebug":false,"clickTrackEnabled":true,"message":"NIST Search in debug mode. Check the browsers network inspector for Click Track reporting results..."},"data":{"extlink":{"extTarget":false,"extTargetNoOverride":false,"extNofollow":false,"extNoreferrer":false,"extFollowNoOverride":false,"extClass":"ext","extLabel":"(link is external)","extImgClass":false,"extSubdomains":true,"extExclude":"\\.gov\\\/|\\.mil\\\/|\\manufacturingusa\\.com\\\/","extInclude":"","extCssExclude":".ck-editor, .nist-video-thumbnail__lightbox-trigger, a.nist-icon--mail-blue","extCssExplicit":"","extAlert":true,"extAlertText":"Thank you for visiting NIST. We hope your visit was informative. We have provided a link to this site because it has information that may be of interest to our users. NIST does not necessarily endorse the views expressed or the facts presented on this site. Further, NIST does not endorse any commercial products that may be advertised or available on this site. Click OK to be directed to your link.","mailtoClass":"0","mailtoLabel":"(link sends email)","extUseFontAwesome":false,"extIconPlacement":"after","extFaLinkClasses":"fa fa-external-link","extFaMailtoClasses":"fa fa-envelope-o","whitelistedDomains":[]}},"viewsJumpMenu":{"blog-categories-takingm-jump-menu":{"new_window":false}},"ajaxTrustedUrl":{"\/blogs\/taking-measure\/search":true,"\/comment\/reply\/node\/1868826\/comment_node_blog":true},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"bd6a443844dbe99b4e6942f3b1397526e760137efd2b1ee6b2d588fc414dff20"},"antibot":{"forms":{"comment-form":{"id":"comment-form","key":"8s3HerPNUiBWAup-NU0eICdfN5XSJ1VRGAW7gyEytXD"}}}}</script>
<script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_jDaFaXhHm6gPUKstNYX9eIyoQXghVs3g7rbR0QoqpYY.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nist_www&amp;include=eJxdkAuOwyAMRC8E9ZGQCQ51CxiB07S3L_lpV5VA8AbPjITH6elUxqrg_-7u0U0UiYkcFkwf5anDr2AKd3UzDy3IWpJgcNpGCJcIEY_nzkqca5MXwa-wteya3inT6JXksbksAQJ39CM4cXnuMxCTeEz2tMCdMFC70K3r-m-C3roZIbSlYrqdaCbJmYpe8onWf-yLaaV2JGeMhWeeTK-Yxy4gfl76hEpmm-vuseTqhnWBne3GdmODRdmLwnneZmnZjB9SalfrQV-7WpQB"></script>
<script src="https://siteimproveanalytics.com/js/siteanalyze_6017546.js" async></script>
<script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_cr9NgS6aujDD_puZ3Zza-src4fFx3jU7Q1bPTw6Gj_k.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=2&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nist_www&amp;include=eJxdkAuOwyAMRC8E9ZGQCQ51CxiB07S3L_lpV5VA8AbPjITH6elUxqrg_-7u0U0UiYkcFkwf5anDr2AKd3UzDy3IWpJgcNpGCJcIEY_nzkqca5MXwa-wteya3inT6JXksbksAQJ39CM4cXnuMxCTeEz2tMCdMFC70K3r-m-C3roZIbSlYrqdaCbJmYpe8onWf-yLaaV2JGeMhWeeTK-Yxy4gfl76hEpmm-vuseTqhnWBne3GdmODRdmLwnneZmnZjB9SalfrQV-7WpQB"></script>
<script type="text/javascript">window.NREUM||(NREUM={});NREUM.info={"beacon":"bam.nr-data.net","licenseKey":"37b7ccb661","applicationID":"1089704227","transactionName":"YFxUN0sADEdYVkBaClkWdwBNCA1aFnFGRhVWVWoNVgUHaHpaWkcXWFVaBks9LFtdUGJaAEB6WQ1NEw1YVVBGHltBUFMU","queueTime":4,"applicationTime":554,"atts":"TBtXQQMaH0k=","errorBeacon":"bam.nr-data.net","agent":""}</script></body>
</html>