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15 views49 pages

Ni Stir 6575

Uploaded by

Hammadi Nabil
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
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Electronics and Electrical

National Institute of Engineering Laboratory


Standards and Technology

Office of Law
Technology Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce

NISTIR 6575
January 2001 Enforcement
Standards
Programs, Activities, and
Accomplishments
The Electronics and Electrical
Engineering Laboratory
Through its technical laboratory research programs, the
Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (EEEL)
supports the U.S. electronics industry, its suppliers, and its
customers by providing measurement technology needed to
maintain and improve their competitive position. EEEL also
provides support to the federal government as needed to
improve efficiency in technical operations and cooperates
with academia in the development and use of measurement
methods and scientific data.

EEEL consists of five programmatic divisions, two matrix-


managed offices, and a special unit concerned with magnetic
metrology:

! Electricity Division

! Semiconductor Electronics Division

! Radio-Frequency Technology Division

! Electromagnetic Technology Division

! Optoelectronics Division

! Office of Microelectronic Programs

! Office of Law Enforcement Standards

! Magnetics Group

This document describes the technical programs of the


Office of Law Enforcemnt Standards. Similar documents
describing the other Divisions and Offices are available.
Contact NIST/EEEL, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 8100,
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8100, Telephone: (301) 975-2220,
On the Web: http://www.eeel.nist.gov

Cover Caption: The Office of Law Enforcement


Standards assists law enforcement and criminal justice
agencies though the development of equipment
performance standards, standard reference materials, and
scientific research. Our logo reflects the type of programs
that we conduct: DNA research, arson research, forensic
sciences, and law enforcement weapons and equipment.
Also shown on the cover is a model of the DNA double
helix, an electrophoresis system used in DNA reseach and
identification, and a law enforcement officer using a
conventional radar speed measuring device.
Electronics and Electrical
Engineering Laboratory

Office of Law
Enforcement
Standards
Programs, Activities, and
Accomplishments

NISTIR 6575

January 2001

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE


Norman Y. Mineta, Secretary

Technology Administration
Dr. Cheryl L. Shavers, Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology

National Institute of Standards and Technology


Karen H. Brown, Acting Director

E N T OF C O M
TM M
AR

ER
D EP

CE
ICA
UN
IT

ER

D
E

ST AM
ATES OF
Any mention of commerical products is for information only; it does not imply
recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology nor
does it imply that the products mentioned are necessarily the best available for the purpose.

ii Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


Contents
Welcome .........................................................................................................................iv

Mission ............................................................................................................................vi

Vision ..............................................................................................................................vi

Values .............................................................................................................................vi

Weapons and Protective Systems ...................................................................................... 1

Detection, Inspection, and Enforcement Technologies .......................................................13

Chemical Systems and Materials.......................................................................................20

Forensic Sciences ............................................................................................................25

Public Safety Communication Standards............................................................................34

Office of Law Enforcement Standards Organization (810.02)..............................................39

Office of Law Enforcement Standards iii


Welcome
The Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) helps law enforcement, corrections,
and criminal justice agencies ensure that the equipment they purchase and the technologies
they use are safe, dependable, and effective. The Office, with a staff of eight, is based in
Gaithersburg, Maryland, and is one of the two offices within the Electronics and Electrical
Engineering Laboratory at NIST.

OLES was established as a matrix management organization in 1971 and was based on
recommendations from the President's Commission on Crime. The Commission report,
entitled "Crime in a Free Society," recommended that a Federal agency be appointed to
assist criminal justice agencies by developing equipment standards and providing technical
support and assistance. The report indicated that the then National Bureau of Standards was
one such agency suitable for this task. As a result, the Departments of Commerce and
Justice signed a Memorandum of Understanding and the Office was established.

Since that date, OLES has fulfilled its mission by applying science and technology to the
needs of the criminal justice community, including law enforcement, corrections, and forensic
science as well as the fire service. The Office focuses on the development of performance
standards, which are promulgated as voluntary national standards by the National Institute of
Justice (NIJ), the research arm of the Department of Justice (DOJ). OLES also conducts
studies that result in the publication of technical reports and user guidelines.

NIJ is the primary sponsor of OLES projects. Projects are and have also been supported by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Federal Aviation
Administration.

OLES conducts research on protective clothing, communication systems, emergency


equipment, investigative aids, protective and enforcement equipment, security systems,
traffic enforcement systems, vehicles, weapons and ammunition, and analytical techniques
and standard reference materials used by the forensic science community. The composition
of OLES projects varies depending on the priorities of the criminal justice community at any
given time, and, as necessary, draws upon the resources of NIST's Measurement and
Standards Laboratories and outside agencies.

To help law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice agencies acquire the high-quality
resources that they need to do their jobs, OLES:

• Develops methods for testing equipment performance;

• Develops methods for examining evidentiary materials;

• Develops standards for equipment and operating procedures;

• Develops users' guides;

• Develops standard reference materials; and

• Performs other scientific and engineering research as required by NIJ.

iv Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


The NIJ-sponsored activities are managed by OLES as part of an overall Law Enforcement
and Corrections Standards and Testing Program that includes the development of standards
and test protocols, the testing of equipment, and the publication of test results. For
example, the Public Safety Communications Standards Program resulted in the development
of standards for communication systems items, such as portable transceivers, base stations,
mobile digital equipment, and surveillance devices. The Weapons and Protective Systems
Program developed standards for revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, shotguns, body
armor, protective helmets, and handcuffs.

OLES has published, mostly through NIJ, more than 200 standards, guides, and technical
reports over its 28-year history. These publications have dealt with such topics as
emergency vehicle warning devices, police clothing and equipment, components of intrusion
alarm systems, physical security of door and window assemblies, metal and explosive vapor
detectors, arson accelerant detectors, and narcotic test kits. OLES also developed standard
reference materials for glass comparisons and DNA profiling and reference collections of
automobile paints and synthetic fibers for use by forensic laboratories.

The projects listed in this book are those that OLES has proposed for fiscal year 2001. The
actual portfolio is being negotiated as this book is being prepared. For additional information
about the Office of Law Enforcement Standards, please visit our web sites at
http://www.eeel.nist.gov/oles or http://www.nlectc.org.

Office of Law Enforcement Standards v


Mission
The mission of OLES is to serve as the principal agent for standards development for the
criminal justice and public safety communities. OLES has been instrumental in the
development of numerous standards and the issuance of various technical reports that have
had significant impact on both of these communities. Through its programs, OLES helps
criminal justice and public safety agencies acquire, on a cost-effective basis, the high quality
resources they need to do their jobs. To accomplish this task, OLES:

• Develops methods for testing equipment performance;

• Develops methods for examining evidentiary materials;

• Develops standards for equipment and operating procedures;

• Develops users' guides;

• Develops standard reference materials; and

• Performs other scientific and engineering research as required by the criminal


justice and public safety communities.

Vision
The vision of OLES is to apply science and technology to the needs of the criminal justice
community, including law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, and the fire service.
While the primary focus is on the development of minimum performance standards, which
are promulgated by the sponsoring agency as voluntary national standards, OLES also
undertakes studies leading to new technology development and evaluations, new measuring
science protocols, new standard reference materials and standard reference collections for
application to the criminal justice system, and the issuance of technical reports and user
guidelines.

Values
OLES values its commitment to serve the public safety community in acquiring, on a cost-
effective basis, the high-quality resources they need to do their jobs to meet the needs of the
criminal justice system. The Office values its collaboration with the national law enforcement
technology centers, the forensic community, and all segments of the criminal justice
community. OLES strives to understand the needs of the community it serves and strives to
meet the needs of this community keeping in mind the limited funds at its disposal. OLES
advocates the needs of the public safety community to the scientific community and
encourages the adaptation of available technologies so that these needs can be met.

vi Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


Weapons and ballistics, and protective equipment issues for the
law enforcement and corrections community. Technical Contacts:
Protective OLES also provides continuing support to
Kirk Rice

Systems
Alim Fatah
standards and test protocols that are in use. The
Kathleen Higgins
following are examples where we will provide
support in FY2001: Thomas Russell
Project Goals
• Support of NIJ Standard–0101.04, “Ballistic Staff-Years:
To manage programs, direct and conduct
Resistance of Personal Body Armor." 4.6 professionals
research, develop test plans, oversee and monitor
• Support of NIJ Standard–0115.00, “Stab 1.0 technician
test and evaluation efforts, and develop
Resistance of Personal Body Armor.”
performance standards, guidelines and reports to
• Support of Protective Gloves Test Protocol. Funding Sources:
advance the technologies of weapons, protective
equipment, and ammunition in support of the Other Government Agencies
OLES also provides technical consultation to law (100%)
goals and priorities of law enforcement,
enforcement and corrections personnel and the
corrections, and criminal justice agencies. Project Champions:
general public in areas related to equipment
Technical Strategy selection, ballistics, performance issues, training, • Armor & Protective Systems
etc. Working Group of
The Office of Law Enforcement Standards government agencies
conducts and monitors programs that are Support of NIJ Standard–0101.04, • EEEL, Electricity Division,
concerned with establishing performance “Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body Electronic Instrumentation
standards for weapons and protective equipment Armor" and Metrology Group
used by law enforcement and corrections • Home Office, Police
The objective of this project is to provide
personnel. In some cases, existing standards are Scientific Development
continuing support to the ballistic resistant body Branch (PSDB), United
revised to reflect the current state of technology
armor compliance testing program. Law Kingdom
or to improve the test methodology. The
enforcement and corrections agencies rely on the • Institute of Surgical
standards in this area that are being revised or
NIJ Standard to ensure the quality and reliability Research, Brooke Army
studied in FY2001 are as follows: Medical Center, San
of their bullet resistant vests. As new
Antonio, TX
• Revision of NIJ Standard–0101.04, “Ballistic developments occur, such as new materials and
Resistance of Personal Body Armor.” changing ballistic threats, the standard is updated • National Law Enforcement
and Corrections Technology
• Revision of NIJ Standard–0115.00, "Stab on a regular basis to respond to these changes.
Center, Rockville, MD
Resistance of Personal Body Armor."
This latest revision, NIJ Standard–0101.04, is an • National Technical Systems,
• Revision of NIJ Standard–0108.01, “Ballistic Fredericksburg, VA
improvement of the 1987 revision of NIJ
Resistance of Protective Materials.” • Office of Special
Standard–0101.03. Over the years numerous
• Revision of NIJ Standard–0106.01, "Ballistic Technology, Technical
administrative modifications and clarifications
Helmets." Support Working Group
had been issued for that standard. The latest
• Revision of NIJ Standard–0307.01, “Metallic (TSWG) of government
revision incorporates these improvements, agencies, Ft. Washington,
Handcuffs.”
redefines ballistic threats, specifies more MD
• Revision of NIJ Standard–0104.02, “Riot
consistent and rigorous test methodologies, • The Tekne Group, Inc., Hot
Helmets and Face Shields.”
requires that armor be characterized in a ballistic Springs, AR
• Revision of NIJ Standard–0113.00, “12-
limit test, and defines a consistent report format. • Touchstone Research
Gauge Shotguns for Police Use.” Laboratory, Ltd.,
The standard was published in September 2000. Triadelphia, WV
In other cases, it is necessary to develop new NIJ NIST/OLES worked with NIJ and the National • University of Virginia,
standards or test protocols. Programs in this area Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Charlottesville, VA
for FY2001 are as follows: Center (NLECTC) to identify and certify • U.S. Army Aberdeen Test
commercial test laboratories to conduct body Center (ATC), Aberdeen,
• Development of a Bomb Suit Standard. MD
armor compliance testing to NIJ Standard–
• Development of a Test Protocol for
0101.04. • U.S. Army Soldier Systems
Gunlocks. Command, Natick, MA
• Development of a Holster Standard. OLES will continue to work with NLECTC to
• U.S. Secret Service,
• Development of a Test Protocol for monitor the testing of ballistic resistant vests. Washington, DC
Evaluation of “Smart Guns.” This is especially crucial during the first year of
• Development of an Armored Car Standard. testing to the “04 standard,” to determine if
anything needs further attention. While this
OLES is developing a state-of-the-art research monitoring effort is underway, some of the
test facility specifically for addressing weapons, changes introduced to the “04 standard” revision

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 1


will be studied to further validate them through might have on the minimum performance of body
commercial testing. This might include armor will be monitored. The statistical
conducting independent testing at the confidence of the current tests will be studied,
NIST/OLES test facility, consulting with others and alternative methods for conducting the tests
in the field, or issuing clarifying instructions to to produce higher reliability results will be
address the deficiency. explored. The influence of environmental life
cycle on the ballistic performance of armor will
Of particular interest during this monitoring and
be studied. The effect of multiple, nearly
evaluation period are the following:
isochronic impacts with body armor will be
• Evaluate the failure rate of body armor as a studied and a determination will be made as to
result of the somewhat more stringent whether this test protocol should be adopted in
backface signature (BFS) requirement, some future revision. The procedures for testing
which now requires two measurements female body armor will be studied, and any
rather than one. special considerations that would influence the
• Study the ballistic limit data obtained using design of female body armor will be examined
the Modified Langlie Method. for possible inclusion in a future revision.
• Evaluate alternative methods for collecting Methods to test trauma packs will be developed
and assessing ballistic limit data, such as the for inclusion in the next revision of the body
Kneubuehl method. armor standard. More information on each of
• Evaluate the failure rate of new body armor these subprojects follows.
designs as a result of being tested against the
As research continues in these areas, reports
new threat rounds.
describing relevant findings and conclusions will
MILESTONES: During FY2001, OLES will
be issued throughout the year. Improved
address comments and concerns regarding the methods will be considered for adoption into the
latest revision to NIJ Standard–0101.04. A “05” revision of the body armor standard; and as
report, or several reports, describing any relevant these methods are validated, a draft standard will
findings and conclusions on the issues studied
will be issued throughout the year. Furthermore,
be developed. The final product, that is a revised
any recommendations for clarifying the “04 standard, will probably not be ready until
standard,” or otherwise improving it, will be FY2003, depending upon the schedule of
made. supporting studies.

Revision of NIJ Standard–0101.04, Threat Determination


“Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body The threat levels defined in previous versions of
Armor” the NIJ ballistic resistant body armor standard
The objective of this project is to obtain were based upon a review of firearms likely to be
information from numerous studies to support a encountered by law enforcement officers. For a
future revision to NIJ Standard–0101.04, given caliber of firearm, there are many variables
“Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor.” that will influence ballistic performance.
Historically, bullet types and velocities were
Experience with the last revision to the NIJ
defined in the standard in such a way that the
ballistic resistant body armor suggested that this
threat round represented a high performance
standard needs to be maintained and updated
variant of a typical round that could be fired from
more frequently than in the past. To this end, NIJ
a typical firearm of that caliber. For most of the
plans a program of continued study to make
threat levels in the standard, two types of rounds
further refinements to this standard.
were identified. Generally, one of these is a more
There are several areas that could benefit from serious threat to the penetration requirement,
more research or the application of newer while the other one is a more serious threat to the
technologies. In particular, the methods used to backface signature requirement. To produce
define reasonable threats and then how to best rounds having the specified performance levels, a
represent those threats in the standard will be test laboratory normally purchases commercial
examined. The ballistic impact with body armor bullets meeting the requirements of the standard
will be studied to determine if there are better and then hand loads cartridges to produce the
ways to assess the deformation of the armor. required ballistics.
Research related to the effects of ballistic blunt
trauma to the body and the possible influence this

2 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


In this subproject, other methods for defining the measurement method for measuring the forces
threat levels will be explored. One method will and energies applied to the body armor.
base the threat potential on basic bullet properties MILESTONES: Throughout the year, concepts
and ballistic performance. As part of this effort, for study will be developed and test fixtures will
a database compiling bullet energies and other be built. A report describing relevant findings will
properties and known performance trends will be be issued by year end. Follow-on work to assess
the feasibility of these methods through
established. Properties such as bullet mass, evaluation testing is expected in FY2002.
velocity, materials, and construction details will
be considered. The data will be analyzed to Optoelectronic Method to Measure Body Armor
determine if some empirical method can be used Deformation
in a predictive manner to lump cartridges into
general categories based on the threat they pose This subproject will examine the feasibility of
to body armor. As a logical extension of this using optoelectronic methods to measure the
process, modifications or refinements to the time-history of projectile-induced deformation of
relative impact factor (RIF) concept will be a backing material. If successful, this work will
examined. The advantage of this approach is that be the basis for the development of an automated
it will provide the same type of threat level system for measuring the energy and force
definition that is currently used, but because it is imparted to a backing material through body
more generalized, will also allow other rounds armor. Such a method could lead to reduced test
not identified in the standard, but of interest to costs, shorter test times, increased test accuracy,
some law enforcement agencies, to be and a greater understanding of impact
categorized into specific threat levels that are in phenomena.
the standard. Another extension of this process The proposed work is to determine whether there
will be to evaluate the number of NIJ threat are materials that can be used in the development
levels in the standard to determine if any can be of an optoelectronic test system. Material
eliminated or if any new ones need to be added. requirements are:
Another area to be explored deals with using NIJ • Optically transparent over the wavelengths
designed and manufactured bullets and/or of conventional and inexpensive light
cartridges rather than those obtained sources.
commercially off-the-shelf. This effort is aimed • Withstand many projectile impacts without
at eliminating a potential problem with the affecting optical properties or mechanical
standard. Ammunition manufacturers sometimes properties.
change their bullet designs, and ballistic • Fast (within 10 s) elastic relaxation to initial
performance can change as a result of this. A geometry to allow nearby or same-location
possible solution is to define “standardized” test measurements.
bullets or cartridges whose properties are • If penetrated, damage limited locally to
carefully controlled so that the threat rounds are penetrated region.
more reproducible.
MILESTONES: A report describing relevant To find a suitable material will require contacting
findings and conclusions on the issues studied manufacturers and testing candidate materials.
will be issued by year end. Follow-on work to
Testing will consist of performing impact events
implement standardized ammunition, if deemed
appropriate, is expected in FY2002. at the OLES test facility and then optical
transparency measurements using a suitable laser
Body Armor Impact Phenomena in the Electricity Division labs. Mechanical
property changes will be noted by comparing
This subproject is focused on determining if there deformation under static conditions.
are better ways to assess the energy dissipating
characteristics of body armor. The current If a candidate material is found to be suitable for
method for assessing backface deformation with the development of a measurement system,
a clay block is satisfactory under controlled follow-on work will be proposed to design,
conditions, but it could be improved upon. Other construct, and test an automated measurement
measurement techniques for assessing the impact system.
to the body armor will be explored. Studies into MILESTONES: In FY2001, candidate materials
replacement media for the clay are planned, as will be identified, procured, and characterized. In
well as possibly developing an electronic FY2002, the ballistic test system will be built and
initial ballistic deformation tests will be

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 3


conducted. In FY2003, the results will be these will be evaluated to determine their
assessed and a report will be written, with statistical characteristics. Other methods for
recommendations on whether to adopt the estimating the ballistic limit of body armor will be
method. explored. Data collected as part of the NIJ
Standard–0101.04 testing will be utilized for this
Behind-Armor Effects Research work. Pass/fail criteria for ballistic limit testing
will be developed. A report describing relevant
Several efforts are planned to study behind-armor findings will be issued by year end. Follow-on
work is expected in FY2002.
trauma effects. OLES participates as a member
of the Technical Support Working Group
Environmental Effects on Body Armor Ballistic
(TSWG) of government agencies. Through the
Resistance
TSWG, two contracts are planned to study the
validity of the 44 mm backface signature and to Past studies on the ballistic performance of body
compile a database of blunt trauma induced by armor have been limited to either new armor or
ballistic phenomena. Recent developments armor that was worn routinely by law
during the contract proposal evaluation phase enforcement officers. The problem with testing
have left a contract award in doubt. If the previously worn armor is that the environmental
contract does come to fruition, OLES will serve exposure history is uncertain. TSWG is planning
as the government technical lead on the effort. to issue a contract to study how the ballistic
resistance of body armor is influenced by aging,
In addition to the TSWG approach, OLES plans
as well as other environmental effects. OLES
to collaborate with the International Association
will serve as the government technical lead on
of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and industrial partner,
this contract.
DuPont, to examine the records they maintain in
the Survivor’s Club database to identify any data MILESTONES: Under this contractual effort,
that would prove valuable. appropriate life-cycle environment will be
determined. Selected types of armor will be
Other areas that will be examined for potential subjected to the environment and periodically
tested for possible degradation. NIST/OLES will
relevance to this research involve other conduct some in-house studies to supplement the
government contracts with Battelle and Wayne TSWG effort. Progress reports describing the
State University. TSWG effort will be forwarded as they are
received. This effort is expected to carry into
MILESTONES: A report describing relevant FY2002.
findings will be issued by year end. Follow-on
work is expected in FY2002.
Multi-Hit Test
Statistical Basis of Testing The law enforcement community has indicated
The number of ballistic impacts (shots) to that the performance of body armor subjected to
provide meaningful information on the failure of multiple, nearly isochronic impacts is of concern
ballistic armor has been examined several times to them. To assess this, Bosik Consultants
in the past. Most recently under the “04” Limited in Canada has developed a multi-hit gun
revision, a decision was made to retain 48 shots, fixture. OLES will provide technical
even though the “dry” tests were eliminated. consultation to the Canadian contract that will
This was done to maintain the same degree of eventually result in the delivery of a 3-barrel test
statistical confidence in the results. Under this rig and test method.
new subproject, other methods for conducting the MILESTONES: The test rig and test protocol
test sequence will be explored, with the goal to are expected in late calendar year 2001.
obtain meaningful results more quickly. The
method for ballistic limit testing will also be Female Body Armor
examined to determine if there is a better way to The current version of the body armor standard
conduct this test. Ideally, some method will specifies some special treatment for female body
combine the assessment of ballistic limit testing, armor. This subproject is aimed at a more
penetration evaluation, and backface deformation detailed study of female body armor to determine
(energy dissipation) assessment into a single test if there are better ways to assess the performance
series. of female body armor. TSWG is planning to
MILESTONES: In FY2001, NIST/OLES will issue a contract to address this area. OLES will
define the required levels of test reliability and serve as the government technical lead on this
statistical confidence. Test methods that allow contract.
for efficient test conduct will be developed, and

4 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


MILESTONES: NIST/OLES will monitor the
planned TSWG contract on “Female Body Armor
Studies,” and we will assist with defining the test
method. Progress reports describing the TSWG
effort will be forwarded as they are received. In
addition, NIST/OLES will evaluate the state of
technology and conduct in-house studies to
supplement the TSWG effort. Based on the
results of the TSWG contract and any related
studies, any special requirements, test
equipment, and test methodologies specific to
female armor will be developed. This effort is
expected to carry into FY2002.

Test Protocol for Body Armor Trauma Packs


Presently, supplemental trauma packs included
with armor are not tested with the armor during
compliance testing. Past efforts to study trauma
packs through TSWG contracts have not been
successful, so OLES plans to conduct in-house
testing. The purpose of this effort is to determine
a suitable method for testing and evaluating soft
body armor that includes trauma packs.
Significant suggestions resulting from this study
would be incorporated into a future revision of
the soft body armor standard.
MILESTONES: In FY2001, samples of various OLES stab test apparatus used to support
trauma packs will be obtained and tested by development of NIJ body armor standard for
conventional methods. Additionally, we will stab resistance.
monitor work that will be sponsored by the This standard was published in September 2000.
TSWG in the areas of backface deformation
research and blunt trauma literature survey. A
NIST/OLES worked with NIJ and NLECTC to
test method will be identified and validated identify and certify a commercial test laboratory
through testing, and incorporated into a future to conduct body armor compliance testing to the
revision of the standard. Reports or white papers “stab standard.” The implementation of the
that recommend a position on key topics will be
drafted for use in the future revision of the
formal compliance testing program is modeled
ballistic resistant body armor standard, but the after the one used for ballistic resistant body
standard will not be revised for several years. armor. OLES will work with NLECTC to
monitor the testing, which is especially crucial
Support of NIJ Standard–0115.00, during the inaugural year of testing to determine
“Stab Resistance of Personal Body if anything needs further attention.
Armor”
MILESTONES: NIST/OLES will monitor testing
The objective of this project is to provide taking place under the compliance testing
continuing support to the stab resistant body program to identify any potential problem areas,
and work to resolve those. This might include
armor compliance testing program. NIJ conducting independent testing at the NIST/OLES
Standard–0115.00 is the first true U.S. standard test facility, consulting with others in the field, or
addressing the stab resistance of personal body issuing clarifying instructions to address the
armor, and it provides a consistent measure by deficiency. NIST/OLES will also participate in the
process of identifying and certifying a second
which stab resistant body armor performance can
commercial test laboratory that will conduct body
be assessed. The stab threat from sharp and armor compliance testing to the standard.
edged weapons represents the primary threat to Throughout the year, any relevant findings will
corrections officers and a secondary threat to be documented and, if necessary, clarifications
will be made to the standard.
police officers in the United States. Many
agencies are expected to take advantage of the
matching funds offered through the Bulletproof Revision of NIJ Standard–0115.00,
Vest Partnership Act Program and to purchase "Stab Resistance of Personal Body
stab resistant body armor certified to this Armor"
standard. The objective of this project is to continue studies
that will provide information to support a future

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 5


revision of NIJ Standard–0115.00, “Stab edge sharpness test, further studies on backing
Resistance of Personal Body Armor.” materials, and development and validation of a
slash test methodology. Throughout the year,
The stab resistant body armor compliance testing any relevant findings will be documented for
future incorporation into a new revision of the
program began in October 2000. While the standard.
baseline version of the standard was being
prepared, several areas were identified that would Revision of NIJ Standard–0108.01,
benefit from further study. In particular, these “Ballistic Resistance of Protective
areas dealt with slash testing, tip sharpness Materials”
testing, and backing material specification.
The objective of this project is to establish
NIST/OLES plans to study these areas and
minimum performance requirements and
provide guidance for future improvements to the
methods of test for ballistic resistant protective
standard. To effectively do this, NIST/OLES
materials. These materials are of many types,
will continue collaborating with the Police
and can be found in shields, ballistic resistant
Scientific Development Branch (PSDB). An
plates, vehicle armor, and transparent bullet-
annex to the existing bi-lateral agreement has
resistant materials.
been developed jointly between the U.S. and
U.K. technical points of contact. The current revision of the standard, NIJ
Standard–0108.01 was released in September
The slash threat was not directly addressed in NIJ
1985. It added another ballistic threat level and
Standard–0115.00, although it is not believed to
established threat level classifications that were
be as severe as the stab threats. Future
consistent with other NIJ standards for ballistic
improvements to this standard will incorporate a
protection.
slash test methodology.
This effort was identified in last year’s plan, but a
The tip sharpness of the knife blades and spike
decision was made to postpone revising this
that are defined in the NIJ standard must meet
standard pending finalization of the latest
certain requirements. Not addressed in the
revision of the ballistic resistant body armor
standard are any requirements for knife blade
standard, NIJ Standard–0101.04, so that
edge sharpness. Future improvements to this
improvements to that standard could be carried
standard will probably incorporate an edge
over into this one.
sharpness requirement and test methodology.
From the body armor standard work, a test
The backing material specified in the NIJ
methodology that estimates the ballistic limit,
standard consists of multiple layers of
that is, the velocity at which a ballistic resistant
commercially available rubber and sponge foam
material is expected to fail 50 % of the time, has
sheets. These materials typically have fairly
been adopted. It is based on a modified Langlie
large variations in their physical properties due to
method of test. The ballistic threats were also
routine production variations. Future
reviewed and updated. Further improvements
improvements to this standard will probably
were made by specifying formal test procedures
incorporate better definition of these materials or
and requiring a uniform reporting style.
specify new and improved materials.
MILESTONES: Throughout the year, a newly
The portion of the standard dealing with stabs revised draft of NIJ Standard–0108.01, that
from spikes needs more attention. A very close incorporates improvements from the body armor
variant of the test methodology developed by standard, will be developed. The draft standard
will also include special provisions for testing
PSDB in their 1999 stab standard was adopted in
transparent materials. The draft standard is
this NIJ standard. Not addressed by PSDB was expected by the end of FY2001. Progress reports
the threat due to a spike-style weapon. OLES will be provided quarterly. Work is expected to
adopted a spike based on a design similar to the continue in FY2002 when the test methods will
California Ice Pick threat, while retaining the be validated through extensive experimental
testing. The draft standard will then be available
standard test methods already specified in the NIJ for comment and review. A final version is
standard. expected to be ready for publication by late
FY2002.
MILESTONES: NIST/OLES will champion
further collaboration with the U.K. through the
Technical Support Working Group, Personnel
Protection Subgroup (TSWG-PP). Issues to be
addressed through this collaboration are: further
research on spike threats, the development of an

6 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


Revision of NIJ Standard–0106.01, contract. The primary goals of the contract are to
"Ballistic Helmets" assess the limiting performance of helmets for the
The objective of this project is to revise NIJ prevention of head injury and to define risk-of-
Standard–0106.01, “Ballistic Helmets.” This injury criteria under ballistic impacts. A
standard establishes minimum performance secondary goal is to identify an experimental test
requirements and methods of test for ballistic using anthropometric test devices (ATDs). This
helmets. Law enforcement agencies rely on the correlation can subsequently be used to predict
NIJ standard for “Ballistic Helmets” to ensure the the risk of human injury through the use of ATDs
quality and reliability of their bullet resistant alone. A kick-off meeting was held in February
helmets. 1999 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD to define
research plans for high-fidelity tests to study head
While this effort was identified in last year’s trauma effects as a result of ballistic loading of
plan, a decision was made to postpone revising helmets.
the standard pending two things: the release of
the latest revision of the ballistic resistant body The Army is interested in ballistic helmet test
armor standard, NIJ Standard–0101.04, and the standards because they have a requirement to
conclusion of the Army contract with the provide lighter weight ballistic head protection to
University of Virginia (UVA). The rationale for their troops. As helmets grow lighter, through
this is that many of the improvements the utilization of new and improved materials, the
incorporated in NIJ Standard–0101.04 can be shock loading to the head from ballistic impacts
carried over into the new revision of NIJ may increase. Correlation of forces recorded on
Standard–0106.01; and completion of the first an ATD with physical effects on individuals will
couple phases of the UVA contract in September promote the development of improved, lighter
1999 and May 2000 suggest that the findings weight, energy absorbing, protective helmet
from the entire UVA effort will be very helpful. systems for both the military and the law
enforcement community. The ability to validate
The original standard, NILECJ–STD–0106.00, the existing NIJ helmet standard or establish a
was issued in September 1975. In December of standard ballistic test method which can
1981, the next revision (NIJ Standard–0106.01), discriminate marginal from acceptable ballistic
brought the threat level definitions into protective helmets is key to the successful
agreement with the body armor standard. There transfer of technology to the law enforcement
are still several deficiencies in the current helmet community.
standard: 1) it does not include all of the latest
MILESTONES: In FY2001, NIST/OLES will
threat levels; 2) the impact measurement system
continue to monitor and participate in a research
needs to be revised to make it easier to apply; 3) program underway at UVA through the Army
there is some question about the amount of contract. The findings from that effort will be
impact reduction necessary for short duration evaluated for potential inclusion in this revision of
the standard. The helmet test capability at
impacts, such as those produced when a handgun
NIST/OLES will also be reestablished. Several
bullet is stopped; and 4) the current standard only items will be addressed in the revision to this
tests for impact reduction at the maximum threat standard, including: adoption of the NIJ
level for which the helmet is rated. It is Standard–0101.04 ballistic threat levels; ballistic
limit testing; revision of the impact measurement
conceivable that a lower threat level impact
system for performance testing; re-evaluation of
would not be attenuated, and therefore, could baseline performance requirements;
transmit dangerous impacts to the head. improvements in the area of test quality
assurance by specifying the use of formal test
In prior years, a helmet literature search revealed procedures; and normalized compliance testing
studies whose results would establish a realistic report forms. After the UVA contract is
basis for assessing the protection performance of completed, a draft of the revised standard will be
developed. This is expected to occur in FY2002.
ballistic helmets. Then in FY1999, an Progress reports will be provided quarterly.
Interagency Agreement between NIST/OLES and
the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) at Revision of NIJ Standard–0307.01,
Natick, Massachusetts created a means to support “Metallic Handcuffs”
additional research through a 5-phase, 28-month
R&D contract to UVA. ARL/Natick manages the The objective of this project is to revise NIJ
contract. The Army and OLES jointly fund the Standard–0307.01, "Metallic Handcuffs." The
contract, with a majority of the funding coming improvements to this standard would provide a
from the Army. The Army also administers the better way to test and evaluate handcuffs,

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 7


resulting in better equipment being available to years, many complaints from the safety
public safety officers. equipment testing laboratories about the lack of
availability of the “headform” specified in the
The classic mass-produced steel handcuff, little
NIJ Standard and that this NIJ Standard is not
changed over the last 90 years, is used for arrests
conforming to the adoption of international
and for prisoner transport. The limitations of
standards wherever feasible. The anticipated
traditional handcuffs become evident, particularly
improvements to this standard would allow test
during the transport of prisoners, where prisoners
laboratories to use commercially available test
have been known to pick the double lock with a
equipment.
bit of wire, or defeat the pawl directly with a
piece of thin material, or break the “cheek plates” MILESTONES: This standard was identified in
apart at the ratchet pivot. An improved standard last year’s plan, but was then postponed because
of resource limitations. In FY2001, NIST/OLES
could force desired improvements in the design will review the standard to identify whether
of metallic handcuffs. upgrading the identified threat levels covered in
the current standard is necessary and whether
OLES has been conducting an investigation into changing to an ISO “headform” will change the
handcuff design parameters and performance test protection levels covered under the old standard.
options. A force-torque apparatus for evaluating Other standards bodies will be consulted to
discuss their rationale for and experiences with
loads applied to typical handcuffs was developed. the ISO headform. If changes are necessary,
A theoretical analysis describing the handcuff revised test procedures will be developed and
components as curved beams was developed and validated through experimental testing. Any
used to examine the way in which the stiffness of relevant findings will be documented. If changes
to the standard are warranted, a draft of the new
those “beams” depends on shape and material
revision will be developed by the end of FY2001.
composition.
A contract with Touchstone Research Laboratory Re-Establish OLES’ Research Test
addressed design details and shortcomings Facility
including: longitudinal testing of handcuffs The objective of this project is to relocate and
having no tongues on the cheek plates; factors improve OLES’ Research Test Facility. The test
affecting the picking of handcuff locks; and facility is used to support work on projects
handcuff size issues. requiring ballistics capabilities as well as those
MILESTONES: This effort was identified in last that do not. Some of the ballistics-related
year’s plan, but was then postponed because of projects that will be conducted at this facility
resource limitations. In FY2001, NIST/OLES will involve gunlock effectiveness, “Smart” gun
evaluate the Touchstone report for relevant
evaluations, pistol safety and reliability,
information that could be used to improve the
standard. Improved test methods will be standards development for ballistic resistant
developed, and designs for any special materials, ballistic resistant body armor, and
equipment needed to test handcuffs will be ballistic helmets. Some of the nonballistics
finalized. A draft of the revised standard and projects that will be conducted there involve the
specifications of specialized test equipment is
planned for September 2001. Follow-on work to development of standards for stab resistant body
validate the testing methodology is planned for armor, riot helmets, handcuffs, and holster safety.
FY2002.
Currently, the laboratory is located in an
Revision of NIJ Standard–0104.02, underground concrete bunker (the "Pit") at an
“Riot Helmets and Face Shields” abandoned “NIKE Missile Site” that is adjacent
to NIST property. The Pit was designed to house
The objective of this project is to review NIJ
missiles, not serve as an R&D laboratory.
Standard–0104.02, "Riot Helmets and Face
Shields" and to issue an improved revision. The MILESTONES: Throughout the fiscal year,
NIST/OLES will work with the NIST Plant
current version of the standard was published in Division: Facilities Planning, Engineering, and
October 1984. Since that time the safety Construction to discuss options, and to develop
equipment testing industry as well as the plans for a new test facility. Construction will
American Society for Testing and Materials begin as soon as possible.
(ASTM) and the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) have switched to “headforms” Development of a Bomb Suit Standard
endorsed by the International Organization for The objective of this project is to establish
Standardization (ISO) for all protective headgear minimum performance requirements and
testing. OLES has received, over the past few methods of test for bomb suits to satisfy the

8 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


needs of law enforcement bomb disposal establishing a consistent method for assessing the
personnel. This standard will provide a performance of gunlocks.
convenient means whereby agencies can
Some work was done last year to survey the
confidently purchase bomb suits that meet certain
market for popular products used to safely store
basic safety and functional requirements.
guns. An informational brief was prepared for
Currently, there is no NIJ standard for bomb suits NIJ, describing safe firearm storage options while
used by law enforcement explosive disposal also considering the intended uses of the
personnel. Suitable standards may exist, but they firearms.
have not yet been identified or adopted for use by
Gun safety is a common theme in the news
NIJ.
media. Congress requested the U.S. Department
MILESTONES: In FY2001, NIST/OLES will of Justice (USDOJ) to investigate ways of
consult with explosives experts in law increasing handgun safety. This project is one of
enforcement and the military to identify essential
features of bomb suits and rating categories. the steps taken to address the Congressional
Existing commercial, military, and international request. Other projects, such as the development
standards will be evaluated to determine if any of a “smart gun,” also address the Congressional
are suitable for use by law enforcement. The request.
standard, whether it is an adopted standard, a
modified version of an existing standard, or a Several states have recently passed firearms
new standard, will be validated through
experimental testing in FY2001. The final draft
safety measures. A Maryland law now requires
standard will be available for comment and that all new handguns be sold with locks. This
review in FY2002. Progress reports will be law also requires that by 2002, all firearms sold
provided quarterly. in the state must have an internal integrated
locking device to prevent children and other
Revision of NIJ Standard–0113.00, unauthorized users from using the firearm.
“12-Gauge Shotguns for Police Use” Massachusetts uses consumer protection
The objective of this project is to establish regulations to prohibit the sale of firearms
minimum performance requirements and without tamper-resistant serial numbers, child-
methods of test for shotguns to be used by law protection features, and trigger locks. Michigan
enforcement officers. This standard can be used and New York also require trigger locks to be
to ensure that shotguns selected for use meet sold with each new firearm. California is
certain basic dimensional, functional, safety, and currently considering enacting similar types of
firing requirements. legislation.
The current base version of the standard, NIJ With such emphasis on firearm safety measures,
Standard–0113.00, was released in March 1989. it is inevitable that certain issues will be raised;
It is due for a periodic review and update. such as defining how good a locking mechanism
MILESTONES: In FY2001, NIST/OLES will
must be, and describing how to assess the locking
evaluate the current version of the standard and mechanism to determine if it is acceptable for its
consult with law enforcement and corrections intended application.
representatives and industry to obtain their
comments. A revised draft of the standard will MILESTONES: The research needed to support
be developed. In FY2002, the test methods in the development of a draft test protocol will be
the standard will be validated through conducted in FY2001, and the protocol is
experimental testing and then the draft standard expected in FY2002. In FY2001, NIST/OLES
will be circulated for comment and review. plans to award a contract in this area.
Progress on this effort will be provided quarterly. Manufacturers will be consulted to identify their
A final draft is expected by the end of FY2002. concerns and develop ideas for standardized test
methods that can be used to stress a lock to
reasonable levels to ensure that it performs as
Development of a Test Protocol for intended.
Gunlocks
The objective of this project is to develop a Development of a Holster Standard
standard test protocol for evaluating gunlocks. The objective of this project is to develop a
This test protocol will serve the interest of the standard for holsters used by law enforcement.
general consumer and also provide guidance to This standard will provide a consistent method
lock and firearms manufacturers. This test for assessing the performance of holsters and
protocol will ultimately promote public safety by defining acceptable performance levels for law
enforcement purposes.

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 9


final draft of the standard will be submitted for
promulgation.

Support of Protective Gloves Test


Protocol
The objective of this project is to provide
technical support to NLECTC at Rockville,
Maryland in their testing program for protective
gloves for law enforcement and corrections users.

Holster retention systems for law


enforcement officers have saved lives.

The advancement in holster design has been


unprecedented in recent years, and the
development and use of "security" type holsters
may well be a factor in the general reduction in
the number of officers killed by their own guns in
the past several years. Manufacturers have Samples of protective gloves.
developed a preliminary ranking system, which Law enforcement and corrections officers have
designates holsters as Level I, II, or III retention been increasingly requesting hand protection as
holsters. This ranking effectively evaluates the part of their protection equipment package. They
difficulty encountered by someone, other than the need gloves that will protect them from sharp
officer, in removing the gun from the holster. objects such as blades and hypodermic needles.
There is also an increased difficulty for the The gloves also have to be resistant to pathogen
officer to draw his gun as the retention level penetration and have sufficient dexterity and
increases, resulting in the need for an increased tactility such that officers can perform their
amount of training and practice to become normal duties.
proficient. To standardize the definitions of
retention, NIJ has indicated a need for an NIJ OLES issued the protective glove test protocol as
Standard for Law Enforcement Holsters. NIJ Test Protocol 99–114, “Test Protocol for
Comparative Evaluation of Protective Gloves for
MILESTONES: In FY2001, holster
manufacturers will be surveyed to determine if Law Enforcement and Correction Applications,”
the methods they employ to design and evaluate in June 1999. OLES also helped NLECTC in
the quality, durability, reliability, and security of selecting qualified glove testing labs through a
their holsters can be applied to this standard. competitive process. This resulted in the
Information will also be gathered from law
enforcement agencies, primarily to identify selection of Touchstone Labs and
problems with holsters, and identify the types of TRI/Environmental Labs as the two NIJ qualified
holsters which need to be addressed by the labs to conduct protective glove testing in
standard. The OLES force-torque apparatus will accordance with NIJ Test Protocol 99–114.
be evaluated to determine if it is useful for
characterizing the forces necessary to defeat MILESTONES: In FY2001, OLES will provide
various holster retention levels. technical support to NLECTC, including travel to
the testing labs, observing the glove testing,
A draft standard is expected in FY2002. Once providing technical support to the labs and
the draft standard has been completed and clarifying to them any questions that they may
preliminary validation tests conducted, the draft have with regard to the glove testing protocol
standard will enter the standard review process and helping NLECTC with interpretation of test
for comments from the manufacturers and law data from the labs.
enforcement community. Comments will be
reviewed and incorporated as appropriate, and a

10 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


Development of a Test Protocol for cars. A standard would provide a consistent
Evaluation of “Smart Guns” means by which to assess the performance of
The objective of this project is to develop a armored cars, allowing the purchasing agent to
standard test protocol for evaluating firearms that purchase an armored vehicle with confidence that
will function only when operated by the it will meet certain performance levels.
authorized user(s). This test protocol will ensure OLES has been working with the U.S. Secret
that there is a consistent method for assessing Service, Department of State, and Department of
smart gun performance. This is expected to Defense to settle on an acceptable approach.
result in better comparisons between competing Existing ballistics and explosives test protocols
designs, and identify products suitable for law from American and European groups have been
enforcement applications. reviewed and a proposed test sequence has been
Gun safety has received significant coverage in performed several times to evaluate these
the news media. The USDOJ was requested by protocols for consistency and ease of use.
Congress to investigate ways of increasing There currently is no U.S. standard describing the
handgun safety. One project described earlier protection levels of armored cars used for
deals with gunlocks. Other projects, such as this personal protection. As a result, there have been
one dealing with the development of a “smart instances where vendors have advertised their
gun,” also address the Congressional request. armored cars as being able to defeat certain types
NIJ awarded a contract to a major firearms of threats. Field tests have shown some of these
manufacturer to develop a "smart gun" prototype. claims to be false. To rectify this situation, a
After several years of research and development uniform standard is needed that clearly defines
(R&D), the manufacturer developed a prototype. the types of threats being tested and the test
Recently, the contractor ceased further methods. In addition to the ballistic and
development of its “smart gun,” and made a explosive threats, this standard must also
business decision to dramatically scale back its consider that other automotive performance
stake in the firearms industry. Meanwhile parameters are important, such as acceleration,
several other manufacturers are continuing with braking, and handling.
their versions of the “smart guns,” but they must MILESTONES: This effort was identified in last
be evaluated before NIJ can endorse any of them. year’s plan, but was then postponed because of
To do this, comprehensive laboratory testing at resource limitations. NIST/OLES will collaborate
with working group members to better define the
NIST/OLES, as well as limited field-testing, is proposed test methods and threat levels, and
necessary. then develop a draft standard. Test methods will
be validated through experimental testing. A
A study conducted by Sandia National preliminary draft standard is planned for early
Laboratories in the mid-1990s defined the FY2001. For further review, there are plans to
operational requirements for firearms utilizing convene an advisory group to assess the
preliminary draft standard. Comments from the
smart gun technologies. A consistent test
advisory group will be addressed before the final
protocol is needed so that the performance of standard is drafted. Further refinements to the
smart guns against those, or somewhat modified, standard are expected to carry over into FY2002.
requirements can be assessed.
MILESTONES: Depending upon the pace of Accomplishments
smart gun development, NIST/OLES will tailor a
program to satify NIJ’s needs in this area.
! Publication of NIJ Standard–0101.04,
NIST/OLES will continue to meet with
“Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor.”
manufacturers to evaluate their designs and offer This latest revision of the “body armor standard”
feedback that will improve the design. As forms the basis of the compliance testing
designs mature, NIST/OLES will assist in program run by NIJ to certify body armor.
developing a plan to conduct limited field testing
of prototype smart guns at participating law ! Completed work on stab resistant body
enforcement agencies. armor standard. The collaboration with the
Police Scientific Development Branch in the
Development of an Armored Car U.K. led to the development of NIJ Standard–
Standard 0115.00, “Stab Resistance of Personal Body
The objective of this project is to develop an NIJ Armor.” The standard was published in
standard for the minimum performance September 2000.
requirements and methods of test for armored

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 11


! Publication of Revision A to NIJ Standard–
0112.03, “Autoloading Pistols for Police
Officers.” This revision provided additional
clarification to the recently published standard.
NIST/OLES participated in the evaluation of test
results of many models of autoloading pistols that
were tested to this new standard at two approved
independent laboratories.
! OLES’ Ballistics Research Test Facility was
utilized to obtain residue from gunshots in
support of NIST’s Chemical Sciences and
Technology Laboratory (CSTL) forensics
projects.
! Overview of body armor standards presented
at the Personal Armour Systems Symposium
(PASS). An international audience was briefed
on the standards development process used in the
U.S. to develop the ballistic resistant and stab
resistant body armor standards.
Publications
NIJ Standard–0101.04, “Ballistic Resistance of Personal
Body Armor,” September 2000.
NIJ Standard–0115.00, “Stab Resistance of Personal Body
Armor,” September 2000.
NIJ Standard–0112.03A, Autoloading Pistols for Police
Officers, Revision A, July 1999.
NIJ Test Protocol 114–99, “Test Protocol for Comparative
Evaluation of Protective Gloves for Law Enforcement and
Corrections Applications,” June 1999.

12 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


Detection, Development of Systems to Evaluate
Magnetic Fields Produced by Walk-
Technical Contact:

Inspection, and
A. George Lieberman
Through and Hand-Held Metal
Thomas Russell
Detectors
Enforcement Walk-through (WT) and hand-held (HH) metal Staff-Years:
Technologies detectors, primary tools used in security
screening applications, produce time-varying
9.0 professionals

magnetic fields that may cause personal medical Funding Sources:


Project Goals devices (PMEDs), such as cardiac defibrillators, 100% Other Government
To manage programs, direct research and infusion devices, or spinal cord stimulators to Agencies
development efforts, and develop performance malfunction. If an affordable magnetic field
standards, guidelines and reports for equipment emulator can be developed, PMED Project Champions:
for detection, inspection, and enforcement in manufacturers would be able to test devices for • Building and Fire Research
support of the goals and priorities of both NIST Laboratory (BFRL), Office
interferences from WT and HH metal detectors,
of Applied Economics
and the outside agency sponsors. To provide and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
technical support to the traffic enforcement • EEEL, Electricity Division:
could assess interference thresholds and issue
system as administered by the National Highway - Electrical Systems Group
regulatory susceptibility standards for PMEDs.
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the - Electronic
MILESTONES: By mid FY2001, design and Instrumentation and
International Association of Chiefs of Police construct one prototype emulator for WT Metrology Group
(IACP). detectors and deliver to the FDA.
- Fundamental Electrical
Technical Strategy Terahertz-Wave Concealed Weapon
Measurements Group
• EEEL, Radio-Frequency
Detection, inspection and enforcement Imaging and Detection System Technology Division:
technologies employed by law enforcement to Development - Radio-Frequency
safeguard civilians in and about public premises The Law Enforcement and Corrections Electronics Group
and on our roads and national highways are Technology Advisory Council (LECTAC) has - Radio-Frequency Fields
investigated. To promote cost effective listed concealed weapon detection and imaging Group
purchases of equipment by the law enforcement as their top law enforcement and corrections • EEEL, Electromagnetic
community, OLES develops and publishes (LEC) priority. Present metal weapon detectors Technology Division,
technical reports, equipment guides, and Cryoelectronic Metrology
are inadequate because of their limited range
standards. To evaluate and test equipment, (less than 15 cm for a hand-held device and less • Federal Bureau of
OLES also creates performance specifications Investigation (FBI),
than 0.5 m for a walk-through device) and form Engineering Research
and reference artifacts. Representative (hand-held device is a wand and the walk- Facility, Quantico, VA
technologies in this program area currently through is a portal). Presently, the techniques
investigated include: devices for imaging and • Home Office, Police
that have been mentioned use frequency- Scientific Development
detecting concealed weapons, detectors for modulated continuous wave radar (FMCW) and Branch (PSDB), United
locating electronically detonated bombs, passive millimeter-wave (PMMW) technologies. Kingdom
improved surveillance cameras, human and Both FMCW and PMMW techniques are • Independent Testing and
vehicle recognition systems, and x-ray systems expensive and do not provide unambiguous Consulting, Inc., Eaton
for bomb disarmament. To promote safe roads, Rapids, MI
images. The ambiguity of these images presents
OLES works with NHTSA and the IACP to • Information Technology
liability issues for subsequent search.
develop performance specifications and Laboratory (ITL),
Furthermore, present PMMW research systems Mathematical and
procedures for testing radar, lidar, and photoradar are not capable of providing images inside or Computational Sciences
speed enforcement devices. OLES also works on near buildings. Division
emergency vehicle warning-light systems and
• Manufacturing Engineering
sirens, and has developed computer software to MILESTONES: By mid FY2001, assemble and
validate electronics subsystem for processing and Laboratory, Automated
aid police fleet managers to select and purchase displaying image data. Production Technology
patrol vehicles, to estimate expected repair costs, Division
and to make vehicle disposal/replacement Improved Handgun Replica for Test • Royal Canadian Mounted
decisions. Police, Ottawa, Ontario,
and Evaluation of Hand-Held (HH) and Canada
Walk-Through (WT) Metal Detectors
• University of Maryland,
To ensure that WT and HH metal detectors College Park, Center for
function properly requires that the metal Automation Research,
detectors exhibit positive detection of threat College Park, MD
objects, that is, weapons (such as handguns, • University of Texas at
Dallas (UTD), The School
of Human Development,
Richardson, TX
Office of Law Enforcement Standards 13
knives, razor blades) or other objects that can be detector, mixer, local oscillator, etc., for each
used to defeat security restraints (such as pixel). Furthermore, the present hybrid arrays
handcuff keys or paper clips). Actual threat must be scanned to provide sufficient areal
items cannot be used as test objects because coverage and resolution, and this scanning
variability of manufacture would not allow reduces system ruggedness and increases system
measurement reproducibility. Therefore, threat cost. The low cost microbolometer arrays would
object replicas having well-defined material simplify the design and lower the cost of 100
composition and dimensional sizes and tolerances GHz to 1 THz concealed weapons imaging and
must be used. Unlike most threat objects, the detection systems, and this cost savings would
handgun has a complex shape and consists of benefit the law enforcement community.
several metals. MILESTONES: By end of FY2001, integrate
MILESTONES: By end of FY2001, identify wafer-scale microblometer detector array with
minimally detectable handguns for use as reflective optics and read-out electronics.
exemplars and design accurate replicas (based
on the exemplars) for testing WT and HH metal Identification and Characterization of
detectors. Materials that Emulate the Low
Frequency Electromagnetic (EM)
Measurement of Electrical Properties of Properties of the Human Body
Metals Used in Hand-Held (HH)
Weapons Hand-held and walk-through metal detectors used
for security applications may emit frequencies
The law enforcement community has demanded close to those used by PMEDs. The safety of
improved detection performance, performance persons that rely on PMEDs is not an avoidable
tests, and performance specifications for the issue. Unfortunately, there is little information,
hand-held (HH) and walk-through (WT) metal other than anecdotal, about the interaction of
detectors. These demands have resulted in PMEDs with HH and WT metal detectors.
performance tests that are more complex, time- Furthermore, recent revisions of the NIJ
consuming, and costly than previous test standards for HH and WT metal detectors contain
procedures. To allay the cost of tests for a body cavity concealment test. This test is based
development of more complicated metal on using concealment by a person and, although
detection systems and to expedite the this test is representative of actual use, it is not
development of these systems, it is important to reproducible or accurate. What is desired is a
have reliable data on the electromagnetic material that can mimic the electromagnetic
properties of weapon-grade metals from which to properties of the human body over the frequency
perform computer simulations of detector range of 80 Hz to 10 MHz so that the body cavity
performance. Reliable conductivity and concealment test can be made reproducible and
permeability measurements of many metals used repeatable. Moreover, these materials can be
for weapons do not exist in the literature. used by PMED manufacturers and the FDA to
MILESTONES: By end of FY2001, measure the more accurately evaluate the effect of metal
magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity detectors on PMED operation and performance.
of metals commonly used in hand-held weapons
from 100 Hz to 10 MHz frequency range; produce
Presently, NIST is working in collaboration with
a material database; and summarize the the FDA and the Federal Aviation Administration
measurement techniques in a report. (FAA) regarding metal-detector-induced failure
and malfunction of PMEDs.
Development of 2D Monolithic
MILESTONES: By end of FY2001, complete
Microbolometer Imaging Arrays for measurements of candidate materials and
Concealed Weapons Imaging recommend optimal phantom material.
Presently, there are no monolithic imaging array
technologies that are being developed in the Liquid-Filled Camera for Enhancement
frequency range of 100 GHz to 1 THz. This of Shadow Detail
range is the most appropriate for concealed Video cameras used for surveillance and
weapons imaging because of the relatively short machine-vision applications often suffer from
wavelength and the ability to penetrate clothing inadequate contrast capabilities, particularly in
material. Monolithic detector arrays, using rendering details in shadows or dark regions. A
silicon integrated circuit processing technology, camera technology that simulates the design of
have the promise of being very inexpensive the eye promises to enable electronic cameras to
compared to present hybrid approaches (the

14 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


render shadow detail that was previously MILESTONES: By the end of FY2001, the initial
impossible. phase 1 revision of a document of the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE), SAE J1849, will be
MILESTONES: By end of FY2002, build a 12 bit completed and forwarded to the SAE Emergency
to 16 bit scientific grade charge-coupled device Warning Devices Committee.
(CCD) liquid-filled camera with housing and
plumbing to provide continuous particulate Developing Evaluation Standards for
filtration of the identified, low-viscosity, index-
matching liquid-filler; test performance of internal
Video and Still-Face Recognition
aperture and computer model front lens design; Systems
increase dynamic range using thermoelectric During FY1997 and FY1998, a digital video
cooling for mitigation of thermal gradient; reduce
surface scattering at front lens element by
picture and still-picture database was collected
wetting external surface of lens. and methods for evaluating digital video-based
face recognition systems were developed. These
NIJ Standard–0603.00, X-Ray Systems two activities laid the foundation for the Digital
for Bomb Disarmament Video Face Recognition Evaluation Conference
The latest Justice Department standard for x-ray (DV-FREC). The project will run from FY1999
systems for bomb disarmament was published through FY2002, and is jointly funded by the
during 1975. Changes in technology and changes Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
in safety requirements imposed by other agencies (DARPA) and NIJ. DV-FREC will
have not since been documented. The laboratory independently evaluate the performance of digital
selected for developing this standard, the Police video-based face recognition algorithms and
Scientific Development Branch (PSDB) in the develop standardized test procedures.
U.K., has considerable expertise and experience Under this project, three DV-FREC evaluation
in testing and deploying portable x-ray conferences will be held. The product resulting
equipment. The PSDB has comprehensive from the first conference is expected to be ground
laboratory facilities, including a large lead-lined truthing and scoring software, and an evaluation
laboratory and a variety of x-ray generators. The protocol. Conference proceedings and a final
Explosive and Weapons Detection Group staff at report of the conference will be published. Two
PSDB are familiar with the general requirements additional conferences will be held to encourage
of x-ray imaging systems and generators, as well and to measure progress. Appropriate evaluation
as the associated health and safety issues. and data collection protocols will be designed to
MILESTONES: By the end of FY2001, the support the focus areas of the subsequent
standard will be revised. Available commercial conferences.
equipment will be tested for compliance to the
standard and reported upon. A separate research effort, funded through OLES,
involves continued collaboration with the
Emergency Vehicle Sirens Project University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). This
The objective of this project is to provide law project compares human and algorithm
enforcement agencies and other users of performance, and attempts to characterize how
emergency vehicle sirens, such as emergency humans recognize faces.
medical and fire services, with a single, MILESTONES: During FY2001, video-based
improved, comprehensive document that includes close-up face recognition combined with gait at a
test methods, performance criteria, and mounting distance will be developed and evaluated. Trials
based upon the First Human Identification
and installation guidelines for sirens, which can Database Conference (HID-1) will be used to
be referenced in purchasing and other documents. baseline algorithmic performance and establish
It would be very useful if this siren document empirical performance matrices.
were cited by all public safety agencies and used
in a siren certification program that includes an Auto Rank
independent test laboratory and laboratory The disposal and replacement of police patrol
certification agency. To support the project, an vehicles have major cost consequences for law
NIJ siren guide was recently produced that enforcement budgets. Auto Rank is a
informs law enforcement agencies about other sophisticated, statistical repair model developed
documents that are currently recognized and used at NIST and implemented in DOS software. The
by the siren industry to specify siren tests, method uses data on the frequency of repairs for
performance requirements, and mounting and a vehicle class to estimate a generalized model of
installation guidelines. vehicle repairs based on the Weibull distribution,

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 15


which is widely used for reliability analysis. MILESTONES: In FY2001, prepare the data
Then, for each vehicle in the fleet, the model uses files for the 2001 model year vehicles based on
the latest Michigan State Police test results.
data on the particular vehicle’s pattern of repairs These files will include the performance scores
to estimate expected repair costs for that vehicle for ranking vehicles as well as the detailed
over the coming period. Vehicle repair estimates hardware specifications of all tested vehicles.
can be grouped by repair category. The model Post the new files on the NIJ web site and modify
the HTML page for accessing the Java AutoBid
then ranks all vehicles for disposal based on software to permit users to select whether they
expected repair costs, operation and maintenance want to analyze the 2000 or the 2001 model year
costs, and loss of resale value. The fleet manager data. Complete the AutoBid version that
then disposes of those vehicles with the highest supports value based analysis based on
comments and suggestions received from the
predicted costs, resulting in a cost-effective beta test. Add help screens to support the new
strategy for vehicle disposal and replacement. features and design. Release the new software
to the NIJ Internet site. Develop a brochure on
MILESTONES: By end of FY2001, complete all
AutoBid describing its features and how to access
data collection on the failure/repair experience of
it on the NIJ Internet site.
several large fleets and prepare standardized
data files for statistical analysis. Conduct
statistical analysis on the failure/repair data to Support of NHTSA Speed
develop national estimates of repair frequencies, Enforcement/Measurement Program
given the repair category, model, year, and time
of (or mileage at) the most recent Across-the-road Doppler radar systems are being
failure/replacement (this analysis will rely on the increasingly used by law enforcement authorities
Weibull distribution statistical model that NIST for measuring vehicle speeds on the nation’s
has already developed). Design and develop highways. These systems differ from older,
data files on repair frequencies to support
dynamic computation of estimated future repair down-the-road radar guns that are aligned with
costs, even for small fleets, without sufficient the direction of motion of the moving target
data for on-line Weibull analysis. Develop vehicle, to obtain a more accurate reading of
software user interface, menu structure, and data vehicle speed.
entry modules for fleet managers to record all
their vehicles and repair histories. These data
will be used to support estimation of future repair
costs for each vehicle, taking into account its
particular repair history.

AutoBid
A microcomputer system called AutoBid was
developed to help police fleet managers select
patrol vehicles best suited to their needs. The
system is based on vehicle performance data for
police patrol models published annually by the
Michigan State Police and NIJ. AutoBid
currently runs only on the DOS platform in Law enforcement officer using a traditional
character mode and has no graphical, windows- down-the-road radar gun during speed
enforcement operations.
like features. An updated version of AutoBid
with a modern, graphical interface is needed for The principle advantage of the across-the-road
all computer platforms. configuration, from a law enforcement viewpoint,
is that the radar can readily differentiate between
vehicles in dense traffic and can provide fast and
automated identification of offenders using
photographic techniques, while giving drivers
essentially no advance warning of the radar’s
presence. The disadvantage of this technique is
that the Doppler frequency shift from which the
target speed is derived is no longer constant, but
will vary with time as the cosine of the angle
between the fixed direction of target motion and
the fixed radar beam changes. This creates a
very complex Doppler Spectrum with time,
Purchasing of police vehicles is aided by which is processed by the radar system using
AutoBid.

16 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


proprietary algorithms to yield a measurement of In the past, a law enforcement agency would
the vehicle’s speed. Consequently, it is essential purchase technology from a vendor who would
that the measurement accuracy of these systems provide a proprietary dedicated network for
be guaranteed through frequent calibration using interchanging proprietary formatted data records.
a reliable and traceable calibration standard. The proprietary nature of these systems often
MILESTONES: By end of FY2001, develop and
restricted the exchange of data between different
build two improved prototype calibration devices agencies and jurisdictions. The ANSI/NIST
intended to be used in compliance testing of standard has made great strides in facilitating the
automated across-the-road radar. One device is open exchange of law enforcement data. The
to be operated at the assigned police radar
frequency centered at 24.1 GHz (K-band), the
impact of this open exchange will be significantly
other centered at 34.7 GHz (Kalpha-band). increased by taking advantage of the
accessibility, connectivity, and mobility afforded
Support for Concealed Weapon and by the World Wide Web.
Contraband Detection Technology The primary objective of this proposed project is
There are a variety of activities and technologies to implement the ANSI/NIST standard on the
pertinent to the detection of concealed weapon World Wide Web, thereby merging the open
and contraband in which OLES is involved. exchange of data provided by the ANSI/NIST
These technologies include chemical weapon standard with the desktop accessibility provided
detection, drug detection, metal weapon by the Web.
detection, explosives detection, etc. The
MILESTONES: 1) Release ANSI/NIST plug-ins
activities include standards development, writing four months after the start of the project, 2)
user guidelines, and funding research appropriate Release Workstation software 10 months after
for justice-related programs. The number of the start of the project, and 3) Publish a technical
technologies covered by OLES is extensive and it summary of project 12 months after it starts.
is difficult to maintain the expertise required for
providing assistance to the law enforcement and Accomplishments
corrections community without adequate The manuscript, Equations for the Magnetic
manpower. Field Produced by One or More Rectangular
Loops of Wire in the Same Plane, was accepted
The objective of this project is to provide
for publication in the July-August issue of the
technical assistance to OLES in the area of
NIST Journal of Research. This paper contains
concealed weapons and contraband using
equations and a Basic program, which predict the
electromagnetic technologies (EM).
magnetic flux density from up to three
MILESTONES: In FY2001, 1) participate in rectangular coils situated in a common plane. The
Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology
coil geometry can be found in some walk-through
Advisory Council meetings and other pertinent
meetings, 2) review proposals related to EM metal detectors and product surveillance systems.
detection methods for contraband and weapon
detection, and 3) provide technical assistance to ! Drafted NIJ Guide 600–00, User’s Guide for
OLES staff regarding EM detection methods for Hand-Held and Walk-Through Metal Detectors,
contraband and weapon detection. April 2000. This guide addresses the theory and
operational limits of hand-held (HH) and walk-
Law Enforcement Data Exchange of the through (WT) metal weapon detectors. It is
World Wide Web intended to clarify NIJ Standard–0601.01 and NIJ
For more than a decade, NIST has sponsored the Standard–0602.01 for HH and WT metal weapon
development of data interchange standards within detectors. It also includes general training
the law enforcement community. This effort has information for instructors and supervisors, a
culminated in the recent adoption of brief discussion of safety topics, as well as a list
ANSI/NIST–ITL 1–2000, a data format for the of present suppliers of HH and WT devices.
interchange of fingerprint, facial, and scar mark ! Drafted NIJ Guide 602–00, Guide to the
and tattoo (SMT) information. This standard Technologies of Concealed Weapon and
defines a structured framework for representing Contraband Imaging and Detection, April 2000.
and exchanging rap sheets, fingerprints, and This guide provides information to help present
mugshots, and it has been implemented and or potential users and operators of Concealed
integrated into virtually all commercial Weapons and Contraband Imaging and Detection
fingerprint identification systems. Systems (CWCIDS) understand the operation,

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 17


limitations, and applicability of CWCIDS and to electrically thick silicon substrate. To improve
provide an overview of the state of development. the signal-to-noise ratio, the uncooled detectors
It contains a review of various technologies (such are operated in a pulsed illumination and gated
as x-ray imaging, microwave holography, integration architecture. These arrays are being
acoustic detection) and discusses CWCIDS developed to demonstrate the feasibility of an
configurations that are now being used or active mm-wave concealed weapon imaging
developed to detect and image weapons and system. Most clothing and many common
contraband on humans. building materials are transmissive to
electromagnetic radiation at millimeter
! Published NISTIR 5096, Detection of Quasi-
wavelengths.
Static Electric Fields Radiated by Electrically
Small Emitters, June 2000. This report presents ! Siren Testing: Round-Robin Testing Shows
the theory for near-field detection of quasi-static Good Agreement. Showed the feasibility and
electric fields produced by electrically small reliability of doing acoustic testing on siren
emitters that radiate as small electric dipoles. The loudspeakers separately from their electronic
intended application is the detection of electronic signal amplifiers. In a project for OLES, the
timers of the type that could be used in bomb Manufacturing and Engineering Laboratory's
detonators. Acoustics, Mass, and Vibration Group, in
cooperation with a committee of the SAE, did an
! Submitted Report DOT HS 808–999, Speed
intercomparison of siren tests using NIST’s large
Measuring Device Performance Specifications:
anechoic chamber, and two industrial
Photo-Radar Module, to NHTSA for publication.
laboratories. The results were in close
Developed under an interagency agreement with
agreement, on the order of 1 dB, for sound
NHTSA, this report sets systems performance
pressure levels measured by the laboratories.
requirements and verification procedures for
This is encouraging to the SAE committee, which
automated across-the-road radar. Adoption of the
hopes to revise a recommended practice,
specifications by the IACP is expected to result
permitting siren loudspeakers and siren
in improved system accuracy and reliability, and
amplifiers to be tested separately.
in traffic administrators making better informed
purchasing decisions. As automated across-the- ! Siren Amplifier Testing: Instrument
road radar systems become more prevalent, the Comparison Shows Good Agreement. Ten siren
number and severity of automobile accidents on amplifiers from six manufacturers were tested,
U.S. highways resulting from excessive speeds is using two dissimilar instruments: a one-third
expected to significantly diminish, as it has octave band real-time analyzer and a Fast Fourier
elsewhere in the world under similar conditions. Transform (FFT)-based dynamic signal analyzer
to characterize their electrical output. The SAE
! Submitted Report DOT HS 808–998, Speed
committee responsible for siren standards is
Measuring Device Performance Specifications:
developing new procedures in which siren
Radar Module, to NHTSA for publication.
speakers and siren electrical components can be
Traffic radar devices meeting or exceeding these
tested separately. Currently, the plan is to define
performance specifications are internationally
standard signals that can be used to test siren
recognized by police, courts, and the public as
loudspeakers, and develop test procedures that
being reliable and accurate. Compliance testing
compare the amplifier outputs with these
is performed at independent university
standard signals. (A siren amplifier, by
laboratories administered by the IACP under a
definition, incorporates a signal generator.)
grant from NHTSA. High speed and congestion
are the leading causes of automobile crashes on ! OLES’ Police Car Purchasing Aid is now a
urban interstates. Speed enforcement utilizing Click Away. DOS-based police car selection
IACP-certified compliant radar units helps police program, AutoBid, was written into a Java
and courts promote traffic safety. program. One version can be run by itself, while
the other so-called applet version is only a couple
! Presented at SPIE Conference and published
clicks away. Both versions are available on the
in Conference Proceeding 3795, the paper,
Web at the following address:
“Antenna-Coupled Niobium Bolometers for mm-
http://www.nlectc.org/autobid/overview.html.
Wave Imaging Arrays,” July 1999. Millimeter-
The user describes numerically what features are
wave imaging pixels were tested. The pixels
most important to his or her department, and the
consist of half-wave dipole antennas coupled to
program ranks available police cars. This project
niobium microbolometer detectors on an

18 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


was done by NIST’s Office of Applied
Economics, BFRL, and sponsored by OLES.
Publications
NIJ Guide 201–99, “Video Surveillance Equipment Selection
and Application Guide,” October 1999.
NIJ Guide 500–00, “Guide to Test Methods, Performance
Requirements, and Installation Practices for Electronic Sirens
Used on Law Enforcement Vehicles,” August 2000.

NIST Technical Note 1398, “Portable Calibrator for Across-


the-Road Radar Systems,” May 1998.
NISTIR 5072, “Spherical-Wave Characterization of Interior
and Exterior Electromagnetic Sources,” December 1997.
NISTIR 5079, “Dipole Moments of Weak, Electrically Small
Emitters from TEM-Cell Measurements,” December 1998.
NISTIR 5096, “Detection of Quasi-Static Electric Fields
Radiated by Electrically Small Emitters,” June 2000.
NISTIR 5787, AutoBid 2.0, "The Microcomputer System for
Police Patrol Vehicle Selection,” revised June 1998.
NIST GCR 99–771, “State of Oregon Criminal Justice
Information System: Mug Shot Imaging Project,” approved
for publication September 1999.
Proceedings of SPIE Reprint, “Enforcement and Security
Technologies," November 1998.
“Specific NIST Projects in Support of Concealed Weapon
Detection and Imaging Program,” SPIE Volume 3575, Law
Enforcement and Securities Technology Conference
(November 1998), Boston, MA (N. Paulter).
“Antenna-Coupled Niobium Bolometers for mm-Wave
Imaging Arrays,” SPIE Volume 3795, Optical Science,
Engineering and Instrumentation Conference (July 1999),
Denver, CO (S. Nolen, et. al.).
“Equations for the Magnetic Field Produced by One or More
Rectangular Loops of Wire in the Same Plane,” NIST Journal
of Research, (July/August 2000), Gaithersburg, MD (M.
Misakian).
NIJ Standard–0601.01, “Walk-Through Metal Detectors for
Use in Weapon and Contraband Detection,” September 2000.
NIJ Standard–0602.01, “Hand-Held Metal Detectors for Use
in Weapon and Contraband Detection,” September 2000.
NHTSA Technical Report DOT HS 808–998, “Speed
Measuring Device Performance Specifications: Radar
Module,” in print.
NHTSA Technical Report DOT HS 808–999, “Speed
Measuring Device Performance Specifications: Photoradar
Module,” in print.
NIJ Standard–0227.00, “Digital Intercept System for
Integrated Services Digital Networks,” in print.

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 19


Technical Contact: Chemical Systems made to assess the agreement of the
independent techniques. The independent

and Materials
Alim Fatah techniques will be applied to the detailed
Susan Ballou certification measurements of the candidate
gunpowder materials for the SRM. Rigorous
Thomas Russell statistical evaluation of the data will permit
Project Goals determination of the certified values for the three
Staff-Years: To manage programs and direct research and additives.
7.8 professionals development efforts in the areas of polymers,
chemical systems and materials, including, but Standard Reference Materials for
Funding Sources:
not limited to, protective clothing and equipment, Bullets and Casings
100% Other Government detection drugs of abuse, less-than-lethal As with fingerprints, every firearm has unique
Agencies
technologies, and weapons of mass destruction. characteristics that leave unique signatures on the
Project Champions:
To develop quality assurance programs and bullets and casings that it fires. By analyzing
performance standards, guidelines, and reports in these ballistics signatures, examiners can connect
• Chemical Science and
Technology Laboratory support of the goals and priorities of both NIST a firearm to bullets or casings discharged during
(CSTL), Analytical and the outside agency sponsors. criminal acts. The Integrated Ballistics
Chemistry Division Identification System (IBIS) has proven
• Building and Fire Research
Technical Strategy extremely effective as an automated tool for this
Laboratory (BFRL), Office Development of a NIST Standard process. IBIS uses techniques of image capture,
of Applied Economics Reference Material “Additives in image analysis, and electronic databases.
• EEEL, Electricity Division Gunpowder” However, to demonstrate completely the
• U.S. Army Research Most handgun and improvised explosives (pipe reliability of this system, high quality
Laboratory (ARL), measurement standards for bullets and casings
Aberdeen, MD
bomb) crimes involve the use of smokeless
gunpowder. Forensic investigators are are required. Their key properties include
• U.S. Department of Justice
increasingly measuring the composition of the uniformity, reproducibility, and stability. These
- National Domestic standard bullets and casings will serve as check
Preparedness Office
gunpowder and its recovered residues to help
(NDPO) identify the source of the powder as part of standards to demonstrate both the consistency of
criminal investigations. However, there currently operation of IBIS from day to day as well as the
- Office of State and Local
Domestic Preparedness are no smokeless powder samples of known consistency between systems. Under the first
Support (OSLDPS) composition for use in analytical method objective above, we will complete the project to
- Federal Bureau of evaluation and measurement proficiency testing. manufacture these materials and demonstrate
Investigation (FBI) To assure the quality of gunpowder their utility.
• University of Utah, Center measurements, OLES is funding work through The objectives of this project are: 1) to provide
for Human Toxicology the Analytical Chemistry Division of the
(CHT), Salt Lake City, UT the final prototypes, designs, and manufacturing
Chemical Sciences and Technology Laboratory plans for standard reference materials (SRMs) for
(CSTL) at NIST to develop a Standard Reference bullets and casings for use in the validation of
Material (SRM), “Additives in Smokeless image analysis systems for ballistics
Gunpowder,” that will aid forensic investigators identification; and 2) to develop traceable
in testing and validating their analytical parameters for use in certifications that will
measurement techniques. accompany SRMs for bullets and casings.
Smokeless gunpowder is a mixture of MILESTONES: To deliver: 1) A refined set of
propellants, such as nitrocellulose and prototype standard bullets; 2) A set of prototype
nitroglycerin (NG), as well as stabilizers such as standard casings; 3) A final report presenting test
results, final designs, and manufacturing plans
diphenylamine (DPA) and ethyl centralite (EC). for standard reference materials for bullets and
The proposed SRM will consist of two types of casings; and 4) An article describing the rationale
gunpowder, ball and extruded powders, with and testing results for the use of the cross-
certified concentrations of NG, DPA, and EC. correlation function to quantify similarities
between two-dimensional surface profiles.
The certification of chemical composition SRMs
typically requires the use of two or more
Computer Database of Energetic
chemically independent analytical techniques to
Materials Spectra
provide measurements, which if in agreement,
are used to assign certified values to the material. Currently, forensic identification of energetic
materials (explosives and propellant
MILESTONES: The development of the
analytical methods for certification of the SRMs
formulations) is accomplished in a variety of
will be completed and preliminary compositional ways. Typical test methods include gas
measurements on the two prototype SRMs will be chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography

20 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


(LC), mass spectrometry (MS), infrared (IR) Support of Domestic Preparedness
reflection spectroscopy, and IR absorption Programs
spectroscopy, and the tandem applications of Developing Biological and Chemical Protection
these techniques (e.g., GC-FTIR-MS, LC-MS, Equipment Standards
etc.). Each of these methods has its advantages
and disadvantages. Liquid chromatography The objective is to develop a suite of national
usually requires significant sample preparation chemical and biological protective equipment
and yields limited information unless employed standards and to facilitate the adoption of these
in tandem with other techniques. Mass standards so that they can be used by local, state,
spectrometry and gas chromatography require and federal emergency first responders and other
some portion of the sample in the gas phase, public safety workers. To accomplish this
often requiring sample heating. For many mission, strong working relationships must be
explosive materials this is difficult to achieve established with the public safety user
without decomposition. community, to the point where the community’s
representatives play a key and integral role in all
Infrared spectroscopy can be used to measure the facets of the standards development process,
vibrational spectrum of nearly all energetic through the Interagency Board (IAB). The suite
materials. Raman spectroscopy is also an of equipment standards will cover: 1) Detection
excellent technique for identification and equipment (for both chemical and biological); 2)
characterization of energetic materials and Decontamination equipment; 3) Personal
propellant formulations. Each of these protection equipment (PPE, including suits,
techniques can yield excellent results for many boots, gloves, and respiratory equipment); 4)
samples. This project is aimed at expanding the Interoperable communications equipment; and 5)
current Raman spectral database to include Medical equipment. The equipment standard that
spectra of energetic materials. This expansion has been identified as the first priority by the IAB
will include mass spectra and infrared absorption is that for respiratory equipment.
spectra of energetic materials, and will use the
framework currently employed for the Raman A) Respiratory Equipment Standards
spectral database (GRAMS32). The current The objective is to develop National Institute of
Raman spectral database (Version 1.0) is Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
available to all law enforcement agencies as a approved respiratory protection equipment
forensic tool for identification and against terrorism agents for emergency first
characterization of energetic materials. As with responders and public safety workers.
the current version of the database, the expanded
database can be upgraded, allowing new spectra
to be entered as needed. The inclusion of mass
spectra and infrared spectra of energetic materials
will make the database even more accessible to
other investigators. The Army Research
Laboratory (ARL) at Aberdeen, Maryland, which
has extensive experience measuring mass spectra
and infrared spectra of energetic materials by
several techniques, including GC-MS, LC-MS,
solid probe MS, infrared reflectance
spectroscopy, photoacoustic spectroscopy, and
normal transmission spectroscopy, will do the
work.
MILESTONES: ARL will supply an expanded
database of spectra to include Raman spectra,
mass spectra, and infrared absorption spectra of
energetic materials, propellant ingredients, and A typical protective mask for first
propellant and explosive formulations. The responders, law enforcement officers,
expanded database will be contained within the corrections officers, and EMS providers.
framework of commercial spectral manipulation
software. The database will be available to all To develop these, the following tasks will be
federal and state agencies free of charge.
performed: 1) Determine applicability of existing
industrial and military warfare agent standards;

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 21


2) Develop key chemical/biological (CB) design modeling accomplished for other domestic
and performance requirements; 3) Modify and/or preparedness related efforts accomplished by
SBCCOM. The framework for the computer
develop terrorism agent-specific test methods; generated assessment tool is in place and the
and 4) Prepare final evaluation, testing, and specific scenarios from this study will be added to
certification standards. expand the existing system capabilities.

MILESTONES: 1) Certification and testing of


equipment: After NIOSH CB respirator standards
C) Development of Chemical and Biological
are established, respirator equipment PPE/Detection/Decontamination Equipment
manufacturers will submit approval application to Standards
NIOSH. NIOSH will test, evaluate, and certify
candidate respirators in NIOSH laboratories or The objective is to develop standards for personal
through authorized test facilities, in support of protection equipment (including suits, boots,
NIJ, U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical gloves, etc.), detection equipment, and
Command (SBCCOM), and NIST/OLES; and 2)
Formal rulemaking on CB Standards: NIOSH will decontamination equipment for chemical and
follow established federal regulatory rule making biological agents for emergency first responders
processes and will schedule public hearings and and public safety workers.
open a docket for public comments on the
proposed standards. NIOSH will provide
scientific, technical, and organizational support
for these efforts as requested by NIST/OLES.

B) Hazard Analysis/Vulnerability Assessment:


Initial Hazard Assessments of Emergency
Responders in Specific Scenarios
The objective is to develop a vulnerability
assessment of responding emergency personnel
to three specific outdoor chemical hazard
scenarios. These initial studies will provide a
technical/operational baseline to determine
personal protective capabilities within a specific
operational context or scenario.
Three specific hazard scenarios will be developed
using probable chemical hazards and delivery
systems at particular outside venues. An
assessment will be made to provide a time-based
hazard distribution at specified locations
throughout the venue. Probable dose exposures
of unprotected and protected personnel wearing
both military and civilian protective clothing will
be included in this assessment. A chemical/biological protective suit

Doses received by protected emergency SBCCOM will act in a support role to


personnel will be estimated based on operations NIST/OLES. SBCCOM’s facilities and expertise
in the hazard area. The assessment will in CB testing of PPE, detectors, and
determine levels of hazard based on protection decontamination equipment and information
factors of the protective ensemble worn and the regarding toxicity of CB agents will be leveraged
estimated exposures based on location, prevailing during this effort as well as the expertise at other
meteorological conditions, and time. DoD laboratories to perform:
MILESTONES: Delivery of an automated
computer-based assessment of three outdoor
1) Hazards Analysis/Vulnerability Assessment;
scenarios, which can be used as a simple model 2) Standards development, which involves
to determine hazards wearing specific protective
ensembles (military and civilian) within one year reviewing existing test methods, analyzing
of project startup date. This assessment will these test methods for applicability, and
include probable hazard distribution over time providing a matrix of prospective standards
and local space and an effects distribution based with preliminary analysis and selection of
on level of protection worn. Approach: This task
will be accomplished through a joint in-house and the appropriate standards test;
contract effort. It will build off of existing

22 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


3) Testing of representative equipment to and communications equipment are anticipated to
document test procedures, developing a be released in August 2001.
certification plan, and qualifying laboratories MILESTONES: 1) Delivery of drafts and final
for CB certification testing. versions of each guide; 2) Delivery of printed
guides and CD-ROM versions of the guides by
MILESTONES: Complete the first draft of
end of July 2001.
respiratory equipment standards and circulate for
review and public comment. The delivery of the
complete suite of standards is expected to take Less-than-Lethal Technologies:
three to four years if fully funded. Examination of Pepper Spray Canisters
At the present time, the “pepper spray”
D) Chemical and Biological Protection
commercial products on the market are not well
Equipment Guides for Emergency First
defined. There is no specification of active
Responders
ingredients and manufacturers use a wide range
The heightened national concern that terrorists of formulations and labeling schemes.
will employ chemical agents, toxic industrial
OLES is planning to solicit, through a
materials (TIMs), and/or biological agents
competitive contract, a qualified laboratory to
against domestic targets is prompting state and
perform research and conduct a study involving
local first responders to enhance their response
sampling and analyzing the contents of
capabilities. NIJ is the focal point for providing
commercial pepper spray canisters from five
support to state and local law enforcement
different manufacturers. This laboratory will
agencies in the development of counterterrorism
make quantitative measurements of the internal
technology and standards, including technology
pressure of the canister, the concentration of
needs for CB defense. In recognizing the needs
active agent(s) capsaicin and the compounds
of state and local emergency first responders,
present in the aerosol spray, and the
NIST, supported by NIJ, the Technical Support
concentration of propellants and carriers. The
Working Group (TSWG) of interested
study will also include shelf-life stability studies
government agencies, SBCCOM, and the IAB, is
of the canisters (devices) at specified
developing CB defense equipment guides. The
environments, aerosol firing tests, spray range
guides will focus on CB equipment in areas of
tests, and drop tests to gauge device mechanical
detection, personal protection, decontamination,
safety and stability. It is hoped that data from
medical, and communication. The purpose of
this type of study will suggest improvements and
these guides is to provide CB equipment
serve as the basis for minimum voluntary
information to the emergency first responder
labeling and performance standards.
community when evaluating and purchasing CB
defense equipment. This sharing of information The project will examine a number of canisters
is critical to the many emergency first responder from particular lots and manufacturers that have
communities who have received or are in the been used (as well as unused cans from the same
process of receiving funding from the Office of lots) by measuring propellant pressure, oleoresin
State and Local Domestic Preparedness capsicum (OC) concentration, and other
(OSLDPS). properties of the canister that correlate with the
reason for the failure. NIJ Standard–0110.00,
Six chemical and biological equipment selection
which deals with testing hand-held aerosol tear
guides will be developed and made available in
gas weapons, will be used as a guide in
both paper and electronic format. The six guides
measuring the spray pattern of canisters.
include chemical agent and toxic industrial
material detection, biological detection, medical, MILESTONES: The delivery of quarterly
progress reports and the final report on project
communications, personal protective, and
results of the study by the end of 12 months
decontamination. from the date of contract award.
To date all guides have been started, but they are
in various stages of development. The Chemical Less-than-Lethal Technologies (LTL):
Detection Guide was published in mid-year 2000. Human and Animal Dose Response,
A draft guide on decontamination is currently out Toxicokinetic and Potency Assessment
for review. Draft guides on medical and of Pepper Spray Products Following
biological detection are anticipated to be released Topical and Aerosolized Exposure
in July 2001. Draft guides on personal protection The objectives of this three-year proposal are to:
1) Chemically characterize a series of LTL OC

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 23


pepper spray products as a method of Applied Economics has successfully developed a
determining, and ultimately predicting, product similar procedure and supporting software for
potency; 2) Apply the products and the individual Health Care Occupancies. The Public Health
capsaicins identified in the products to human Service has applied this software to 86 military
skin to determine response and potency; 3) hospitals and identified code-compliant solutions
Investigate the toxicological effects of inhalation with cost savings of over 40 % (about $2,200 per
of the same products; and 4) Determine the bed) compared with the prescriptive solution.
extent of absorption and the distribution of these MILESTONES: Develop the life-cycle cost
analogs following dermal and nasal exposure. model for design alternatives. Obtain all cost data
Nasal exposure will be to drug-free and drug- and develop the algorithms necessary to estimate
treated rats. the life-cycle cost of qualifying for each of the 56
states of the fire safety parameter table of NFPA
The data generated will be utilized to: 1) Predict 101A. Complete the cost minimization model and
product potency by chemical analysis, dermal supporting algorithms capable of systematically
evaluating the costs of all safety-equivalent
response, or a combination of the two methods; alternatives to identify quickly the least-cost
2) Determine the relative potency of the alternative for any correctional facility. Design
individual capsaicin analogs; 3) Determine and and develop software for easy user specification
quantify the effects of the products and the of the current safety conditions for each of the
13 fire safety parameters and for the quantities
individual capsaicins when applied dermally; 4) of each construction retrofit to be considered for
Develop sensitive and specific analytical methods evaluation by the cost minimization model and
that can be used to identify and quantify algorithms. Design and develop software
capsaicin analogs in pepper spray products and in modules to apply the cost minimization model
and supporting algorithms to identify the least-
biological samples; 5) Determine the extent of cost alternative for any correctional facility.
dermal absorption of the major capsaicin analogs;
and 6) Determine toxicity and the extent of nasal
Accomplishments
absorption of the major capsaicin analogs
following aerosolized exposure, and determine if ! NIJ Guide 100–00, “Guide for the Selection
stimulant drug use affects toxicity or absorption. of Chemical Agent and Toxic Industrial Material
Detection Equipment for Emergency First
MILESTONES: 1) Chemically characterize the
Responders" was published. This Guide contains
OC content of a select series of pepper spray
products; 2) Verify that a combination of potency detailed information that is useful to the
determinations by pharmacodynamic methods emergency first responder community in the
and capsaicin analog determination by HPLC and selection of chemical agent and toxic industrial
HPLC/MS/MS can be used to assess the materials detection techniques and equipment for
potency/efficacy of commercially available OC
LTL products; and 3) Determine the relative different applications. It includes a through
respiratory tract toxicity of pepper sprays market survey of these technologies.
following aerosolized exposure to the chemically
characterized pepper spray products. Publications
NIJ Report 603–00, “Development of NIST Standard Bullets
Minimizing Compliance Costs of the and Casings Status Report,” submitted to NIJ for publication.
Life Safety Code for Correctional NIJ Report 601–00, “NIST Random Profile Roughness
Facilities Specimens and Standard Bullets,” July 2000.
The Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) for NIJ Guide 100–00, “Guide for the Selection of Chemical
Detention and Correctional Facilities (Chapter 4 Agent and Toxic Industrial Material Detection Equipment for
of the NFPA 101A Guide to Alternative Emergency First Responders,” June 2000.
Approaches to Life Safety) offers the managers NIJ Guide 100–99, “Guide for the Selection of Commercial
and fire safety engineers of such facilities many Explosives Detection Systems for Law Enforcement
alternatives equivalent to prescriptive code Applications,” March 1999.
compliance. This flexibility makes possible NIJ Report 100–99, “Evaluation of a Test Protocol for
major cost savings when achieving compliance Explosives Trace Detectors Using a Representative
with the Life Safety Code. Because so many Commercial Analyzer,” September 1999.
acceptable solutions are available, the most cost- NIJ Guide 601–00, “Guide for the Selection of Drug
effective solutions cannot be found by simple Detectors for Law Enforcement Applications,” August 2000.
trial and error. What is needed is a systematic NIJ Report 602–00, "Trace Detection of Narcotics Using a
procedure for finding a practical set of low-cost, Preconcentrator/Ion Mobility Spectrometer System,” WERB
safety-equivalent solutions from which the approved.
facility manager can choose. The NIST Office of

24 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


Forensic Sciences Establishment of a Computer Forensic
Tool Verification Capability at Technical Contact:

NIST/Validation of Computer Software Sue Ballou


Project Goals Tools Alim Fatah
To manage forensic science programs and direct It is critical during court testimony to have
research efforts to develop performance Staff-Years:
validated tools or standardized procedures
standards, guidelines, and reports to advance the supporting the submitted evidence. In the law 13.5 Professionals
technologies associated with the forensic science enforcement community, the validation of
field. To provide innovative and validated test Funding Sources:
electronic tools and procedures has not yet been
methods that will successfully undergo the 100% Other Government
addressed. ITL was seen as a neutral party in the
Agencies
scrutiny of our adversarial justice system. area of commercial products and was tasked to
verify the operation and output of automated
Technical Strategy Project Champions:
tools used in electronic investigations. At the • Building and Fire Research
The National Software Reference current time, tools commonly used by law Laboratory (BFRL), Fire
Library enforcement investigators fall into one of three Safety Engineering Division
Forensic analysts work to balance the stress of categories: disk-imaging products, write • Chemical Science and
increasing case backlogs and maintaining quality blockers, and selected suites. Further Technology Laboratory
in the examination of the evidence. In the classifications will develop as tools are added to (CSTL):
forensic discipline of electronic evidence, a the verification list. A framework for performing - Biotechnology Division
possible solution to reducing case backlog is tests on each category has been evaluated and the - Analytical Chemistry
being developed. The basic concept of this disk imaging products will be the first area tested. Division
solution is the creation of a standard reference • Department of Defense
The common characteristics of each classification (DoD), Computer Forensics
material (SRM) of all commercial off-the-shelf
are decomposed into testable requirements. Laboratory
software packages and, through their hashing
Assertions are derived from these requirements • Federal Bureau of
algorithms, create a file signature for each
along with assertions from specific capabilities of Investigation (FBI)
package. This information would then be
individual tools. Each assertion is then tested • Information Technology
downloaded into a searchable database. The Laboratory (ITL), Software
within the overall testing framework to produce
National Software Reference Library (NSRL) is Diagnostics and
results that are repeatable and objectively
such a database and has been designed to provide Conformance Testing
measurable. Division
a repository of known software, file profiles, and
file signatures for use by law enforcement MILESTONES: In FY2001, to continue the • Institute for Social Analysis
organizations in electronic forensic refinement of testing programs for the validation (ISA), Alexandria, VA
process. Publish the hard-disk-locking test report
investigations. In a typical case, a seized desktop • Manufacturing Engineering
and to plan and publish the Automated Computer
Laboratory (MEL), Precision
computer may contain 5000 to 20000 files, each Examination System (ACES) test.
Engineering Division
of which must be reviewed for evidentiary
• Materials Sciences and
content. To eliminate as many standard files as Development of Best Practices for Engineering Laboratory
possible, an automated filter program can screen Electronic-Crime Investigation (MSEL), Ceramics Division
each file for specific profile and signatures. If The fast paced world of electronic technology has • National Cybercrime
the file profile and signature match a verified shown that many law enforcement agencies have Training Partnership
profile and signature in the NSRL, the file will be inadequate resources to address electronic crime. (NCTP), under the
dropped and no further analysis will be Computer Crimes and
As developments in technology improve, it is Intellectual Property
conducted. Those remaining files that did not imperative that resources are provided to law Section of DOJ
match signatures in the NSRL will then be enforcement individuals in an effort to increase • Royal Canadian Mounted
subjected to detailed examination. their knowledge, skills, and abilities regarding Police (RMCP), Forensic
This project has been conducted in the electronic crime. To address these issues, NIJ Laboratory, Ottawa,
through OLES has promoted the preparation and Canada
Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) at
NIST and supported by NIJ grants and FBI tools. the dissemination of best practices guidelines for • TASC, Inc., Arlington, VA
conducting electronic-crime investigations. In • University of Utah, Center
MILESTONES: In FY2001, to produce an for Human Toxicology
extractable NSRL CD-ROM that will be made
developing the best practices, OLES will enlist
(CHT), Salt Lake City, UT
available to law enforcement agencies and to the support of expert practitioners from all levels
implement a NSRL Web site to support the use of of the criminal justice community, including • U.S. Secret Service (USSS),
the CD-ROM. Washington, DC
crime lab analysts, field investigators, and
litigation experts. A series of pocket-sized best
practices booklets will be produced that,
collectively, cover topical areas that range from

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 25


management awareness to courtroom radiant heat flux on fire patterns in regard to
presentations. The topics identified for controlled tests. This information has shown that
incorporation into a series of separate booklets some traditionally used indicators, or burn
are as follows: patterns, may erroneously imply that flammable
liquid accelerants were used in a fire. The
• Managing Technology in Law Enforcement.
conclusions from these experiments are contained
• Crime Scene Investigation: Identification,
in NIJ Report 601–97, “Full Scale Room Burn
Collection, Preservation, Transfer, and
Pattern Study.” One conclusion is that the
Storage.
formation of burn patterns are highly dependent
• Analysis of Computer Evidence.
on ventilation conditions, and the study would
• Investigative Use of Technology.
benefit from tightly controlled experimental
• Investigating Technology Crimes.
conditions.
• How to Set Up a Digital Evidence
Laboratory. To continue evaluating burn patterns, further
• Courtroom Presentations of Digital research will dwell on the position of the gasoline
Evidence. spill. The spill will be moved from the center of
the room to locations near the walls and corners.
The booklet addressing crime-scene investigation
As resources allow, various floor coverings will
was initiated in 1999 and has been targeted for
be investigated and the affect of furniture or the
completion by the end of the year 2000. The
absence of it will also be addressed.
National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS),
also with NIJ support, has taken responsibility to MILESTONES: In FY2001, the new fire pattern
manage the planning panel for the booklet “How experiments with flammable spills at locations
near walls and corners will be completed and a
to Set Up a Digital Evidence Laboratory,” technical report will be compiled for publication.
leaving five booklet topics to be addressed.
For each booklet, a planning panel will be formed Establishment of NIST/NIJ Forensic
consisting of approximately 12 to 18 experts with Analysis Fellowship
various backgrounds in electronic evidence. The Forensic science requires an increasing amount
planning panel will convene to define the scope of technical sophistication. However, support for
and content of the booklet, and to prepare a draft the post-baccalaureate education of forensic
outline for the booklet. The planning panels will scientists is woefully inadequate. In the U.S.,
also assist OLES in identifying appropriate there are currently only seven universities
criminal justice and electronic-crime experts that offering Master’s degree programs and only one
will serve on a technical working group (TWG) recently established Forensic Science Ph.D.
to be formed for each of the individual best program. Most forensic practitioners with
practices booklets. TWGs will consist of about advanced degrees have crossed-over from allied
50 to 70 expert persons. Each TWG will develop fields such as the sciences or engineering, and
a first draft booklet and edit each successive have achieved their knowledge of forensic
draft. science via “on-the-job” training.
MILESTONES: In FY2001, to submit the The lack of support for graduate students
Electronic Crime Scene Investigation draft for pursuing a degree in forensic science is a serious
publication and to initiate two additional planning
panels to develop and draft guideline booklets on impediment to expanding advanced degree
the next selected topics. program enrollment in forensic sciences.
Traditional funding sources, such as the National
Burn Pattern Recognition Program Science Foundation, generally sponsor more
Previous research has shown that fire patterns basic scientific research at Ph.D. and post-
provide data useful for the determination of the doctoral levels. This leaves forensic science
origin of fires. Due to the large number of faculty and students little opportunity for
factors that affect the formation of these patterns, research funding.
the Burn Pattern Recognition Program has sought In its role as the primary national resource for
to understand fire pattern formation from criminology and jurisprudence, the NIJ is the
ignitable liquid spills and their interaction with most appropriate locus for an effort to improve
surrounding structure components. the quality of forensic scientists via advanced
Past work provided insight into variables educational opportunity. Of particular
affecting burn patterns and the effects of imposed importance is the ongoing NIJ program to assess

26 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


and meet the advanced technology needs of the Gunpowder and Handgun Residue
forensic community. Through this activity, NIJ Research
is uniquely suited to prioritizing the research To utilize current experience with issues
advances required to meet national needs. regarding gunpowder residue, OLES is funding
OLES/NIST also brings a unique and work through the Analytical Chemistry Division
advantageous perspective to the effort for of the Chemical Sciences and Technology
improving the quality of forensic measurements. Laboratory (CSTL) at NIST. The purpose of this
As the needs for technical accuracy and quality research is to examine the compositional
of forensic measurements continue to advance, characteristics of gunpowder and its post-firing
NIST is uniquely suited to help meet those needs. residues as a means of detecting handgun use and
Our well recognized technical competence is investigating crimes involving pipe bombs.
combined with our neutral status to build a Quantitative determination of the propellant
powerful and influential effort to advance (nitroglycerin-NG) and stabilizer
forensic measurement research. (diphenylamine-DPA and ethyl centralite-EC)
During the past years, participants in the summer components in smokeless gunpowder is being
fellowship program have been selected from the investigated as a means of associating evidentiary
Master of Forensic Sciences curriculum of the residue and gunpowder samples with unfired
George Washington University. The selected powder exemplars. Current gunshot residue
summer topics originated from the NIST methods (based on the detection of the metallic
Analytical Chemistry Division. Selected topics primer particles: barium, antimony, and lead and
were research on the detection and measurement using such techniques as Scanning Electron
of organic compounds in handgun and explosives Microscopy/Energy Dispersive x-ray analysis),
residues and the evaluation of factors that control are costly to perform and seldom successful at
the retention of gunshot residues on the shooter’s determining handgun use.
body. To further detail the research on residue A detailed firing range experiment was
retention factors, a series of handgun test firings performed to evaluate seven boxes of commercial
were performed under a number of scientifically ammunition. 38-caliber ammunition was fired
controlled conditions. The effect of sweat, oil, with a revolver, and the muzzle exit residues
and static on the retention of residues on the were collected. Unfired cartridges were retained
shooting hand was evaluated. Optical and for compositional comparison to the collected
chemical analyses were used to evaluate residue residues and to each other. Based on the
retention. qualitative identification of the additives present
In future years, we envision this program and determination of the propellant to stabilizer
growing to support a limited number of student (P/S) ratio, powder samples from four of the
interns at NIST or other federal forensic seven boxes of ammunition could be easily
agencies, or student researchers at universities differentiated. The remaining three boxes had
with forensic science degree programs. Priorities the same additives in roughly similar proportions.
for research support will follow the national Valuation of the P/S ratio could only partially
forensic science needs determined by NIJ. differentiate these powders. If the physical
Proposals from all major universities with morphology of the powders was also considered,
forensic science degree programs will be powder samples from all seven boxes of
solicited. Evaluation of proposals will be based ammunition could be correctly identified.
on quality, alignment with NIJ forensic research MILESTONES: Long-term goal is the
priorities, and by student qualification as development of an integrated approach to
determined by NIST/OLES staff and will include organic gunshot/explosives residue evaluation
with effective sample collection, optimized
at least one independent review. analytical measurements, and rigorous
MILESTONES: In FY2001, to propose a graphical/statistical evaluation of the data.
partnership between NIJ and NIST/OLES to Manuscript has been presented to the Journal of
establish a NIST/NIJ Forensic Analysis Fellowship Forensic Sciences for publication.
as one mechanism to advance the skills of the
next generation of forensic scientists.

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 27


Evaluation of Saliva as an Alternate will be analyzed. A LC/MS/MS method for
Drug Testing Specimen determining morphine and morphine glucuronide
Recent studies have shown that nearly two out of metabolites using solid phase extraction has
three of all suspects arrested for crimes admit to already been validated and can easily be adapted
drug use and one out of three admit to use during for the detection of codeine and codeine
the crime. Likewise, nearly two out of three glucuronide.
drivers involved in fatal highway accidents test MILESTONES: In FY2001, to complete the
positive for drugs or alcohol. As a result, the analysis of all saliva, hair, plasma, and urine
American public has become considerably more samples collected. Special emphasis will be
placed on the relationships between dose and
sensitized to drug and alcohol abuse and has specimen concentration.
emphasized the need to evaluate the effects of
drugs and alcohol on public safety and the Use of Enantiomeric Composition to
environment. Therefore, the ability to rapidly Study Incorporation of Drugs into Hair
determine drug concentrations is needed by the
The analysis of hair for drugs of abuse can
law enforcement community to support criminal
provide a number of advantages when compared
and civil investigations.
to the analysis of urine or other biological fluids.
The current methodology for analysis of drugs Hair provides a view of drug use over a greater
involves the use of blood, plasma, or urine as period of time and is more difficult to evade than
samples. However, obtaining these samples is urinalysis. Several issues have slowed the
either invasive or they can be adulterated. Saliva, acceptance of hair analysis, including a lack of
on the other hand, can be obtained non- understanding of mechanisms for drug
intrusively, allows protection of privacy, reduces incorporation, a lack of reference materials, and
the possibility of adulteration, and has the the possibility of false positives arising from
potential for estimating the actual circulating passive (environmental) exposure.
concentrations of drugs. Little is known about
Amphetamine and methamphetamine are
the mechanisms through which drugs are actually
commonly abused stimulants that can be
transferred from the blood into saliva. Therefore,
prepared through a variety of synthetic pathways.
an understanding of these mechanisms must be
Both compounds have been detected in hair
obtained to estimate the extent and rate of
samples of drug users. Because amphetamine
transport of the drugs into the saliva.
and methamphetamine are chiral molecules, they
Saliva specimens from subjects will be collected can exist as pairs of enantiomers. The (R)-
by “spitting” into inert polyethylene tubes enantiomer of methamphetamine is found in
without stimulating saliva production. legitimate pharmaceutical products, but
clandestine synthesis often produces racemic
It is known that drug disposition into saliva is
amphetamine and methamphetamine.
affected by pH and collection techniques.
Metabolism of methamphetamine produces
Therefore, four additional common collection
amphetamine, and stereoselective metabolism of
techniques/devices will be evaluated in the
both compounds has been reported. Therefore,
controlled clinical studies. These include: (1)
proof of illicit use of these stimulants requires an
citric acid (hard candy) used to stimulate saliva
examination of enantiomeric composition of the
production; and (2) non-acid stimulation of saliva
compound of interest. Current analytical
production (chewing on Teflon, rubber band,
methods for the measurement of enantiomers of
etc.). Two additional commercial collection
these stimulants typically involve derivatization
devices will be chosen for evaluation.
with enantiomerically pure derivatizing agents to
To be useful as a testing specimen, a rapid drug form diastereomers that are separated by gas
screening method is needed for the matrix. This chromatography (GC). However, most chiral
is a potential problem with saliva since the parent derivatizing agents are not enantiomerically pure,
drug is often detected, whereas commercial and impure reagents may perturb the initial
immunoassay tests generally target urinary drug enantiomeric composition of the sample, leading
metabolites. to erroneous or misleading results. Analytical
methodology that does not require chiral
In order to evaluate the need for hydrolysis of
derivatizing agents would likely improve the
codeine and morphine conjugates to improving
reliability of enantiomeric measurements. In
the detection in saliva samples, glucuronide
addition, the availability of standards of known
metabolites of codeine and morphine in saliva
enantiomeric composition of

28 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


amphetamine/methamphetamine would aid laboratory-based screening methods. Available
validation of analytical techniques for liquid-perspiration collection devices will be
measurement of amphetamine and examined and reviewed. The investigators will
methamphetamine in hair samples. work closely with manufacturers of such devices
to improve and modify, as necessary, for use in
Currently, the derivatization scheme has been
criminal justice populations. Pilot tests of
evaluated on standard solutions and seems to
selected devices will be conducted. The results
provide adequate sensitivity for the levels of
of this first stage will be analyzed and
amphetamine and methamphetamine likely to be
documented in an interim report.
found in hair. The separations between the
enantiomers of both dugs have been achieved MILESTONES: Liquid perspiration devices will
using liquid chromatography in conjunction with be tested and modified; and immunoassay
screening methods will be evaluated.
a chiral stationary phase. The long-term goal will
be the development of a standard reference Update of NBS Special Publication 480–
material for hair analysis. 17—Auto Headlight Glass Visible
MILESTONES: In FY2001, to apply the Features of Forensic Utility
developed methodology to the detection of
amphetamine and methamphetamine in hair. The objective of this project is to develop a
database of headlight characteristics that are
Innovative Sweat-Based Drug Testing current and usable for identifying headlights
Technology Development installed in the “Top-Selling Models” of current
production passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. A
The current methodology for analysis of drugs
1978 special publication contained information
involves the use of blood, plasma, or urine as
that assisted investigators trying to identify
samples. However, obtaining these samples is
vehicles from the fragments of headlights that
either invasive, or they can be adulterated. In
were left at the scene of hit-and-run crimes. The
addition, their matrices are relatively complex
present market and application of headlights in
thus requiring more intensive and time-
vehicles is larger; and a significant fraction of
consuming sample preparation and/or
headlights is made in other countries. There are
determination. Sweat, on the other hand, can be
also additional complexities involving materials
obtained non-intrusively, allows protection of
and design. Today’s headlights are made of
privacy, reduces the possibility of adulteration,
glass, plastic, or glass-plastic hybrids, for
and has the potential for estimating the actual
application in passenger cars and trucks [sport
circulating concentration of drugs. In addition,
utility vehicles (SUVs), minivans, vans, and light
sweat is less complex and more easily prepared
trucks]. The headlights’ purchasing and
for analysis. This proposal focuses on the
referencing system is very intricate.
development of sweat-based drug testing
techniques. The first priority is to collect and evaluate
information for the development of a database on
The objectives of the research project are to:
automotive headlights for forensic use. The
• Test the current commercially available database will include the identification and visual
equipment for use as sweat collection characteristics of headlights, such as patterns and
devices for adult subjects and modify them markings of sealed-beam and plastic headlights
as needed to improve both performance and installed in “Year 2001 Top-Selling Models”
reliability of the devices. sold in the U.S. Further work will evolve around
• Adapt assay test kits for use in testing liquid technical collaborations and developing essential
perspiration. key contacts with automakers, headlight suppliers
• Assess the validity and utility of the liquid and forensic examiners to identify auto headlight
perspiration collection technique as a issues.
method for testing criminal populations. MILESTONES: In FY2001, collect and evaluate
The research will be performed over a period of data for the development of a database of
automobile headlights. Identify database
three years. During the first year, a thorough structure, design, and applicable software.
literature review will be conducted specially Establish technical collaborations to perform
targeting non-invasive techniques for collecting photography of headlight features and to carry
and testing sweat. Experts in the field will be out characterization studies.
contacted and consulted to select the most
promising devices as well as to identify

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 29


Research in Deoxyribonucleic acid several volunteer forensic laboratories. Two sets
(DNA) Identification Methods and of predominantly binary mixtures of extracts of
Standards DNA will be prepared at concentration ratios
The Biotechnology Division of the CSTL at other than just 1:1. For the second set, all
NIST has been the lead organization for DNA participants will be requested to quantify and
research for NIJ. At this time, five forensic type the DNA sources.
projects targeting different aspects of DNA have MILESTONES: In FY2001, prepare peer-
received funding from NIJ and each is described reviewed manuscript or presentations to
below: disseminate information.

A Standard Reference Material for PCR-Based


Profiling Standard
The Biotechnology Division has already
developed SRM 2390 for use in calibrating DNA
tests based on the restriction fragment length
polymorphism (RFLP) method. However, with
the change in technology and the burst of growth
into the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) field,
another SRM (SRM 2391) was developed for
tests based on the PCR method. These SRMs
have contributed immeasurably to the current
accuracy of DNA measurements and the ability
of laboratories to successfully defend the
measurements in court. A major objective of
this project is to provide fundamental research
and development on all aspects of current DNA
forensic testing with the goal of providing NIST
traceability to all U.S. crime laboratory Results from electrophoresis analysis
measurements on DNA for human identification. of DNA sample.

The large demand from the forensic science


community for SRM 2391 has required revisions Quantification of Human DNA
in the quantity produced and mandated As STR multiplexes have increased in the
continuous subsequent lot numbers. number of genetic loci analyzed in one
MILESTONES: In FY2001, initiate amplification, the need for controlling the input
manufacturing of the next SRM lot number to amount of DNA has increased. The results of the
allow production completion prior to the NIST Mixed Stain Study 2 indicated that there
depletion of the current SRM 2391a stock.
was a range of DNA concentration estimates that
was on average 1.8. The DNA quantitation
DNA Mixed-Stain Study 3 (NMSS3)
methods used were primarily two commercial
Laboratories utilizing multiplex kits for DNA kits as well as a few “in-house” methods. There
analysis have found multiple-source DNA was no clear measurement performance
samples difficult to interpret. Various difference among the methods used. NIST is
interactions between similar loci in a mixed run presently identifying sources of high quality and
produce results that require astute interpretation large quantity of human DNA and continuing to
and experience in the recognition of these develop several scenarios to test federal, state,
situations. Variants present within the DNA and local crime laboratories for their ability to
molecule also add another source for difficulty in accurately quantify nanogram to sub-nanogram
interpretation, yet when correctly recognized can levels of DNA.
provide a unique sample identifier. Laboratories MILESTONES: In FY2001, distribute evaluated
should have a listing of identified variants, materials to targeted laboratories and complete
additive DNA effects, and amplification variables characterization of results.
that may be encountered during the performance
of short tandem repeat (STR) multiplex kits. A
round-robin study designed to address a current
number of these issues has been initiated between

30 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


Substrate Stability Studies for Convicted eliminate that individual as the suspect. The
Offender Samples NIST laboratory has shown that hair samples
from a single individual can contain a
Crime laboratories must maintain crime scene
hereoplasmy at vastly different concentrations
biological fluids and known blood samples at
and even the root and shaft of a single hair can
optimum conditions pending future analysis
differ.
requests by investigative, prosecutorial, or
defense personnel. The length of time a MILESTONES: In FY2001, attempt to develop a
laboratory must accommodate these requests human heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA
standard reference material for the detection of
varies from state to state. Some states, such as heteroplasmy and low frequency mutations.
California, have determined all samples must be
retained indefinitely. In addition, the On-Line Chemical Analysis of Human
implementation of the federal database system, Hair Samples
the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), has
Hair samples collected in connection with a
increased the storage requirement for known
crime are typically characterized for their
blood samples. To cope with the increasing
morphology by microscopic techniques. These
number of CODIS samples and crime-scene
microscopic comparisons can only detail the
samples, crime laboratories must re-evaluate
strength or weakness of a “match” between a
storage protocol. In 1994, a 10-year research
known and questioned hair. On occasions when
study was initiated at NIST to determine the
the hair sample contains a root, genetic material
effects of temperature and substrate conditions on
can be extracted and characterized using PCR-
the quality of DNA in dried bloodstains. This
based technology. Mitochondrial profiling is
study is comprehensive and will address issues
becoming the preferred DNA methodology for
absent in other published validation studies of
hair examinations due to its stability and presence
this nature.
even in the hair shaft. However, these techniques
MILESTONES: In FY2001, prepare peer- require specialized laboratory equipment,
reviewed manuscript or conduct presentations to designated room allocations, and extensive
disseminate information.
laboratory analysis. In an effort to provide a
simpler but still definitive method for hair
Human Mitochondrial DNA Research for
characterization, NIST is evaluating a technique
Forensic Needs
that will provide a statistical accounting of
Human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is used by distinguishing features present in hair.
the forensic community for human identification,
NIST has developed a method for determining
especially when the nuclear DNA is non-existent,
the extractable components from hair using an
degraded, or available in limited amounts. There
on-line supercritical-fluid extraction-gas
are at least two main problems that investigators
chromatography/mass spectrometric (SFE-
face when using mtDNA for human
GC/MS) technique. This technique allows for all
identification. First, laboratories need to ensure
of the organic extractable material from a small
that their amplification and sequencing
hair sample (30 g to 100 g, typically a single
techniques are providing them with the correct
segment) to be introduced into the analytical
results. NIST recently completed a human
system, compared with only a few percent of the
mtDNA sequencing Standard Reference Material
total from a conventional liquid solvent extract.
(SRM 2392) for validation of mitochondrial
The added sensitivity of the on-line technique (50
sequencing procedures. The use of SRM 2392
to 100 times the conventional extraction
provides an established basis by which to
technique) enables full-scan mass spectra to be
evaluate generated results from known and
obtained from any peak detected in the extract,
questioned evidentiary samples. Second, the
aiding in any confirmatory identification of the
mitochondrial DNA from an individual can be
component. A preliminary study suggests that
heteroplasmic; that is, the DNA within a single
hair from different individuals yields different
cell can differ at one or more base pairs. There
chemical profiles, the sources of which include
are several options where these differences can
naturally deposited components (from sebaceous
exist within the human body. Heteroplasmy is a
and sweat glands), artificially deposited species
problem for forensic investigators since a sample
(from conditioners and treatment), and
from a crime scene can differ from a sample from
environmental contaminants (e.g., occupational
a suspect by one base pair and this difference
exposure). To demonstrate the effect of
may be interpreted as sufficient evidence to

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 31

3
prolonged storage of physical evidence from a DNA Mass Spectrometry and Multiplex
crime scene, hair samples have been retained at Single Nucleotide Polymorphism/Short
room temperature for a three-year period. These Tandem Repeats (SNP/STR) Research
samples will be periodically removed and Convicted offender blood samples are collected
analyzed, comparing the results of analysis to on a daily basis and stored throughout the United
two different groups: to chemical profiles States’ crime laboratories waiting for DNA
obtained in the hair sample prior to storage, and analysis. To cope with the increasing backlog, a
to freshly removed hair samples from the same faster method of analysis is required. The time-
individuals. of-flight mass spectrometry can address the
MILESTONES: In FY2001, provide a laboratory backlog issue by eliminating manual sample
procedure for the forensic science community preparation at the pre- and post-amplification
that will provide statistical analysis of human steps and increasing the speed of analysis. The
non-DNA hair characteristics.
improved PCR assay should increase the number
of markers that can be tested in a single
Development of an International
amplification, thereby providing another means
Automotive Paint Database
for the reduction in examiner preparation and
The objective of this project is to develop an analysis time.
International Automotive Paint database, which
has forensic science applications to both Mixed crime scene samples have proven time
insurance and law enforcement investigations. consuming in a forensic laboratory, requiring
additional extraction steps and a stringent
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) interpretation protocol. The Y chromosome
automotive paint database has, through a markers are targeted to offer new loci on the Y
partnership with the FBI, become an important chromosome and mitochondrial DNA for
forensic trace evidence tool in North America. A potential use in improved separation of male-to-
Cooperative Agreement for Research and male fractions and to eliminate female cellular
Development (CARD) between the RCMP and contamination. These steps would simplify the
the FBI and funded by OLES has provided the determination of multiple contributors to a body
resources needed to develop the database over a fluid sample.
five-year period. The goals include: keeping
Paint Data Queries (PDQ) current with the The work accomplished on these projects in
production year for the North American FY2000 was fast paced. The incorporation of the
automotive industry, and training all North MWG Biotech RoboAmp 4200 sample
American law enforcement agencies in the use of preparation robot with the Bruker BIFLEX III
the database. As it grows, PDQ will enable: Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer was
completed. This combination was utilized to
• Examiners to potentially identify make, characterize and validate forensic multiplex STR
model, and year of vehicles used in the kits. To accompany this work, development of a
commission of a crime or involved in a hit suite of Visual Basic computer programs to assist
and run fatality. multiplex PCR primer design was also initiated.
• Examiners to develop court testimony to Several new Y STR multiplex sets have been
provide the court with alternatives to an started to aid characterization of a future Y
"either/or" type conclusion. ("It is either the chromosome SRM.
suspect vehicle or vehicles X as determined
MILESTONES: In FY2001, conduct an inter-
by PDQ.")
laboratory evaluation of the multiplex STR results
• Paint analysts to be on the cutting edge of from commercial kits and continue
automotive paint technology (PDQ as a characterization and quality control work on
learning tool). these kits. Conduct an evaluation of various
methods for measurement of single nucleotide
MILESTONES: In FY2001, continue to add new polymorphisms (SNPs) using mass spectrometry
samples to the PDQ making the database and evaluate approximately 20 Y SNP markers
internationally viable, and make programming using an optimal mass spectrometric method.
improvements to individualize submissions from
each state laboratory so that queries to the
database could be customized and thus carry
Revision of ASCLD/LAB Accreditation
more investigative and judicial impact. Manual to Conform with ISO Guidelines
The American Society of Crime Laboratory
Directors/ Laboratory Accreditation Board
(ASCLD/LAB) operates an accreditation

32 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


program for crime laboratories with members NIJ Report 600–99, “Trace Evidence Analysis of Human Hair
consisting of 139 domestic and 14 foreign by On-Line Supercritical Fluid Extraction—Gas
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry: A Feasibility Study,”
laboratories. The board administers this program December 1999.
on a minimal budget from member dues and has
only one part-time paid employee. The program “Correlation of Saliva Codeine Concentrations with Plasma
Concentrations,” Journal of Analytical Toxicology, Vol. 23,
has become a source of laboratory accreditation October 1999.
to meet federal and judicial requirements. The
current criteria and the accreditation program “Associating Gunpowder and Residues from Commercial
Ammunition Using Compositional Analysis with the
procedures were prepared by the members of Propellant to Stabilizer Ration (P/S),” accepted for
ASCLD/LAB based on their professional publication in the Journal of Forensic Sciences.
knowledge and experience in crime laboratory
NIJ Report 604–00, “Flammable and Combustible Liquid
operations. However, several international Spill/Burn Patterns,” submitted for publication.
organizations have prepared generic criteria for
competence of laboratory operations and for “Validation of Twelve Chemical Spot Tests for Detection of
Drugs of Abuse,” submitted for publication.
operating accreditation programs to measure
laboratory competence. The International NIJ Standard–0604.01, “Color Test Reagents for Preliminary
Organization of Standardization (ISO) has Identification of Drugs of Abuse,” July 2000.
prepared ISO Guide 25 General Requirements for
the Competence of Calibration and Testing
Laboratories and ISO Guide 58 General
Requirements for Operation and Recognition of
Calibration and Testing Laboratory Accreditation
Programs. To maintain the highest level of
criteria and to adopt a single international
standard for measurement of laboratory
competence, it is imperative that ASCLD/LAB
considers conformation to the ISO guidelines.
The objective of this effort is to improve the
quality of laboratory services provided to the
criminal justice system by revising the policies
and procedures of the board of the ASCLD/LAB
to meet applicable international standards.
MILESTONES: In FY2001, review the
suggested revisions to the current ASCLD/LAB
Accreditation Manual and recommend changes to
the bylaws of ASCLD/LAB so that they conform to
the criteria in ISO Guides 25 and 58.

Accomplishments
! Maintenance of a short tandem repeat DNA
database commonly referred to as STRBase
(http://www.cstl.nist.gov/biotech/strbase). The
STRBase has provided a venue for the collection
of variant alleles, multiplex STR kit schematics,
and downloadable PowerPoint presentations.
More than 1300 publications on the use of STRs
for DNA typing, including over 150 regarding Y-
chromosome markers, have been catalogued
within the STRBase. This database is a quick
and impressive source of STR information.
Publications
NIJ Report 600–98, “Forensic Sciences: Status and Needs,”
February 1999.
“Survey Tool for the Measurement of Workload in Crime
Laboratories,” January 1999.

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 33


Technical Contact:
Public Safety community. There are more than 17000 law
enforcement agencies in the United States.
Kathleen Higgins Communication Approximately 95 % of these agencies employ

Standards
fewer than 100 sworn officers. Additionally,
George Lieberman
over 35000 fire and emergency medical agencies
Staff-Years: exist across the nation. Due to the fragmented
15.0 professionals Project Goals nature of this community, most public safety
communications systems are stovepipe systems
The primary objective of this project is to lead
Funding Sources: that do not facilitate interoperability. To further
the development of wireless telecommunications
100% Other Government complicate the situation, public safety radio
and information technology standards, profiles,
Agencies frequencies are distributed across four isolated
and guidelines for interoperability, and
frequency bands from low band VHF (25 MHz to
information sharing, among criminal justice (CJ)
Project Champions: 50 MHz) to 800 MHz (806 MHz to 869 MHz),
and public safety (PS) agencies at state, local,
• Institute for Telecommunication with no universally available or affordable radio
Sciences, the research and
and federal levels. To achieve this it will be
being able to operate across the entire range.
engineering branch of the necessary to focus on enabling technologies and
National Telecommunications open architecture standards so that
and Information Administration interoperability approaches can be designed and
(NTIA), Boulder, CO implemented. Proposed techniques and
standardized configurations will be verified and
validated through simulations and laboratory
testing.
While standards are being developed, other
interim interoperability solutions will be
investigated. As a secondary goal, this project
will conduct technical evaluations of current and
emerging technologies aimed at providing
immediate assistance to CJ and PS agencies. Effective communication is a critical aspect of
both law enforcement and corrections
Customer Needs operations. Dispatch is the nerve center of the
Law enforcement work requires effective agency.
coordination, communication, and sharing of
information with numerous criminal justice and
Technical Strategy
public safety agencies. Thousands of incidents During FY2000, OLES concentrated most of its
that require mutual aid and coordinated response technical efforts toward a major program of the
happen each and every day. High-profile National Institute of Justice (NIJ) called
incidents, such as bombings or plane crashes, test “AGILE.” At the same time, it continued its
the ability of public safety service organizations support to NIJ in other areas related to public
to mount well-coordinated responses. In an era safety needs.
where technology can bring news, current events, NIJ and its AGILE Program
and entertainment to the farthest reaches of the
As the Department of Justice's science and
world, many police officers, firefighters, and
technology arm for federal, state, and local
emergency medical service personnel cannot
agencies, the NIJ has been addressing
communicate with each other during routine
interoperability technology issues for a number
operations or major emergencies, such as the
of years. This is because the Law Enforcement
Oklahoma City bombing. New technologies are
and Corrections Technology Advisory Council
promoting the convergence of information and
(LECTAC), which provides advice and guidance
communication systems with the result that
to NIJ and its National Law Enforcement and
portable and mobile units are increasingly being
Corrections Technology Centers (NLECTC), has
viewed as merely wireless nodes within
consistently identified information sharing and
information networks. Interoperability, the ability
communications interoperability as top priorities.
of two or more organizations to communicate and
(LECTAC consists of representatives of federal,
share information (voice, data, images, and
state, and local law enforcement and corrections
video), is therefore becoming more difficult.
practitioners.) It is natural, then, that the goal of
To illustrate this point, one need only look at the NIJ’s Advanced Generation of Interoperability
existing environment of the public safety for Law Enforcement (AGILE) program is to

34 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


assist the federal, state, and local criminal justice identify desirable standards that have been
and public safety communities in achieving their developed by national and international SDOs.
interoperability technology needs. Those interoperability standards will then be
recommended to NIJ for adoption as NIJ
Standards. Only in very rare cases will the users
(and OLES) need to develop technical
specifications to create standards that do not
already exist. Even in those cases, the actual
standards activities may occur through the formal
structures of the SDOs. That is, selected users
and/or OLES will simply represent the needs of
the CJ/PS users within the appropriate SDO
committees, and ensure that the proper standards
are developed correctly, and in a timely fashion.
The AGILE Standards Process
The AGILE standards process can be seen as
The ability of an officer to communicate having two distinct phases – the “Preparation
with other local agencies and emergency Phase” and the “Implementation Phase.” The
responders is critical to efficient and safe
operations.
Preparation Phase is that part of the project in
which background material is accumulated and
AGILE is a comprehensive program that analyzed, and the Implementation Phase is
addresses interoperability technology issues on planned. The Preparation Phase, which is
several fronts while leveraging many other necessarily tedious, does not involve the user
related efforts in a complementary manner. For community directly. It actually prepares for the
example, NIJ is working closely with the users’ involvement, by developing a set of
Administration's National Partnership for documents that can provide a good starting point
Reinventing Government (NPRG) initiatives; for the Implementation Phase.
specifically, the Office of Justice Program's
(OJP’s) Information Technology Executive Figure 1 illustrates the demarcation between the
Council Integration Initiative, which supports the Preparation and Implementation phases of the
Global Criminal Justice Information Network standards process. The Implementation Phase
(GCJIN) and the Public Safety Wireless Network starts to occur on the far-right side of the
(PSWN). The OJP Executive Council has tasked diagram, i.e., at the points where “Wireless
NIJ with being the technical arm for its Interoperability Standards Development” and “IT
Integration Initiative. As such, NIJ through its Information-Sharing Standards Development”
AGILE Program is leading the development of begin, respectively. Activities to the left of those
wireless telecommunications and information points are included within the Preparation Phase.
technology standards, profiles, and guidelines for That is, the development of the Strategic Plans is
information sharing to facilitate interoperability the last effort in the Preparation Phase, for these
at state, local, and federal levels. plans provide the rationale and general
methodology for initiating the standards
The Integral Role of OLES in the development actions. A closer look at Figure 1
NIJ/AGILE Standards Project will clarify this.
OLES plays a key and pivotal role in the AGILE
Standards Project. The same formal processes The Preparation Phase begins with the “Outline
that OLES has used in successfully bringing of the Strategic Plan: Standards for Wireless
users, technologists, industry representatives, and Communication and Information Technologies
members of the standards development for Public Safety Under NIJ’s AGILE Program,”
organizations (SDOs) together for other standards shown on the extreme left side of the diagram.
efforts, have been used again for the AGILE As noted above, this document (designated SP–
Program. In some respects, the AGILE Program 00–0001) defines what needs to be accomplished
may present fewer difficulties for standards during the Preparation Phase of the Standards
development since the vast majority of standards Process. The blocks shown in the figure directly
(perhaps 95 % or more) will be chosen from to the right of SP–00–0001 provide the
existing standards. That is, OLES will support information that is needed for the Strategic Plans
and facilitate the work of CJ/PS users, who will to be completed.

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 35


Wireless Requirements
SP-00-0002

IT Requirements
SP-00-0003 WIRELESS
STANDARDS
STRATEGIC PLAN Wireless Interoperability
SP-00-0012 Standards
Wireless Environmental
Survey Development
Outline of SP-00-0004
the Strategic Standardization
Plan Procedures
IT Environmental SP-00-0011
SP-00-0001
Survey
SP-00-0005

Wireless Technology
Description
SP-00-0006
IT
STANDARDS IT
IT Technology STRATEGIC PLAN
Information-Sharing
Description SP-00-0013
SP-00-0007 Standards
Development
Wireless Internal & Data Model
External Factors SP-00-0010
SP-00-0008 Standardization
Procedures
SP-00-0011
IT Internal &
External Factors
SP-00-0009

Figure 1. Overview of AGILE Standards Process and Associated Documents

The “Requirements” documents, SP–00–0002 emerging wireless and information technologies,


and SP–00–0003, are really the cornerstones for particularly those that have been standardized.
the wireless telecommunications and IT The information in these documents will be
(information-sharing) standards processes. All considered in the two Strategic Plans as
proposed standards adoption activities must be alternative technical approaches are addressed.
validated by referring to the users’ requirements. Both large-scale (architectural) and individual
(access/channel) techniques for wireless
The Environmental Surveys, one for wireless and
interoperability and information-sharing will
the other for IT, are snapshots of current and
need to consider the implications of evolving
planned telecommunications and IT activities,
technologies, and how they can be efficiently
organized state-by-state. That is, they present the
accommodated.
current assets, and what is planned to upgrade or
replace them. It is important to know what the Internal and external factors are those issues that
state and local agencies presently have, so as to can (or will) influence the selection of an
not offer interoperability approaches that will approach for interoperability or information
cause them unwarranted technical effort or sharing. That is, they are political,
excessive cost. These survey reports document legal/regulatory, or cultural conditions that can
the types of systems and networks used by each restrict the number of viable or practical choices.
state for various governmental functions (law Internal factors are those that are imposed by
enforcement, corrections, judiciary/courts, fire, those in the community, and may be able to be
etc.) based on published or website data. No changed. External factors are derived by others,
attempt is made to conduct personal interviews to and normally cannot be altered or deleted.
fine-tune the gathered data, because users’ Documents SP–00–0008 and SP–00–0009
representatives will thoroughly review (and address such factors as state privacy laws (that
validate) all Preparation Phase documents during restrict or closely control the access to, and
the early stages of the Implementation Phase. exchange of, certain data on individuals) and
radio frequency assignments of the Federal
Technology Descriptions (contained in
Communications Commission (FCC) and the
documents SP–00–0006 and SP–00–0007)
National Telecommunications and Information
provide an objective view of current and
Administration (NTIA).

36 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


All of the documents summarized above provide operations. The Standards Committee related to
input to their respective Strategic Plans and may IT information sharing will use SP–00–0014 to
actually be considered as components or fashion an effective approach. A similar
“sections” of the Strategic Plans. As separate document will outline the design and workings of
documents, these information sources can be the Wireless Interoperability Standards
revised or updated individually without requiring Committee.
the others to be modified. That is, they are
FY2001 Implementation Phase
independent by design. However, the Strategic
Activities
Plans, which consider (and use) the data from all
these sources, probably would be affected by In order to begin the Implementation Phase of the
most significant changes in these documents. AGILE Standards process, formal standards
Strategic Plans, therefore, are re-examined when committees will need to be established and
input data have changed, to determine if the convened. Recognized officials from the
approaches need to be refined. criminal justice and public safety communities
will be sought to represent the users in the
The last documents that are developed as part of highest-level committees. At the same time,
the Preparation Phase are shown in Figure 1 as working groups of technical experts will be
residing within the Strategic Plans themselves. organized and convened to confront detailed
This is because they are not as independent as the technical issues that arise during higher-level
other information sources, and in fact need to discussions. OLES will develop agendas,
consider the other sources in their development. discussion points, white papers, and other aids
The Data Model (SP–00–0010) document (shown that can be used to structure and advance the
only in the IT Standards Strategic Plan) provides work of the committees and working groups.
a framework for creating a common intermediate
representation of key CJ/PS data elements to OLES will present the standards committees with
enable broader information sharing capability. the Preparation Phase documents (described
The data model, which will be completed with above) as draft documents to be validated, and
the help of the user-experts in the Implementation then used by the committees.
Phase, will outline the actual scenario under After the standards committees have all relevant
which data will be accessed and transferred, and background material, and approved procedures to
will include data format guidelines, conduct business, OLES will begin providing
communications protocol guidelines, and standards to them in a structured fashion. The
operational guidelines. The suite of IT identification and compilation of formal
Standards, then, will accommodate the data documents that are associated with standards
model; that is, make the concepts possible. activities is a huge task. It is estimated that
The NIJ/AGILE Standards Organization and telecommunications and IT standards may
Procedures document (SP–00–0011) is the already number between 5000 and 10000
general strawman for conducting formal documents. In addition, there are some 1200
“Implementation” business in both the Wireless active SDO specifications/agreements that may
Interoperability Standards Development and IT find their way to becoming formal standards.
Information-Sharing Standards Development The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
activities. The procedures document outlines the alone has some 450 documents that specify the
structure and operational functions of the Internet and its operations.
organizations that will eventually present The IETF documents will be reviewed and
proposed standards to NIJ for adoption as NIJ analyzed as a good starting point to expedite
Standards. Before standards can be proposed, standardization of IT interoperability (and IT
however, the appropriate standards committees mobility, i.e., wireless access to the IT network
will identify standards candidates and evaluate framework). Even with 450 documents,
their applicability and worth in satisfying users' however, it is fairly certain that they will not
requirements (within the context of certain provide the necessary characterization of virtual
architectural models). private networks (VPNs), multi-level security
In addition to the general strawman found in SP– techniques, and transfer mechanisms required for
00–0011, two other documents will be used by criminal justice or public safety operations. New
the respective Standards Committees to more documents will need to be developed and offered
specifically describe their organization and to the IETF and the SDOs for review and
adoption.

Office of Law Enforcement Standards


ds 37

37
In conjunction with standards “discovery,” it will ! Provided a presentation at the 2000
be necessary to analyze the available (and International Symposium on Advanced Radio
emerging) IT and telecommunications standards Technologies (ISART). The presentation, entitled
and SDO specifications and agreements for “The Effect of Evolving IT Applications on
applicability to satisfying the needs of the Broadband Wireless Requirements,”
criminal justice and public safety communities. characterized (AGILE) public safety needs in
The salient characteristics of the standards and terms of required broadband wireless system
agreements, and the results of the analysis for design specifications.
each, will then be documented. Furthermore, it
will be necessary to harmonize the diversified
! Published NIJ Guide 201–99, “Video
Surveillance Equipment Selection and
requirements of the (wireless)
Application Guide." This guide educates law
telecommunications users with those of the
enforcement and corrections agencies in the cost-
(wireline) information technology users to ensure
effective and application-specific selection of
that all end-to-end system interoperability issues
video surveillance equipment. The guide pays
are adequately addressed, including performance.
particular attention to delineating the technical
As potential interoperability approaches are
parameters that most influence operational
derived, simulations and/or laboratory testing
performance of video gear used by police to
may be needed to assess the viability and
collect evidence or provide safety.
effectiveness of the schemes.
OLES will act as the secretariat for the standards
! Submitted NIJ Guide 202–99, “Antenna
System Guide,” to NIJ sponsor for approval. In
organization during its initial operation, and as
this guide, the reader is provided with sufficient
NIJ standards are adopted. Where necessary,
understanding of the fundamentals,
standard profiles will be developed and adopted
characteristics, and functions of antennas to
to further define the particular technical
enable him or her to develop requirements and
specifications of the standards that are
discuss antennas with vendors, installers, repair
implemented. Therefore, it will be required to
shops, and others. This information is generally
construct and maintain a relational database
restricted to the kind of antenna systems used by
containing lists of adopted standards and their
law enforcement agencies.
profiles, as well as the actual documents.
Publications
Accomplishments
NIJ Guide 201–99, “Video Surveillance Equipment Selection
! Completed the AGILE Strategic Plan for and Application Guide,” October 1999.
developing IT Information-Sharing Standards, as
NIJ Guide 202–99, “Antenna System Guide,” under NIJ
well as all of its accompanying documents. This review.
finished the Preparation Phase for IT standards
development. All background documents for the
Wireless Standards Strategic Plan were also
developed; however, the Strategic Plan
associated with wireless telecommunications
interoperability requires additional information
related to the members of the standards
committees and working groups.
! Performed a formal technical evaluation of
an audio gateway device. This was accomplished
as part of the technology evaluation function for
the AGILE Program. Labeled a “cross-banding
technology,” the equipment allows the
interoperation of dissimilar wireless
telecommunication systems, e.g., between very
high frequency (VHF) radios and ultra-high
frequency radios. An evaluation report was
provided to NIJ for dissemination to public safety
agencies.

38 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory


Office of Law Enforcement Standards
Organization (810.02)
For additional information about the Office of Law Enforcement Standards, please visit our
Web sites at http://www.eeel.nist.gov/oles or http://www.nlectc.org. Staff may be contacted
at the following telephone extensions (301–975–XXXX):

Name Title Extension

Kathleen Higgins Director, OLES 2754

Thomas Russell Special Assistant to the Director 2665

Sharon Lyles Administrative Support Assistant 2757

Marilyn Leach Secretary 2756

Susan Ballou Program Manager, Forensic Sciences 8750

Alim Fatah Program Manager, Chemical Systems and Materials 2753

George Lieberman Program Manager, Detection, Inspection and 4258


Enforcement Technologies

Kirk Rice Program Manager, Weapons and Protective Systems 8071

Nathaniel Waters Engineering Technician 5128

Office of Law Enforcement Standards 39


January 2001

For additional information contact:


Telephone: (301) 975-2757
Facsimile: (301) 948-0978
On the Web: http://www.eeel.nist.gov/810.02

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