NCJ Number
211904
Date Published
2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This report briefly describes four law enforcement technology-related projects and programs under task for standards development by the National Institute of Justice's, Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES).
Abstract
The Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES), located in Maryland and funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (NIJ), works on several technology-related projects and programs to benefit the public safety community. Four of these projects and programs are described in this report. First, every firearm has its own set of unique characteristics that leave a signature on the bullets and casings it fires. Most ballistic laboratories use the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) to match bullets. To help maintain the high standards, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), home to OLES, developed the Research Material 8240 Standard Reference Material (SRM) bullet. An SRM has had specific values verified and is certified by NIST. Secondly, the OLES bomb suit standards project is attempting to establish minimum performance requirements and testing methods for bomb suits that are used by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel. Third, OLES is heading a study that may lead to more accurate drug testing results while protecting arrestees' and inmates' civil rightsthe use of saliva testing. Saliva can be collected under full observation and appears to reflect blood-drug concentrations accurately. Lastly, OLES is studying human reaction to pepper sprays. With concerns from law enforcement, corrections and the public on the pepper spray products' performance, legal issues, and medical safety, OLES has undertaken a study to produce data for use in developing minimum pepper spray performance standards.