Forensics
This guide provides research tools and resources for forensic science students at Arizona State University, including databases, journals, books, and professional development opportunities.
Crime statistics
Access official crime data and forensic laboratory statistics for research and analysis. FBI Statistical Sources: Comprehensive crime data, including Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), and additional crime statistics and trend analysis.
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Census of Publicly Funded Forensic Crime Laboratories, 2009Data on laboratory workloads, backlogs, personnel, and resource allocation across U.S. forensic crime labs.
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Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (UCR Program) - FBIThe FBI’s UCR Program page provides national crime statistics, data tools, and reports on topics like hate crimes, use of force, and law enforcement safety.
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National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) - FBIThis FBI page explains the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which collects detailed crime data from law enforcement agencies to improve the accuracy, depth, and usefulness of U.S. crime statistics.
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UCR Publications (annual and historical reports)This FBI page lists Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) publications, including annual reports on crime, hate crimes, law enforcement officers killed and assaulted, and human trafficking, with links to the Crime Data Explorer for current data.
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FBI’s Crime Data Explorer (real-time crime data dashboard)This FBI Crime Data Explorer page shows national statistics on aggravated assault in the United States, including trends over the past five years, offender and victim demographics, weapon types, and related offenses.
Population Statistics
Essential demographic data for forensic research and statistical analysis.
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Decennial Census of Population and Housing (U.S. Census Bureau)This U.S. Census Bureau page explains the Decennial Census of Population and Housing, conducted every ten years to count all U.S. residents for congressional apportionment, and provides links to data, reports, news, and resources about recent and upcoming censuses.
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2020 Census Main PortalThis U.S. Census Bureau page provides an overview of the 2020 Census—the 24th national count and the first conducted online—with links to results, data quality reports, press releases, and technical documentation.
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Census Connections 1990-2020This Library of Congress guide lists official publications, reports, maps, and reference materials for the U.S. decennial censuses from 1990 to 2020, with links to online resources and catalog records.
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data.census.govThis is the U.S. Census Bureau’s official data portal, data.census.gov, where users can search, view, and download Census data through tables, maps, charts, and profiles.
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American Community Survey (ACS) - U.S. Census BureauThe American Community Survey (ACS) page on census.gov explains that the ACS is an ongoing U.S. Census Bureau survey providing detailed yearly data on the nation’s people, housing, and economy to help guide community planning and policy decisions.
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Latest ACS Data ReleasesThis U.S. Census Bureau page provides information about American Community Survey (ACS) data releases, including links to current and past release schedules, new data highlights, table and geography changes, and press kits. It also offers access to earlier years’ releases (2007–2024) and related ACS resources.
Training opportunities (National Institute of Justice)
Free online courses and professional development resources from the National Institute of Justice covering statistical methods and population genetics essential for DNA analysis in forensic science. You can explore these resources to access free, self-paced training relevant to forensic science and DNA analysis.
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NIJ-Hosted Online Training Courses – National Institute of JusticeFind courses in forensic science, crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, statistics, report writing, and more.
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Population Genetics and Statistics for Forensic Analysts | NIJ Online CourseCovers population genetics concepts, allele frequencies, the Hardy-Weinberg principle, and statistical approaches in forensic DNA analysis. Includes lesson modules and interactive resources.