IFI Research
IFI Program Highlights
The IFI research and development mission is to study and advance the science and use of science and technology in criminal justice. To this end, state-of-the-art technology has been assembled and integrated to form a research facility capable of performing the several of the functions found in the most sophisticated law enforcement labs.
In addition to the Institute's scientific investigations, the laboratory personnel perform consulting work to help law enforcement agencies with current problems and capability upgrades. Combining research and consulting activities assures that IFI staff members are aware of both the user’s needs and the latest technology. IFI laboratory personnel also keep contacts with companies which provide technology products. With this first-hand input from both technology users and providers, IFI is in a good position to develop effective solutions that will have long-range benefits. IFI is not a vendor of any particular company's products and, thus, is able to offer advice that addresses clients' needs and interests in the application and selection of the best available forensic imaging equipment.
Through its links to IUPUI and Wolf Technical Services, Inc., IFI is able to bring several disciplines and a strong knowledge base to bear on development and consulting projects. It has worked with faculty, staff, and students from various professional schools and colleges. In addition, experts from industry and law enforcement have been engaged to serve on advisory boards and support specific programs.
Jennifer Dickinson
Indiana Forensic Institute
9855 Crosspoint Boulevard
Suite 126
Indianapolis, Indiana 46256-3336
Phone: 317.356.0245
E:Mail: jdickinson@wolftechnical.com
DIRECTIONS TO OUR NEW BUILDING
The Indiana Forensic Institute (IFI) was established on the Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus in June, 1995 in response to an increased worldwide concern with crime. Citizens and criminal justice officials strongly expressed a need for operational and technological advances in their fight against crime. Advances in forensic imaging technology were often cited as an important component that would be useful for investigations and in the courtroom.
Starting in 2001, IFI, became an independent 501 (c)(3) cooperation, moved to an off-campus location and developed a strategic alliance with the Indiana University School of Informatics. Over the years, IFI has collaborated with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Indiana, the Hudson Institute and several Criminal Justice agencies. IFI courses are certified by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.In the fall of 2008, IFI developed a close association with Wolf Technical Services, Inc., a forensic engineering company located in Indianapolis. Also, IFI, which teaches courses for the Purdue School of Science, and started a process to increase its portfolio from just imaging to a broad spectrum of forensic science disciplines. Accordingly, the name was changed from the Institute for Forensic Imaging to the Indiana Forensic Institute. Development of new offerings is now in progress.
The mission of The Indiana Forensic Institute is to help improve the effectiveness of the law-related investigations and trials through:
High-quality training and consulting which can expand and enhance investigators' capabilities assure more probative testimony in hearings and at trials.
Research and development activities, which lead to both publication of scholarly papers, books and manuals, as well as consultations and testing to improve the quality of practical devices