Indianapolis, – Recently, the United States Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, announced the appointment of Indiana State Police (ISP) Forensic Scientist Melissa Oberg to the National Commission on Forensic Science.
Oberg has been selected to serve as a member of the Physics/Pattern Scientific Area Committee’s (SAC’S) Firearms & Toolmarks Subcommittee within the organization of Scientific Area Committee’s (OSAC). The appointment is an initial 3 year term.
The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science works to strengthen the nation’s use of forensic science by facilitating the development of technically sound forensic science standards and by promoting the adoption of those standards by the forensic science community.
These standards are written documents that define minimum requirements, best practices, standard protocols, and other guidance to help ensure that the results of forensic analysis are reliable and reproducible.
OSAC is administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), but the great majority of its more than 550 members are from other government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. These members have expertise in twenty-five specific forensic disciplines, as well as general expertise in scientific research, measurement science, statistics, law, and policy.
OSAC members work together to develop and evaluate forensic science standards via a transparent, consensus-based process that allows for participation and comment by all stakeholders.
The Firearms and Toolmarks Subcommittee focuses on standards and guidelines related to the examination of firearm and toolmark evidence. This includes the comparison of microscopic toolmarks on bullets, cartridge cases, and other ammunition components and may also include firearm function testing, serial number restoration, muzzle-to-object distance determination, tools, and toolmarks.
“Melissa’s appointment to the Organization of Scientific Area Committees is a credit to her technical expertise and professional standing in the forensic science community. Her appointment serves as a fine example of the quality that our scientists employ as part of their job duties and responsibilities on a daily basis,†said Laboratory Division Commander, Major Steven Holland. “She is very deserving of this appointment and we are pleased to see a representative from the Indiana State Police on such an important national level committee.â€
Melissa works at the Indianapolis Laboratory Division and is a 10 year employee of the Indiana State Police. She lives with her husband in Marion County.
