Forensic Cluster

To become more operationally focused and to promote cross-cluster initiatives, CRTI established the Forensic Cluster in 2004. The Forensic Cluster addresses challenges common to the science clusters by leveraging its intimate working relationship with emergency managers, first responders, and other end-users of CBRNE technologies. Through collaborative efforts and workshops, the Forensic Cluster is working to promote interoperability among responder and operational communities.

The Cluster’s future objectives include the following tasks:

• Expanding the Cluster’s membership to include more first responders and safety officers;



• Identifying Canadian CBRNE background levels for remediation, intelligence gathering, and forensic purposes;



• Determining the storage stability of toxins in crime scene exhibits;



• Conducting studies and experiments to define level and duration of CBRNE response capabilities across the response spectrum; and



• Urban planning modeling for CBRNE response.

Members of the Cluster will also work to develop rapid, reliable, on-site hazard recognition, as well as detection equipment and intelligence applications for first responders and emergency dispatchers. A test and evaluation capability based on science and technology (S&T) is also required to assist operational communities in making timely, informed, and science-based equipment-acquisition decisions.