***THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION***
Check back regularly for updates and definitely come back during National Forensic Science Week 2026 for the full features and downloadable resources!
The Forensic Resource Hub
Good forensic work doesn't have to come with a forensic sized price tag. This page was created to be a home for low or no cost resources, recommendations and budget friendly finds.
Here you'll find educational resources, training aids, equipment recommendations, DIY ideas and some of my favorite forensic finds - all aimed at helping you stretch limited resources without sacrificing the quality of your work or educational endeavors. Whether you have a training budget, a tiny equipment budget or the ever popular "what budget?" I hope you find something here that helps.
**Stay tuned for the launch of my free downloadable resources - my gift to you coming during the 2026 National forensic science week! **
The resources and external websites shared on this page are provided for educational and information purposes only. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement, and I am not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, availability or content of any third-party website or resource. However, I will do my best to monitor these websites and share the most relevant data available. Should any of the links become inactive or you become aware of fraudulent or misleading information, please contact me at info@forensicjunkie.com for review of the stated concern. Thank you!
Equipment and Tools
This list includes recommendations for low cost or free forensic equipment alternatives, templates, worksheets, reference cards and more.
This group of idea lists includes ideas for supplies needed for training, low cost forensic options, CSI and law enforcement must haves and a page dedicated to all the fun to have items for home and office. These links are Amazon Affiliate links, which means I make a small amount from each sale generated through these links. The money generated from this will help fund the continuation of this page for no cost!
I will do my best to keep linked updated as items become unavailable and always adding new items as I'm able to test them out.
Plastic instrument boxes available from medidose.com have a similar feel, size and appearance to those common small plastic boxes from forensic sites with a much lower sticker price.
These boxes are easy to sterilize since they're medical grade plastic and are great for creating kits.
Forensic Education & Training
This section includes free or low cost webinars, online courses, recorded lectures, virtual training, free downloadable books/journals and educational videos. Click on the title to open the resource in another page.
This website provides webinars from Bode Technology, a self-identified leading expert in the field of DNA. They are committed to helping individuals in the justice system increase their technical knowledge of DNA identification testing through our training, consulting and validation services. Our goal is to help law enforcement and identification markets expand their technical expertise through the use of best practices applied to forensic and DNA technologies.
Webinars are live and recorded options are also available. These are free to view once registration is completed.
This website offers free training and resources relating to fire investigations, including programs that address evidence collection, processing and photography at a fire scene.
This website provides information regarding educational institutions and a recommendation career guide for aspiring CSIs.
Death investigation academy provides specialized, accredited training in the field of Medicolegal Death Investigation. Although their training requires a fee, webinars are often available under $100 and they also offer training bundles.
The library is a collaboration between Florida International University (FIU) and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). It contains newly published articles and reports covering every major forensic discipline free to download. New material is added regularly and the website allows individuals to search for topics and subscribe to the Library Daily Digest for updated information.
This website is a projected backed by the national forensic technology center at FIU and the Bureau of Justice Assistance - US Department of Justice. It includes an overview on numerous forensic topics such as photography, bloodstain pattern analysis and the ability to download the information in PDF Format.
The Journal of Forensic Sciences (JFS) is the official publication of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). This journal provides free resources on a large number of topics. Some of the most notable ones, or ones I found most useful will also be linked here for additional individual reference.
UV 365 as an Alternative Light Source for Detection of Blood Serum
National Computer Forensic Institute (NCFI) training courses are offered to state and local law enforcement, prosecutors and judges through funding from the federal government. Travel, lodging, equipment (in some classes), and course fees are provided at no costs to attendees or their agencies.
Nominations for this training must be made through your local secret service office.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) hosts numerous scheduled and on-demand events and training opportunities regarding issues in criminal justice research and technology, including an entire page of training dedicated solely to forensics.
Additionally, NIJ offers funding opportunities through grants and compiles research information for statistical reporting.
This website is maintained by the FBI and details the laws surrounding DNA collection, functions of CODIS, NDIS and the contributions from contributing entities.
Standards, Guidelines and Best Practices
This section includes OSAC links, technical working group materials and standards published or in consideration by accreditation bodies . Click on the title to open the resource in another page.
RTI International is an independent scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. They partner with communities, businesses, universities and government representatives to use science to solve daily challenges using science.
Their forensic page focuses on improving the current state of forensics and the use of science the criminal justice system. Their site includes links to their podcasts with a forensic topic, resources and links to useful pages.
This standards library from the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science includes a registry of it's own published and proposed standards, as well as those published and in development from standards developing organizations (SDO) on several different topics in forensic science.
The Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence assists with creating standards relating to multimedia evidence by cooperating with organizations that address this subject matter. In addition to computer and mobile forensic they cover audio, imaging, photography and video evidence.
The American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) is a professional organization that covers multiple disciplines within forensic science. Their goal is to enhance the accuracy, precision, and specificity of the forensic sciences. Although they're a professional organization they're listed here for their contribution to the creation of operational standards, standards checklists and standards worksheets They also have webinars geared towards understanding their standards and accreditation requirements.
Firearms and Shooting Investigations
This section includes ammunition references, firearm manufacturer information, technical publications and subject matter expert information. Click on the title to open the resource in another page.
This website, run by ammo.com, has tables of information for different available cartridges including caliber information, bullet diameter, case length and overall length.
The AFTE Glossary provides a standardized list of commonly used forensic terms related to their discipline that have been approved by the AFTE standardization committee and Board of Directors.
This page includes full information regarding all of the available ammunition by Berger Bullets.
This training program is provided free of charge from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Although this course offering is now archived and is no longer being updated, the base information provides numerous resources regarding firearms investigations.
This website is maintained by the International ammunition association and includes information regarding current and historical headstamp impressions to assist with identification of cartridge manufacturers.
This website is maintained by the Association for Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) and includes photographs and information regarding cartridge manufacture and caliber information based on impressions located in the headstamp of cartdges. There is an additional section to assist with obtaining information from ammunition boxes.
This website also allows you to contribute your own information regarding ammunition to continue to grow the headstamp gallery.
Professional Organizations
There is no better source of information than the subject matter experts themselves. These organizations offers professional updates, networking opportunities, conferences and free training opportunities to their membership. Most organizations also offer yearly conferences, which although they're paid, offer the opportunity for high quality training on a variety of topics in one location.
The International Association for Identification (IAI) needs no introduction and is the premier international source for forensic information, training and standardization. Every year they host a conference which offers the most comprehensive variety of training lectures, workshops and networking opportunities in one location getting the most "bang for your buck" when spending training dollars.
Those that choose to become members also save on their conference fees and certification test costs. The IAI also offers free member webinars and resources, including the Journal of Forensic Identification (JFI) which is released quarterly.
This is the local chapter of the IAI based in the great state of Wisconsin. A yearly conference is held and a free members website offers networking and resource sharing. Beginning in Fall 2026 members will have access to free webinars on a variety of forensic topics.
The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) is a nonprofit professional society of crime laboratory directors and forensic science managers dedicated to providing excellence in forensic science through leadership and innovation. They offer webinars through their train the director series, a validation and verification repository, and other resources.
This is an association of practitioners in the field of firearms and tool mark analysis. They offer a yearly conference, an AFTE journal for members, a forum that is open to the public and membership. A link to the AFTE Glossary is included under the firearms and shooting incident portion of this resource guide.
Social Media
It goes without saying networking is key to developing the relationships needed to gather information, share equipment and obtain low cost training. The below pages are great sources of information from either individual professionals/educators, IAI divisions or forensic companies all trying to make this forensic world a little bit better one catchy reel at a time.
Instagram Profiles are directly linked by clicking on the name of the individual profile, with additional pages such as Facebook, X, Youtube and more linked in the description.
Your favorite source for forensic merchandise, information and humor around forensics and law enforcement, but then again, maybe I'm a little bit biased.
Your favorite Koalified former CSI brings educational content, merchandise and mentorship with a side of fun. The owner, Jessica Liang, is a current forensic educator that brings her real life experience to the world of content creation and we all benefit!
Get in Touch
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