Scientific Working Groups

Scientific Working Groups (SWGs) consist of scientific subject-matter experts who collaborate to determine best practices and to develop consensus standards. While each SWG has a unique charge and mission, the overarching goal is to improve the processes within a particular area of forensic science.

Acronym Full Name Year Started
FISWG Facial Identification Scientific Working Group
 2009
SWGFEX Scientific Working Group for Fire and Explosive Scenes
 1998
(TWGFEX 1999)
SWGGUN Scientific Working Group for Firearms and Toolmarks
 1998
SWGANTH Scientific Working Group for Forensic Anthropology
 2008
SWGDOC Scientific Working Group for Forensic Document Examination
 1999
(TWGDOC 1997)
SWGGEO Scientific Working Group for Geological Materials 2011
SWGIT Scientific Working Group for Imaging Technology
 1999
(TWGIT 1997)
SWGTREAD Scientific Working Group for Shoeprint and Tire Tread Evidence
 2004
SWGDRUG Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs
 1999
(TWGDRUG 1997)
SWGWILD Scientific Working Group for Wildlife Forensics
 2011
SWGSTAIN Scientific Working Group on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
 2002
SWGDE Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence
 1998
SWGDVI Scientific Working Group on Disaster Victim Identification
 2010
SWGDAM Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods
 1999
(TWGDAM 1988)
SWGDOG Scientific Working Group on Dogs and Orthogonal Detection Guidelines
 2004
SWGTOX Scientific Working Group on Forensic Toxicology
 2009
SWGFAST Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology
 1998
(TWGFAST 1995)
SWGGSR Scientific Working Group on Gun Shot Residue
 2007
SWGMAT Scientific Working Group on Materials Analysis
 1996
(TWGFIBE 1992)
SWGMDI Scientific Working Group on Medicolegal Death Investigation
 2011