2024 Forensic Focus Group (FFG) formerly known as NCFSG

Our mission is to provide law enforcement agencies with no-cost forensic training, educational materials, and support in all forensic disciplines.

The Forensic Focus Group, formerly known as the Northern California Forensic Study Group (NCFSG) fosters learning by working with scientists, educators, and inventors to create an academically enriching environment for the forensic community.

The Historical Path

The Northern California Laser Study Group started in the late 1980s for the purpose of discussing day to day use of lasers in criminal casework.

In 1997 the group changed its name to the Northern California Forensic Identification Study Group to incorporate other forensic topics like testimony, fingerprint standards, Daubert issues, and product demonstrations.

In 2011 the group changed its name to Fingerprint Study Group with the focus solely on fingerprint issues.

In 2012 the group changed its name to the Northern California Forensic Study Group (NCFSG) to provide forensic training, collaboration, and an open venue between law enforcement agencies to discuss all that is forensics.

In 2024 the group changed its name to the Forensic Focus Group (FFG). During the COVID pandemic, all meetings and workshops were conducted virtually via Zoom which allowed attendees outside of Northern California to participate. It was decided by the group that future meetings and workshops should be conducted virtually. The Forensic Focus Group will continue to provide forensic training, collaboration, and an open venue between law enforcement agencies to discuss all forensic topics.