Lectures

The Wealthy Forensic Scientist  - Forensic scientists work hard every day to help others. Since you are here to improve your professional skills, take an hour and a half to also invest in yourself and your family’s future. This lecture provides a simple financial framework anyone can use. Learn how to maximize your hard-earned money through government-provided investment accounts and work toward becoming "the wealthy forensic scientist."

10 Things Everyone Should Know (& Do) About Attending External Training - Don’t just show up for a conference or training event; learn how the trainee, analyst, technical lead, and manager can all get the most from each new training experience. Shared from the perspective of a forensic trainer who has created, instructed, and attended countless forensic identification courses, this lecture provides the listener with important insight on attendance expectations, instructor communication, attendance follow-up, and even insight on how to host your own training course. Get the most out of attending conference workshops, lectures, and forensic provider training courses!

Human Factors: The Benefits of Errors During Training - Forensic laboratory culture tends to punish technical and administrative errors—even in the learning process. This seems to mirror most American educational beliefs; however, growing research—and an international perspective—supports that people learn from errors. Errors can then be leveraged during training exercises to improve learning outcomes and build better analysts. This discussion focuses around an NIJ-RTI International sponsored working group comprised of both forensic and cognitive scientists whose final goal is to provide a sourcebook on human factors to the forensic science community.

Real Transparency in Latent Print Testimony - For years, an often-overused reason for making changes in the field of latent print identification has been, “It’s more transparent”. If something is more transparent but also harder for a jury to understand, is it truly better? This lecture will demonstrate an efficient and practical way to be transparent and helpful in court with every latent print examination.

The 6 Rules of Courtroom Testimony - This lecture outlines the six fundamental rules of courtroom testimony for all forensic scientists. Stop spending your career worrying about court; understanding these essential rules will empower any forensic expert to be a more confident and effective witness.

Beat the Board - Crime Scene Investigator Edition - Landing a Crime Scene Investigator position requires more than technical knowledge, it requires knowing how to successfully navigate the hiring process. This session prepares aspiring CSIs for the interview process by covering common interview formats, frequently asked questions, effective response strategies, and ways to stand out from other candidates. Attendees will also learn how to ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate professionalism and leave a lasting impression on hiring panels.

Biometric Systems Management and Strategy - Managing a modern biometric system requires far more than selecting technology. This interactive lecture will examine the decisions and risks that shape a biometric program throughout its lifecycle, from initial strategy and funding through procurement, implementation, operations, and eventual replacement. Topics will include emerging biometric technology, regional and multi-county systems, funding strategies, cloud versus on-premises pricing, realistic budgets and lifecycle costs, requirements development, procurement approaches and tools, vendor evaluation, contract protections, data migration, acceptance, support, and end-of-life planning. Walt Stelz will lead the session, incorporating focused case studies from California agencies with recent ABIS procurement, contracting, implementation, and upgrade experience. Attendees will be encouraged to discuss their own challenges throughout the presentation and will leave with practical lessons for making better technology decisions, managing project and vendor risk, and building biometric programs that remain effective and supportable over time. 

IAI CLPE Requirements –  This lecture will provide an overview of the IAI certified latent print examiner testing process with a focus on certification requirements, challenges, and available resources. This presentation will also review potential strategies and a timeline for preparation. By attending this class, you will have a better understanding of the testing expectations and a clear path forward on how to become a certified latent print examiner.

Beyond the Visible: Practical Applications of Full-Spectrum Photography - Full-spectrum photography can document evidence that may be difficult or impossible to visualize using conventional photography, yet many of its forensic applications remain underutilized. This course explores the practical use of ultraviolet, infrared, and other alternate light-source (ALS) photography techniques through examples from actual casework, including injury documentation, blood and biological evidence, shooting evidence, fraud, and adult and pediatric death investigations. Attendees will learn fundamental techniques, equipment considerations, practical applications, common challenges, limitations, and troubleshooting encountered in both laboratory and field settings. Newer technology, including the Foster + Freeman Crime-lite AUTO, will also be discussed. The course will address presenting full-spectrum photographic evidence in the courtroom, including techniques, results, and limitations explained in understandable terms. The presentation will conclude with an in-depth case study of a staged suicide homicide investigation, demonstrating how full-spectrum photography contributed to the documentation and interpretation of evidence within the overall investigation.

Balancing Burnout - We have experienced or are teetering on the edge of it. The reality is our jobs are demanding mentally, physically, and emotionally, and sometimes we get stuck when trying to come back to ourselves. In this presentation and workshop, we will bring awareness to burnout and its effects, identify resources for regulation, and end with gentle movement for the body and mind. You will be left equipped with ways to identify burnout, integrate mindfulness into your daily life, and regulate your nervous system for your overall well-being, and to extend your longevity in your career.

Workshops

Collection of Footwear Impressions" to include hands-on photographing, casting, dry-casting in water, cleaning and photographing casts, and lifting 2D impressions (Limit: 12) - This workshop will repeat on Thursday morning. This workshop is intended for entry-level crime scene investigators seeking foundational training in impression evidence recovery. Emphasis will be placed on the forensic value of footwear impressions, which are frequently underutilized despite their evidentiary potential. Participants will receive instruction in the proper documentation and recovery of three-dimensional impressions through photographic techniques and casting methods in substrates such as soil and mud, including dry-casting in aqueous environments. The course will also cover post-recovery procedures, including cleaning and photographing casts, as well as techniques for locating, enhancing, photographing, and lifting two-dimensional impressions from non-porous surfaces. This workshop has been approved by the IAI for 4 hours of training credit toward crime scene certification.

Required equipment:  Cameras with with external flash and sync cord. 

Suggested equipment: Tripod.

The Things We Miss From Crime Scene Observation to Defensible Conclusions (Limit 20) - Crime scene reconstruction requires investigators to look beyond individual items of evidence and evaluate how findings relate to one another within the totality of the scene. This four-hour interactive workshop explores the integration of bloodstain patterns and physical evidence to identify evidence relationships, evaluate event sequencing, and develop defensible reconstructions. Participants will work through a case scenario, examine scene findings, identify significant bloodstain patterns and physical evidence, and determine what conclusions are supported by the available information. Through hands-on analysis and group investigative challenges, participants will develop and test possible reconstructions while considering alternative explanations, contradictory findings, assumptions, bias, and limitations. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing observation from interpretation, recognizing what the evidence supports versus what it merely suggests, and clearly articulating evidence-based conclusions that can withstand investigative and courtroom scrutiny.

From DSLR to Mirrorless: Modernizing the CSI Photography Program (Limit 20) - As camera manufacturers continue moving away from DSLR systems, crime scene units are increasingly faced with adopting mirrorless technology. This workshop examines what that change means for both forensic photographers and the agencies they serve. Attendees will explore key differences between DSLR and mirrorless systems, including electronic viewfinders, autofocus and manual focusing tools, shutter options, image stabilization, flash photography, lens compatibility, and other features relevant to crime scene documentation. Through hands-on exercises, participants will experience both the advantages and potential pitfalls of mirrorless technology in forensic applications. The workshop will also address equipment selection, standardized camera settings, training considerations, and strategies for successfully transitioning an established CSI photography program. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own DSLR or mirrorless camera and compatible external flash, if available. A limited number of mirrorless cameras will be available for shared hands-on exercises.

Required equipment:  Camera (DSLR or Mirrorless)

Basic Distortion - abstract coming soon

Other

Testing for CSI, CSA & SCSA will take place in the Captain's Meeting Room (Building 1; 2nd floor), on Tuesday ONLY. You must apply for certification through the IAI and complete all their requirements. You may let them (IAI) know that you intend to take your test at the Western Regional Conference. You will also need to notify Jessica Callinan, via email, so she can coordinate communication between the proctor and you. If you are willing to proctor for other disciplines, send an email to csdiai.2027@gmail.com with "Proctoring" on the title.

Early Morning Activities

Press Play - Physical activity is a boost for your brain and body, so come start your day on a different and fun note. In this window of time, you’ll be guided through gentle stretching, movement, and breath.  Join Danica Scales to prime your mind, energize your body, and "press play" to your day.  Please wear comfortable clothing to move in. We will also be on the floor for some segments, you may bring a yoga mat, blanket, or towel for your comfort. 

Lectures

Bloodstain Pattern Classification (Interactive) - This is an interactive lecture on bloodstain pattern classification. A BPA decision-making flowchart will be used as a tool (Bevel and Gardener, 2021.) BPA terminology (ASB, 2017) will also be used. Students will practice their skills by analyzing projected photographs; discussion will take place throughout the lecture. With the remaining time available, students may walk around the room and analyze laminated bloodstain patterns. An answer sheet for the laminated patterns will be provided to ensure correct analysis.

The Architecture You Can’t See: Arch Pattern Analysis - In arch pattern analysis, the most critical information often hides in plain sight. This lecture explores this overlooked and misunderstood outlier, examining the unique challenges and advantages of its identification.

Utilizing Body Worn Camera (BWC) Recording to Guard Against Errors and Overstatements - Performing a thorough crime scene reconstruction typically involves the examination and review of a multitude of materials, to include crime scene documentation, evidence examination, review of laboratory analysis and autopsy/medical reports and photographs, etc. But how frequently are crime scene analysts requesting BWC recordings as part of that review? This lecture will discuss multiple cases where BWC recordings were utilized following examination of other materials (in an LSU fashion) to shed light on crime scene details and how those recordings were used to support specific conclusions, and guard against errors and overstatements.

Connecting with Command Staff: Turning Information into Influence - Connecting effectively with Command Staff is essential for forensic professionals who need their work to inform agencylevel decisions. This session, led by Lisa Rodelo and Kevin Toth, provides a clear, practical framework for communicating with Captains, Chiefs, and executive leaders. Participants will learn how to translate forensic findings into strategic value, highlight wins, articulate operational needs, and share information in ways that support timely, informed decision making. The lecture focuses on building trust, strengthening upward communication, and aligning investigative priorities with organizational goals. Attendees will gain actionable techniques for presenting critical issues, elevating the importance of their work, and ensuring their expertise contributes directly to leadership awareness and agency performance. Designed for members of police departments and sheriff’s offices, this session equips forensic investigators to engage Command Staff with clarity, confidence, and influence.

How to Give a Presentation - Many people believe that being a confident public speaker is beyond their reach or that they simply lack the gift. However, public speaking is not a talent reserved for a select few; it is a skill that anyone can learn. Developing this essential life skill will allow you to help others while elevating your own career. This lecture provides actionable techniques that can be applied to any speaking opportunity.

Missing Bullets? Homicide Case Review: Crime Scene and Autopsy Findings with Synthetic-Core Ammunition - Modern developments in ammunition technology have introduced lead-free, non-toxic alternatives designed to mitigate heavy metal exposure and reduce environmental impacts. However, these specialized projectiles present unique and highly challenging hurdles for forensic investigators, crime scene technicians, and forensic pathologists. This presentation reviews a homicide investigation involving synthetic core ammunition. We will conduct a comprehensive review of the crime scene evidence and the subsequent pathological findings. At the scene, typical physical evidence was notably different and at autopsy, the absence of a traditional lead core caused confusion. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of: the specific evidence left behind at crime scenes, autopsy considerations, the unique behavior of synthetic core ammunition, and potential destabilization/trajectory considerations. By analyzing this case study, forensic practitioners will learn how to recognize the distinct physical "signatures" of this ammunition, helping units identify and/or misinterpreting a projectile's disappearance. Disclaimer: This presentation will feature graphic autopsy photographs. 

Exploring Identical Twins Nature's Close Non-Match - Abstract coming soon.

Which came first? Blood Activity Level Issues & Can We Tell? - Abstract coming soon.

Emotional Wellness for the Forensic Investigator - Forensic practitioners spend their careers examining the aftermath of violence, tragedy, and loss. We photograph it, collect it, analyze it, reconstruct it—and then move on to the next case. But what happens when we don’t leave all of it at the scene? This presentation takes a candid and personal look at the emotional toll forensic work can have on the people behind the evidence. Through one practitioner’s journey, attendees will explore cumulative stress, traumatic and vicarious trauma, and the warning signs that we may recognize in everyone except ourselves. More importantly, the discussion focuses on looking out for one another, recognizing behavioral changes, asking meaningful questions, actively listening, and knowing when and where to seek help. We spend our careers taking care of the evidence, the investigation, and the case. Sometimes we need to remember to take care of ourselves—and each other.

Advancing in Forensics: A Workshop to Prepare You for Your Next Promotion - Preparing for a leadership role in forensic science begins long before a promotional opportunity becomes available. This session explores practical strategies for positioning yourself for advancement by building leadership skills, strengthening your professional reputation, and preparing for promotional interviews. Attendees will learn how to effectively answer common interview questions, present themselves with confidence, and develop the long-term habits that increase their chances of earning their next promotion.

Exclusions: A Problematic Conclusion?! - There has been much recent discussion on concept and practice of documenting and reporting exclusions. Week-long training courses have been created to assist us in formulating these conclusions as accurately as possible. But will training and discussion resolve the concern with the high rate of errors associated with exclusions? This lecture will discuss the possible differences in how we reach the conclusion of either ‘exclusion’ or ‘individualization’. Definition, policy and standards associated with exclusions will also be discussed, including ‘root cause’ assessment of casework involving erroneous exclusions. The lecture will conclude with a discussion of the possible cognitive factors that may affect the exclusion process.

Rethinking Forensic Practice: From Conventional Workflows to Accessible and Sustainable Technologies - Forensic techniques must evolve in response to environmental regulation, resource constraints, and advances in consumer technology. Conventional forensic light sources provide effective evidence detection but can be costly, bulky, and difficult to deploy outside established laboratories. Meanwhile, amino acid-sensitive fingermark treatments on porous surfaces traditionally depend on carrier solvents that face increasing regulatory and environmental pressures. These challenges have prompted the investigation of alternative approaches. Advances in smartphone cameras, computational imaging, narrowband LEDs, and optical filtration now offer opportunities for portable fluorescence examination of fingermarks, body fluids, and trace evidence. In parallel, automated vacuum deposition provides a potential solvent-free method for applying established amino acid-sensitive reagents. Comparative studies indicate effective fingermark development, reduced background staining, improved resistance to fading, and compatibility with subsequent DNA examination. Together, these developments demonstrate how established forensic principles can be translated into more accessible, sustainable, and operationally flexible workflows without abandoning the scientific foundations on which they depend.

Till Death Do Us Part: A Double Homicide and Attempted Suicide Involving a Mother and Her Two Children - This case study examines the investigation of 44-year-old Arizona mother Marilyn Kay Edge, who murdered her 10-year-old daughter, Faith, and 13-year-old son, Jaelen, who had special needs. After losing custody of the children to her former husband in Georgia, Edge brought them to a Santa Ana hotel room, administered cough syrup to sedate them, and drowned them in a bathtub.  The presentation follows the case across multiple states and jurisdictions—from the child-custody proceedings in Georgia and the family’s travel through Arizona to the double homicide in Santa Ana and Edge’s subsequent suicide attempt in Costa Mesa, California. Attendees will examine the investigative response, crime-scene findings, interagency coordination, and progression of the case. The presentation will also evaluate what investigators handled effectively, identify mistakes and challenges encountered during the investigation, and discuss practical lessons that forensic and law enforcement professionals can apply to future cases.

Workshops

Revealing the Invisible: Specialized CS Photography (Limit: 24) - This workshop will provide attendees with a foundational understating of specialized crime scene photography and evidence enhancement techniques commonly used in forensic investigations. You will be introduced to a variety of search and enhancement methods used to visualize and document  and preserve evidence that may be difficult or impossible to observe under normal lighting conditions. 

Hands-on instructions will include application and photographic documentation using the following chemicals: Bluestar, Leuco Crystal Violet, and Small Particle Reagent, in conjunction with ALS technology. Attendees will also gain insight in how to properly document and ensure accurate preservation for analysis, reporting and courtroom presentation

Required equipment: Camera & tripod

Suggested equipment: Battle light

Firearms Identification and Safe Handling (Limit 32) This class repeats after lunch- This class will educate the students on the different types of firearms they may encounter while working in law enforcement. We will cover the various types of firearms and learn how they operate. The students will learn how to safely handle and unload each firearm. This can be done using just PP and props, or, given the time and space, we will set up real firearms with dummy rounds and allow the students to physically handle the firearms and render them unloaded. If we use live firearms, they will be rendered inoperable prior to bringing them to the training. We will have a strict policy of no live ammunition in the classroom but these firearms are unable to be fired regardless.

Fingertips: Comparing Extreme Distal Impressions  (Limit 20) - Taken directly from the RS&A class Friction Ridge Symposium: Palms, Plantars, Tips and Toes, this three-hour workshop focuses on analyzing and comparing fingertip impressions—those tricky areas that are literately at the tip of our fingers! Practical exercises, visual demonstration, current research, and in-depth lectures will provide the attendee with a tangible experience and heuristic insight on how to effectively and efficiently compare routinely encountered fingertip impressions. This workshop is approved for credit toward both IAI Latent Print Certification and Recertification. Each attendee will need to bring a magnifying glass. Note: Attending Ten-print/Biometric analysts will need to have a firm understanding and a practical utilization of Level 2/Minutia features. 

Required equipment: Magnifying Glass

Comparison of Plantar Friction Ridge Impressions (Limit 20) - Due to their infrequent submission into forensic laboratories, friction ridge impressions originating from the foot/sole that have been recovered at the scene of a crime can challenge even the most tenured comparison analyst. This four-hour workshop is designed to provide the participant with the biological fundamentals, legal admissibility scenarios and a tangible practical comparison experience with plantar friction ridge impressions. This workshop will not address classification or recording techniques. This workshop is approved for four credit hours toward IAI Latent Print Certification/Recertification and one credit hour towards IAI courtroom testimony for initial certification applicants. 

Required equipment: Magnifying Glass

Early Morning & Evening Activities

Press Play (0700- 0730) - Physical activity is a boost for your brain and body, so come start your day on a different and fun note. In this window of time, you’ll be guided through gentle stretching, movement, and breath.  Join Danica Scales to prime your mind, energize your body, and "press play" to your day.  Please wear comfortable clothing to move in. We will also be on the floor for some segments, you may bring a yoga mat, blanket, or towel for your comfort. 

Double Loop Podcast: A Casual Conversation About All Things Forensics with Gap Science (0700- 0730) - Join Eric Ray and Glenn Langenburg chatting with Erin West and Ashley Church of Gap Science. You may bring your dinner, snacks and beverage.

Lectures

Preparing for a Career, Lateral Transfer, or Promotion in Forensics and Law Enforcement - Are you preparing to begin a career in forensics or law enforcement, transfer to another agency, or pursue a promotional opportunity? Designed for students, entry-level applicants, and experienced professionals, this lecture examines the essential steps needed to successfully compete for a new position or advancement—steps that are often overlooked during the preparation process. Attendees will learn practical dos and don’ts for each stage of the selection process, from completing the application and preparing a professional résumé to succeeding in oral interviews, background investigations, and other common assessments. The presentation will also address professional appearance, communication, preparation, and workplace expectations when beginning a new position. Participants will leave with practical strategies to present themselves confidently, avoid common mistakes, and improve their competitiveness in today’s forensic and law enforcement job market.

The Korean Case: Murder or Suicide? Bloodstain Pattern Analysis on a Decedent and Defendant's Bodies - This case involves a South Korean married couple; one deceased, the other arrested for murder. Do the bloodstain patterns on their bodies prove murder or suicide?

Smart Forensic Budgeting: Maximizing Resources and Justifying Your Needs - Managing a forensic unit's budget requires more than tracking expenses—it requires strategic planning and effective justification of resources. This session provides practical guidance on building and managing a budget, identifying funding priorities, and developing compelling justifications for equipment, personnel, and other operational needs. Attendees will also learn strategies for maximizing limited resources and monitoring spending throughout the fiscal year.

Overview of Latent Print Testing & What to Expect When Training Latent Print Examiners - This lecture reviews the effectiveness of different testing approaches for Latent Print Examiners and what is required to train a new examiner to achieve competency. Topics discussed include how people learn to compare fingerprints, the challenges when training new examiners, and what efforts can be made to shorten training times while increasing the impact of the training. This lecture also discusses how daily practice can provide examiners with valuable insights into their performance and increase accuracy of their analytical decisions.

Red, White, and Blew It: A Killer's 4th of July Mistake - In the summer of 2021, Fort Collins, Colorado saw two homicide cases involving victims experiencing homelessness. One victim was fatally stabbed beneath a bridge over the 4th of July weekend, followed by a second victim shot two weeks later in broad daylight. Was this the work of a serial predator, or were the murders unrelated? This presentation will provide an in-depth analysis of the forensic investigation, including crime scene processing and photography, bloodstain evidence, recovery and analysis of evidence, and area searches. Attendees will gain insights into investigative strategies, forensic methodologies, and the role of interagency collaboration in case resolution. The presentation will include a variety of scene and evidence images highlighting the challenges of connecting the two cases and identifying the suspect, along with critical lessons and takeaways from the investigation.

Creating an effective hiring process - This lecture will discuss the importance of a well thought out hiring process. This includes identifying traits and characteristics of your ideal employee, creating effective questions, and training your interview panel members on how to interview and interpret responses. 

The Magic Bullet:  A case study in Unsupported Discharges - This course will cover a real-world incident from the CSI perspective; beginning with the initial radio traffic, the scene processing and follow-up analysis, through the entire investigative process alongside Detectives. It will cover the pitfalls of allowing outside entities to influence findings and instill the reasons for letting your evidence guide you. It will additionally cover the reconstructive efforts, utilizing outside experts in mathematics, ammunition and firearms to test theories and create data sets. Case study includes discussions on photography, 3-D scanning, chemical testing, ALS/IR/UV, BWC analysis (video/audio), firearms and ammunition, strategies for developing reconstructive testing and presentation of information.

Perception & Cognition of Friction Ridge Impressions - This lecture provides a fundamental understanding of our visual perceptions through basic cognitive science terminology and tangible visual examples. Those terms and examples are then directly associated to friction ridge scenarios that friction ridge analysts routinely observe during the analysis, evaluation and comparison process. Hiring, testing, and the key traits cognitive scientists’ feel are needed in a perspective fingerprint analyst will also be discussed.

Forensics in Brazil: Understanding Brazil's Judicial System: From Police Department's Laboratories to Court-Appointed Experts - Brazil’s forensic system brings together professionals working in police laboratories, state scientific police agencies, Federal Police, the Judiciary, and private practice. Although they apply the same scientific principles, their legal roles, institutional positions, and responsibilities differ significantly. This class explains how Brazilian forensic expertise is organized, with particular attention to court-appointed forensic experts and technical assistants—professionals whose functions may be unfamiliar to an international audience.

Participants will follow an anonymized real case study showing how expert evidence is requested, produced, challenged, and presented in Brazilian judicial proceedings. The session will connect institutional structure with practical experience, highlighting both the strengths and challenges of a model in which forensic science operates from different seats at the table.

Workshops

Phalanges: Analysis and Comparison (Limit 20) - Expanded beyond concepts discussed in the RS&A class Latent Print Search & Comparison Techniques, this three-hour workshop focuses on analyzing and comparing the distinct ridge flow of phalange impressions. The Level 1/macro and Level 2/micro features of these impressions are demonstrated and then tangibly utilized through numerous comparison exercises dedicated specifically to the friction ridges of the medial and proximal phalanges. Shared contemporary terminology—explained and supported by OSAC’s Standard for Friction Ridge Examination Training Program—including searching smart heuristics will each assist the attendee with a better understanding and an applied comparison experience with these unique friction ridge impressions. 

Required equipment: Magnifying glass.

Implementing an Expanded Conclusion Scale (Limit TBD) - abstract coming soon.

Fundamentals of Photography (Limit 20) - Photography is essential to crime scene documentation, and it is imperative for investigators to understand how to take the best photograph to capture the scene or the evidence. This is an introductory workshop to photography that covers understanding the camera, the exposure triangle, metering, depth of field, and using manual. Students will learn to use the different modes (Auto/Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, and Manual). This workshop sets the foundation for advanced photography skills such as night photography and flash photography.

Required equipment: Camera, Flash, Batteries & SD Card.

Mastering Low Light Photography (Limit 20 - Evening 1800-2200HRS) - Understanding low light photography is essential to every crime scene investigator; however, mastering it can sometimes be tricky. This workshop will allow attendees to explore and practice the technical skills required for taking well exposed low light photographs. The workshop will cover camera settings using ambient light and artificial light sources. Attendees will learn painting with light techniques and some advanced low light techniques such as capturing laser trajectory. Whether you are a new CSI or have many years in the field, you will leave the workshop with a stronger grasp of low light photography techniques.

Required equipment: Camera, Tripod, Flashlight, Flash, Batteries & SD Card.

Early Morning Activities

Press Play - Physical activity is a boost for your brain and body, so come start your day on a different and fun note. In this window of time, you’ll be guided through gentle stretching, movement, and breath.  Join Danica Scales to prime your mind, energize your body, and "press play" to your day.  Please wear comfortable clothing to move in. We will also be on the floor for some segments, you may bring a yoga mat, blanket, or towel for your comfort. 

Lectures

Maintaining the Chain of Custody in Crime Scene Investigations/ Manteniendo la Cadena de Custodia en Investigaciones de Escenas de Crimen (in Spanish) - The integrity and admissibility of physical evidence depend on maintaining a complete and accurate chain of custody from the moment evidence is recognized and collected through its final disposition. Presented entirely in Spanish, this lecture examines the responsibilities of crime scene investigators and other personnel who collect, handle, package, transfer, store, or submit evidence for forensic examination. Attendees will review the purpose and essential elements of chain-of-custody documentation, including evidence identification, collection, packaging, sealing, labeling, transfer, storage, and laboratory submission. The presentation will also address proper documentation practices, evidence security, handling by multiple individuals or agencies, and preparation for courtroom testimony. Through practical examples, participants will examine common errors that can create gaps in documentation, compromise evidence integrity, or raise challenges in court. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for establishing accountability, protecting evidence from loss or contamination, and maintaining a clear, continuous, and defensible chain of custody.

If You are Doing Their Job, Then Who's Doing Yours: Rethinking the Role of the "Working Supervisor" - Balancing supervisory responsibilities while continuing to handle casework is one of the greatest challenges facing forensic leaders. This session explores the common pitfalls of the working supervisor role, including time management, burnout, shifting from peer to leader, and competing priorities. Attendees will learn practical strategies for managing workloads, setting boundaries, and leading effectively while maintaining operational responsibilities. 

What Insects Can Do For You: An Introduction to Forensic Entomology: Forensic entomology, the use of insects and other arthropods in legal investigations, has been a growing field over the last several decades. Although this field has been expanding, it is still underutilized in the field. The main reason for this is the lack of education and understanding of what information insects can provide along with proper collection and preservation techniques. This lecture will introduce you to the insects of forensic importance accompanied by the questions they can assist with, proper collection, preservation and shipping techniques. Additionally, case examples will be reviewed.

The Murder of Julian Andrade - On May 28, 2018, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau responded to a residence in the Los Angeles suburb of Azusa. Inside the location Investigators found a chaotic and bloody scene. Evidence at the scene included a disheveled bed, a comforter, pillows, broken glass containers, cooking pots, large rocks, and a dented metal chair, all of which were saturated in blood. The floor, ceiling and walls were also covered with blood stains, smears and spatter. There was no victim at the scene. On May 30, 2018, Investigators located the body of Victim Julian Andrade on the side of a cliff in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains. The teamwork demonstrated by all involved resulted in the arrest of four suspects, a thorough and successful investigation and later prosecution. However, the true success lies in the dedication and professionalism of the LA County Sheriff’s Crime Lab.

The Utilization of Full Spectrum to Detect More Evidence - Various types of evidence are often overlooked at a crime scene because they are not visible to the naked eye. When using an alternative light source with the proper corresponding filter, it is still possible to miss items of evidence due to background interference or improper angle of illumination. The purpose of this workshop will be to introduce attendees to variouos methods utilized in detecting evidence beyond the visible range. an introduction to light theory and techniques utilizing wavelengths of light beyond the visilbele range on notoriously difficult survaces will be discussed. This will include ultra-violet and infrared examinations to detect the presence of biological fluids, gunshot residue, and fingerprints on difficult backgrounds. Novel oblique lighting techniques will be explore to detect evidence on raised surfaces and footware impressions. Bandpass filtering techniques will also be explored to aid in the detection of evience at crime scenes.

Investigating a Religious Cult Double Homicide - This is a case study of a double homicide involving a self-proclaimed leader of a fringe religious group who advocates for polygamy and devoted, unquestioning followers. Challenges of the investigation included multiple uncooperative members, delayed reporting, searching for and excavating the graves, and the challenge of latent print processing of the evidence. 

Workshops

Collection of Footwear Impressions" to include hands-on photographing, casting, dry-casting in water, cleaning and photographing casts, and lifting 2D impressions (Limit: 12) - This workshop is intended for entry-level crime scene investigators seeking foundational training in impression evidence recovery. Emphasis will be placed on the forensic value of footwear impressions, which are frequently underutilized despite their evidentiary potential. Participants will receive instruction in the proper documentation and recovery of three-dimensional impressions through photographic techniques and casting methods in substrates such as soil and mud, including dry-casting in aqueous environments. The course will also cover post-recovery procedures, including cleaning and photographing casts, as well as techniques for locating, enhancing, photographing, and lifting two-dimensional impressions from non-porous surfaces. This workshop has been approved by the IAI for 4 hours of training credit toward crime scene certification. 

Required equipment:  Cameras with with external flash and sync cord. 

Suggested equipment: Tripod.

Documentation Methods of Bloodstain Patterns and Defects on Clothing and Shoes (Limit 30) - A short PowerPoint presentation will first be provided to show a case example of documenting bloodstain patterns and defects on clothing and shoes.  Next, attendees will work in groups of 2 and will start by analyzing and documenting bloodstain patterns (fake blood) and defects on either one clothing article or one shoe. When the team is finished, they will switch with another team until they have analyzed and documented at least one clothing article and one shoe. Attendees will conduct analysis, photography, take notes, and create a rough sketch of defects and bloodstains/bloodstain patterns on at least one clothing article and shoe.  The “road mapping” technique, created by Toby Wolson, will be used.

Advanced Flash Photography (Limit 20) Morning session is for LE Only; Afternoon session is for Students Only - Flash photography can feel intimidating, and many investigators either avoid using flash altogether or struggle to use it effectively in the field. In this workshop, I’ll break down the fundamentals of flash exposure, balancing ambient light, reducing harsh shadows and glare, and understanding how light impacts the documentation of evidence. I will also cover practical tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your flash. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a better understanding of how to use flash as a tool to improve the quality of your crime scene photography.

Required equipment: Camera & tripod

Digital Imaging Workflow for Fingerprint Comparisons using CSIpix (Limit 25) - Link to syllabus. This class has been approved by the IAI for certification and re-certification.

Required equipment: Laptops

Scars: Their Feature Attributes and Comparison (Limit 20) - Considered by many to be both discriminating and persistent, observed scars can assist in our analysis and comparison of friction ridge impressions. However, during a three-year period, 56% of participants attending Jon’s RS&A comparison class erroneously excluded a matching pair of fingerprints that involved a scar. There was no induced trickery, nor a concerted plan to deceive. Why then did so many fail to formulate an identification? This workshop is a practical setting for comparing friction ridge impressions having numerous and varying scarring scenarios, but it also dissects the previously mentioned error: exposing the ‘root cause’ of those who errored, and the reasoning behind the success of those who identified the matching pair. Pertinent for biometric and forensic analysts, this insight—along with numerous practical exercises and shared OSAC concepts—will educate participants to avoid such errors in their casework.

Required equipment: Magnifying glass.

Lectures

Balancing Burnout - We have experienced or are teetering on the edge of it. The reality is our jobs are demanding mentally, physically, and emotionally, and sometimes we get stuck when trying to come back to ourselves. In this presentation and workshop, we will bring awareness to burnout and its effects, identify resources for regulation, and end with gentle movement for the body and mind. You will be left equipped with ways to identify burnout, integrate mindfulness into your daily life, and regulate your nervous system for your overall well-being, and to extend your longevity in your career.

Unlocking the Keys to Effective Communication - Communication is one of the most influential and often overlooked factors in a forensic unit's success. This session explores practical communication strategies that improve teamwork, reduce conflict, minimize errors, and increase accountability. Attendees will learn how to adapt their communication style to different DISC behavioral profiles, strengthen nonverbal communication, and create clearer, more effective interactions with colleagues and staff. 

The Child Skeleton in Crime Scene Search and Recovery - Child skeletal remains present unique challenges during crime scene searches and recoveries. Smaller bones, incomplete skeletal development, fragmentation, and environmental changes make juvenile remains more difficult to recognize, document, and recover than adult remains. Using case studies, this presentation will provide crime scene investigators with practical guidance for identifying and recovering juvenile skeletal remains in buried, burned, and surface scatter scenes. Attendees will learn how skeletal development affects scene recognition, search strategies, recovery techniques, and evidence interpretation. The session will also highlight common field challenges, including distinguishing juvenile remains from animal bone and recognizing how postmortem processes can alter skeletal appearance and distribution. This presentation is designed to give investigators practical, field-based knowledge that can improve scene processing and recovery outcomes in cases involving child remains.

Money, Bling, Sex and Murder: Six Degrees of Separation between Decedent, Defendants and Investigators - This case involves three young women ages 18-20, one murdered by the other two. There are unusual circumstances weaved throughout the case and trial that connect several law enforcement personnel, demonstrating the “six degrees of separation” theory.

Workshops

Beyond the Stain: Evidence Relationships, Event Sequencing, and Defensible Reconstruction (Limit 20) - Crime scene reconstruction requires investigators to look beyond individual items of evidence and evaluate how findings relate to one another within the totality of the scene. This four-hour interactive workshop explores the integration of bloodstain patterns and physical evidence to identify evidence relationships, evaluate event sequencing, and develop defensible reconstructions. Participants will work through a case scenario, examine scene findings, identify significant bloodstain patterns and physical evidence, and determine what conclusions are supported by the available information. Through hands-on analysis and group investigative challenges, participants will develop and test possible reconstructions while considering alternative explanations, contradictory findings, assumptions, bias, and limitations. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing observation from interpretation, recognizing what the evidence supports versus what it merely suggests, and clearly articulating evidence-based conclusions that can withstand investigative and courtroom scrutiny.

Crease Attribution  (Limit 20) - Creases are durable morphological features that allow our friction ridge skin to flex, extend, or simply be pliable. All friction ridge skin analysts should be familiar with the position and variation of creases; when observed in either a latent print or known standard, they can significantly assist in establishing search parameters. Although this workshop does not promote their singular use for Source Identification, it does strongly support and utilize their role in our comparison process—to search and locate! Finger and palm print association exercises—lacking Level I and II (macro & micro) features, but numerous creases—are part of the practical tools used in this workshop. These exercises will provide the attendee with tangible experience, understanding and then attributing creases to a possible source. This three-hour workshop will also provide an international perspective of creases—from the North American philosophies to the European Expert Group perspective on ‘skin fold’ terminology, definition, and practical usage. This workshop is approved for credit toward both IAI Latent Print Certification and Recertification.

Required equipment: Magnifying glass

Lifting Prints off of Difficult Surfaces (Limit 20) - This hands-on workshop is designed to give experience to the workshop attendee by using various powder applications and lifting techniques. The best way to become proficient is by doing it! After attending this class attendees will be able to lift latent prints off almost any surface; such as tape, feathers, wet, textured, multi-contoured and unusual surfaces that an impression has been developed on. Workshop attendees will also be introduced to IR fluorescent fingerprint powders and quick, efficient ways to digitally capture them. The proper way to fill out a latent lift card will also be discussed, along with items every fingerprint kit should contain!