2010 Workshop Description
2010 NWAFS Meeting Workshop Descriptions
Participants will visit a facility that retreads tires to view the process. Issues to be discussed will include the steps of the retread process, sources of retread materials, types of tires that can be retread, and characteristics that may be imparted to the tire during the retread process.
Participants will visit a facility that repairs/resoles footwear to view the process. Issues to be discussed will include the steps of the resoling process, sources of resole materials, types of footwear that can be resoled, and characteristics that may be imparted to the footwear during the resole process.
Instructor: Ed Suzuki, Washington State Patrol
This workshop will cover the theory of how a spectrum is generated for these two spectroscopic techniques. FTIR topics will include function of the interferometer, ATR, and the relationship of wavelength to frequency to penetration. Raman topics will include discussions of the difference between Raleigh scattering, stokes, and anti-stokes as well as the effect of fluorescence is on raman data.
(CANCELED) Theory and casework application of Microspectrophotometry (CANCELED)
Instructor: Dr. Paul Martin of CRAIC with presentations by forensic practitioners
This workshop will cover the theory of microspectrophotometry. Students will also have the opportunity for hands on practical exercises and to hear presentations on casework applications of this technology.
Sexual Assault Inquiry: From Investigation to Prosecution
Instructors to include a representative from:
Portland Police Bureau
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program
ABC House Child Victim Assessment Center
Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory
Washington County District Attorney's Office
This is a two part workshop that will include presentations from a Sexual Assault Investigation panel consisting of a Detective, Nurse Examiner, Physician, Forensic Scientist, and Prosecutor. Part Two will consider Special Topics in Sexual Assault Investigation including the impact of vasectomy on sexual assault investigation and the challenges presented by child victims of sexual assault.
Forensic Examination of Airsoft Replica Arms
Instructor: Matthew Nodel
This workshop will spend the day reviewing the history, use, development and mechanical design features of Airsoft style guns. Time will be spent covering how to document and test these guns in the forensic environment and the legal implications surrounding the use and possession of such guns. A protocol for the safe handling of these types of weapons will be discussed and techniques on checking the loaded status, test firing and documenting the guns and their accessories from a forensic standpoint will be reviewed. This workshop will culminate with a visit to a local Portland, OR Airsoft store where the participants will get an opportunity to see and handle a wide assortment of these types of guns and accessories.
Latent Print Advanced Testimony workshop
As the scientific reliability of friction ridge evidence continues to be challenged, latent print examiners must be prepared to defend their science in the courtroom. Not only do examiners need to be able to discuss these topics in an admissibility hearing, but they also need to be prepared to respond during cross-examination of trial testimony. The recent National Academy of Sciences report entitled “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward,” identified perceived weaknesses in the forensic sciences and has already generated challenges in the courtroom. It is now more important than ever for fingerprint examiners to effectively communicate why, and demonstrate how, friction ridge science is reliable.
This 16-hour course of instruction is designed for latent print examiners. Through presentations and group discussions, students will learn how to demonstrate the scientific reliability of friction ridge evidence during direct testimony and formulate responses to defense-related arguments.
Maximum # of students: 30
For more information, please contact Melissa Gische.
Melissa Gische
Latent Print Operations Unit
FBI Laboratory
2501 Investigation Parkway
Quantico, VA 22135
Office (703) 632-7143
Cell (703) 576-4624
Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists Fall Conference
Session geared towards all forensic scientists, district attorneys, or anyone with a general interest
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Monday September 27, 2010
Participants:
Dr. Nici Vance, moderator, Chuck Sparks, DDA, Richard Cohen, defense attorney, Hon. Judge Eric Bergstrom, Multnomah County Circuit Court
Advanced Courtroom DNA Testimony: Maintaining integrity under pressure.
Years ago, DNA typing achieved such wide acceptance and proven reliability that opponents no longer try to discredit the technology itself. Attacks now focus on: (1) the quality and methodology of the laboratory work, including the lab's error rate; (2) the statistical interpretation of data; and (3) discrediting the DNA witness. Both the Prosecution and Defense employ various strategies to shift, shape, or stain the scientific findings to their advantage. Representatives of both sides will explain and actively demonstrate their courtroom tactics in this workshop, so that the DNA analyst will be able to resist attack, maintain integrity under pressure, and avoid impeachment.
Fatal Fire Death Investigation
It will be an 8-hour lecture with some hands-on examples for those who want to handle examples of burned bone.
Elayne J. Pope, Ph.D. International Academy of Public Safety
Firearm Evidence for Investigators
Instructor: Aaron Brudenell
This class will cover basics in firearms history, function, safety, and ammunition and explore the wide diversity of types within these categories with real and hypothetical case examples. This workshop is not intended for just firearm examiners but crime scene analysts, and other investigators alike. Specific topics to be discussed will include:
- Documentation, safety, and packaging of evidence (do’s and don’ts)
- Firearm identification (for tracing and accurate description)
- Forensic intelligence and preliminary analysis of firearms and ammunition
- Overview of basic and advanced laboratory services
- Modern firearm safety and function types
- Black powder and unusual firearms
- Terminal ballistics
- Case studies and examples
Instructor: Jon Stimac
See attached pdf file for description
Basic IR Blood Photography Techniques / The Fuji IS Pro
Instructor: Jeff Borngasser
This workshop is an
introduction to IR/UV-Photography of blood. Demonstrations of how this type of
photography differs from conventional photography will be performed. Discussion
will cover different lighting and filter conditions and how then can change the
image captured. The focus of this workshop will be crime scene photography,
however some other techniques may be discussed such as obliterated writing,
counterfeit currency, and pattern removal. Individuals are encouraged to bring
their IR cameras to participate in hands on exercises.
Please bring your IR camera and a tripod if possible for hands on experience
The Basics of Firearm Mechanisms
Instructor: Rob Caunt
Consideration of the principles underlying common firearm design may reveal existing or incipient problems and dangers. Benefiting novice and experienced examiners, course material is presented from the perspective of performing mechanical assessments and failure/unintentional discharge analysis. Topics will include the general design and function of cartridges, sear systems, locking systems, firing pins, extractors, ejectors, and other selected topics. Material presentation is classroom based, with examples illustrated in PowerPoint and video.
Basic Crime Scene Impression Photography Workshop
Instructor: Chris Hamburg
This workshop will demonstrate the proper methods to capture examination quality images of impression evidence as well as give a review of general crime scene photography related to impressions. The course is intended for those who respond to crime scenes and submit the images to others for a forensic examination. This includes patrol officers as well as crime scene technicians. Individuals are encouraged to bring the camera equipment they use to respond to scenes for use in hands-on practical exercises. The workshop will also include a basic overview of impressions comparisons.
April Orbison, Applied Biosystems
Erica Graham, Washington State Patrol
This workshop will introduce the scientific foundation and developmental validation of the AmpFℓSTR® Yfiler® PCR Amplification Kit, followed by the internal validation and implementation of Y-STR analysis at the Washington State Patrol. Some of the challenges overcome during validation and examples of casework successes will be presented.
Mixture Interpretation Workshop Description
Philip Hodge, Washington State Patrol
Amy Jeanguenat, Bode Technology
Deven Johnson, Sacramento District Attorney
Shawn Montpetit, San Diego Police Department
Multiple approaches to the complex issue of DNA mixture interpretation will be presented. Speakers will discuss the mixture interpretation guidelines in place at their respective laboratories, with an emphasis on validation, protocol, practice, and the ongoing challenges faced by casework analysts.
Forensic Anthropology/Pathology