Confirmed Workshops

In some criminal investigations, law enforcement agencies have requested technical assistance from forensic scientists in determining the driver of a vehicle that was stolen and crashed, involved in a hit-and-run accident, or involved in a reckless homicide. Although hair, fiber and body fluid transfers can help determine this, the way the airbag deploys can also aid in this determination. Most airbags inflate with a hot gas generated through detonation of a solid propellant in the inflator. The hot gas can leak through the seams of the airbags and leave specific singe patterns on the clothing of the occupants when contact is made. Some airbags are packed with lubricant particle that can also transfer. This workshop will discuss how airbags work, what kind of contact occurs and what type of evidence to look for to help determine who the driver or passenger were, when an airbag deployment has occurred. Several examples of airbags will be available for examination and several case examples will be presented.

This workshop will cover various ways to cut analysis time while still maintaining proper standards. For example, the use of simple macros will help reduce the amount of data analysis time. Also, streamlining the GC/MS to create screening methods which are shorter and more efficient. We will also be covering drug analysis after ISO accreditation and the impact on the drug lab. This workshop will be very interactive with many group discussions to try to learn from each other's experiences. The instructors will be from many different agencies including DEA and TX DPS.

Pamela J. McInnis, Pasadena Police Dept. and David V. Rossi, Harris County Sheriff’s Dept.

This two day course is designed to introduce a different chemical technique for detecting, enhancing, and documenting latent bloodstains. Students will become acquainted with two different Fluorescein procedures using lecture and hands on demonstrations. Attendees are asked to bring, if available, an Alternate Light Source, orange/yellow goggles, video/35mm cameras, tripod and barrier filters (515nm, 530nm, 550nm). Crime scene attire preferred. This course is geared for all experience levels.

This workshop deals primarily with advanced sample preparation, microspectral analysis and data interpretation techniques used in forensic microspectroscopy. It also includes a refresher on the chemistry and physics behind UV-visible-NIR microspectroscopy.

This full day course refreshes the theoretical background upon which UV-visible-NIR microspectroscopy is based. It then continues with sample preparation techniques for common samples including fibers & hairs, paint fragments, glass, inks, papers, drugs of abuse, soils and gemstones. Microspectral analytical techniques are then discussed in relation to each type of sample. Pointers will also be given to help the students begin to achieve superior quality spectra. Advanced data interpretation and mathematical algorithms are then discussed in some detail to show how they can aid the student interpret spectral results.

This class is primarily intended for UV-visible-NIR microspectrometer users with at least a basic understanding of the instruments and techniques. Students are strongly encouraged to bring prepared samples.

Anyone can testify in a trial. The goal in Forensics is to testify well! The ability to deliver concise, effective courtroom testimony comes from three sources: innate ability to speak in public; extensive experience; or training. Few of us are blessed with the first source. The second can be fraught with problems—not the least of which is losing large portions of the gluteus maximus during those difficulties that come with the learning stages. That places the burden of learning to testify effectively on training.

In the last 18 years, Keith Pridgen has testified over 500 times in state and Federal courts in the areas of controlled substance identification, blood alcohol concentration determination, firearms examination, tread mark comparison, arson analysis, speedometer examination, and filament examination. His training did not include any in the area of effective courtroom testimony, which resulted in frequent trips to the emergency room for butt repair! His hard-learned lessons are available to assist those who wish to improve their courtroom abilities, and stay out of the emergency room. This class is not intended to train anyone in a specific area of forensics, but in any of them.

He will be ably assisted in the classroom by Karen Shumate who has 7+ years of experience and over 75 testimonies in the areas of controlled substance identification and blood alcohol concentration determination under her belt

An ABC EXAM is being planned at this meeting and may be available at NO COST. Stay Tuned For More Details.

Confirmed Workshops: