Basic Explosives Analysis Course , By Ronald L. Kelly
This two day workshop is designed to introduce the forensic chemist to the basic concepts of the forensic identification of explosives. A series of presentations will acquaint the attendees with the basic chemistry of explosives and review analytical techniques used in the identification of common explosive materials. Specific topics will include types of explosives, instrumental techniques, analytical schemes, propellant analysis, improvised explosives, field detection of explosives, and case studies of bombings.
Ronald L. Kelly
Forensic Chemist
Explosives Unit
FBI Laboratory
Mr. Kelly is a 1977 graduate from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, with a B. S. Degree in Chemistry. He joined the FBI Laboratory in 1978 and has specialized in the forensic analysis of evidence from fire and explosion scenes. Additionally, he has been involved in the fire service as a member of the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Prince George’s County, Maryland since 1977. He is currently coordinating forensic courses at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia in Fire Debris Analysis for chemists.
Mr. Kelly has been involved in many major case investigations, which include the Trade Center Bombing, the Branch Davidian siege at Waco, Texas, the Oklahoma City bombing, the crash of TWA 800, the bombings in Atlanta (1996 Olympics), the embassy bombings in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salam, Tanzania, Unabomber case, and Bali, Indonesia bombings.
Mr. Kelly is presently assigned to the Explosives Unit of the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, VA where forensic analyses are conducted on evidence submitted by Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies from fire and explosion scenes. He supervises the fire debris analysis cases and has testified numerous times in Federal, State, and local courts.
Mr. Kelly has published work and presented papers on the topics of fire debris analysis, the forensic analysis of explosives, and fire and explosion scene investigations. In addition to the courses he coordinates at the FBI Academy, his duties have also included the training of chemists, police officers and investigators from many foreign countries.
Mr. Kelly is currently qualified as a fire investigator, fire officer, fire service instructor and forensic chemist. He is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), Technical Working Group on Fires and Explosions (TWGFEX), and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists (MAAFS).
Class will begin at 1:00
1:00 to ~1:30 – Introduction to Alcohol: Jeremy will introduce the class and begin the lecture portion with a brief overview of alcohol physiology and impairment. Jeremy will also go over the widmark equation for estimating one’s BrAC from standard drinks consumed. “Hold Harmless” Waivers will be provided for those who choose to be volunteers win the drinking lab.
~1:30 to ~4:00 - DRE and SFST’s: Dean will go over the different types of drug classification as well as the DRE matrix for indications. Dean will also go over the systematic and standardized evaluation and the “Face sheet” used in the evaluation process. The process of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests will be introduced.
~4:00 to ~4:30 – Demonstrations: Dean and Jeremy will demonstrate the standardized field Sobriety testing procedures and allow others to get a baseline for their experience later on in the evening.
~4:30 to ~6:30 – Hospitality Suite: Volunteer drinkers will choose a desired BrAC to attain (at or around 0.08 is preferred) and then using the widmark equation, they will self dose under supervision to attain the indicated level. Food will be provided for everyone, and those who choose not to participate as volunteer drinkers for evaluation, can observe drinking patterns of those who are drinking.
~6:30 to completion – Evaluation period: The volunteers will be evaluated by ISP personnel in order to come to a conclusion as to whether or not they would be arrested at their current BrAC level. Those who choose not to be volunteer drinkers, can observe the evaluations and may also administer SFST’s as directed by the ISP volunteer troopers.
This is being offered as a demonstration to show the actual effects of alcohol and ones ability to perform divided attention tasks such as driving. Many of us are aware of the legal limit for alcohol, but many do not know or understand its impairing effects at such levels. This class should provide a unique perspective and personal knowledge of the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
This informational workshop will explain several of the key points in a changeover form the Legacy to ISO accreditation through ASCLD/LAB. ASCLD/LAB’s business manager, Don Wyckoff, will explain what is expected in the areas of traceability, method validation, uncertainty of measurement, and what goes into the follow up surveillance visits. This workshop will equip you with knowledge needed for ISO accreditation by presenting these topics from ASCLD/LAB’s perspective and giving you opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with an ASCLD/LAB representative.
Insight into Firearm Sound Suppression
Day 1 – Phil Dater of GemTech Silencers
This will be a workshop dealing with the history and workings of sound suppression given by Phil Dater, owner operator of GemTech Silencers. It will cover the aspects of silencer construction and technology, including a live fire portion using sound measuring devices.
Day 2 – Dan Alessio, OSP Forensic Scientist
Improvised sound suppressors can be found at crime scenes or submitted to the forensic laboratory. This course will cover principles, techniques and materials commonly used in improvised suppressors. The goal of this course is to help the student gain an understanding of the function of these devices and recognition of homemade suppressor materials..
Due to the proprietary nature of the information covered in this workshop, this class is RESTRICTED TO NWAFS MEMBERS AND/OR LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY.
Mixture Interpretation Workshop – Gary Shutler, Ph.D., DNA Technical Leader, Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory Division.
A look at the basic principles, current practices and approaches for mixture interpretation is to be provided. The more significant past and recent communications in relevant literature along with some regional court challenges will be reviewed. Examples of worked mixture de-convolution and statistical analysis will be shown. The goal of the workshop is to inform and provide attendees with ideas for improvements of interpretation guidelines and training.