Workshops
A large selection of Pre-Meeting Workshops are available and will be held on Sunday 20 September 2020 and Monday 21 September 2020. These workshops will provide delegates with additional opportunities to engage in specialised topics and practical workshops to enhance their overall IAFS 2020 experience.
Sunday 20 September 2020
Analyzing Interactions of Latent Prints with Blood
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$110.00 |
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Recent research has demonstrated that it is possible for latent fingermarks and blood to interact in manners beyond the deposition of an impression in a blood matrix: Blood may come in contact with a fingermark already on the surface, or a clean finger may make contact with a bloodstain already present. The goal of this workshop is to provide the participant with the knowledge and ability to analyze apparent bloody fingermarks, examining details that may not necessarily aid in the identification or exclusion to a source but could be important to consider if the manner of deposition is called into question. We will examine the research, provide practical exercises and review examples from actual casework.
Case coordination, reasoning and triage in a forensic laboratory setting: Where to from here
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$115.00 |
Case coordination, case assessment, case management, forensic advisory, triage; the process of determining what examinations are of value in a given case scenario is known by many different names. This workshop will explore the different ways in which diagnostic work in forensic science has been and is currently administered, and what opportunities and challenges the future holds. Responsibility for defining the scientific problem to be solved on the front-end and of interpreting the significance of the scientific results within the context of the case on the back-end continue to lie primarily with non-scientist personnel. As a consequence, the contribution of forensic science struggles to reach its full potential at best and can be misleading at worst. Case assessment offers critical support to crime scene investigators (most often lacking a scientific background) and attorneys with the coordination of the aspects of physical evidence during the entire process from the recognition of relevant traces in the field to the time of adjudication and helps to minimize the misinterpretation and misuse of physical evidence. Workshop participants will learn about the different ways in which jurisdictions have organized case assessment. Group exercises will demonstrate the practical value of case assessment.
Computer Based Training for the Forensic Examination of Fibres and Hairs
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$150.00 |
This workshop will introduce a web-based training platform that was developed to strengthen the competences of fibre and hair experts within the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) by supplementing member laboratories’ internal trainings. The workshop participants have the opportunity to experience the concept and structure of this e-learning environment with the guidance of the organizers by doing on-line courses and modules with narrative, interactive elements and embedded video clips. The participants can individually choose modules from courses covering key processes for handling and examination of textile and hair evidence:
- from the crime scene to the laboratory: case assessment, packaging and documentation, recovery methods, anti-contamination, sampling strategies
- microscopy: fundamental concepts of the important microscopic techniques, e.g. brightfield, polarization, and fluorescence; guidance and tools for discrimination, identification and comparison of fibres or human and animal hairs
- analytical techniques: microspectrophotometry, FTIR
Finally, we will interactively discuss different aspects of this training concept, including benefits, shortcomings and perspectives.
Target audience:
- forensic scientists and members of academia considering to develop an e-learning concept
- microtraces, fibre and hair practitioners aiming to refresh or complement their knowledge in specific areas of fibre and hair analysis.
Effectively Utilizing Trace Drug Residues in Forensic Analyses
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1200 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$50.00 |
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The ever-expanding field of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) and synthetic opioids is forcing an analytical paradigm shift in the forensic community. The extreme potency of these compounds has led to the reduction or elimination of field testing, resulting in increased case backlogs, rush analysis requests, and safety concerns for forensic laboratories. This workshop will demonstrate how trace detection technologies, such as DART-MS, IMS, and LFIs, can address these challenges as well as the strengths and limitations of each technique. The adoption of trace detection by a drug chemistry unit will show how utilizing sub-milligram, non-visible residues offers a safe and rapid way for presumptive identification and enhanced forensic intelligence. The implementation of this approach, however, also requires practitioners to be aware of background drug levels within the laboratory to ensure data quality. Research focusing on establishing background drug levels as well as methods for reducing and monitoring the background will be presented. Visualization of the processes that contribute to elevated drug background levels will be shown and implications on practitioner safety will be highlighted. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to learn best practices for the collection of trace residues from surfaces with hands on demonstrations utilizing LFIs.
Evaluating and Reporting Forensic Biology Findings Given Activity Level Propositions - Two Day Workshop
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 and Monday 21 September 2020 Sunday: 0900 – 1600 |
Forensic DNA experts are increasingly requested to comment on the method by which biological traces were left. To answer these questions, specialized expert knowledge is required on factors such as transfer, persistence, prevalence and recovery of DNA (DNATPPR). This knowledge then needs to be applied to the case circumstances using a logical framework. This 1,5-day workshop covers all necessary steps to evaluate and report forensic biological findings given activity level propositions.
Topics include the theoretical framework for evidence interpretation, formulating activity level propositions, the use of contextual information, the current state of knowledge on DNATPPR, statistical models (including Bayesian networks), assigning probabilities using different sources of information, reporting, implementation and a discussion on perceived obstacles and limitations.
Attendees will gain knowledge and have an opportunity to apply this knowledge using practical exercises. During the course there is ample time for discussion and questions.
Presenters have relevant casework/research experience. The number of participants will be limited to ensure an interactive learning environment.
This 1,5-day workshop is an adaptation of the successful 1-day workshop ‘Activity Level Reporting in Forensic Genetics’ at the 2018 ANZFSS conference. This extended workshop allows for more time for practical exercises, feedback, questions, and discussion.
Ian Riebeling New Practitioner - Two Day Workshop
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 and Monday 21 September 2020 Sunday: 0830 – 1700, followed by a workshop dinner included in the cost of registration |
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This interactive workshop facilitated by the National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) aims to provide an overview of forensic science in Australia and New Zealand to forensic science students and new practitioners.
The workshop will provide attendees with a sense of where their chosen discipline fits within the larger forensic landscape. Participants will meet experienced practitioners, who will discuss the techniques employed within their field, provide real case examples and an update on current status and future directions of forensic science. The workshop will culminate in a mock court, highlighting the court process and the interaction between legal practitioners and the expert witness.
We encourage any forensic science student or practitioner seeking to expand their understanding of the forensic science landscape in Australia and New Zealand to register for this exciting and unique opportunity.
A social dinner on the Sunday night is included in the cost of attending.
Want to learn more about the Ian Riebeling New Practitioner Workshop or the National Institute of Forensic Science? Visit our website www.nifs.org.au or follow us on twitter twitter.com/nifs_anz.
Increase the investigative value of your STRmix™ evidence - an introduction to the DBLR™ software
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 1300 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$150.00 |
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The DBLR (‘database likelihood ratios’) software, developed by the STRmix team at ESR, allows users to interrogate STRmix deconvolutions with a focus on developing intelligence and investigative information. Analysts are able to rapidly search STRmix deconvolutions against large DNA profile databases, set up automated search strategies to ensure deconvolutions are re-searched whenever a database is updated, compare multiple mixed DNA profiles for common donors, and perform large scale Hp and Hd true tests to determine the value of complex DNA typing results. This workshop will introduce participants to each of these features of DBLR. In addition to learning how to use the DBLR software, attendees will gain an understanding of the statistical models and methods used within the software. The workshop will also include an overview of the developmental validation performed as well as discuss how users might validate DBLR within their own laboratories. This workshop is suitable for caseworking forensic biologists who have experience using the STRmix software. As the workshop will include practical exercises we recommend all participants supply their own laptop. A time limited evaluation copy of DBLR will be provided to participants prior to the workshop. A copy of STRmix is not required for the workshop.
Laser Ablation ICP-MS and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Trace Element Analyses of Forensic Materials: Fundamentals and Applications
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$80.00 |
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Trace element fingerprinting and analysis of forensic materials has increased in popularity (and utility) in recent years. This course is intended for those already interested in trace element analyses by Laser Ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) as well as those looking to learn about the technique as it applies to forensic, biological, environmental and geologic materials. This course will go through the basics of how lasers interact with samples (what makes it work) and how the elemental (and isotopic) information is obtained and defended. New advances in laser sampling strategies, laser system technology and combined use of complementary information such as simultaneous LA-ICP-MS and LIBS (called Tandem) analyses will be described. A practical outlook of how samples are prepared, analyzed and quantified will be presented. Drawing on the practical experience of the instructor as well as the experience of those using the techniques in the crime lab, this course will cover both fundamentals and real life examples. The course is applicable to chemical analyses (i.e. glass, plastic, soil, etc.) as well as archaeology, documents, gunshot residue and biological and environmental samples. The course will also address future directions such as “where to from here”.
Latent DNA Detection Workshop
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1300 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$150.00 |
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Aims
The aims for participants of this practical hands-on workshop will be gaining experience in: 1) detection of latent DNA using a binding dye and a portable fluorescence microscope; 2) determination of shedders status of an individual; 3) applying the dye to substrates and the use of spray devices; 4) choice of detection methods and 5) verification of the number of cells present and consistency in cell recording.
Experimental
There will be 3 sessions of hands-on activity and further 2 activities continuous through-out the workshop.
- Detection of DNA deposited by touch: See how touched items can be visualised rapidly.
- Shedder Status: Find out your own shedder status. Compare yours to the database of shedders!
- Detection of latent DNA on large surfaces: Gain experience in using our spray device to see cells deposited by touch
- Dino-lite and/or Polilight: dependent on the scale is dependent on the detection system
- Verification of cell counting: Count the cells! See how a software program can make life easy and cell counting consistent.
Outcomes
Participants will gain experience in the detection of latent DNA: how to detect, how to see, how to detect and how to score.
Leading for Laboratory Success
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$70.00 |
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ICITAP is a development organization within the U.S. Department of Justice and works with foreign law enforcement to improve capabilities to counter transnational crime. ICITAP’s mission is to strengthen national security by advancing U.S. law enforcement operations abroad. Over the past 34 years, ICITAP has partnered with foreign counterparts in 107 countries.
A goal of ICITAP forensic assistance programs is international accreditation. ICITAP has assisted accreditation in over a dozen countries across five continents. The workshop will incorporate our experience working with managers to achieve this accomplishment. The workshop will explore strategies leadership can utilize in implementing ISO’s seven guiding management principles – customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision making, and relationship management.
The workshop presenters will facilitate discussions and use practical exercises to explore the topics and find practical application to forensic laboratories. A focus will be placed on the importance of leadership skills to supplement management skills. Attendees from both accredited laboratories and those seeking accreditation will benefit from this workshop by gaining techniques to improve personal and team performance. Attendees will be encouraged to share their own experiences with the management principles with the intent that attendees will learn from their peers.
Medical And Scientific Aspects Of Use Of Force, Control And Restraint
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$100.00 |
Potentially violent individuals and/or groups of individuals may require control and/or restraint. Such techniques may be applied to adults and children, whether as acutely behaviourally disturbed individuals or groups using violence or physical force. Different jurisdictions use different forms of restraint and control. The application of such techniques must be done lawfully, and all may have some form of associated morbidity and mortality. This workshop will explore some of the medical and scientific aspects of these techniques which may be used in custodial settings (including police, prison, immigration return), and medical or social settings such as mental health facilities, and care homes (for both older people and children). The implications of such techniques can be far-reaching with legal and medical implications for the person using the techniques and the individual on whom they are used. The workshop will provide an update on this very relevant topic and be of relevance to scientists, lawyers, physicians (ED, forensic, prison, immigration detention) and forensic pathologists.
Operational Connections in Migration: Tracing Individuals through Complex Network Analysis
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$50.00 |
Attendees will: (1) understand complexity behind the quest of restoring identities of missing migrants (2) recognize stakeholders’ role in contributing to a forensic approach addressing the consequences of migration; and (3) understand the imperative for integrated contributions of various actors to migrant tracing and identification operations.
This workshop impacts the forensic science community by providing attendees an understanding of the current operational and legal challenges faced when tracing and identifying deceased migrants, detailed through case examples. Presentations will encompass the breadth of migration, including policy considerations and the role of data exchange within identification efforts.
Migration is characterized by complex and diverse networks which can be thought of a system. Although significant resources have been vetted on creating and/or improving policies, procedures, and processes in addressing the negative effects of migration, these have been compartmentalized in the pertinent disciplines/stakeholders, and as a result are not sensitive to evolving realities. In response, there is a need for operations to be streamlined through an unequivocal understanding of the impact caused by the actions, or non-actions, in these complex networks. To achieve this, the disconnect needs to be addressed and the benefits and limitations of such integrated approaches to be identified.
Signatures: Disguised or Simulated?
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$180.00 |
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Forensic document examinations frequently involve determining the authenticity of a questioned signature. Signatures may be naturally or unnaturally written i.e. disguised or simulated. Diverse studies have shown that unnaturally written signatures might pose problems for forensic handwriting examiners, with these signature types attracting higher inconclusive and misleading authorship opinions than naturally written signatures. This workshop will summarise the predictors of disguise and simulation behaviour as described in literature and encountered in unpublished work of the presenters. In the practical component of the workshop participants will undertake exercises designed to test their ability for identifying disguised and simulated signatures and explore further the predictors of unnatural writing processes. While the workshop will highlight the complexities of examining these types of signatures, the provided exposure to known disguised and simulated signatures should give the handwriting examiner participant more confidence in what these unnatural samples might look like, and inform their assessments for first stage process opinions in casework, thereby reducing the risk of error in authorship opinions.
Sudden Cardiac Death in the Tropics- What Ails The Young?
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0830 – 1200 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$80.00 |
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This workshop will focus on practical application of knowledge and case base learning in investigation of sudden cardiac deaths. Attendees will learn about the incidence and reporting of sudden cardiac deaths with special reference to cases from tropical and subtropical countries. How the normal anatomy of heart and its variants have an impact over the outcome of such deaths. The anatomy taught in the modern textbook and the actual anatomy faced during practical application may surprise the involving pathologist, surgeon and the physician too. To understand such incidences various histological methods, histochemistry techniques along with standard cardiac dissection methods will be presented in manner that will help attendees understand the applications in routine practice. Advances in techniques of cardiac dissection will also be covered so as to have more insight in the given context. The presenters of this workshop are practicing cardiovascular and forensic pathologist with extensive experience in autopsy pathology, death investigation and surgical cardiovascular pathology.
Interesting cases related to endocardial, pericardial and vascular pathology in heart will be shared. Case based learning will be undertaken to illustrate common as well as rare cardiovascular pathology involved in sudden cardiac death. Changing spectrum of sudden cardiac death in young individual with respect to life style changes, food, addictions and other risk factors will also be talk over. This session will not only incorporate the didactic lecture but also will provide video demonstration of dissection of heart, informal question and answer session, and case based learning.
The Future of Synthetic Cannabinoid Testing and Discovery
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$300.00 |
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Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) are one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and remain international threats to public health and public safety. Since their emergence on the illicit drug market, the chemical diversity of SC has increased rapidly, turning over hundreds of unique compounds. SC present unique challenges for forensic scientists in terms of their detection and interpretation in forensic context. Our understanding of SC chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology has grown rapidly in recent years, making it imperative that scientists and legislators remain up to date with the latest national and international trends, novel analytical approaches for early detection, and interpretation strategies.This workshop captures the latest innovative topics related to SC, including discovery, detection, market surveillance, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, prophetic market predictions, reference material synthesis, and the future. Guided by leading professionals in the field, the program will review both widely used technologies and state-of-the-art methodologies for the detection and characterization of SC allowing attendees to implement the practices learned into their laboratory procedures and interpretative workflows. Lunch and morning/afternoon tea breaks will be included.
The Medicolegal Investigation of Recreational Diving Fatalities
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 1300 – 1730 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$60.00 |
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Deaths involving recreational divers are uncommon but not rare, particularly in coastal jurisdictions. These fatalities challenge the investigators and pathologists who must investigate and certify these deaths. Recreational diving fatalities are often litigated in civil court. This workshop is designed for the pathologist, criminalist, attorney, and death investigator who may become involved in the investigation of a SCUBA diving accident or fatality.
The workshop will cover the following:
– Overview of diving physiology, including the effects on the body of breathing compressed gas
– Pathophysiology of drowning, barotrauma, nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity, gas embolism, and decompression
sickness (caisson disease)
– Epidemiology and risk factors associated with recreational diving fatalities
– Recommended investigation of fatal diving mishaps using illustrative cases from several jurisdictions, including
Australia
– Hands-on session with diving equipment available for examination/familiarization by attendees and a brief
discussion on the evaluation of dive gear
– Review of the autopsy protocol for SCUBA diving fatalities with emphasis on tests and observations that will help
determine the cause of death.
– Additional related topics such as hazardous marine animals, zoophagia, and trauma
Thorough handouts will be provided, including checklists of important information to obtain and a detailed bibliography.
Theory and Application of Post Mortem Computed Tomography in Forensic Odontology (Dental Identification and Routine Casework)
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0930 – 1600 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$450.00 |
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PMCT implementation and associated technology has seen changes in the way forensic odontologists conduct identification and participate in routine case work including death investigation and DVI.
This workshop introduces participants to the theory and application of using PMCT in forensic odontology case work. For those who have access to PMCT already it can offer resources for developing confidence in handling and applying the PMCT to their daily work.
This one-day workshop for forensic odontologists will provide you with the technical knowledge encompassing CT image acquisition, image reconstruction and image manipulation and how this can be applied to the post mortem identification process. The theory lectures will be followed by an interactive session using a Syngo.via™ simulator on your laptop. This will consolidate your learning and enhance your practical skills and confidence in CT post-processing. The Syngo.via™ hands on session will include demonstrations on how to form dental curved multi planar reconstructions to recreate an OPG-like image.
CPD: 7 hours as a certificate > provided at the end of the course
Write-On 3.0 Document Comparison Software Workshop
Workshop Date: Sunday 20 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0930 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$200.00 |
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Write-On 3.0© is a computer application used to collect, manage, search, and compare handwriting and signatures. The workshop is divided into two separate sessions. A morning session where the basic features of the software will be discussed. These include the step-by-step input required in the creation of a case, basic searches, filtering, and export and printing of the results. The afternoon session will discuss the more advance features of the software such screen comparisons of occurrences, creation of custom reports and court charts, handling of other writing systems such as Chinese, Arabic, and Hebrew, dealing with cases involving only questioned documents, and using the software during testimony and cross-examination. Participants are invited to participate in a series of exercises on their personal laptops. Included in the cost of registration is a temporary license of Write-On valid for 30 days.
Monday 21 September 2020
Evidence-based training for facial image comparison
Workshop Date: Monday 21 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0930 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$250.00 |
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This 1-day workshop is an evidence-based training course developed and delivered by leading researchers and is designed to improve facial image comparison accuracy. The course draws on cognitive science and neuroscience to deliver specially designed practical exercises that have been empirically shown to boost ability. This training is most suitable for practitioners at the reviewer level looking to improve their skills matching relatively high quality imagery, e.g. from social media, custody photos, passports, driver’s licenses, and FR database searches. It is less suitable for examiners and those looking to improve their matching skills for imagery where feature detail is less visible, e.g. CCTV footage. Attendees will be asked to complete a 1:1 facial image comparison task prior to the workshop, and bring a laptop. After the workshop, attendees will receive a personalised report of their performance before and after training. This training is part of an ongoing research program and data collected will be anonymised and used for research purposes. The workshop fee covers costs only.
Experimenting with Verification Policies
Workshop Date: Monday 21 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$110.00 |
This workshop explores several approaches to fingerprint verification. You’ve likely done traditional verification, but have you ever planned and administered a blind verification? Do you create your own documentation during verification? Do you check the original examiner’s feature selection for accuracy after you complete your own verification? Lectures will include contemporary research about verification efficacy and the risks of expert human performance. Several sets of finger marks of varying difficulty will be provided to maximize students experience with policies like; simple verification recorded on forms, 100% verification, and blind verification. Attend this workshop to explore whether efficiency gains in some types of verification policies may negatively impact accuracy.
From fraudulent documents to forensic intelligence: a practical application of a profiling system to detect and investigate criminal networks
Workshop Date: Monday 21 September 2020 Workshop Time: 1330 – 1630 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$85.00 |
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Currently, the main purpose of the forensic examination of fraudulent documents is to authenticate the document for court purposes. However, forensic document examiners and forensic intelligence analysts can take advantage from the examination of fraudulent documents to understand criminal activity and support intelligence-led policing. The objective of the workshop is to introduce a profiling method of fraudulent identity and travel documents that is used to detect and investigate criminal networks. In this context, forensic science can provide intelligence on various crimes such as financial crimes, organised illegal immigration, prostitution rings, drug cartels or terrorist organisations.
The benefits the attendees will gain from the workshop are:
- To obtain a better understanding of the notion of forensic intelligence and its implementation in practice
- To differentiate the task of authentication with that of profiling, and to understand their respective challenges
- To grasp the key notion of series
- To understand how forensic science can practically contribute to detecting and investigating criminal networks and terrorist organisations
- To understand the benefits of combining human expertise and machine capabilities
- To discuss case studies which highlight implementation issues and the way forward
Through hands-on exercises using the profiling system implemented in Europe, the attendees will be able to profile and detect series.
Genetic Genealogy: The new frontier in DNA Investigative Capabilities
Workshop Date: Monday 21 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1630 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$100.00 |
In the ever expanding repertoire of DNA investigative capabilities, the application of genetic genealogy (GG) to criminal investigations and unidentified human remains (UHRs) has rapidly emerged as a potential investigative tool for law enforcement (LE). High profile cold cases in the US (e.g. the Golden State Killer (GSK) case) were resolved after several decades using GG. GG uses genotype data of a sample donor generated from hundreds of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms, generally using whole genome arrays, and accessing public DNA databases to identify relatives of the donor.
This workshop aims to address considerations for LE application of GG to casework. Suitable for forensic scientists, investigators and legal experts, workshop participants will be familiarised with the scientific methodology, the use of public databases such as GEDmatch and the development of family trees through a practical exercise run by a genetic genealogist. It is anticipated that case examples will be presented by members of the Sacramento DA’s office involved in the GSK case. The workshop will highlight challenges associated with access to public databases, genetic genealogy expertise, using direct-to-consumer companies and quality management considerations. Privacy, ethical and legislative considerations will be presented in the Australian context.
Microspectroscopy Applications in Trace Evidence
Workshop Date: Monday 21 September 2020 Workshop Time: 1200 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$20.00 |
In this workshop, Dr. Jon Burdett will introduce participants to several microscopy and microspectroscopy instruments and highlight their applications to Trace Evidence, along with equipment demonstrations on microspectrophotometers, microRaman, and refractive index systems. Basic analysis and accepted workflows for standard trace evidence samples will be presented, including standard analytical practices for using these instruments on fibers, paints, documents, and glass. Finally, Dr. Edward Bartick will present his work on fiber analysis and applying statistics and chemometric analysis for greater discrimination power.
Workshop attendees will learn
• Scientific principles of these spectroscopic and microscopy techniques
• How to use CRAIC microspectrophotometers, Raman, and rIQ systems
• When to use each instrument in their casework
• How to analyze and compare spectral data
• The benefits of advanced mathematical analysis in discrimination
Practical Aspects Of Health Care Of Problematic Suspects And Complainants
Workshop Date: Monday 21 September 2020 Workshop Time: 0900 – 1700 Venue: University of Technology Sydney Fee: A$100.00 |
Practical aspects of health care of suspects and complainants, both adult and children, who may have mental health and/or substance abuse issues. The workshop will review fitness to consent to forensic procedures, fitness for interview, fitness to detain, misleading interviews and the potential for miscarriages of justice. The workshop will be of relevance to lawyers, police, and physicians (forensic, paediatric, ED, custodial).
Radiological Crime Scene and Evidence Management
Workshop Date: Monday 21 September 2020 |
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Whilst small, the risk of encountering radioactive material during criminal investigations exists; several instances have been reported in Australia. However, most forensic scientists and first responders will have had limited exposure to practical and radiation safety considerations when attending a radiological crime scene or examining evidence items containing radioactive material. This workshop will provide participants with key information to empower them to respond to this hazard. The half day workshop will cover general radiation principles, radiological crime scene management and risk assessment. It will include a practical session offering hands-on experience using radiation detectors. The full day workshop also includes a tabletop scenario exploring the advantages/disadvantages of removing radiological contamination from evidence. Participants will be asked to form an analytical plan based on investigative questions, giving consideration to available analytical techniques, sample quantity and investigative timelines. No previous radiation experience is necessary for this workshop. The practical activity will involve the use of a radioactive source; radiation doses have been risk assessed to be much less than public dose limits and will be monitored by workshop presenters. Please advise the workshop organisers if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are pregnant prior to registering.
Using Likelihood Ratios in Fingerprint Casework
Workshop Date: Monday 21 September 2020 |
This workshop focuses on using the likelihood ratio (LR) in fingerprint casework. We will explore different methods for generating LRs with respect to source level propositions, including both verbal LRs and quantitative LRs from a statistical model. We will see how these apply to various types of fingerprint comparisons. We have practical exercises that include examples of identification, inconclusive, and cases where there is correspondence, but insufficient for the expert to conclude an identification or an exclusion. Participants will review different methods of reporting using expanded conclusion scales. Lastly, we will explore some mock testimony scenarios based on the examples discussed throughout the workshop.
The course is aimed at practitioner fingerprint experts or supervisors/quality managers of fingerprint units. Other pattern specialists, such as footwear, firearms, handwriting experts are welcome, but the exercises are specific examples for fingerprint experts, but the concepts, reporting, and testimony are universally applicable across forensic disciplines.
Please note: Attendance to the workshops is not included in your registration fee. Minimum and maximum numbers apply to all workshops. Those workshops for which minimum numbers are not met may be cancelled and delegates will be notified via email. All workshops are organised by external organisers. Workshops will be allocated on a first come first served basis.