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The Business Meeting will be held on April 25th starting at 0800.  This meeting will be held virtually as well as in person. Click on the below link to join the Zoom meeting. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89663166907?pwd=UTlrZDVRZ1RxR2dQWXY3NVhuRVFEdz09

CSDIAI is proud to welcome you to the 108th annual training seminar in Bakersfield, California. Our theme this year is "United". This 40-hour seminar will provide attendees with the necessary tools to enhance your Forensic discipline.  Please join us at our opening ceremony as we welcome dignitaries from Kern County, The City of Bakersfield and our Keynote Speaker, Julie Weil of the Not Just Me Foundation.

Keynote Speaker - Opening Ceremonies Julie Weil Not Just Me Foundation Julie Weil is sexual assault survivor and global activist who has used her voice to turn trauma into lasting change. Abducted along with her children from a preschool parking lot in Miami, Julie barely survived multiple rapes and brutal torture out in the Florida Everglades at the hands of a stranger. With courage and the excellent work of her sexual assault nurse, law enforcement agents, DNA lab and State Attorney's office, Julie successfully endured a four-year journey through the criminal justice system. Arrested after DNA was obtained from her perpetrator following his commission of another crime, her abductor/rapist's long run from the law finally came to an end. He received seven consecutive life sentences for what he did to Julie's family...one for Julie's daughter, one for her son, and five life sentences for the multiple rapes and torture she was forced to endure. Since the sentencing, Julie has devoted her life to being a champion for change in the way survivors of sexual assault are treated in the system. Over the past decade, her mission has grown like wildfire. After founding the Not Just Me Foundation in 2010, Julie has been a part of lasting improvements at all levels of government. Locally, she inspired the creation of Butterfly House, Palm Beach County's only forensic exam center which Julie supports through her charity along with other community events. She has helped pass three pieces of legislation in the state of Florida pertaining to the rape kit backlog, including counting inventory, requiring mandatory testing and mandating a tracking system. At the federal level, Julie spent over two years walking the steps of Capitol Hill and educating congressional offices on the importance of clearing the national rape kit backlog through legislation. Her efforts helped to pass the SAFER Act in February 2013 , which is now a part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Internationally, Julie worked with the IACP (International Association of Police Chiefs) on a two year project to bring the first rape crisis center to Egypt and was honored to be there when it opened in Cairo in November 2016. She also assisted the IACP with training law enforcement agencies in Guadalajara, Mexico and has spoken about the importance of DNA technology to agencies in Canada. Julie's true passion is inspiring forensic nurses, law enforcement personnel, lab analysts, attorneys and advocates to keep fighting the good fight against sexual assault and other violent crimes. Together, we can turn victims into strong survivors.

Keynote Speaker - Thursday Morning Business Meeting Domingo Villarreal IAI President                  With 35 years of experience in law enforcement, 28 in forensic investigations and 27 years as an instructor in scene of crime investigations and friction ridge development and identification. Retired in 2010, after 23 years with the City of Humble Police Department, TX. Worked for the Houston Forensic Science Center from 2015 - 2021 as Deputy Director of CSU. An active reserve sergeant with the Cleveland, Texas Police Department, assists the Detectives with any major and complex investigations, as deemed necessary and identified by the Chief of police. Currently a forensic consultant for ICITAP - USDOJ (International Criminal Investigating Training Assistance Program - United States Department of Justice) in Africa, Nepal, Panama, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Colombia. Manages training, designed a training program for investigators and technicians for basic, intermediate, and advanced processing of the scene of the crime, interpretation and documentation of bloodstain patterns, toolmarks and bullet trajectories, latent print development, friction ridge skin detail, palmprint identification and scene of crime event reconstructions. Certified Technical Assessor and Expert of ISO/IEC 17025 and 17020 for A2LA. Assesses, consults, assists and prepares the fingerprint, crime scene, firearm, and comparison units in their compliance for accreditation. Affiliations with Professional Organizations: International Association for Identification (IAI), Distinguished and Life Member Current President TX Division of the International Association for Identification, member since 1992 Past President, Treasurer, Historian, Crime Scene Chair and International Rep. Central American Division (CADIAI) of the International Assoc. for Ident. Since 2014 Florida Division of the International Association for Identification, member since 2015 Colombia Division of the International Assoc. for Identification, board member, 2016 Ohio Division of the International Association for Identification, member since 2017 European Division of the International Association for Identification, member since ‘20 Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association for Identification, member Arizona and Chesapeake Divisions of the IAI FBI National Academy Associates Alabama, Asia Pacific, Arizona, Latin American, Puerto Rico, Rocky Mountain, Texas and West Virginia Chapters - Member

Hotel Accommodations

The 2024 Seminar will be held at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center which is located in the heart of Downtown Bakersfield. 

Book your room prior to April 3rd, 2024 to get the CSDIAI room rate of:  $139/night (plus applicable tax and fees - parking is included)

Vendors Registration Note

Vendor Registration is now Open!!!!

Pricing: One company Representative $800

              Each additional Representative $350

Once registration is received the Vendor Chairperson will contact the company contact and booth locations will be assigned (See below floor plan). Booth locations are assigned on a first come first serve basis. 

CSDIAI will provide our vendors with a unique opportunity to network and share the latest technologies that your company has to offer. Your company will have the ability to generate leads, build relationships, and create future sales through our members and the numerous law enforcement agencies they represent. 

Vendor Registration will cosist of the following:

- Recognition and advertising in the seminar program

- Full registration to the entire seminar for one represtative (Additional representitives can be purchased at a discount rate)

- Acknowledgement during the opening cermonies

- Attendace at all social events

- Attendace at all snack and drink breaks

- Individual vendor booths

Vendor setup will begin Monday, April 22nd at noon in the Grand Ballroom. 

 

SPEAKERS!!!!!!!

 

GREG LASWKOWSKI-CRIMINALISTICS SERVICES INTERNATIONAL

Gregory E. Laskowski is a retired Supervising Criminalist with the Kern County District Attorney Forensic Science Division in Bakersfield, California where he supervised the Major Crimes Unit. He has over thirty years experience as a forensic scientist with both the Kern County Sheriff’s Department and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. His university degrees include a BS degree in Biochemistry from the University of Southern California and a MPA degree from California State University Bakersfield. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor of Forensic Science at California State University Bakersfield in addition to Oklahoma State University. He is the president of Criminalistics Services International, LLC a forensic science education and consulting firm. Gregory is a Diplomate with certification in Comprehensive Criminalistics with the American Board of Criminalistics.

In addition, Gregory has lectured on forensic science techniques and case histories in the former Soviet Union, the FBI Academy in Quantico Virginia, and for various professional societies and associations in the United States and Europe. He has published papers in Journal of Forensic Sciences, The Journal of Identification, and Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners Journal. His memberships in professional associations include: Fellow of the Criminalistics section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences; Distinguished Member of the Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners; Distinguished and Life Member of the International Association for Identification, where he serves as the subcommittee Chairman for General Forensics as well as a member of subcommittee on Firearms and Toolmarks, and on the Science and Practices Committee; Member and past-president of the California Association of Criminalists; and Member of the California Association Of Crime Lab Directors, where he served on the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Standardization Committee. He is also a commissioner and certified inspector for the Forensic Science Education Program Evaluation Commission FEPAC. Gregory also consults or has consulted for the following television shows:

CSI: and CSI: Miami, Law and Order, Numbers, Killer Instinct, Vanished, Bones, Rizzoli and Isles, The Mob Doctor, and The Black List. He is also the subject of three Court TV television series Forensic Files episodes, which can be seen on the Headline News Network (HLN).

-“It could Happen to You” This lecture details an actual case from San Bernadino County where Lawyers will sue agencies and individual examiners after a finding of innocence by a judge after an appeal by The Innocence Project.

-My Experiences as a consultant for TV Forensics Science Dramas”

-The David Rogers Case, a case study (Includes video from Forensic Files episode

JOHN REYNOLDS RENDERSAFE TRAINING AND CONSULTING

John Reynolds is the owner and an instructor for RenderSafe Training and Consulting. He is currently a Captain with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and 31-year law enforcement veteran.  John has worked as a Detective in the Special Investigations Detail (Narcotics and Intelligence), Burglary/Robbery Unit, Home Invasion Robbery Task Force, and Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad since 2003. He is a 2005 graduate of the Army/FBI Hazardous Devices School. Other relevant training includes:

FBI Post Blast Investigation, Hazmat Technician (WMD) - FBI 2003

Advanced Ordnance Recognition for Law Enforcement - TEEX 2009

Homemade Explosives: Awareness, Recognition, and Response Instructor Course - EMRTC 2013

Chemistry of Pyrotechnics - Oklahoma State University 2017

Ordnance Identification and Recognition - Oklahoma State University 2017

Blast Injuries and Effects - Oklahoma State University 2018

Joint CBRN Characterization, Exploitation, and Mitigation (JCCEM) - 95th CST / Dugway Proving Ground 2021

Preventative Radiological/Nuclear Detection (PRND) Primary and Secondary Screener - Counterterrorism Operations Support Center for Radiological Nuclear Testing (CTOS) 2021

John has responded to hundreds of explosive related incidents and has been providing explosives awareness and incident response training since 2005.   John has a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science - Explosives Investigation and a Master of Science in Forensic Science - Explosives Investigations from Oklahoma State University.   John was a speaker at the 2022 International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators International Training Conference and presented his research on Heat Transfer and Explosive Storage.  His research and findings provided answers for the cause of an explosion that occurred at a ski resort in the Sierra National Forrest of Eastern Fresno County during the Creek Fire of 2020. John has transitioned from bomb technician to forensic explosive investigations with an emphasis on evidence recovery to support explosive investigations and is the creator of the Forensic Low Explosive Examination (FLEX) course.  John is also the developer and primary instructor for the Workplace Violence Prevention Program. He has been directly involved in the Sheriff’s Office Seconds 2 Survive active shooter preparation training, providing training throughout the state and along with the associated Train the Trainer program.  John developed the Seconds 2 Survive: Diverting the Threat bystander education training and is the commander of the Fresno County Targeted Violence Prevention Task Force, a five-component task force and multidisciplinary threat assessment team aimed at reducing the likelihood of mass violence in the community and schools.  He has additional certifications related to civilian active shooter response, behavioral threat assessments, and advanced threat assessments.

Forensic Low Explosive Examination (FLEX) is a course designed to provide bomb technicians and crime scene investigators with basic techniques for examining low explosives encountered during explosive incidents.

A blend of lecture and the hands-on training is emphasized to conduct the examination of low explosive mixtures. The bomb technician and investigator will use safe sampling and examination techniques to search for, identify, document, and collect samples for evidence and confirmatory analysis. The course will enhance the investigator's ability to advance the investigation and testify in court.

⦁ Introduction to Forensic Science

⦁ Scientific Method

⦁ Safe Sampling Techniques

⦁ History, characteristics, and uses of common low explosives

⦁ Examination techniques

⦁ Explosive incident response for the investigator

⦁ Scene processing and examination techniques

Approved by the Forensic Certification Management Board for credit with the International Association for Identification under Crime Scene (20230018)

(WORKSHOP 24 attendees)

 **Needs outdoor covered but ventilated with standing tables or tables for sitting while conducting examinations. **This is a condensed version of the 16 hour FLEX course, small safe burns with propellants will be used. FLEX is a course designed to provide crime scene investigators with techniques for searching for and examining low explosives encountered during explosive incidents.

CRISTINA PINO-SR FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION SPECIALIST TORRANCE PD

Cristina Pino is a Sr. Forensic Identification Specialist at Torrance PD. She is from the beautiful and warm South of Italy. After receiving her Masters degree, in Forensic Science she moved to the States where she realized her dream of working in the forensic field. She has been in the forensic field for more than a decade and is an IAI certified CSI and a fully trained latent print examiner. During her career she has had the opportunity to teach at EAST LA College, National University, Purdue University, and present a workshop at the IAI Annual Educational Conference.

**Students need to bring their print kits and a magnifying glass. Also bring 10 items to print, EX: soda/drink can, plastic water bottle, granola wrapper, plastic spoon, styrofoam cup, Ziploc bags, glossy paper (magazine, or anything else. ** We will be providing:

-table cloths

-paper towels

-Ink pads

-Standard palm print cards

-Duct tape

-SPR

This workshop is designed as a comprehensive, hands-on activity for individuals who just started to process crime scenes for latent print evidence. Proper collection and development of various types of surfaces will be addressed. Will include proper collection and development on various types of surfaces using cyanoacrylate and ninhydrin.

JOHN MCCOWAN-BIOMETRICS CONSULTING PARTNERS

John McCowan is a skilled biometrics, public safety, and civil identity business program management and pricing professional. An adept market strategist combining acute sales sense with the latest technological intelligence. A communicative leader who builds, mentors, and guides dynamic stakeholder teams to surpass customer expectations. Experienced with process analysis and planning, procurement processes, and implementation of biometric technology.

John will be discussing ModileID system design, deployment, present challenges and implications for latent activities and other police operations. BCP are experts in designing and deploying MobileID and ABIS solutions.

-MobileID System,  BCP will be discussing MobileID system design, deployment, present challenges, and implications for latent activities and other police operations. The slide presentation/lecture will be followed by a question and answer period. A handout on MobileID decision-making will be available to all attendees.

JASON COLE-FOSTER+ FREEMAN

Jason is a Senior Technical Sales Specialist for Foster + Freeman.

Jason began his Law Enforcement career as a police officer for the Sandy City (Utah) Police Department.

Later he was reassigned to the Investigations Division as the detective over juvenile crime and domestic violence crime. He also began receiving training in crime scene investigation and began to process major crime scenes for the department.

In 2001 Jason left the Sandy City Police Department and began working as a Forensic Investigator for the West Valley City (Utah) Police Department. Job duties included responding to crime scenes, working in the laboratory to chemically develop latent prints, and latent print examination. In 2007 he was promoted to be the Forensic Director of the West Valley City Police Department Forensic Services Unit.

In 2010 Jason left the West Valley City Police Department and accepted a position as a Latent Print and Footwear Examiner with the Henderson (Nevada) Police Department.

Jason served on the Board of Directors for the Utah Division of the IAI for over 10 years, including serving as President. He was awarded the Utah Division of IAI Outstanding Achievement Award in 2005.

Jason served on the Board of Directors for the Nevada State Division of the IAI for 8 years, including 6 years as President.

Jason works part-time as a Latent Print Examiner for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

Jason serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association for Identification.

Jason is a member of DMORT region IX.

Jason will be presenting the following lectures and workshops:

-Light Theory  Lecture

-Getting the Most Out of Your Alternate Light Source  Lecture

-IR Flourescent Powders  Lecture

-Detect More Evidence Utilizing the Full Spectrum of Light Lecture

-Detect More Evidence Utilizing the Full Spectrum of Light (WORKSHOP)

-Lifting Prints off Difficult Surfaces (Featuring Serena McAloney) (WORKSHOP)

-Superglue to Dye Stains to Photography (WORKSHOP)

-Recovery of  2D Impression Evidence (WORKSHOP)

-Detect More Evidence Utilizing the Full Spectrum of Light (WORKSHOP)

 

JOSEPH MATVAY-INDEPENDENT FORENSIC CONSULTANT

Joseph Matvay was with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for approximately 35 years. He retired from the agency in 2014.

When he retired, he was a Crime Scene Analyst Supervisor, supervising a squad of 8 Crime Scene Investigators.

Joseph is certified in 3 Forensic disciplines through the International Association for Identification. He is certified as a Senior Crime Scene Analyst, Blood Stain Pattern Analyst, and Latent Print Examiner.

After retiring from the LVMPD, he started a Forensic Consulting Service. He currently assists various entities in this endeavor, doing various types of Forensic investigations for Police Agencies, District Attorneys, and Defense Attorneys.

-Bloodsstain Pattern Analysis-The OSAC Terms and Definitions (

-Courtroom Testimony-What you Should Know and Do Before and During your Direct and Cross Examination

ERIC RAY-IDEMIA

Eric Ray is a Certified Latent Print Examiner working for IDEMIA as a Subject Matter Expert to recommend product improvements, develop training, and gather customer feedback. As a member of the IAI, Eric is on the Editorial Board of the JFI and chaired the Special Committee on Latent Print Probability Modeling. He is a member of the OSAC Friction Ridge Subcommittee developing standards for the field. Eric has developed and presented lectures, workshops, and training classes on several topics, especially on Reducing Erroneous Exclusion. In his spare time, he also co-hosts the Double Loop Podcast with over 250 episodes.

Likelihood Ratio Model in AFIS-Testing a new tool to Measure the Weight of Latent Evidence

For over a decade, the latent print field has seen publications, presentations, and research into latent print likelihood ratio models. However, there has been no model widely available for an agency to test or use in their own casework using their own tenprint database as the background dataset. An AFIS-based Likelihood Ratio model using Approximate Bayesian Computation is now being tested and will soon be available as an optional feature of an AFIS upgrade. This lecture will discuss the statistical basis for this system, use-case for the technology and results of prototype testing.

The Exclusion Problem and AFIS Solutions

Every black-box accuracy study on latent print examinations, including recent palm print research, clearly demonstrates a relatively high error rate for Exclusion conclusions.  While Exclusion is typically the most utilized conclusion, the vast majority of training time focuses on Identification. Additionally, many agencies do not have protocols for verification of the Exclusion conclusion. This lecture will discuss how examiners can improve their accuracy and efficiency when reaching this conclusion through an Exclusion-centric search strategy and the use of AFIS technology.

Latent Print Close Non-Matches

As AFIS technology continues to improve and AFIS databases continue to grow, latent print examiners face an increased risk of comparing a close non-match. This presentation discusses historical cases with close non-matches, the situation that increase the likelihood of a Close Non-Match comparisons, and steps to mitigate the risk of error. Multiple examples of Close Noon-Matches will be presented, including a sample that resulted in an Erroneous Identification. This session will conclude with a review of the Quality Assurance processes from an accredited laboratory that were implemented after the error.

STEPHANIE TERNDRUP-LEAD FORENSIC SPECIALIST

Stephanie Terndrup is an expert in the field of Crime Scene Investigation and Latent Print Examination with over 14 years of experience working for agencies in California and Nevada. Stephanie is a certified LPE and CSA through the IAI since 2016. In her current agency, Stephanie is the Lead Forensic Specialist and a designated Field Training Officer where she assists in supervising and overseeing the training program and maintaining the section accreditation status. As a technical assessor with ANAB, Stephanie conducts accreditation assessments for Forensic Service Providers. Stephanie taught workshops and presented on case studies at educational seminars and community affairs. Stephanie serves as a Director on the CSDIAI board, is an active member on various committees and maintains her membership with The American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the IAI, California Homicide Investigators Association and she regularly attends conferences and training to stay abreast with the current affairs.

CYNTHIA VIDANA-FORENSIC SPECIALIST

Cynthia Vidana is a Forensic Specialist with over 5 years of experience in crime scene processing and latent print examination. Cynthia is a certified Crime Scene Analyst through the IAI and a designated field training officer (FTO) with her agency. As an FTO Cynthia is tasked with training new CSIs and examiners and assists in completing training materials and internal testing of new Forensic products. Cynthia has been a member of the CSDIA since 2021 where she has served on various committees. In 2023 Cynthia was appointed into the Historian position for the CSDIAI where she has published articles in the digest pertaining to the history of the CSDIAI. Cynthia is a member of the IAI, and Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers (SCAFO) and regularly attends conferences and trainings.

-Blood Enhancement: Is it Blood or Is It Not? (WORKSHOP) 20 ATTENDEES

Whether you’re a rookie CSI or a seasoned pro, join us to master the art of blood detection and enhancement. In this workshop, participants will learn about presumptive blood testing and blood enhancement chemicals. The instructors will present a lecture followed by an interactive hands-on session. During the hands-on session, participants will have an opportunity to test for blood using presumptive blood tests like phenolphthalein and Hexagon OBTI. Participants will also have an opportunity to use blood enhancing chemicals, such as Leucocrystal Violet (LCV) and Amido Black. A USB drive is highly recommended if participants wish to share and receive the workshop materials.

MELISSA KRAIDMAN-IDENTIFICATION TECH, KERN COUNTY S.O.

Melissa Kraidman is a dedicated professional with a diverse background spanning the realms of art, education, and forensics. She holds a Master of Science in Forensic Art & Facial Identification from the University of Dundee, a Bachelor of Fine Art in Illustration from Syracuse University, and an Associate of Arts in Administration of Justice, along with certificates in Fingerprint Classification and Crime Scene Investigation from East Los Angeles College.

Since 2021, she has worked as an Identification Technician in the Cal-ID unit for the Kern County Sheriff's Office. In addition to her work in law enforcement, Melissa is deeply committed to education. Since 2021, she has been a Career Technical Education Teacher specializing in Forensics, Criminal Justice, and Law & Public Safety Careers for the William S. Hart Union High School District. Prior to this, she served as a Teacher within the same district since 2018.

She holds a Career Technical Education Teaching Credential in Public Services and is an active member in the following organizations: Law & Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN), the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE), the Forensic Artist Skills Enhancement Network (FASELinks), the International Association of Identification (IAI), and the California State Division of the IAI (CSDIAI).

From Crime Scene to Classroom - Crafting Careers and Curricula in Forensic Education. This lecture will explore Career Technical Education (CTE) and its impact in high school classrooms. Discover what CTE classes entail at the high school level and explore avenues to engage, whether aspiring to teach or contribute through guest speaking, participating in advisory meetings, or facilitating job shadows.

DANICA SCALES-FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION SPECIALIST, LASD

Danica Scales is a Forensic Identification Specialist with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. She has been employed with LASD for over six years. She performs crime scene investigations, latent print comparisons, and AFIS submissions. Danica has her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California Riverside, and a Master of Forensic Sciences Degree, specialization in Criminalistics, from National University. At LASD, she is also a field trainer for crime scene investigation, and a co-lead trainer for the Automated Fingerprint Identification System program. Throughout her career she has processed over 200 crime scenes, completed over 200 comparison cases, and conducted AFIS searches for over 100 cases. As for professional organizations, she is an active member of the International Association for Identification, the California State Division of the International Association for Identification, and the Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers.

Outside of her work in forensics, she participates in yoga and other forms of movement. She first began yoga in 2017 and has become even more active in it over the last two years. This has fostered her passion of integrating mindfulness and movement into the lives of forensic specialists.

-Balancing the Burnout, Mindfulness and Movement-The lecture/workshop includes gentle movement/chair yoga and breathwork at the end (about 30 minutes). Please be prepared to stand, sit, stretch, and gently move your body. Wear something that you feel comfortable moving in. This portion of the presentation is optional – if you would like to opt out of this portion, I ask that you quietly exit to give space to those wanting to participate.

JESSICA LIANG-FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION SPECIALIST, LASD

Jessica Liang is a Forensic Identification Specialist with the LASD Crime Lab. She has been with the department since 2011, first as a 911 dispatcher and then moving into the crime lab. Her areas of expertise are crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, and latent print comparisons. Jessica is a Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst. She has handled hundreds of scenes from burglaries to death investigations (homicides, suicides, accidental/suspicious deaths) to deputy/officer involved shootings.

-Night and Low Light Photography Workshop (3 hours)

-Understanding Flash Photography Workshop (3 hours)

This workshop is intended for attendees to practice and hone their photo skills at night. Attendees should have a basic understanding of the exposure triangle. Attendees should bring the following equipment:

Camera (preferably the one they use for scene processing or something similar)

Memory card

Fully charged battery (bring an extra as a backup if possible)

External flash

Tripod

Shutter release cable

Flashlight

RICHARD FENRICH-IDENTIFICATION INTERNATIONAL INC

Richard Fenrich earned advanced degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science at The Ohio State University and SUNY at Buffalo. Upon graduation from SUNY at Buffalo in 1989, Fenrich joined a SUNY at Buffalo research group to focus on projects in advanced image processing for reading handwritten and machine printed addresses from mail. Success in these research efforts led Fenrich to start his first company, Exegetics, Incorporated. Exegetics fielded the world's first multi-indicia reading software. Systems were fielded by Bell & Howell across the US for the US Postal Service. These efforts led to an imaging product Exegetics subsequently sold across the southeastern United States. Since our major customer base was law enforcement, Exegetics designed and developed the world's first single connection livescan system. Identification International, Inc. (i3) was started soon after in 2004 to do fingerprinting for law enforcement. Fenrich led i3 to other world-wide firsts: a. the first MIL SPEC livescan and the first FBI certified 3D fingerprint scanner. Today, Fenrich looks to enhance i3's leading technology by extending its capability to incorporate high quality imaging and image matching components.

-Poroscopy- History, Use and Limitations-We all have ideas about what poroscopy "is."  This presentation will touch upon poroscopy's history, use cases, and limitations.  In seeking to understand poroscopy's limited use, i3 will discuss technical advances which may enable much more common use. The presentation will contain an open forum component so poroscopy experiences can be exchanged between attendees. Using this approach, i3 aims to build working poroscopy solutions that serve the forensic community.  Our exhibit booth will have an i3 scanner, RX1000, capable of providing 1000 ppi imagery for pore processing.

STEVE JOHNSON-IDEAL INNOVATIONS

Steve Johnson is a retired law enforcement supervisor with a background in latent print examination, crime scene investigation, forensic art and facial identification. He is a Senior Instructor for Ideal Innovations, an industry leader in Facial Examination Training. Mr. Johnson is a Past President and Board Chair of the IAI, a member of Forensic Art Certification Board and is the current Chair of the Facial Identification Committee. He is the former IAI representative to the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for the Forensic Sciences (OSAC), serving as Chair of the OSAC Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB) from 2017 to 2020. In addition to his duties with the IAI he is currently serving as a member of the OSAC Facial Identification Subcommittee and the Facial Identification Scientific Working Group. He is representing OSAC as a Standards Implementation Advocate.

-Facial Examination and the State of the Discipline

-OSAC standards implementation mission

ALLISON O’NEAL-NAMUS

Allison O’Neal, was born and raised in Orange County, California. She attended Chapman University for both undergraduate and graduate studies, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice.

For nearly twenty years, Allison conducted and supervised medicolegal death investigations while serving as a Deputy Coroner, Senior Deputy Coroner, Field Training Officer, and Supervising Deputy Coroner with the Coroner Division of the Orange County (California) Sheriff’s Department. Also during her tenure with the Coroner’s Office, Allison led the unidentified deceased team, oversaw the unidentified deceased cases dating back to the 1950s, and in 2015, she was the co-coordinator of Orange County’s first Identify the Missing Day.

In March, 2018, Allison joined the federal justice program, NamUs, as the Regional Program Specialist for California. While supporting California, Allison spent considerable time ensuring equitable forensic resources were afforded to migrant and tribal missing and unidentified person investigations. In April 2024, she moved into a nationwide, NamUs Cold Case Advisor role on a multi-disciplinary team. Allison continues to provide support to law enforcement, forensic professionals, and medicolegal death investigators for their long-term missing and unidentified person investigations.

-The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System: Exploring the Integral Role of Forensic Science and Analytical Services on Case Resolution

JEFF BURDICK-CAPTAIN, BAKERSFIELD PD

Captain Jeff Burdick has been employed by the Bakersfield Police Department since 1999 and is currently the Special Operations Group Captain. He has worked a variety of assignments at the police department which include Patrol Operations, Gang Unit, Directed Policing Unit, Civil Disturbance Team, HIDTA Narcotics Taskforce, Robbery/Homicide, Burglary, Financial Crimes, Special Victim Unit, and Internal Affairs. Captain Burdick is a graduate of Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2011 and the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute Class 358. Captain Burdick holds an Associate of Arts Degree from Bakersfield College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from California State University Bakersfield.

Captain Burdick is the Bakersfield Police Department’s CIT Coordinator, a member of the Kern County Behavioral Health Board, Kern County Crisis Intervention Team co-chair, co-chair of the Children’s Treatment and Recover Services Committee, member of the Kern County Dependent and Elder Abuse Review Team, and President of the Bakersfield Police Benefit Association.  Captain Burdick has previously served on the Domestic Violence Advisory Council, Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking Steering Committee, and the Kern County Child Death Review Team.

-“DNA and the Devil’s Lettuce”

JOSEPH MATVEY-INDEPENDENT FORENSIC CONSULTANT

Joseph Matvay was with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for approximately 35 years. He retired from the agency in 2014.

When he retired, he was a Crime Scene Analyst Supervisor, supervising a squad of 8 Crime Scene Investigators.

Joseph is certified in 3 Forensic disciplines through the International Association for Identification. He is certified as a Senior Crime Scene Analyst, Blood Stain Pattern Analyst, and Latent Print Examiner.

After retiring from the LVMPD, he started a Forensic Consulting Service. He currently assists various entities in this endeavor, doing various types of Forensic investigations for Police Agencies, District Attorneys, and Defense Attorneys.

-Bloodstain Pattern Analysis - The OSAC Terms and Definition

-Courtroom Testimony: What you Should Know and Do-Before & During Your Direct & Cross Examination

BRYANNA TOUSSAINT-POLICE SUPPORT SERVICES MANAGER, ESCONDIDO PD

Bryanna Toussaint has been with the Escondido Police Department for 10 years and is currently the Police Support Services Manager at the Escondido Police Department where she oversees the Records Division, the Forensic Services Unit and the Evidence Management Division. She was the Forensic Services Supervisor for 7 years where her duties included crime scene investigation, latent print analysis, and latent print development along with administrative/supervisory functions. She has her Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice – Forensic Technology from Grossmont Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from National University. Bryanna was a volunteer with the El Cajon Police Department Crime Laboratory and with the Chula Vista Police Department Crime Laboratory and has worked at the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Regional Crime Laboratory as a Sheriff’s Fingerprint Examiner and as a Fingerprint & Evidence Specialist at the Carlsbad Police Department prior to starting her career at Escondido Police Department. She has also been an Adjunct Instructor at Southwestern Community College and Grossmont Community College. Bryanna is also a Certified Latent Print Examiner.

Bryanna will be hosting a lecture with MARK WALDO.  The lecture will be:

-The Reality of Supervising

MARK WALDO-FORENSICS 360, LLC

Mark Waldo is a Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst with over 31 years of experience in law enforcement. Mark has recently retired from the Santa Ana Police Department after 28 years where he started as a Forensic Specialist. He promoted to Lead Forensic Specialist, where he lead a team of crime scene investigators for 6 years. Over the last 5 years, Mark has served as the Forensic Services Supervisor over the Crime Scene Investigation Unit with the Santa Ana Police Department.

Prior to law enforcement, Mark worked in EMS for over 15 years as an operations manager. During his tenure as an operations manager, he was responsible for over 75 employees, which included emergency medical technicians, paramedics, registered nurses, dispatchers, and clerical staff. During this time, he gained valuable knowledge and experience in dealing with employees: their recruitment, hiring, evaluations, promotions, and discipline.

He has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management with an emphasis in Leadership, a Graduate Certificate in Forensics and Crime Scene Investigations, and a Master’s degree in Forensic Science. Mark stays involved in local, state, and international professional forensic associations, where he has served on their executive boards.

Currently Mark is Owner/Principal of Forensics 360, LLC, an independent forensic consulting and training company. Forensics 360, LLC provides hands-on forensic training courses and consulting on forensic analysis and case review.

Mark will be hosting a lecture with Bryanna Toussaint. See her information above.

-The reality of Supervising”

 

BRYCE PATTERSON-BATTALION CHIEF, BAKERSFIELD FIRE DEPT, FIRE ARSON/IVESTIGATION DIVISION

Bryce Patterson has over 26 years of experience in the fire service. He joined the Bakersfield Fire Department as a reserve firefighter in 1998. Patterson was hired full-time as a recruit firefighter in 2004 and was later promoted to Fire Engineer in 2009, then fire Captain In 2016. In 2020 he joined the specialized law enforcement unit of the Bakersfield Fire Department as an Arson Investigator. In 2022, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and now oversees the Fire Investigation/Arson unit. Throughout his career, Patterson has responded to over 2,500 fires and has been the lead Investigator over 300 times, which has led to 20 Arson arrests, with a 100% conviction rate. Chief Patterson has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration/Investigation from Columbia Southern University.

-Forensic Fire Investigation-Establishing the Point of Origin

BILLY ROUTH-DETECTIVE, BAKERSFIELD PD

Billy Routh has been a police officer for over 19 years. He is currently assigned as a Detective with the Special Victim’s Unit (SVU). He has worked in the following capacity throughout the years, patrol, Gang Enforcement, and the Quality-of-Life Unit. His collateral assignments have also included OES Liaison, Academy Instructor/Evaluator, and Team Leader for the Crisis Negotiation Unit. For the past 5 years his collateral assignment has been Team Leader /Co-Supervisor for the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) which is part of the Bakersfield Police Department’s Special Operations Group (SOG). Detective Routh holds a part FFA Part 107A UAV License and he has completed the following courses: UAS Operator Course, UAS Advanced Operators Course, UAS Nighttime Operators Course, UAS Managers Course, and UAV Indoor Tactical Course. As a member of the Bakersfield Police Department’s UAS Team, he has flown missions for missing and at large persons, homicides, car accidents, dispatched calls for service, and tactical SWAT situations.

-Drone capabilities at Crime Scenes

 

SERENA MCALONEY-LATENT PRINT SPECIALIST, ESCONDIDO PD

Serena McAloney is a CLPE (Certified Latent Print Examiner) by the International Association for Identification and currently works as a Latent Print Specialist for the Escondido Police Department, in San Diego County, in the Forensic Services Unit. She has 15 years of experience in crime scenes, friction ridge examination and latent print development.

Serena will be presenting a workshop with JASON COLE of FOSTER + FREEMAN titled:

-Lifting Latents off of Difficult Surfaces (WORKSHOP)

Serena will also be presenting a case study with Detective Chris Zack titled:

-Where in the world is Stanley Stevens

CHRIS ZACK-DETECTIVE, ESCONDIDO PD

Detective Christopher Zack has been with the Escondido Police Department for over 23 years and is currently assigned to the Crimes of Violence Unit. With more than 16 years of investigative experience, Chris has held a variety of assignments over his career, including Patrol, SWAT, FTO, Gang Investigations, Vice/Human Trafficking, Street Narcotics, San Diego Narcotic Task Force, and Violent Crimes.

-Where in the World is Stanley Stevens

RANDOLPH BEASLEY- SEEKFIRST FORENSIC CONSULTING

Randolph Beasley is Founder and Owner of Seekfirst Forensic Consulting. He provides consulting and expert witness testimony for both the prosecution and defense. Randolph retired from the San Bernardino Co. Sheriff’s Crime Lab after 30 years. As a Crime Scene Specialist Randolph’s responsibilities included Crime Scene Reconstruction and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. Randolph has qualified as an expert witness in CSR, BPA, and other areas of forensic science in both state and federal courts in California, Idaho, Florida, Nebraska, and for the U.S. Air Force. He is a Lifetime Member of the IAI.

-Jealous, Ex-Trooper (staged) Bathtub Murder-It all started with an evaluation of a single blood drop on the victim’s body. However, upon a more detailed review the discovery of two additional blood flow patterns confirmed the "apparent suicide" was actually a staged homicide. Learn how experiments and demonstrations can help you better explain your opinions and help a jury reach the correct verdict.

-Crime Scene Reconstruction - When it "Doesn't Make Sense" in a Quadruple Murder- What do you do when the opposing party's expert says the bloodstain pattern evidence "doesn't make sense"...but your experiments prove that it does? How do you best explain and demonstrate your opinions in court since "words matter"? Learn what worked and what didn't for me in reconstruction and in court regarding four young people shot to death in California.

GINA PEARL-SUPERVISING DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Gina Pearl has been with the Kern County District Attorney’s Office for over 17 years.  She has served in almost every unit; however, spent the majority of her career in sex crimes and homicide.  She has been a supervisor for the last 3 years and is currently supervising the Misdemeanor and Juveniles units. During her time, she has tried a variety of high profile criminal cases including Kern County’s oldest cold-case homicide.  As a Bakersfield native, she’s a true advocate for justice in our community and is passionate in helping crime victims and holding perpetrators accountable.

- "People v. Eric Nichols - Putting the (Forensic) Pieces of the Puzzle together for Trial"

 

BRENT GROMER-MAGNET FORENSICS

Brent Gromer is a 25-year law enforcement veteran.  He has spent time in patrol, narcotics, general criminal investigations and over half his career in digital evidence investigations.  He was a recognized in United States District Court and South Dakota State Courts as an expert in digital forensics and digital evidence investigations.  He was a prior member of the South Dakota Chapter of the IAI.  He retired in 2021 as the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Commander for the State of South Dakota.  He was co-chair of the National ICAC Task Force Emerging Technology Committee where he analyzed and provided insight on digital evidence tools and processes.  Since his retirement, Brent, joined the team at Magnet Forensics assisting State and Local law enforcement meet the challenges of collecting, processing, investigating, and reporting digital evidence investigations.

Magnet Forensics for Public Safety: Integrating Tools and Teams for Smarter Digital Investigations

To keep pace with the increasing volume and complexity of today’s digital investigations, your digital forensics toolkit and investigative teams need to work together. Join Brent Gromer to see how the Magnet Forensics platform seamlessly integrates your people and processes through all the stages of your investigations—from device access and triage, data extraction and processing, examination, and review, to delivering the final report—to provide the insights your agency needs to complete cases faster and smarter.

JOSHUA GRAY-DIGITAL FORENSIC EXAMINER-BAKERSFIELD PD

Joshua Gray began his career in law enforcement in 2017 as an Identification Technician with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) performing tenprint examinations. Before long he promoted to the position of Crime Scene Technician with the KCSO Crime Scene Investigation Unit. His responsibilities included crime scene photography, evidence collection and processing, post-mortem examination photography, latent print examinations, and providing courtroom testimony.

In 2021 Joshua took a new position with the Bakersfield Police Department as a Digital Forensic Examiner in which he processes a wide variety of electronic devices to recover relevant data that advances the investigation. Prior to working in law enforcement Joshua had a career in providing technology support. He Holds an AA degree in Criminal Justice from Bakersfield College and has received instruction from the United States Secret Service at the National Computer Forensics Institute, where he has studied forensic techniques for mobile device, computer and digital video recorder examinations.

MICK STREET-DIGITAL FORENSIC EXAMINER-BAKERSFIELD PD

Mick Street is a Digital Forensic Examiner with the Bakersfield Police Department.

Mick graduated from California State University of Bakersfield in 2010 with a degree in Criminal Justice. He has been involved in law enforcement in the Kern County area since 2010. He worked as a Sheriff's Deputy with the Kern County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) for over 9 years. During that time, he worked over 7 years on patrol investigating a variety of cases at rural substations and acted as a Field Training Officer for a period of 2 years. Mick left KCSO before working for the Bakersfield Police Department in their Digital Forensics Unit, where he's worked as a Digital Forensic Examiner for the last year and a half.

Mick has a background in repairing electronics, computers, and cellphones. Mick has attended courses from the National Computer Forensics Institute operated by the United States Secret Service. He has received training in various fields including skimmer and POS forensics, drone forensics, video/image collection and enhancement, mobile device forensics, OSINT, and computer forensics.

- A 60-minute crash course demonstrating the tools and techniques for the prevention of data loss at the crime scene, with an emphasis on cellphones

ED MCCAIN-PATROL OFFICER, VENTURA PD

Ed McCain is currently a Patrol Officer with the City of Ventura Police Department. Ed is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and has been a sworn Police Officer since 2007.

Ed worked a 5 year assignment as a Sexual Assault Investigator and Major Crimes Investigator, working numerous crimes against persons cases, including homicides, and is a former member of the California Homicide Investigators Association and the California Sexual Assault Investigators Association.

Ed has lead training for Domestic Violence Investigations for Patrol Officers and was a member of the Ventura County Strangulation crimes team, providing training to multiple, diverse agencies in the county.

GABRIELLE WIMER-FORENSIC SPECIALIST, VENTURA PD

Gabrielle Wimer is a Forensic Specialist working for the City of Ventura. Gabrielle has worked in Crime Scene Investigation for 14 years and has been a Latent Print Examiner for the past 9 years. She is an I.A.I Certified Crime Scene Analyst. Gabrielle received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from San Diego State University and a degree in Forensic Technology from Grossmont College. She is an active member of the IAI and CSDIAI. She currently serves on the Ventura Police Department Peer Support Team and provides Crime Scene Investigation training to the sworn personnel. Gabrielle is the Founder of The Walls Do Talk, true crime inspired Podcast. She currently resides in Ventura County, California.

TRENNER MARCHETTI-SERGEANT, VENTURA PD

Trenner Marchetti is currently a Sergeant with the Ventura Police Department. He has been a full-time sworn law enforcement officer since 2004.  He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from UC Santa Barbara, a Certificate in Business Management from CSU Channel Islands, and a Master of Arts Degree in Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. Trenner is assigned to Professional Standards full-time and also oversees the armorer program and serves on the Peer Support team. He lives in Thousand Oaks with his wife, eleven(teen) year old daughter and eight-year-old son.

Gabrielle Wimer, Trenner Marchetti and Ed McCain will be presenting together:

-The Rito Estrada Homicide

VERION COLEMAN-SERGEANT, BAKERSFIELD PD

Hello, my name is Verion Coleman, and I am a Sergeant currently assigned as the first-ever Wellness Coordinator for our department. I began my career with the Bakersfield Police Department almost nineteen years ago. As a patrol officer, I worked as a School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, and the downtown foot beat officer. After being promoted to Senior Officer, I worked in the GHOST (Graffiti Habitual Offender Suppression Team) Unit, PAL (Police Activities League), Training Division, and various other assignments. After being promoted to Detective, I worked MAC (Major Crimes), General Investigations, KernCATT (Kern County Auto Theft Detail), and Organized Crime/VICE. After being promoted to Sergeant, I was assigned back to patrol as an Operations Field Supervisor on various shifts. I recently stepped down from the Honor Guard after 15 years on the team, in which I had the absolute honor of carrying the casket and folding the flag for numerous fallen officers who died in the line of duty. I have been a member of Peer Support for sixteen years. My goal is to continue to assist the men and women of our department and their families with anything they are going through physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. I have been married to my wife and best friend, Erica, for twenty-one years, and we have two beautiful daughters together (Jennifer and Candace). Before joining BPD, I served my country proudly and honorably as a United States Marine. Lastly, and most importantly, I am a man of God and strive daily to be a total reflection of Him.

In law enforcement, all employees are greatly affected by the stressors of the job that we all signed up for. All employees are vital in the investigation process in one way or another. From tragic deaths, murders, baby deaths, fatal traffic accidents, officers killed in the line of duty, employee suicide, working holidays, and long hours. Who helps those who help? The Bakersfield Police Department’s Wellness Team has grown drastically over the past few years, with the addition of a full-time Wellness Coordinator, the growth of the Peer Support Team, Physical Fitness Team, Chaplains, and the recently opened Wellness Center. Our goal is to assist ALL employees and their families physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually with the overall stressors of the job. 

-“Mental Health Awareness-Who Helps Those who Help Others?”