Welcome to Palm Springs!

Join CSDIAI for the 110th Annual Training Seminar! Whether this is your first time attending or you are a returning participant, the 2026 seminar in Palm Springs will not disappoint. A list of amazing presenters is already in the works and promises to bring a diverse group of experts ready to share their knowledge and exchange ideas. From cutting-edge technology provided by our vendors and case studies to cross-disciplinary collaboration, the agenda will be designed to inspire dialogue, innovation, and professional growth.

Palm Springs, with its stunning desert landscape, iconic architecture, beautiful resorts, and vibrant cultural scene, provides the perfect location for both professional enrichment and relaxation.

I can't wait to see you all there in May of 2026.

Regards,

Don O'Neal, President

Michele Triplett

Forged, Fabricated or Other? A Friction Ridge Case Review

Latent lifts were submitted that seemed implausible. Could the prints have been forged or fabricated? Could there be an alternative reason for the unusual lifts?

Task Relevance

Factors that are relevant when conducting a friction ridge comparison is one of the newest highly debated topics. Is the matrix a relevant factor? Is the surface (substrate) relevant? This topic needs to be thoroughly discussed. Come prepared with your thoughts on the topic.

Quality - More Effectiveness with Less Effort

Many agencies work harder, not smarter. Whether for accreditation or for improving your quality system, auditing can be time consuming. Simplifying the process can be done while still making audits valuable.

Different Ways the FR Discipline Expresses Conclusions

This presentation will give attendees exposure to some of the different ways agencies are expressing conclusions (example: 3 conclusions, ASB, OSAC and King County’s methods). Knowing and understanding what others are doing is highly beneficial when deciding which method is best for your agency.

Yes-Men

Naysayers are disruptive, delay progress and may create a toxic work environment. Yes-men are reliable and cooperative, creating a positive work environment, intentionally avoiding conflicts, and increasing the efficiency of decision making. If you believe this, you should be aware of the 1970 case in which the FBI testified against a naysayer to preserve the status quo. 55 years later, the discipline has embraced the alternate view.

Jake Blass Sergeant, Fremont Police Department, CSI Unit

Case Study: Clifton Hudspeth

In December 1982, Jeffrey Flores Atup and Mary Jane Malatag (15-year-old cousins) were walking back to Atup's residence early in the morning in Milpitas, Ca. when they were abducted by an unknown suspect. The next morning, Atup's body was located off of Scott Creek Rd and 680, badly beaten, bound, and shot in the ear. A short time later, Malatag's body was located off of Hunter Rd and Mission Blvd. There were signs of sexual assault and she was shot in both ears with the same .38 caliber weapon. After years of investigation, the case went cold. In 2018, Det. Blass began working the case and through the use of Investigative Genetic Genealogy, a suspect was identified. Through the exhumation of the suspect's remains, the suspect, Clifton Hudspeth was identified as the sole assailant and the case was finally resolved. Through additional interviews with family members, it was determined that Hudspeth was a child rapist and his victims were usually teenagers and females close to the family.

Darin Wessel

Beyond the Forensics - the December 2015 San Bernardino Terrorist Incident

This lecture will cover the 2015 mass shooting at the Inland Regional Center from my perspective as counsel for the County of San Bernardino navigating the ongoing criminal investigation while defending the County against litigation arising out of the incident and how the work of the forensic disciplines played a role in that work.

Forensics and Civil Litigation

This lecture will cover how forensic personnel may still be called as witnesses in civil litigation when the DA declines to press charges or after a failed criminal prosecution. The OJ Simpson case would be a prime example. I would also use my personal work experience defending law enforcement agencies and individuals in civil litigation arising out of such circumstances, including my work on the Rebecca Zahau hanging case out of Coronado, CA.

Workshop: Preparing to Testify

Civil deposition and testimony workshop - comparison and contrast to testimony in criminal trials and practice preparation and examinations Trial testimony - either stand alone workshop or assisting other presenters with their trial testimony workshops.

Jessica Liang

How It’s Done: Surviving, Thriving, and Longevity in the Forensic Discipline

What do K-pop demon hunters and forensic professionals have in common? More than you might think. In a world where both face relentless pressure, dark forces (literal or metaphorical), and the constant demand to perform at their best, it's not just about surviving the field—it’s about thriving. This presentation draws creative parallels between the pop-culture phenomenon of KPDH with the real-life challenges we face in the forensic field.

As a latent print examiner and crime scene investigator, I want to explore our collective journey in forensics: the long-term exposure to trauma, high-stakes environments, and what this profession demands of us. But more importantly, highlight what it means to thrive in this career: to adapt, to protect your energy, to evolve with your discipline, and to stay passionate without burning out. After all, if Rumi, Zoey, and Mira can battle darkness with style and grit, so can we.

Chris Tucker CSDIAI Webmaster

Working With CSDIAI's New Web Systems

CSDIAI set about updating it's online presence in 2023. Since then, a number of changes and software packages have been deployed. Some members are able to use them without assistance, others have had questions. Come meet Chris for a 30 minute slide deck in a 2 hour time slot. You'll get a quick overview of how the online system is interconnected and will have plenty of time to ask any questions you might have. Make sure you bring whatever device you normally use to access our systems. Instruction is available for desktop, tablet and mobile devices. Please make sure to connect to hotel WiFi ahead of time.