AGENDA
The following is a high level agenda for the 2025 Symposium. Pre-conference activities take place Friday and Saturday, with the full conference taking place from 5:00 PM on Saturday through 12:30 PM on Tuesday. A detailed agenda will be listed in December 2024 below the special events.
Please note that the days of week for the 2025 Symposium differ from ASCLD's traditional pattern. This is a one-time only, Covid-19 related change. ASCLD thanks you for your understanding and looks forward to returning to our regularly scheduled programing in 2026!
PRE-CONFERENCE
Friday, April 4
6:15 AM Workouts
8:00 AM Board of Directors meeting
8:00 AM Leadership Academy
8:00 AM Workshops
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Workshops
5:15 Leadership Academy Reception
Saturday, April 5
6:15 AM Workouts
8:00 AM Board of Directors meeting
8:00 AM Leadership Academy
8:00 AM Workshops
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Workshops
5:00 PM Opening reception, symposium begins
Sunday, April 6
6:15 AM Workouts
7:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM General and breakout sessions
12:00 PM Lunch
1:30 PM General and breakout sessions
6:00 PM Offsite event
SYMPOSIUM
Monday, April 7
6:15 AM Workouts
7:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM General and breakout sessions
12:00 PM Lunch
1:30 PM Business meeting
4:00 PM Closing President's and Awards reception
Tuesday, April 8
6:15 AM Workouts
7:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM General and breakout sessions
12:30 PM Symposium ends
Pre-Conference Excursions
All excursions are subject to change or cancelation without notification. All excursions will run rain or shine. No refunds will be given for attendee cancelation of excursion; refunds provided if excursion is canceled by ASCLD. Guests may partake in any experience, space permitting, registration required. Limited spaces available for all events.
FRIDAY
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7:00 AM - 6:40 PM Winter Park Express
The Winter Park Express is a seasonal train between Denver Union Station and the doorstep of the ski resort. Ticket purchase through ASCLD includes round-trip train ride, lift ticket, and equipment rentals. $300.00
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12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Coors Brewery Tour
The Coors Brewery Tour showcases the largest single-site brewery in the world! Since 1873 the Coors Brewery has thrived on a legacy of quality, innovation and customer service. Learn about the history and passion for brewing in a 60-minute tour. Visitors who are 21 years and older, with a valid government issued ID, will be able to receive 3 beer samples of their choices. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Note: This tour experience involves going up and down stairs. Ticket purchase through ASCLD includes transportation to and from brewery plus brewery admission ticket. $65.00
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9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Dinosaur Ridge
Guided bus tour features stops at the Bone Bed, the Brontosaur Bugles, and the Dinosaur Tracksite. Brief talks at each site provide context for the fossils on the ridge. Ticket purchase through ASCLD includes transportation to and from museum plus admission ticket. $65.00
SATURDAY
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9:00 AM - 2:00 PM The Wild Animal Sanctuary
The Wild Animal Sanctuary offers an incredible 33,000+ acres of natural habitats for its rescued animals to enjoy, and is home to more than 950 rehabilitated animals. The Sanctuary is not a Zoo and offers a completely different experience than what most people are used to. Note: This tour experience involves 1.5+ miles of walking and no dogs, including service animals, are allowed on the property at any time. Ticket purchase through ASCLD includes transportation to and from the sanctuary plus admission ticket. $85.00
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12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace
No visit to Denver is complete without experiencing this iconic Afternoon Tea. Sip tea topped with Devonshire cream, shipped directly from England while listening to the soft sounds of the grand piano float through the multi-story atrium. Also enjoy handmade pastries, scones, and tea sandwiches while admiring the natural light streaming in from the stained-glass ceiling. Ticket purchase through ASCLD includes admission to tea. $75.00
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2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Denver Police Museum
The museum promote social impact by building bridges between citizens and the law enforcement of Denver, creating opportunities for community understanding and engagement, strengthening the city's relationship with the community, and educating youth to inspire community involvement, responsibility, and a future generation of law enforcement professionals. Ticket purchase through ASCLD includes admission ticket for guided tour. $10.00
Special Events
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Leadership Academy Reception
Friday, 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM
For current attendees and past graduates of the Leadership Academy
RSVP through event registration required. $0.00
More details coming soon!
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R.I.S.E.N. Reception
Sunday, 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
For retirees, international attendees, students, emeritus members, and new members/first time attendees
RSVP through event registration required. $0.00
More details coming soon!
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Offsite Event
Monday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Open to all Full Symposium attendees and exhibitors, or Monday day pass attendees. Guests welcome, registration required.
Step into a world of immersive wonder at Meow Wolf Denver for our exclusive conference offsite event! Explore mind-bending art installations, interactive exhibits, and captivating storytelling that will ignite your imagination. This offsite experience promises to be a one-of-a-kind adventure, where creativity meets connection. Don’t miss your chance to network in this extraordinary, otherworldly environment while indulging in light bites and refreshments. Secure your spot now and be part of a journey that transcends the ordinary
Registration required, limited spots available. $75.00
Symposium Agenda
Download a copy of this schedule here
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Leadership Academy Level I The Level I course is designed specifically for newly appointed supervisors and supervisors who have had little opportunity for previous formal management training and education. The Academy is a blended training model, combining weekly lecture-style webinars with a mandatory in-person "Management Lab" at the annual ASCLD Symposium where students will participate in hands-on, practical exercises to develop their skills. Instructors Ben Swanholm, Tim Scanlan, Jeremy Triplett, and Jody Wolf cover topics of leadership, communication, and laboratory operations. $850
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Leadership Academy Level II The Level II course focuses on providing quality instruction to forensic science leaders who are responsible for entire forensic programs, multiple sections and teams, or an entire forensic laboratory. The ASCLD Leadership Academy Level II builds upon the instruction of Level I. Successful completion of Level I is required to take Level II. Like Level I, Level II is a blended training model, combining weekly lecture-style webinars with a mandatory in-person capstone course at the annual ASCLD Symposium. Instructors Henry Maynard, Arlene Hall, Jody Wolf, and Adam Becnel cover topics of leadership, communication, human resources and legal, and laboratory operations. $950
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Leadership Academy Level III Building on the success of 10 years and more than 900 Leadership Academy graduates in Levels I and II, ASCLD is excited to announce the creation of a new Level III Leadership Academy. Where Level I focuses on new supervisors and Level II focuses on middle-management, the Level III Academy will focus on executive/director-level management in the crime laboratory. Successful completion of both Levels I and II are required to take Level III. Like its preceding classes, Level III is a blended training model, combining weekly lecture-style webinars with a mandatory in-person capstone course at the annual ASCLD Symposium. Instructors John Byrd, Brady Mills, Ray Wickenheiser, and Mike Garvey cover topics of leadership, communication, and laboratory operations. $1,050
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Technical Leader Training Academy Two-day training seminar for discipline technical leaders. Training will include individual sessions on change management, project management, presenting information to decision makers, uncertainty of measurement and traceability concepts, conducting robust and appropriate validation studies, technical writing, developing and delivering technical presentations, meeting facilitation, and conflict resolution and crucial conversations. The presentations will be given by experienced laboratory directors and forensic science leaders with a focus on engaging presentations and hands-on exercises and practice. Target audience is current or aspiring technical leaders in any forensic science discipline. Training will mostly be geared at newer discipline leaders or aspiring technical leaders that are gaining experience in leadership and also technical topics. Helping these newer technical leaders to present material to those in the discipline, leadership, and outside individuals will be a major focus. Helping these new leaders develop skills such as meeting facilitation, conducting a validation study, communicating with members of their discipline, and publishing technical information (including validation studies) will be discussed in detail. The goal of this training will be to develop their skills as a technical leader, network them together in a support cohort, and help them recognize other training they need to achieve role as technical leader. $600
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM DNA Efficiency: Achieving Zero Backlog In 2014, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory was grappling with an unprecedented DNA backlog exceeding 5,000 cases. With a staff of only 20 DNA analysts, the lab struggled to manage the increasing demand for DNA testing, particularly for theft, burglary, vandalism, and home invasion cases, many of which were approaching their 7-year statute of limitations. While this challenge was not unique to Arizona, the lab’s response over the next decade was nothing short of remarkable. Despite a host of obstacles—including becoming a test-all sexual assault kit state, tackling an additional backlog of over 4,000 unsubmitted sexual assault kits, implementing probabilistic genotyping, navigating the COVID pandemic, and enduring the loss of 27 DNA analysts to promotions, retirements, and resignations—the lab achieved extraordinary results. Today, it operates with a staff of just 15 DNA analysts, maintaining a zero 60-day backlog and an average turnaround time of just 42 days. In this workshop, we’ll recount the lab’s transformative journey and delve into the strategies and innovations that made it possible. We’ll explore: •Identifying and challenging cognitive biases and historical beliefs •Starting small and utilizing available resources effectively •Standardizing processes to maximize efficiency •Creating buy-in and fostering better communication and transparency •Reviewing policies and procedures for opportunities to eliminate waste •Engaging in community outreach •Introducing new software, paperless notes, and instrumentation •Outsourcing casework and validations Join us as we uncover how these efforts came together to turn one of the first nationally accredited crime labs into one of the most efficient and dynamic in the field. Sponsored by Promega Corporation $250
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM A Considered Approach ISO Accreditation Navigating Accreditation Requirements Achieving and maintaining accreditation can be daunting. ISO 17025 was established for testing and calibration labs, and the language can be challenging to interpret for a forensic laboratory. Moreover, there are two main accrediting bodies active in the US and each has published requirements documents specifically for forensic laboratories. Join us to learn about these requirements, discuss their common themes, and share some practical considerations for demonstrating compliance in an active laboratory environment. We will also explore how technology can support these efforts and hope the group will engage by sharing their challenges, experiences, and best practices. Sponsored by LabVantage $250
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Sequencing 101 What is a library? If it is whole genome sequencing, why don’t I get the whole genome? This workshop is designed to be a crash course in all things sequencing. Existing commercial and custom panels for autosomal short tandem repeat (STR), X-STR, Y-STR, mitochondrial, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) testing will be discussed. Additionally, the differences between targeted sequencing, shotgun sequencing, amplicon versus ligation-based libraries, and additional sequencing methods will be compared. Whether or not bioinformatics is required based on the sequencing method will be explored, as well as the types of bioinformatic processes that may be employed including imputation. With any new technology comes the introduction of this procedure in the courtroom as well as the inevitable court challenges. Successfully presented expert witness testimony will be previewed as well as a look at ongoing court challenges. Finally, cases where sequencing has been utilized will be highlighted. The presenters of this workshop will span industry experts, a bioinformatician, and active casework users of sequencing technologies. The goal of this workshop is to provide attendees with better knowledge of the sequencing process and to provide a foundation for informed decision making for those considering deploying sequencing in their laboratory. $250
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Hitchhiker's Guide - The NIST Handbook In 2013, NIST published the "Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction, and Relocation," a vital resource for lab directors, designers, consultants, and stakeholders involved in the design or renovation of forensic science laboratories. This handbook offers essential guidance to ensure projects meet the specific needs of law enforcement and criminal justice communities while adhering to industry design standards. This workshop will equip participants with tools to navigate the handbook effectively, providing practical approaches, metrics, checklists, and real-world case studies from lab directors. Attendees will gain critical insights into programming, planning, design, and construction, enabling them to answer key questions like, "How big is the project, and how much will it cost?" Furthermore, as we advance into an era of rapid technological innovation, the workshop will explore how the NIST handbook influences the incorporation of these advancements and process improvements into forensic lab design. The workshop will provide attendees with a critical checklist, identifying the key program elements, features and approaches necessary to develop forward thinking and future proofed forensic facilities. The Workshop will include the presentation of Case Study Examples, presented by (3) Forensic Laboratory Directors. The Case Study Examples will highlight facilities at (3) Key Stages of the Design and Development Process including, 1) A completed facility in current operation, 2) A New state of the art Criminalistics Lab currently under construction, and 3) A New 100,000 SF Forensic Lab Facility currently in active design. Additionally, the workshop will address strategies for effective collaboration with forensic laboratory design teams to meet evolving facility requirements. Participants will learn how to apply design principles, forensic processes, programming tools, and case studies to create a state-of-the-art forensic science laboratory, tailored to their unique cultural, employee wellness, and operational needs. $250
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Leadership Academy Level I The Level I course is designed specifically for newly appointed supervisors and supervisors who have had little opportunity for previous formal management training and education. The Academy is a blended training model, combining weekly lecture-style webinars with a mandatory in-person "Management Lab" at the annual ASCLD Symposium where students will participate in hands-on, practical exercises to develop their skills. Instructors Ben Swanholm, Tim Scanlan, Jeremy Triplett, and Jody Wolf cover topics of leadership, communication, and laboratory operations. $850
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Leadership Academy Level II The Level II course focuses on providing quality instruction to forensic science leaders who are responsible for entire forensic programs, multiple sections and teams, or an entire forensic laboratory. The ASCLD Leadership Academy Level II builds upon the instruction of Level I. Successful completion of Level I is required to take Level II. Like Level I, Level II is a blended training model, combining weekly lecture-style webinars with a mandatory in-person capstone course at the annual ASCLD Symposium. Instructors Henry Maynard, Arlene Hall, Jody Wolf, and Adam Becnel cover topics of leadership, communication, human resources and legal, and laboratory operations. $950
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Leadership Academy Level III Building on the success of 10 years and more than 900 Leadership Academy graduates in Levels I and II, ASCLD is excited to announce the creation of a new Level III Leadership Academy. Where Level I focuses on new supervisors and Level II focuses on middle-management, the Level III Academy will focus on executive/director-level management in the crime laboratory. Successful completion of both Levels I and II are required to take Level III. Like its preceding classes, Level III is a blended training model, combining weekly lecture-style webinars with a mandatory in-person capstone course at the annual ASCLD Symposium. Instructors John Byrd, Brady Mills, Ray Wickenheiser, and Mike Garvey cover topics of leadership, communication, and laboratory operations. $1,050
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Technical Leader Training Academy Two-day training seminar for discipline technical leaders. Training will include individual sessions on change management, project management, presenting information to decision makers, uncertainty of measurement and traceability concepts, conducting robust and appropriate validation studies, technical writing, developing and delivering technical presentations, meeting facilitation, and conflict resolution and crucial conversations. The presentations will be given by experienced laboratory directors and forensic science leaders with a focus on engaging presentations and hands-on exercises and practice. Target audience is current or aspiring technical leaders in any forensic science discipline. Training will mostly be geared at newer discipline leaders or aspiring technical leaders that are gaining experience in leadership and also technical topics. Helping these newer technical leaders to present material to those in the discipline, leadership, and outside individuals will be a major focus. Helping these new leaders develop skills such as meeting facilitation, conducting a validation study, communicating with members of their discipline, and publishing technical information (including validation studies) will be discussed in detail. The goal of this training will be to develop their skills as a technical leader, network them together in a support cohort, and help them recognize other training they need to achieve role as technical leader. $600
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Frontier in MS-based Forensic Toxicology In forensic science, the accuracy and reliability of analytical techniques are paramount in solving complex cases, ranging from drug-related crimes to DUI incidents. Advanced technologies like Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography (GC) play crucial roles in analyzing evidence from crime scenes, including trace levels of drugs, toxins, and blood alcohol content (BAC). Participants will delve into the capabilities of Orbitrap MS, known for its exceptional mass accuracy, resolution, and sensitivity, making it a powerful tool for identifying and quantifying trace compounds in forensic samples. The workshop will cover practical aspects of using Orbitrap MS in forensic investigations, including optimal sample preparation, method development, and data analysis. The presentations in this workshop will focus on drugs of abuse in urine and oral fluid, demonstrating automation from sample preparation to reporting. Drugs of abuse testing is an essential and routine requirement for forensic toxicology labs. With the ever-growing number of abused drugs and the increase in overdoses, it is crucial to develop a fast, high-throughput LC-MS/MS method that accommodates drugs of different hydrophilicities and chemical structures and produces baseline separation of isomers. Verification of percent RSDs and differences with LLOQs will be presented. Additionally, the workshop will cover the principles and practices of blood alcohol testing using GC, a gold-standard method in forensic toxicology. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively apply Orbitrap MS in their forensic work, ensuring high precision and reliability in their analyses. $250
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Influencing Stakeholders: Uniting Value Influencing Legislators and Stakeholders: Uniting Your Laboratory’s Value to Your Casework Identifications The workshop is a continuation of last year’s highly rated presentation, “Demonstrating and Using Our Forensic Value to Advance Forensic Science: Incorporating Our Value in Our Production Outputs.” The majority of attendees agreed to the following questions: Are you interested in learning more about outcomes? How to utilize outcomes for funding and stakeholder support? Would you like a toolkit developed for your labs use? How to use the toolkit training? Workshops at Future Symposiums The workshop implements training for the first, second, and last questions. Be the first of your colleagues to integrate your system/laboratory’s value in monthly/quarterly/annual reports. Attendees will learn how to provide a deeper understanding of your system/laboratory’s contributions to the Criminal Justice and Judicial Communities. Additionally, incorporating your laboratory’s value provides the foundation within your agency for incorporating more comprehensive benefit values. Learning Objectives: Integrate one societal benefit (value) to five different crimes based upon your laboratory’s cost of the analyses. Utilizing the value, you’ll be able to justify additional funding for: expansion of laboratory services; and additional headcount. Create a template for your lab’s online case statistics. Plan for the future: A look into future plans? The workshop is designed for System and Laboratory Directors, along with their staff. Attendees will be well-prepared to communicate their laboratory’s value effectively with legislatures, stakeholders, and upper management, especially when it comes to budget discussions. $250
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Mastering Courageous Conversations Courageous Conversations: How to Equip Yourself for Difficult Interactions In today's rapidly evolving world, the ability to communicate effectively—especially in challenging situations—is the hallmark of exceptional leadership. As organizations navigate unprecedented change and diversity, leaders must rise to the occasion, transforming potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and innovation. This interactive workshop will revolutionize your approach to difficult conversations, equipping you with powerful strategies. Whether you're dealing with resistant team members, managing conflicting priorities, or bridging generational divides, this session will provide you with the tools to communicate courageously and effectively. Leave empowered to tackle your most daunting communication challenges, inspire your team through turbulent times, and drive positive change in your organization. $300
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM CSAFE Tools for Forensic Practice The workshop will focus on computational tools developed by CSAFE researchers in collaboration with NIST scientists. The tools are designed to answer forensic questions of interest in several pattern comparison disciplines and enable practitioners to provide a probabilistic assessment of the evidence. At least in the near future, the new resources are meant to be used alongside traditional examination methods and serve to either confirm categorical conclusions or call attention to potential issues with those conclusions. The emphases will be on the tools themselves: functionalities and limitations, hardware requirements, correct interpretation of findings, availability of training, and plans for extensions. Participants will be able to download applications and example datasets prior to the workshop date. $250
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM The Working Genius Workshop The Working Genius is Patrick Lencioni’s newest teamwork model, which helps people understand how they can contribute to work most effectively. This tool can help individuals, leaders and teams better leverage one another’s strengths and understand how to be both productive and fulfilled at work. Working Genius Certified Facilitators are equipped to analyze and apply results to help individuals and teams leverage Working Genius to be more innovative, strategic, and effective. Working with a Certified Facilitator can transform work for people by helping them understand: 1. Why they have been successful or unsuccessful in past endeavors 2. Clarify which types of work give joy and energy and which types are draining and difficult 3. Avoid making unfair and inaccurate judgments about one another’s motivation 4. Alleviate guilt about struggles people have with certain types of work 5. Improve dialogue and directives in team meetings 6. Make quick and concrete adjustments to roles and responsibilities to better tap into one another’s strengths 7. Avoid one another’s weaknesses and get more done in less time. $250
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Welcome remarks
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote: Servant Leadership in a Self-Absorbed Society In a society that often promotes individualism, self-promotion, and personal achievement, qualities like servant leadership can feel countercultural. Many people are driven by goals like personal success, recognition, and wealth, which are frequently upheld by social media and other platforms. These values can create environments where people prioritize themselves, sometimes at the expense of others. Keynote topics covered: 1. Qualities of a servant leader and the benefits of servant leadership in contrast to traditional leadership 2. Two short case studies: success with servant leadership 3. Ways for the audience to counter self-absorbed culture and promote selfless leadership principles 4. Opportunities for impact Despite the challenges, servant leadership can thrive when individuals and organizations commit to redefining success, focusing on values like integrity, collaboration, and shared purpose. By modeling servant leadership, leaders can inspire others to consider the greater good, gradually reshaping culture form one of self-interest to one of service and mutual support.
10:05 AM - 10:25 AM Recovering From a Catastrophic Data Loss We regularly see news stories of companies and government units losing access to their data through various means. What do you do when it is not someone else, but it is your lab system? How do you recover when your entire LIMS is suddenly gone? What do you do when you have no electronic inventory of your evidence, no chain of custody, no reports, no way of inputting results? The presentation will share the lessons learned from such a catastrophic event. This presentation will explain the phased recovery process and the multitude of intertwined aspects of laboratory operations that had to be considered to move forward. The recovery plan and its execution had to address operational prioritization, the constant communication to all stakeholders, the processes developed on the fly to get the LIMS accessible, manage evidence, retrieve loss data, and keep our doors open. Crimes and courts do not stop for such a crime lab crisis. The team effort to reestablish operations was highly successful because the right people were on the right tasks and the staff was trusted to take on the challenge. Across a lab system of 220 staff in seven labs, it was an all-hands-on-deck push to get back to normal operations within three months. Engaging the People, Processes and Technology framework led to a positive outcome, including a staff morale boost for overcoming such a disastrous event.
10:30 - 10:55 Don't Force It, Fix It! A Quality Management Innovation For Digital Labs What do you do when the same round peg doesn’t fit the square hole? You get creative and make a new one, of course! In cooperation with A2LA, ANAB and the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence, the digital forensics community has developed a new paradigm for managing quality in a laboratory that incorporates ISO 17025 principles. For the first time ever, a quality system is addressing cognitive bias and other human factors. This innovative, modular structure is a way to monitor the performance of laboratories and ensure a high standard of quality work by implementing accreditation practices aligned specifically to the discipline. In response to confusion about laboratory standards and the innate desire for timely and accurate work, this novel approach was born to support the over ten thousand private and public digital laboratories throughout the world. From procedures to recruitment, this new approach is redefining how a discipline can work together to create an approach supported by the community and accrediting bodies. The introduction of crises management along with internal and external communications both are responding to the needs of the community and involves the quality system for integration into the whole laboratory. This presentation delves into the conception, creation, development, implementation and future of this new program, acting as a beacon for all disciplines to consider in making quality a priority.
11:00 AM - 11:25 AM A Lab's Journey to Reaccreditation On April 2, 2021, DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) received a letter stating, “ANAB has received credible evidence that the DC Department of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Science Laboratory Division, has deliberately concealed information from the ANAB assessment team, violated accreditation requirements, engaged in misrepresentations of fraudulent behavior, and engaged in conduct that brings ANAB into disrepute.” In May 2021, ANAB fully withdrew accreditation and DFS stopped all casework. Following the loss of accreditation, the District’s executives teamed with external consultants to rebuild the agency. The first step was to hire a consultant to perform a full-scale audit; the audit resulted in a report that served as a road map to reaccreditation. The audit showed that two units had significant deficiencies: the Firearm Examination Unit (FEU) and the Latent Fingerprint Unit (LFU). The executive team decided to dissolve FEU and to revamp LFU. A second consultant was hired to overhaul LFU. The consultant conducted competency testing to identify retraining needs, worked with the unit to rewrite standard operating procedures that included forthcoming OSAC standards and suitability criteria, and revised the training manual to include instructional videos. Finally, DFS utilized a third external consultant to assist with the rebuilding of the quality and operational systems. Through the leadership of an interim director and guidance of external consultants, DFS rebuilt the Forensic Science Laboratory Division. In December 2023, ANAB performed an assessment of DFS’ Quality Assurance System, Forensic Biology Unit, and Forensic Chemistry Unit and found zero nonconformances, fully accrediting these units. This presentation will evaluate the systemic failures that led to the loss of accreditation as well as the difficult journey to rebuild the agency. Several lessons learned will be discussed informing participants of a successful model to rebuild a crime laboratory as well as the continued challenges.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Smith v. Arizona - Segmented Workflows The recent US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) decision in Smith vs Arizona, No. 22-889 impacts the right to confront witnesses in criminal matters. The weight of the impact may be mitigated with proactive scientific mapping of quality assurance (QA) practices, accreditation and licensing standards that show the “primary purpose” for all steps in scientific testing is the accuracy and reliability of methods and results. The Smith decision is being characterized as a prohibition on surrogate testimony and a mandate that all persons in the chain of testing appear. Those interpretations do not accord to Justice Kagan’s guidance in Smith, and they are practically misaligned with modern and efficient laboratory operations, as many different laboratorians may be involved in specific, discrete steps in the testing process during segmented workflows. The Smith decision invites all laboratories to assess and articulate the primary purpose for each step in segmented workflows. If the underlying instrument data/laboratory documentation for each step in the workflow is performed for the primary purpose other than court, that data, documentation, and testimony relating thereto are “non-testimonial” and can be relied upon and testified to. This presentation will provide information on how laboratorians can demonstrate that the “primary purpose” for forensic analysis and associated documentation is the completion of testing under the QA framework of standard operating procedures (SOPs), accreditation, and licensure. The signed forensic report generated after case review by a qualified scientist reaching their independent opinion may well be “testimonial”, but if it is based on nontestimonial data and information, testimony can arguably be given by the original Scientist or a second performing an independent review. Laboratories must educate attorneys and judges on segmented workflows, associated range of documentation, mapping to primary purposes of QA, accreditation and licensure in laymen’s terms using consistent lexicon to conjointly navigate Smith.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Novel Training for Mass Casualty Events Rolling the Dice on Disaster: Using chance to spark critical thinking and teamwork for mass casualty events Tabletop exercises offer numerous benefits for teams and organizations, including improving communication, critical thinking, and team dynamics. This talk details a mass disaster tabletop exercise developed and executed by the Forensic Biology Unit (FBU) at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. The exercise was created to not only evaluate existing protocols, identifying gaps and weaknesses, but to test the adaptability and flexibility of the participants utilizing thoughtful randomization as would be expected during a mass casualty incident. Incorporating randomization into tabletop exercises adds unpredictability, better preparing teams for real-world situations. This approach enhances problem-solving, adaptability, and communication while making exercises more engaging and effective. The FBU incorporated polyhedral dice (e.g. d20, d6, d4) to introduce unpredictability to an otherwise structured event. Teams faced unforeseen scenarios that reflected the chaotic nature of real-world challenges. Dice rolls determined variables such as resource availability (e.g. power or no power), unforeseen complications (e.g. childcare concerns), and real-time shifts in incident severity. This approach forced participants to think quickly, creatively, and adapt existing strategies. Effective communication became crucial to align participants and ensure a cohesive response. While this presentation focuses on a mass disaster response exercise, the methodology can be adapted to suit a wide variety of scenarios and disciplines. Observations from this exercise suggest that incorporating randomization significantly enhanced problem-solving, communication, and team unity. Additionally, it ensures each exercise is unique, avoiding predictability and promoting continuous improvement. This approach can equip teams to manage high-pressure scenarios with greater confidence and agility, offering a novel strategy to improve team preparedness across various professional contexts.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Increasing Validity in Drug Reporting With the landscape of the illicit drug market changing to include an increase of synthetic emerging drugs, innovative comprehensive and reliable analytical methodology is needed to fully capture the complexity of current polydrug samples. Differences in federal, state, and local laws impact how seized drug laboratories analyze and report chemical substances. For example, results from CY23 DEA seizures in a New England state show 26% of fentanyl exhibits analyzed contained xylazine. Whereas the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) shows 0% for the same state in CY23. These types of reporting inconsistencies among the various agencies impact law enforcement and public health responses to emerging drug threats, like xylazine. DEA’s Global Uniform Analysis and Reporting of Drug-Related Substances (GUARDS) is addressing these challenges and increasing the validity and reliability of forensic results, while simultaneously generating more comprehensive information. DEA’s GUARDS method provides a fast, efficient, cost-effective, and uniform method of analysis and reporting for the seized drug community. As the GUARDS methodology is adopted, creating the foundation for an enhanced DEA-sponsored Early Warning System, advanced data analytics modeling opportunities will emerge. In addition, GUARDS supports the TRANQ (Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality) Research Act of 2023, which requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support research and other activities related to identifying xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, and other new psychoactive substances. In this session, the impact of inconsistent drug analysis reporting has to public health and public trust will be discussed. In addition, the value and implementation of the GUARDS innovative methodology in 200+ instruments in DEA labs will be presented, as well as the efforts of other labs, such as CBP, Singapore, and the Forensic Sciences Institute of Puerto Rico. Furthermore, new initiatives to increase consistency of reported data to NFLIS will be presented.
2:10 PM - 2:40 PM Integrating DEI Principles in Leadership 2025 ASCLD Symposium Abstract Title: Enhancing Soft Skills and Integrating DEI Principles in Forensic Science Leadership Plenary Block Theme: Leadership Author: Kris Cano (Signature Science, LLC) Abstract: In the dynamic and multifaceted environment of forensic laboratories, the development of soft skills is paramount for fostering effective teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. This presentation delves into the critical role of soft skills in forensic science, emphasizing the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles to cultivate a more inclusive and collaborative workplace. Scientists are typically comfortable with structure and predictability, but leading people introduces unpredictability. In addition, forensic scientists who excel technically are often promoted to roles requiring strong soft skills, creating potential gaps in their knowledge base and experience that can negatively affect their ability to manage. Leadership plays a crucial role in setting up new and existing managers for success by providing training on essential soft skills. Emphasizing the importance of choosing language that promotes effective listening can significantly enhance conflict resolution capabilities. It is crucial to embed principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in this training to facilitate a better understanding of others’ perspectives while developing healthy relationships. Building these healthy relationships is key to gaining organizational credibility and includes managing diverse perspectives and mitigating biases in forensic analysis. The integration of DEI into soft skills training not only enhances individual competencies but also fosters a more inclusive workplace culture. This presentation will help foster an understanding and the impact of words and actions on others and explore methods to enhance soft skills such as communication, empathy, and adaptability within forensic laboratories through an inclusive lens.
2:10 PM - 2:40 PM Labs Strengthening K9 Drug Interdiction Nearly 16,000 canines operate within U.S. state and local law enforcement agencies, exceeding the 14,300 forensic scientists at all federal, state, and local levels! Canine training and certification is required by courts to demonstrate drug detection accuracy and reliability. But where do canine units acquire their training aids, and how is aid quality assessed over time? How do canine units train on new targets, such as fentanyl and other emerging drug threats? Canine handlers are forced to make many assumptions about training aid compositions and odor “scents”, and contamination and degradation can impact canine performance. Forensic drug chemists are extremely well-positioned to contribute expertise and analytical capabilities to strengthen the quality of canine detection, particularly to improve fentanyl interdictions. This session will discuss the knowledge and expertise developed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Laboratories and Scientific Services (LSS) Canine Training Aids Program, and discuss opportunities for how crime labs can collaborate with their local canine units to ensure that the most appropriate and representative materials are used for this critical drug interdiction capability. LSS produces drug training aids for CBP’s 1,500 canine units and performs operational research and evaluation on novel training aid materials. This presentation will discuss advancements in analytical capabilities, quality controls, and strategies to implement novel materials to advance the implementation of scientific and evidence-based practices for canine drug detection.
2:50 PM - 3:20 PM Project Management in the Forensic World Project process groups typically include Initiation, Planning, Executing, Monitoring/Controlling, and Closing. These groups address the traditional view of project management that tends to focus on finite projects with defined timelines instead of ongoing operations and efforts such as those that typically occur in forensic testing laboratories. That said, some laboratory operations do have timelines with a well-defined end point (e.g., grant-based funding efforts) which map clearly to textbook project management approaches. Regardless of the duration and timeline of the project, there are tools and techniques from standard project management practices that are used in forensic laboratories everywhere even though the specific nomenclature may be different (e.g., work breakdown structure equates to budget and schedule tracking for a grant). Identifying the applicable components of traditional project management and then honing those well-defined processes from the project management body of knowledge can facilitate effective laboratory management. This enables leadership to more effectively monitor laboratory operations and may even head off costly work stoppages or delays. This presentation will cover management topics such as time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, and risk. It will tie specific project management concepts to forensic laboratory practices and highlight potential benefits of running the laboratory like a highly functional project.
2:50 PM - 3:20 PM 3D Improves Efficiency of Firearm Cases Efficiently processing large amounts of firearms-related evidence presents a significant challenge to firearm and toolmark sections within the forensic laboratory. Triage plays an important role in addressing this problem, providing initial information on the number and types of firearms used in a shooting scene and determining representative sample(s) for database entry or source conclusion. The use of accurate 3D topographies and algorithms can streamline triage and has the added benefit that the acquired scans can subsequently be used for source conclusion VCM. In this study, we evaluated existing laboratory triage methods and their variation with casework volume, creating process maps for each identified workflow. We then explored the efficiency enhancements offered by automated 3D High-Volume Triage (3DHVT) relative to existing workflows. 3DHVT starts with batch scan acquisition of all 3D surface topographies. The software automates the process of masking scans to indicate regions of interest, such as breech-face impressions, and subsequently compares the regions of interest to infer same source groupings. Representative exemplars within each group are algorithmically flagged to select the most suitable samples for database search and subsequent analysis. Visualizations and reports provide a summary of the triage analysis. We will demonstrate this process using our recently updated cartridge case comparison algorithm. This algorithm was tested on a reference collection of test fires from over 5500 firearms. The algorithm maintains a high recall rate while minimizing the chance of a false positive making it highly suitable for triage. We will discuss the impact of sensitivity and specificity on both the traditional and 3DHVT triage processes. In summary, 3DHVT is a practical way to increase throughput and reduce casework backlogs. The described triage and VCM processes are fast, accurate, and can be performed by both examiner and non-examiner personnel.
3:50 PM - 4:05 PM FRC Awards
4:05 PM - 4:25 PM OJP Forensic Science Resources The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is the largest grantmaking component of the Department of Justice and houses the Department’s criminal and juvenile justice-related science, statistics, and programmatic agencies. Within OJP are six main program offices including the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). BJA is dedicated to supporting forensic sciences by funding states, units of local government, and other forensic service providers to increase capacity and efficiency, improve services, obtain the necessary resources to meet workload demands, and ultimately better serve justice. NIJ provides resources that support research, development, and the adoption of new technologies for forensic laboratories and the establishment and dissemination of best practices. This presentation will outline approximately $250 million in annual forensic science grant opportunities within OJP including: DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program The National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Competitive and Formula) Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence Prosecuting Cold Cases using DNA Technology The Missing and Unidentified Human Remains Program (MUHR) Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner System Program Forensics Training and Technical Assistance (FTTA) Program Research and Evaluation in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes Forensic Technology Center of Excellence National Missing and Unidentified Persons Program These forensic science programs are managed collectively by BJA and NIJ to ensure funds are distributed and used in accordance with applicable law. Attendees will learn about the federal funding cycle, eligibility to apply, allowable use of funds, and legislative requirements governing the development and parameters of these programs. Additionally, highlights from successful and interesting grantee projects will be presented.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Unlocking Your Greatness Full Title: "Unlocking Your Full Potential: The Power of Creating Your Extra Degree of Greatness" In the realm of leadership, the difference between good and great often lies in the smallest of margins. Inspired by the transformative concept of the "212° principle," this keynote will challenge you to explore the extraordinary impact of going just one degree further in your personal and professional life. Discover how a seemingly minor increase in effort, focus, or commitment can trigger a cascade of positive change, not only for you but for your entire organization. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and transformed as we explore the remarkable power of that extra degree. It's time to turn up the heat on your leadership and watch your potential boil over into extraordinary success.
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Resources for Analyzing Human Remains Throughout the United States, it is estimated that there are tens of thousands of cases involving unidentified human remains (UHRs). These cases pose significant challenges for law enforcement agencies and medical examiners/coroners, who often lack the resources to conduct comprehensive investigations. To address this issue, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) have developed several programs that provide funding and technical assistance for UHR testing and identification, such as the Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) program, the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) program, and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) program. In addition, other organizations such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offer valuable resources in support of UHR cases. This presentation will provide an overview of these programs and organizations and discuss how they can work together to optimize the use of available funding streams and enhance UHR investigations. The presentation will also share strategies and best practices for communicating and collaborating with various stakeholders and accessing the different types of services and assistance offered by each program and organization.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Global Collaboration in Forensic Science ISO Technical Committee 272 (ISO TC 272) develops consensus-based international standards that enhance the reliability of forensic processes. ISO TC 272 is a complex project that relies on collaboration of delegates from 27 nations to harmonize practices globally to improve the validity of forensic evidence across judicial systems on an international scale. Since 2017, the TC has been drafting standards in Analysis (21043-3), Interpretation (21043-4), and Reporting (21043-5). These will be published in 2025 and accompany existing standards ISO 21043-1 Forensic sciences Part 1: Terms and definitions and ISO 21043-2, and ISO 21043-2 Forensics sciences Part 2: Recognition, recording, collection, transport and storage of items to form a 5-part series that covers the forensic science process. The ANSI-accredited United States Technical Advisory Group (US TAG) serves as the US representative body that contributes to ISO TC 272 activities. Administered by ASCLD, this group consists of representatives from 10 organizations and is composed of subject matter experts, researchers, and government agencies. Collectively the US TAG determines the position of, and advocates for, the United States in the development of these forensic science standards. Attendees will learn how ISO 21043 may be used in the US and in other nations, the general content of the ISO 21043 standards, and recommendations for interpretation and reporting that may be new to the US. Attendees will learn what new international standards are on the horizon and how they can directly participate in their development. Presenters will provide tangible examples of the value of building a team with multiple points of view, negotiations made to permit use of the standards globally, and thoughts about how we can continue work with our international colleagues to improve forensic science in the US and abroad.
8:40 AM - 9:10 AM Exploring VR for Competency of Competency and proficiency testing and evaluation of crime scene investigators (CSIs) can be challenging. Most agencies utilize either a mock crime scene or evaluate the CSIs at an actual scene. Both can present issues involving subjectivity and vicarious trauma. RTI International in cooperation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently conducted a national interagency comparison study on crime scene processing using virtual reality (VR) scenes. Three scenes (sexual assault, overdose and assault) were developed and incorporated into VR along with typical crime scene processing tools such as a camera, gloves, fingerprint powder, blood detection chemicals, alternative light source, etc. VR headsets were shipped across the country to a variety of state, local and federal agencies. Data was then collected from each agency including crime scene investigator (CSI) years of experience, training, familiarization with VR, agency accreditation, etc. after each scene was processed and reviewed to compare performance. This lecture will first highlight the findings of the study results. It will then focus on the effectiveness of VR as a potential CSI training or proficiency/competency tool.
8:40 AM - 9:10 AM FIRST Impact The concept of permanent, designated Forensic Lead Programs (FLP) within forensic laboratories was presented at the 2024 ASCLD Symposium. This proposal builds on that concept with the presentation of the design, support, and implementation of such a program within a state laboratory system. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (MN BCA) FLP design is based on the FIRST approach, which was conceptualized to leverage the investigative power of Forensic Intelligence, Response, Support, and Testing. This approach aims to utilize existing and new technologies to address the demand for expedited release of investigative leads. A phased implementation started with the recasting of the statewide National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) program. The evolution of this program involved a critical review of the demand for services, existing process and an incremental reconfiguration of the delivery model. This re-imagined program allowed for a seven-fold increase in firearm test fires, a tripling of the NIBIN acquisition rate, and a reduction of “time to entry” from over 200 days to less than a week in the first year of operation. The restructured staffing model contributed to an increased efficiency for traditional firearms examinations, reducing the number of cases pending over 90 days four-fold. Further development of the MN BCA FLP maximizes the value of the vast amount of intelligence data that resides within the laboratory case and forensic databases. The mobilization of this data consolidation and forensic intelligence effort at the statewide level quickly became instrumental in connecting cases across jurisdictions that likely would not have been linked by traditional measures. This model brings ballistic evidence, along with DNA, latent prints and other forensic technologies together to assist in providing actionable leads during the critical phases of investigations for a safer Minnesota.
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM FTCOE - Technologize.Innovate.Collaborate The National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) is a science multiplier that advances technologies, shares knowledge, and addresses challenges through a multifaceted perspective between the scientific and justice communities. Through a diverse group of partners, thought leaders, researchers, and policymakers, the FTCOE supports the implementation of new forensic technology and best practices by forensic professionals and is dedicated to elevating the status of forensic science. Learn about FTCOE technical evaluations; guidance resources; online and digital educational tools; special events; working groups; among other resources that drive the adoption of research and development outcomes, technology transition, and evidence-based practice. For example, as a special initiative beginning in 2024, the FTCOE is working with NIJ and the community to conduct an operational needs assessment to determine the projected workload, backlog, personnel, workforce, resources, turnaround times, equipment, and additional needs of forensic science providers and forensic medical service providers. These resources promote a synergy of the FTCOE and forensic professionals to technologize, innovate, and collaborate globally for the advancement of forensic laboratories.
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM Using QRIs to Improve Practice In 2017, the Texas Department of Public Safety took the unprecedented step of posting its quality incident reports online for public access. This act of transparency was a first for a state crime laboratory system. In 2023, a research project was initiated that offered the first systematic review of quality incident reports. This presentation will discuss the events leading up to the decision to post the QIRs, how they have been used in the Texas criminal legal system, describe the research study, highlights of results based on QIRs produced between January 2016-May 2021, and their policy and practice implications.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM A Fellowship Program Benefits Everybody Often in laboratories, implementing new technology takes a back seat to the demands and deadlines of caseload. While the new technology could increase efficiency and output and solve more cases, labs lack the resources to focus on those ideas without impacting casework. This presentation explores the transformative potential of mentorship and strategic partnerships between universities and forensic laboratories, highlighting their mutual benefits and the profound impact they can have on students, universities and laboratories. Since 2018, our laboratory has had a joint research fellowship program with a local university. The program has been a highly successful recruitment tool for both the university and the laboratory. It is an incentive to attract top candidates to the university and a talent pipeline for the laboratory to convert the students to highly qualified full-time employees after graduation. Each research fellow successfully completes a research project that is beneficial to the laboratory and also a relevant research project for their academic program aligned with their master’s thesis. Because a master’s degree typically takes two years, the considerable cost to train the student is outweighed by the impact of the research they complete. Additionally, if the laboratory is able to convert the student to a full-time employee after graduation, the conversion time for any additional training requirements is minimal compared to hiring someone who is not familiar with the current standard operating procedures. This presentation will cover successful examples of collaboration that have led to innovation in new laboratory service offerings, long term retention of top candidates for the laboratory and career advancement for students. This co-presentation will include both the laboratory and student perspective.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM A Guide to Retroactive Case Reviews When a systemic quality issue is identified and the corrective action process is initiated, the root cause analysis may dictate that a retroactive case review is needed. The temporal scope and technical depth of the case review depends upon the nature of the quality event. In 2024, Signature Science received notification from a client of an issue with a DNA comparison to a known individual and the likelihood ratio statistic that was generated. The issue in question is referred to as a wide HPD interval. Signature Science became aware of wide HPD interval occurrences in casework as early as 2019; however, standard operating procedure guidance and training materials did not include guidance on identifying, troubleshooting, or reporting of wide HPD intervals until 2022. A Corrective Action Report was initiated and prescribed a retroactive review of all cases reported by Signature Science where STRmix software was used to generate likelihood ratios. As a private laboratory, Signature Science has a diverse client base. Different forms of communication and the level of detail provided in the communication are typically tailored to ensure all relevant and pertinent information is conveyed to the appropriate individuals in a timely manner. This talk will focus not on the technical components of the corrective action, but rather on how the retroactive case review was planned and accomplished, describe the additional training measures that were put in place as a result of the root cause analysis, and discuss the types of communication that occurred between various stakeholders throughout the process, from identification and initiation of the issue to final resolution of the retroactive case review.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Keynote: The DNA of Trust Trust is the foundation of a High Performing Team (HPT). The fundamental and agonizing question we must ask is: Do You Trust Me? There are also many philosophies of trust, and it is important to consider which concept will drive your HPT. Likewise, how much trust is required of your team? Just enough to accomplish the mission or do you desire to improve your organization/agency? We should consider the relationship and differences between professional (TRUST) and personal trust (four levels) and their potential impact. How we build and maintain trust will ultimately determine how we manage conflict when trust is inevitably broken. If we are willing to invest time and resources into building an HPT that trusts each other the Return on Investment is considerable. Rebuilding trust is far easier when the foundation is solid. It all begins with the simple question: Do you trust me?
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Business Meeting
2:05 PM - 2:25 PM FORESIGHT Synergy Project FORESIGHT was built on the importance of collaboration by the forensic science community for data driven managerial decisions. Sharing the collective experiences of crime laboratories, FORESIGHT collects data on resources and performance to help laboratories preserve what works and change what does not. FORESIGHT’s foundation relies upon the synergism of the forensic community. In this presentation, we highlight several recent updates to Project FORESIGHT. These include responses to the forensic community for an updated workforce calculator, assessment of optimal quality assurance staffing, and FLN-TWG’s mandate for unique performance measurement in digital evidence, among other project updates. These updates are complemented with various success stories from participating laboratories, where the assessment of operations via FORESIGHT provides independent evidence of internal efficiencies and justifies the demands for resource enhancement. While FORESIGHT provides each participant with a detailed evaluation of its own performance, participating laboratories make an invaluable contribution to the community of crime laboratories through the synergies that data-driven evidence provides for the return on investment by forensic science to society.
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM FORESIGHT Awards
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM Unlocking Efficiency with Versaterm In today’s fast-paced forensic landscape, effective case and evidence management are critical for accuracy, efficiency and compliance. This session will delve into the transformative impact of a comprehensive Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) on lab operations. Participants will learn how such a system streamlines workflows, automates manual tasks and provides centralized access to essential data, which is vital for enhancing laboratory performance. Explore how a robust LIMS strengthens chain-of-custody protocols, ensuring that every piece of evidence is precisely tracked. This capability supports real-time collaboration across teams and departments and instills confidence in the integrity of the evidence being managed. As labs face the dual challenges of high caseloads and complex regulatory standards, a well-implemented LIMS can alleviate these pressures. Automating routine processes and offering customizable dashboards empowers forensic professionals to focus their resources on solving cases and improving service quality. Furthermore, this session will address the necessity of managing historical records and the well-being of the workforce within forensic labs. See how document conversion services streamline legacy data migration, making it more accessible and reducing redundancies. Additionally, learn about the importance of tailored wellness programs that support forensic professionals in addressing the unique pressures of their work environment. Join us for this engaging session for valuable insights and practical strategies that will enable lab professionals to enhance operational efficiency, better manage evidence and improve the quality of their forensic services.
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM Business Meeting results
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM ASCLD Awards
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:25 AM Blind Proficiency Test Program The launch of a Blind Proficiency Test Program (BPTP) by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) Crime Laboratory in August 2023 was a significant advancement in the quality assurance efforts of the laboratory. Since its implementation, the QA unit has successfully conducted two blind tests, one in biology and another in seized drugs. The value of a BPTP lies in its ability to evaluate the procedures and policies of the entire laboratory effectively, while minimizing the bias that may arise from knowing that one is being tested. Though implementation of a BPTP is recommended by both national organizations and international standards, it is often not put into practice due to uncertainties regarding its execution and the resources required. Initiating a program, even on a small scale, can yield significant benefits and insights for a laboratory’s system. The PBSO BPTP aims to establish a robust framework for designing and executing blind proficiency tests across all its laboratory disciplines, which include: biology, crime scene investigation, firearms, fire debris analysis, friction ridge examination, seized drugs, and toxicology. The laboratory is currently developing comprehensive guidance documents to provide universal strategies for the involvement of non-laboratory participants and ensuring the tests remain blind from inception to the release of a report. The vision for this program however extends beyond the immediate laboratory, aiming to share the framework and experiences with other crime laboratories, eventually fostering collaborations and mutual test exchanges. This presentation will showcase the PBSO’s journey of developing and launching their BPTP, explore the reasons behind initial delays, and demonstrate how navigating uncertainties made the process more feasible and rewarding than anticipated.
8:30 AM - 8:55 AM Team Leadership Strategy for Excellence Leading as a team allows organizations to live in the tension of speed, quality, innovation, and cost while navigating market changes such as Smith vs. Arizona. Our presentation will walk through the organizational changes and on-going modifications leveraged to lead five laboratories in three different time zones, navigating the tension of competing interests through sharing knowledge, experiences, and change. Join us as we share what we did, what we would do differently, and how the fruit of team leadership produces excellence!
9:00 AM - 9:25 AM Advancing Forensic Science in the U.S. In September 2024, NIST published a report entitled "Strategic Opportunities to Advance Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward Through Research and Standards," which identifies four “grand challenges” facing the forensic science community in the United States and provides a strategic roadmap for addressing these challenges through scientific research and standards. To complete this report, NIST researchers conducted an extensive literature review and collected input from academic and government researchers, forensic science practitioners, legal experts, statistics experts and feedback from NIST subject matter experts to assess the forensic science environment and discuss the long-term vision and strategic priorities for forensic science in the United States. This presentation will provide a summary of the report, detailing an overview of the findings from those efforts and outline a strategy for the forensic science community to align over the next decade.
9:30 AM - 9:55 AM CHI's Humanitarian DNA Database Mandated by state legislation as the State of Texas Missing Persons DNA Database, the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s Center for Human Identification (CHI) is required by law to process any unidentified human remains recovered from within Texas. CHI generates DNA profiles that are eligible for upload into the CODIS database in hopes of an association with relatives of the missing person. But what happens when family members can’t provide their samples for CODIS entry? The Center for Human Identification has thousands of human remains profiles that remain unidentified despite being searched in CODIS, and that number continues to grow. The reason in large part is because the needed family members reside outside of the U.S., however CHI has created the Humanitarian DNA Database (HDD) as a mechanism for international sharing of DNA profiles. With an MOU from the FBI, the HDD was created as a standalone database that leverages CODIS software and allows CHI to search and enter DNA profiles of family members generated outside of the U.S. against its unidentified human remains profiles. Through collaboration with an NGO and in part due to a U.S. State Department grant that allows CHI to provide support to DNA laboratories in Central America, the HDD has resulted in 54 associations since the first profile was searched in 2023. This great success only strengthens the need for collaboration with humanitarian efforts as CHI looks for opportunities for international sharing beyond Central America and looks to expand the number of unidentified human remains profiles in the HDD by incorporating additional U.S. states.
10:00 AM - 10:25 AM Transformative Power of AI in Forensics Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to revolutionize forensic science by improving data interpretation, optimizing workflows, and creating new opportunities for evidence evaluation and communication. However, integrating AI into forensic practices requires careful attention to legal, ethical, and operational challenges to ensure that these technologies support integrity within the justice system. This presentation will examine present and future applications of AI within forensic science. We will focus on practical, real-world use cases that are already making an impact across various forensic disciplines. Attendees will gain insight into how AI is being utilized to solve complex problems in areas such as DNA analysis, digital forensics, and pattern recognition. We will also explore the legal implications of incorporating AI technologies into the forensic landscape, addressing critical issues like the admissibility of AI-generated evidence in court, the need for transparency in AI decision-making processes, and the potential for bias within AI systems. We will also present the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)'s efforts to develop an AI system inventory, providing crime laboratory directors, managers, and practitioners with valuable information on the latest AI-enabled tools and technologies available. This catalog will serve as a resource for those looking to understand the capabilities, strengths, and limitations of various AI applications in forensics. By examining practical use cases, the legal framework, and the catalog of AI tools, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of how AI can be responsibly integrated into forensic science. The goal is to balance the transformative power of AI with the rigorous standards of science and law to inform AI's responsible adoption.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Keynote
12:05 PM - 12:30 PM Closing remarks