Upcoming NFTC Classes & Special Program
(Click title for more information.)
Crime Scene Initial Response - Expanded
July 24, 2012
Crime Scene Initial Response - Expanded
August 21, 2012
Basic Latent Print Processing for Patrol
August 23, 2012
Basic Crime Scene Photography for First Responders
August 28, 2012
Fall 2012 Schedule
Special Programs
(Special programs are excluded from the subscription program)
September 24-28, 2012
November 12-16, 2012 |
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Scientific Working Groups
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BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYSIS
LeeAnn Singley, Grayson Singley Associates, LLC
The loss of blood at violent crimes scenes often produces identifiable patterns which may provide valuable information regarding the actions that caused them. Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) then is the forensic discipline which studies the size, shape, distribution and location of these patterns that occur when blood is subjected to a force, in order to determine the mechanisms that gave rise to their origin. Using the underpinning sciences of physics, biology and mathematics, the bloodstain pattern analyst observes, evaluates and identifies bloodstain patterns culminating in a worthwhile evidentiary tool to be used by the investigator or attorney. Having a history of more than 100 years, this discipline is not new; but nonetheless is often still overlooked in a typical investigation.
In its simplest form, BPA can be employed by recognizing and following a blood trail and in more complex situations, can assist in determining the position of a victim in a room during a blood shedding event. The latter may be accomplished through the careful study of the individual bloodstains within an impact pattern by observing their directionality, measuring their size, and determining the angle at which the bloodstains struck the surface through mathematical formulae. The ultimate goal is to determine a three dimensional area of origin of the bloodshed. <CONTINUE READING>
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Investigative Tips & Techniques:
THE MEDIA: LOVE 'EM OR HATE 'EM Scott M. Grim, D-ABMDI, Lehigh County Coroner, Adjunct Instructor, NFTC
I find myself somewhat chuckling while writing this article on the media. As I titled it, "The Media, love'em or hate'em", because in our profession that is how most of us feel and react when it comes to dealing with the press.
I, for one, who has been sued several times by the media, have that love - hate relationship. As we all know we all have a job to do but when "they" interfere with our investigation that's when we stand our ground and resist the reporter.
<CONTINUE READING>
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IS YOUR ORGANIZATION REPRESENTED?
Submit your Patch Today!
The Northeast Forensic Training Center has started a patch board representing all of the agencies who have trained at the center. We would like to have a patch for every organization. Please see the image below to make sure your organization is represented. Don't see your patch, please bring one to your next training course or mail one to us at Northeast Forensic Training Center, 511 E. Third Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015.
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IN THE NEWS
Law Enforcement Guide to Social Media
Regional Organized Crime Information Center
Law enforcement agencies are increasingly developing strategies that utilize social media as investigative resources, including Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and YouTube. <READ MORE>
Research on DNA's Role in Uncovering Wrongful Convictions
National Institute of Justice
In 2008, NIJ funded the Urban Institute to evaluate DNA testing results from a sample of 634 homicide and sexual assault cases (715 convicted offenders) that occurred in Virginia between 1973 and 1987. <READ MORE>
DNA for the Defense Bar
National Institute of Justice
DNA for the Defense Bar is the newest addition to a series of NIJ guides that aims to improve the use of forensic DNA in the criminal justice system. <READ MORE>
Sleep Disorders, Work Shifts and Officer Wellness
National Institute of Justice
Police work is inherently risky. Law enforcement officers face the constant threat of being attacked, wounded or even killed when confronting suspects or handling other dangerous situations in the line of duty. <READ MORE> |
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