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Category: Multi-Media
Forensics TTA

DNA Basics: Understanding the Science and Tools Behind DNA Kinship Analysis

This presentation features Michelle Halsing, Assistant Laboratory Director of the Missing Persons DNA Program at the California Department of Justice. It is tailored for non-laboratory criminal justice professionals—including investigators, prosecutors, victim advocates, and program administrators—seeking to strengthen their foundational understanding of forensic DNA testing, with a particular focus on kinship analysis. The presentation offers an overview of the forensic DNA testing process, explains how DNA profiles are searched and compared within the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and outlines the capabilities and limitations of these tools in both investigative and judicial settings. Viewers are also introduced to the fundamental principles of forensic DNA kinship analysis, supported by discussions of real-world case applications, common testing strategies, and key considerations for interpreting laboratory reports. This resource highlights the critical role of kinship analysis in supporting missing persons investigations, unidentified human remains cases, and other complex forensic scenarios.
February 2026
Forensics TTA

2026 Forensics TTA Calendar of National and Regional Events

The Forensics TTA calendar of events provides a centralized view of national and large-scale regional conferences, trainings, and other events of interest to BJA Forensics Program grantees. This calendar is a downloadable resource designed to assist grantees with effective planning of event attendance when supported by BJA Forensics Program funding. Event entries are color coded by event type – conferences, trainings, and other (e.g., meetings, convenings). Clicking on a color-coded event entry produces a pop-up box which provides information including its name, date(s), and location along with a direct link to the event’s main page for additional details such as the agenda and registration, travel, and lodging information. Questions about applying or utilizing BJA funding to attend any events presented on this calendar should be directed to your assigned BJA Policy and Programs Office representatives. Explore the calendar today and contact the Forensics TTA team via Forensicstta@rti.org with any questions or suggestions for ensuring this resource best fits your needs! 
February 2026
Forensics TTA

Forensic Services for Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices Webinar Series – Webinar #3: Autopsy Services

Facilitated by the Forensics TTA Team, this webinar features guest speakers Dr. Jonathan Lucas of the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office and Dr. Lou Mendes-Kramer, Forensic Task Force Chair of the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA). The presenters highlight the various ways medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) offices of various sizes access autopsy services and specialists – including benefits and limitations of each. The presenters discuss working with locum tenens and pathologists’ assistants, providing tips on how to best work with these different specialists, across their capabilities and how to get the full benefits of their services. This is the third and final session in a three-part series that provides a high-level overview of ancillary services that ME/C offices may interact with to investigate cases, focusing especially on more unusual cases.
January 2026
Forensics TTA

Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME/C) System Program Discussion Forum – ME/C Office Annual Reports

Facilitated by the Forensics TTA Team, this Discussion Forum session, Medical Examiner/Coroner (ME/C) Office Annual Reports, features guest speakers Ms. Gina Carver from the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office and Ms. Alfarena (Alfie) McGinty from the Marion County Coroner’s Office who jointly overview how to develop an annual report for your ME/C office and maximize its impact. The presenters highlight the benefits and importance of these reports, share strategies for incorporating key data points, provide examples of accreditation requirements, and discuss effective approaches to community engagement and partnership building.
December 2025
Forensics TTA

Forensic Services for Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices Webinar Series – Webinar #2: Postmortem Testing

Facilitated by the Forensics TTA Team, this webinar features guest speakers Dr. Glenn Sandberg of Forensic Neuropathology Consultants, Dr. Emily Duncanson of Jesse E. Edwards Registry of Cardiovascular Disease, and Dr. Laura Knight of the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office. The presenters highlight the various ways medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) offices of various sizes access postmortem testing services and specialists – including benefits and limitations of each. The presenters discuss working with neuropathologists, cardiac pathologists, and genetic testing, providing tips on how to best work with these different specialists, across their capabilities and how to get the full benefits of their services. This is the second session in a three-part series that provides a high-level overview of ancillary services that ME/C offices may interact with to investigate cases, focusing especially on more unusual cases.
November 2025
Forensics TTA

CODIS in Action: Capabilities, Challenges, and Casework Strategies Webinar

Facilitated by the Forensics TTA Team, this webinar features guest speaker Amanda Overman from the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory. The presenter provides an overview of how the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database functions, including its capabilities, limitations, and how recent advancements are shaping forensic investigations. The presenter shares practical strategies, legal considerations, and ways to maximize the utility of CODIS hits to support investigations. Whether you’re new to CODIS or looking to refine your expertise, this webinar provides actionable insights that can be applied to further support case resolutions and highlights how CODIS is both a powerful forensic science and investigation tool.
October 2025
Forensics TTA

FY2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity Webinar – Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence (Postconviction) Program

This webinar, presented by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), features an overview of the FY2025 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence (Postconviction) Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). As part of this presentation, BJA discusses the various elements of the Postconviction NOFO, including eligibility and requirements for submitting an application.
September 2025
Forensics TTA

FY2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity Webinar – Competitive DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program

This webinar, presented by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), features an overview of the FY2025 Competitive DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). As part of this presentation, BJA discusses the various elements of the Competitive CEBR NOFO, including eligibility and requirements for submitting an application.
September 2025