Search

Category: Multi-Media
Forensics TTA

Testimony Training for Medical Examiner and Coroner (MEC) Offices

This presentation features Shannon Hodder, Senior Assistant District Attorney at the Office of the DeKalb County District Attorney, and Allison Lewis, Staff Attorney for the DNA Unit of the Legal Aid Society. It is tailored for MEC professionals with all levels of experience seeking to strengthen their foundational understanding of testimony, both criminal and regarding depositions. Viewers are introduced to the perspectives of prosecution and defense, as well as cover pointers for depositions which are the most common interaction for MEC professionals with the legal system. The presentation provides tips on preparing and providing testimony, including the use of medical terminology and knowing when to say something is out of your area of expertise. Presenters also discuss the controversy surrounding manner of death in the courtroom.
June 2026
Forensics TTA

Virtual Training for Forensic DNA Professionals: Kinship and Parentage Analysis

Developed by the Forensics TTA Program, led by RTI International, in collaboration with Bode Technology with funding provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), this self-paced, web-based training is designed specifically for BJA Forensics Programs grantees. The course was created to address a critical gap in accessible kinship analysis training resources for forensic DNA professionals. While kinship analysis has long been used in parentage and family relationship testing, it holds significant value in forensic casework including missing persons investigations, unidentified human remains cases, sexual assaults, and other violent crimes.
March 2026
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