Category: Forensics TTA

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.
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.
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.
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.
Forensics TTA

Forensic Services for Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices Webinar Series – Webinar #1: Identification Resources

Facilitated by the Forensics TTA Team, this webinar features guest speakers Melanie Rouse and Dr. Laura C. Fulginiti of the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner and Rob Glassmire of the Garfield County Coroner’s Office. The presenters highlight the various ways medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) offices of various sizes access identification services and specialists – including benefits and limitations of each. The presenters discuss the use of fingerprints, anthropology, odontology, and DNA, 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 first 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.
Forensics TTA

Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME/C) System Program Discussion Forum – Computed Tomography (CT) Machines and Casework

Facilitated by the Forensics TTA Team, this Discussion Forum Session, Computed Tomography (CT) Machines and Casework, features guest speaker Dr. Lauren Edelman from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office who provides an overview of the implementation and use of CT machines in medical examiner/coroner offices. The presenter discusses the “basics” of CT use, policies and guidelines for CT machines, radiation safety, obtaining a new machine and integrating it into practice, and more.
Forensics TTA

Unidentified Human Remains Investigations 101

Facilitated by the Forensics TTA Team, this webinar features guest speakers Lara Newell from the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and Senior Special Agent Douglas R. Hubert from the Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation. They provide an overview of how to navigate unidentified human remains investigations from both the medical examiner and law enforcement perspectives. Specifically, the presenters discuss the intricacies of the investigative process, considerations for available evidence, and how to utilize national organizations for assistance. Attendees also examine a case that originated in 1987 and explore how advancements in forensic technology and investigative methods would significantly change the way the case is approached today.
Forensics TTA

Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME/C) System Program Discussion Forum – IACME and NAME Accreditation Audit Process

Facilitated by the Forensics TTA Team, this Discussion Forum Session, IACME and NAME Accreditation Audit Process, features guest speakers Mr. John Fudenberg from the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME), Dr. Ponni Arunkumar from the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), and Mr. Brett Harding from Ada County Coroner’s Office. The presenters provide an overview of the accreditation process for both NAME and IACME, including key details about virtual and on-site audits, along with sharing insights and preparation tips for a successful path to accreditation.