abstracts

							                 WORKSHOP ABSTRACTS (as of 8/19/10)
Ethics and Forensic Science
DEA South Central Laboratory, Jamie Eshelman
Monday, September 20th, afternoon

Forensic science continues to be “under siege.” National, state, and local organizations
are required to answer ethical questions routinely. Some questions are relatively easy and
some deal with complex issues. These issues may involve day to day operations or major
policy. Ethics is a far reaching concept in the forensic laboratory that includes quality,
accreditation, certification, and standards of conduct to state just a few. The objective of
this workshop is to provide a forum to discuss ethic-based issues associated with the field
of forensic science.

Successful and Effective Courtroom Testimony and Current Law Issues
Instructor to be announced
Monday, September 20th, morning

This lecture is geared toward forensic scientists from any discipline with limited to no
courtroom experience but should be a good refresher course for seasoned veterans, as
well. Topics will include visual aids, developing successful “tape loops” for stock
questions, courtroom etiquette, legal terminology, “Why do I need the law?” and
overcoming stressful circumstances, among others. Audience participation is
encouraged.

3D Laser Scanning for Public Safety and Forensics
Leica Geosystems
Monday, September 20, afternoon

Speaker #1 - Tony Grissim - Leica Geosystems Mr. Grissim will provide a practical
overview of how 3D laser scanning is currently being used by many law enforcement
agencies for crime scene investigation (with an emphasis on shooting reconstruction),
vulnerability and threat assessment, post-blast investigation and fire scene reconstruction.
A live demonstration of a mock crime scene will be laser scanned along with a review of
the laser scan data captured at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, scene of the assassination of John
F. Kennedy. Topics will include admissibility in court and the various kinds of high-
value 3D data that can be generated from the data.

Speaker #2 - Detective Keith Drozd - Killeen Police Department Detective Drozd is an
experienced law enforcement user of 3D laser scanning for crime scene investigation. He
was a first responder to the Fort Hood shootings last November where he deployed the
Killeen Police Department's laser scanning technology as a significant part of the overall
investigation. He also was called upon to laser scan the Austin IRS building after the
airplane terrorist attack in February of this year.
Speaker #3 - Craig Fries - Precision Simulations Mr. Fries will demonstrate the use of 3D
laser scanning in a variety of actual cases analyzed by his firm over the past 10 years. The
presentation will focus on using the laser data to create accurate 3D models of incident
scenes and objects within the scenes to assist in analyzing and determining what did
happen, and equally importantly, what did not. Real-time 3D Computer animations
generated from the laser data and subsequent analysis will be presented along with a
discussion of how to use the accuracy of the data to overcome admissibility challenges
that are sure to be offered by the opposition. Vehicle dynamics, ballistic trajectories,
occupant motion and deadly force examples will be used to illustrate the topics presented.



Improving the way we do method development with LC
Waters, James Hancock and Larry Meeker
Wednesday, September 22nd, morning

This is a practical course designed to cover many of the aspects related to developing a
robust LC method. A systematic approach will be outlined with tips and tricks to help
prevent typical pitfalls often encountered during method transfer or development. Both
theory and real life examples will be discussed. The student will walk away with a better
understanding of the principles that drive a separation and a practical plan for method
development. Topics will cover both method transfer and new method development as
well as how system design affects method transfer.

Forensic Applications of Raman and FTIR Spectroscopy
Bruker Optics, Inc., Bryan Deverse and Thomas J. Tague
Wednesday, September 22nd, morning

Optical microscopy has historically been a valuable tool for the analysis of forensic
evidence. Optical microscopy provides information pertaining to the physical properties
of a sample. Contrast enhancement tools utilized in the microscopical examination of
drugs, trace and document evidence also provide the ability to locate features of interest.
Infrared and Raman microscopy have become commonplace tools for the analysis of
forensic evidence. The principles of optical microscopy and infrared and Raman
microscopy will be presented as well as examples of their applicability to each area of
forensic interest.
Dr. Tague has a Ph.D in Chemistry from the University of Utah, more than 30 refereed
publications, and 5 US patents. He is also a member of the ACS, MSA, SAS, and
Advisory Boards of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and EOS.

New Technologies for Forensic DNA Work
Kelly McKeon, Tony Mamone, Daniel Leach, and representative from ABI
Wednesday, September 22, 2010, morning

This workshop will cover the following topics: Introduction to the philosophy of Tecan,
the performance of automated LLE and solid phase extraction techniques in forensic
toxicology, the Tecan HID EVOlution suite of products, new techniques under
development at Tecan, and new technologies for DNA forensic work.


Introduction to Forensic Botany
Leonhardt Chair of Texas Botany, Barney Lipscomb
Thursday, September 23rd, afternoon

Forensic Botany is a developing discipline that potentially has a broader applicability
than seen at present. “Plants can provide forensic evidence because the components and
construction of a plant’s body, and its ecological requirements, are particular to the
species.” This program reviews the historical development of forensic botany, discusses
botanical evidence and expertise used in forensic botany, and examines a specific case of
the use of animal-dispersed propagules (seeds, fruits, etc). Animal dispersed seeds and
fruits are ubiquitous, often cling tenaciously to clothes or other materials worn or used by
suspects, and are small and frequently go unnoticed. One will discover that technically
simple, visually obvious, easily understood, and inexpensive methods such as the use of
animal-dispersed seeds and fruits are worthy of further consideration in criminal
investigations. Furthermore, their identification is relatively inexpensive and technically
straight-forward, and their presentation as evidence is visually and intuitively obvious,
making it ideal for the courtroom.

Murderous Plants-Poisonous Herbs in our World
Leonhardt Chair of Texas Botany, Barney Lipscomb
Thursday, September 23rd, afternoon

This workshop approaches the topic of poisonous plants in a lively and fascinating way
while raising awareness about potentially dangerous plants. There are over 600 species
of plants identified as poisonous to humans and animals in the United States. The Toxic
Exposure Surveillance System data for 2006-from the American Association of Poison
Control Centers’ National Poison Data System-show plants accounted for 2.7% of the
substances most frequently involved in human exposures. Of the many different
substances implicated in human fatal exposures, many are plant derived substances.

Forensic Sperm Isolation Techniques
Independent Forensics, Karl Reich
Thursday, September 23rd, all day

This vendor workshop is designed to introduce theory, practice and hands-on methods for
the isolation of sperm using automated, semi-automated and manual sperm isolation
techniques, to forensic DNA analysts. The emphasis is on developing forensic laboratory
specific solutions for real world sexual assault samples. Current Microdissection (LCM),
hand-picking (mechanized or tungsten wire) will be discussed and where possible
illustrated with hands-on examples.
Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry Applied to Trace Forensic Analysis
Dr. Guido Verbeck, IV, University of North Texas
Thursday, September 23rd, morning

This 4 hour course will introduce the fundamentals of linear quadropole, time-of-flight,
and Paul and penning trap mass spectrometry. This focus will give a good overview of
instrument resolution, sensitivity, and performance issues. Ion source options will be
discussed within the confines of forensic applications. Special attention will be paid to
the trace analysis of documents, illicit drugs, arson and explosive, paint and dye,
toxicology, and metal analysis. Hybrid techniques (LC-MS, GC-MS, and CE-MS) and
Tandem instrumentation (CID, Triple-Quad, and MSn) will be covered. Due to the
increasing demand for field-portable instrumentation, the current state and limitations of
this growing area will be a specific topic.


Overview of Digital Evidence
Rhesa G. Gilliland, Steven L. Carter, and Rhonda K. Woods, DEA Digital Evidence
Lab
Thursday, September 23rd, afternoon

This workshop will provide an overview of the Digital Evidence forensic discipline. It
will cover the following topics: types of digital evidence, handling/storing of digital
media, examination of digital media (computers, laptops, hand-held devices, cellular
phones) and quality assurance as it pertains to the digital forensic discipline.

Specialized Topics in Shooting Incident Reconstruction
Ed Hueske and Max Courtney, UNT and Mansfield Police Department
Thursday, September 23rd, afternoon

This course will cover a number of specialized topics in shooting incident reconstruction
including shot pellet patterns of tactical versus standard loads, forensic aspects of
Winchester high density buffer, substrates used for gunpowder stippling simulation
studies and bullet deflection through intermediary targets.

Cutting Edge Technology for Forensics Professionals
Safariland
Thursday, September 23rd, afternoon

Leica 3D Laser Scanner by Tony Grissim
The Leica Geosystems ScanStation C10 is a versatile and easy-to-use 3D laser scanning
system which enables users to photograph and measure a scene with an extraordinary
level of speed, accuracy and completeness. The information gathered can be used to
generate up to six high-value rapid response products within minutes of the scanning to
provide detectives with 3D information for conducting interviews. In the courtroom,
Leica’s laser scanning data allows prosecutors to place the jury in the scene. Data from
Leica laser scans have been accepted in U.S. courts of law many times. The ScanStation
C10 demonstration will include a mock crime scene, an overview of it’s various law
enforcement applications, case studies of homicides, officer involved shootings, shooting
reconstruction and post-blast investigations.

Dazor speckFINDER by Scott Grayson
With a magnification range from 1X to 40X, one-touch controls and multiple lighting
options, the Dazor speckFINDER is a great magnifier for any lab setting. The system’s
three-point 360° articulating arm and 6.4 inch anti-glare, flat panel display simplify a
wide variety of laboratory analyses. It also features a high resolution CCD camera for
saving and documenting images and a multi-function mouse that allows the user to
switch magnification properties at the touch of a button. The speckFINDER’s improved
ergonomics increases worker productivity and eliminates health problems typically
associated with the extensive use of traditional microscopes. The speckFINDER
demonstration will highlight the system’s ability to support document examination, tool
mark and trace evidecen analysis and ballistic comparisons in a law enforcement setting.

Delta Nu ReporteR by Farrel Borden
DeltaNu’s ReporteR is the latest advance in rapid and non-destructive materials testing.
The palm-sized ReporteR weighs less than 14 oz and can rapidly identify illicit narcotics
and explosives in seconds. Unlike chemical pouch and swab kits, this simple, non-
destructive test can be performed on less than 100 mg of sample material, allowing the
officer to preserve the evidence for confirmatory testing for trial procedures. Real-time
and accurate identification of an unknown narcotic occurs by comparing its unique
spectroscopic fingerprint to that of reference materials stored in the spectral library.
Results are displayed on a highly visible LED display that allows non-technical users to
employ the device in the field and save the data in a simple report format. DeltaNu will
demonstrate the ReporteR’s ability to quickly and efficiently identify a variety of illicit
drugs and explosives in a non-destructive manner.

Panoscan by Casey Coss
Panoscan Inc. is a manufacturer of the world’s fastest digital panoramic cameras. The
unique, rotating camera scans 360 degree images in a single pass. No stitching is
required. The captured images are unsurpassed in detail and can be viewed as standard
flat panorama or as virtual reality movie using players such as Apple QuickTime VR,
Flash Panoramas, and Immervision JAVA. Scanning with the system is fast and allows
instant viewing without post processing. These lightweight and portable systems
generate capture and display images within seconds, and corrections in composition and
lighting are made easily when on location. The Pan-O-Scan MK-3 panoramic camera
system demonstration will include ways to quickly document a crime scene with floor to
ceiling imaging, create accurate measurements, using infrared and UV filters of improved
imaging, and documenting eye witness perspectives.
The DEA Special Programs Update
Joe Bozenko, John Casale, and Sini Panicker, Senior Forensic Chemists DEA Special
Testing Lab
Friday, September 24th, morning

The DEA Methamphetamine Profiling Program (MPP) aids enforcement and intelligence
efforts combating illicit drug production through trace-level organic and inorganic
chemical analyses. This workshop demonstrates the various techniques employed and
the information gleamed from the results. Specific instances will be discussed where the
analytical methodology identified crucial trends or shifts in methamphetamine
manufacturing. A brief section will also encounter the newly-encountered routes and
processing techniques that are employed around the world. All of the other programs
will be discussed as well.

The Cocaine Signature Program (CSP) is an intelligence gathering initiative which
determines the processing and geographic origins of cocaine. Cocaine is contaminated
with a wide variety of natural and processing impurities. The alkaloids found in these
cocaine samples, originally derived from the coca leaf, are analyzed by gas
chromatography/Flame ionization detection, gas chromatography/electron capture
detection, isotopic ratio mass spectrometry, and headspace/gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry. The comprehensive results are correlated and reported in a quarterly
bulletin entitled “Cocaine Signature Program Report.” Each year, in-depth chemical
analyses are performed on over 3000 cocaine hydrochloride exhibits obtained from bulk
seizures throughout the United States. The CSP is one of the most successful scientific
intelligence programs ever developed by the Special Testing and Research Laboratory.
The CSP program has provided the counterdrug intelligence community with the first
science-based methodology to support strategic intelligence estimates on illicit drug flow
and availability.

The Heroin Signature Program (HSP) was initiated in 1977 by the DEA to enhance the
agency’s ability to identify the origin of heroin seized and purchased within the US. The
science of the HSP entails multiple analyses through which the identity, quantity, and
geographical processing origin of heroin are determined. The presentation will include
analytical methodologies employed for the HSP, and the information on clandestine
heroin processing from opium. In addition, licit and illicit opium poppy cultivation
around the globe will be discussed.

The Role of Human Identification in the Lab and Courtroom
Dr. Roger Metcalf and Instructor to be announced
Friday, September 24, 2010, morning

The presentation during the first hour will cover historical development of rules of
evidence and some of the important legal cases that have shaped the procedures currently
followed relating to admission of expert witness testimony at trial. The second portion
will give an overview of the operation of the Human ID Lab at a Medical Examiner’s
Office.