Dear ASCLD Colleagues,
National Forensic Science Week 2020 was a hit! Thank you to our Communications Committee for keeping tabs on social media posts by our members and sharing them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. There are some fabulous behind the scenes videos, inspirational interviews with forensics practitioners, proclamations from governors across the nation, and lots of other fun material. Be sure to check it out if you have not already.
This week, OSAC will transition to OSAC 2.0. We will be sure to have any information that OSAC shares with us this week in next week’s CLM along with information on what these changes mean for crime laboratory leadership. Last week, ASCLD and the CFSO shared letters of support for legislation concerning OSAC. Both the letters and the bill can be found in the CFSO section of this week’s newsletter.
This week’s feature on ASCLD representatives in the community showcases the OSAC Quality Task Group. Two of our members are finishing their multi-year terms this year. We thank Treasurer Rita Dyas and Director Bruce Houlihan for their service.
Typically, the Board of Directors meets in person for a multi-day meeting in the Fall. Due to the pandemic and travel restrictions, the Board will meet virtually on October 1st through 3rd.
Have a terrific week!
Be well,
Erin
Erin P. Forry
ASCLD President
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ASCLD monthly board meeting, 3rd Friday of every month
Next meeting: October 16 at 1:00pm EST
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It is with much excitement we announce that our ASCLD Executive Director John A. Byrd has updated his email address to ExecutiveDirector@ASCLD.org. This is a much needed change as the new email is more indicative and provides clarity of the title and position within it’s address. Members, we respectfully ask that you update your email contact list with this new and exciting change.
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Weekly News and Resources |
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Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations |
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Community Research, Newsletters, and Surveys |
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The ASCLD International Committee is conducting a mentorship survey. The purpose of the survey is to establish a roster of individuals who would be interested in participating in international mentorship opportunities. The roster would allow ASCLD to connect qualified, interested members with requesting laboratories and organizations to improve forensic science in other countries. The survey will be open until September 30.
To take the survey, click HERE.
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ASCLD Forensic Research Committee |
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The Future Forensics Subcommittee of the ASCLD Forensic Research Committee (FRC) is continuing the publication of brief executive summaries of the recent literature within the forensic sciences.
The initial source of the executive summaries is the proceedings of the triannual 19th INTERPOL International Forensic Science Manager’s Symposium literature reviews, originally published by INTERPOL.
These summaries were written by ASCLD members and are meant to provide a brief overview of the most noteworthy publications and trends in the literature within the last 3 years (2016-2019).
The list of seven (7) executive research summaries include reviews in the areas of fingerprints, controlled substances, paint and glass evidence, forensic toxicology, forensic biology, gunshot residue analysis, and firearms and toolmarks. The summaries and additional information about other FRC activities can be found HERE.
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Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group (FLN-TWG) |
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The FLN-TWG is made up of laboratory directors and research scientists, many of whom are members of ASCLD, who are tasked with providing knowledge and expertise to ensure that NIJ research and implementation of forensic technology is relevant and responsive to laboratory operations needs of the forensic science community.
One focus of the meeting was firearms examiners’ testimony and reporting issues that have been gaining traction in court for the last twelve months. Some of the court decisions where examiner testimony was limited include: United States v. Shipp (2019), United States v. Johnson (2019), United States v. Tibbs (2019), United States v. Davis (2019), United States v. Hunt (2020), Williams v. United States (DC Court of Appeals), People v. A.M.(Bronx, NY 2020), and United States v. Odell Tony Adams (2020). Although most of these decisions have been in Federal court, all laboratory directors and firearms examiners should be aware of them and their potential implications to crime labs.
The FLN-TWG also discussed the NIJ research strategy for the coming years, specifically in light of the reduced budget that NIJ has for forensic science research.
At previous meetings, the FLN-TWG drafted white papers on implementation considerations of up and coming technologies including Next Generation Sequencing for DNA Analysis, Proteomic Mass Spectrometry for Bodily Fluid Identification, 3D Optical Topography Technologies for Firearms Examinations, Liquid Chromatography-Time of Flight (LC-TOF) for Toxicological Analysis, and Incorporation of Digital Evidence into Project FORESIGHT. Currently, these white papers are in the editorial process at RTI.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for late October.
The court decisions listed above will be posted on the Member Site for your reference and information.
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At the onset of the OSAC, ASCLD was provided with five seats on the Quality Infrastructure Committee which it could appoint an ASCLD member to. Presently, the appointed ASCLD members are Bruce Houlihan, Rita Dyas, Pam Zilly, Jan Johnson, and Cathy Knutson. The QIC has evolved into what is now referred to as the OSAC Quality Task Group and as the ASCLD member’s term expires, he or she will be replaced with an OSAC appointee. Participation on the OSAC Quality Task Group provides broad exposure to the ongoing activities and products of the OSAC subcommittees. Understanding the various concepts and emerging challenges of the various disciplines as well as the inner workings of the OSAC process are essential in the overall management of forensic laboratories across the U.S. and the world. The representation of active crime laboratory directors at this level ensures those perspectives are shared and considered as new and existing standards flow through the development, review and approval processes. Each Task Group member is assigned to a particular subcommittee where they assist in developing standards offering the perspective of laboratory management.
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ABC Certification Scheme Restructuring |
The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) has been a pillar in the forensic field for certifying criminalists since the 1990’s. As the ABC and forensic disciplines have evolved, the Board of Directors (BOD) has actively pursued strategic changes. Recently a restructuring of the certification scheme for ABC participants has been pursued upon a thoughtful survey and dialogue of the BOD. Please see this official announcement of the restructure which will go into effect on January 1st, 2021. This announcement not only includes the history of this change but also includes some thoughtful questions you may be asking as leaders within your forensic organization.
If you have any questions or comments regarding restructuring of ABC certification schemes, please contact the ABC Board of Directors HERE.
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The Cannabis Quality Assurance Program |
The Cannabis Quality Assurance Program (CannaQAP), part of our larger Cannabis program, will help forensic laboratories demonstrate and improve the comparability and/or competence of the quantitative measurements required under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Click here for additional information
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73rd AAFS Annual Scientific Meeting Goes Virtual!
Meeting Theme: One Academy Pursuing Justice Through Truth in Evidence
Abstract deadline has been extended to September 30, 2020. Click HERE for more information on how to submit an abstract.
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Briggs White recipient for 2020 Kermit Channell is interviewed by ASCLD member and previous Briggs White recipient John Collins in the link below. Please find time to listen to Kermit and his thoughts and insights to leadership and the forensic community. Kermit is the Executive Director of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.
The video can be viewed here.
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Forensic Research Committee Bulletin - July 2020
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The goal of the Laboratories and Educators Alliance Program (LEAP) is to facilitate collaborative research between academia and forensic science laboratories. This joint effort between the American Society of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD) and the Council of Forensic Science Educators (COFSE) identifies forensic science needs and provides a platform for laboratories, researchers, and students to seek projects aligning with their mutual research capabilities. Read more...
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Will your laboratory be among the 2021 FORESIGHT Maximus award winners?
Some have already submitted their data, but there is still time for others to submit. We thank those who have already submitted and encourage all to participate.
Note that we are hosting two workshops at the 2021 ASCLD Symposium. One workshop is designed for new participants to assist in data reporting. The second workshop is designed for laboratory leadership to get the most out of their annual reports. Please join us at the ASCLD Symposium.
Attached you will find the data collection form for participation in Project FORESIGHT. As a response to several laboratories regarding the minimum data necessary to participate, we created a data collection tool LabRAT Levels.
The LabRAT Levels data collection sheet separates the minimum data necessary from the maximum data possible. We have added some additional detail to Level II casework with respect to some databases, SAKs, and Digital Evidence. Complete the following:
"Open Me First" worksheet
“Casework Level I”, which asks for Cases submitted for each investigative area and full time equivalent employees in each area
"Expenditures Level I" worksheet, which asks for personnel expenditures (salaries, wages, benefits, temporary employees and overtime) for each area of investigation and laboratory total expenditures for capital, consumables, and the lump sum of other expenditures.
With this data we can provide you with a full report. The “Summary Measures” worksheet will give you immediate feedback with this minimum data reporting. You Tube videos demonstrating the use of the LabRAT tool are available on the project website.
All of your Level I Casework and Expenditures data are immediately transferred to the Level II worksheets. Any additional detail on casework (e.g., TAT, backlogs, items, samples, tests, and reports) or expenditures will enhance the precision of your report. Partial reporting under the Level II worksheets is fine. Do not worry about having all possible blocks filled.
Please try to submit your data by January 15, 2021 to: foresightsubmissions@gmail.com or paul.speaker@mail.wvu.edu. If you are unable to meet that target date, please submit when you are able. All submissions that are receive at least one month prior to the 2021 ASCLD Symposium will be evaluated for Maximus award consideration.
Finally, if you haven’t tested it yet, check out the beta version of the workforce calculator hosted by RTI International and the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (https://forensiccoe.org/workforce-calculator-project/). The updated workforce calculator will be posted in the near future. We’ll send an updated notice when it is ready for trial.
Paul J Speaker
Professor
Department of Finance – 220 B&E
John Chambers College of Business and Economics
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV 26506-6025
(304) 293-7810 (office)
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The AAFS has established an organization dedicated to developing documentary standards for forensics, the Academy Standards Board (ASB).
To date in the United States, forensic standards development has culminated in the currently on-going National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) effort, which began in 2014. NIST has ensured the significant involvement of the forensic science community in this process.
Help to shape the development of these standards by offering your comments during the public commenting period. Keep up with the standards available for public comment at ASB HERE.
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Summer 2020 OSAC Standards Bulletin now available, click HERE
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See Senate Bill 4568 HERE.
See the letter of Support HERE
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The Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science monthly Standards Bulletin is now available. Read about the latest DNA standard to be added to the OSAC Registry and the nine other standards currently open for Registry comment. Also learn about the recently published toxicology and footwear and tire standards, the eight standards open for comment at standards developing organizations, and the new documents being initiated.
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September 23, 2020 @ 11am EST
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ASCLD has partnered with The Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) to deliver a webinar entitled “Future Directions in Forensic Science” on September 23, 2020 @ 11am EST. This webinar has been developed as part of ICITAP’s mandate to strengthen forensic science globally. The program was originally conceived to assist the Costa Rican Forensic Sciences Department with the development of their new strategic plan, however a forward thinking look at forensic science over the next 5-10 years will undoubtedly be beneficial to forensic science leaders in the United States and around the world.
The panel of speakers include ASCLD Board of Directors Bruce Houlihan (Drugs/Tox) and Tim Kupferschmid (DNA) along with FBI Firearms expert Erich Smith. The speakers will share their vision for the future of their field to support laboratories in their planning processes. Please click on this link for further information and to register for this event.
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April 11 - 15, 2021 | Together Toward Tomorrow | Boston, MA
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Are you interested in presenting at ASCLD 2021? Click HERE to submit an abstract. The deadline for submissions is September 30th.
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Southwestern Association of
Forensic Scientists
Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Conference will be held completely online!
October 5th, 6th, and 8th, 2020
No registration fee will be charged this year!
Please use the main menu to register and view the schedule. All events will be broadcast over the RTI system, not the SWAFS website.
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Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists Annual Conference |
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Webinar Series
New and emerging standards and best practices in forensic biology and DNA testing
July 15, 2020 (On Demand)
Part 1: Development and Publication of New Standards and Best Practices – The Process
August 5, 2020 (On Demand)
Part 2: Mixture Interpretation Validation and Protocol Development and Verification
September 9, 2020
Part 3: Training Standards Overview
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ASCLD Emerging Issues: Employee Webinar Series (Archived)
Providing training and education to our membership is a core mission for ASCLD. Despite the unfortunate cancellation of our annual symposium this year, the Symposium Planning and Training and Education Committees found a way to bring timely and relevant content that would have been experienced in Denver, to the ASCLD membership.
Through a generous partnership with the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence at RTI International, ASCLD presented a three-part webinar series entitled ASCLD Emerging Issues: Employee Wellness. Providing training and education in employee wellness is part of the current ASCLD Strategic Plan. In an already stressful profession, as we adapt and lead through the COVID-19 pandemic, this topic is particularly timely.
In June 2020, ASCLD Emerging Issues: Employee Wellness presented the following webinars:
Speakers: Andrew Levin, Jonathan McGrath, Heidi Putney, & Danielle Crimmins
Speaker: Jody Wolf
Speaker: Robert Kirkby
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JusticeTrax 2021 UGM
August 15th to August 20th, 2021
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BODE Virtual Forensic DNA Conference
New Dates: Nov . 3-6, 2020
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ANAB - Upcoming training events
New! ANAB is offering live instructor lead online courses to meet the need for continued learning in light of widespread travel restrictions and the need for social distancing. Each class is offered via WebEx and includes the opportunity for participants to submit questions, as well as interact with the instructor and other participants.
October 20, 2020, (11:30am-4:30pm ET) Live Online
August 3-6, 2020, Live Online
September 15-18, 2020, (11:00am-5:00pm ET) Live Online – WAIT LIST
September 21-24, 2020, (11:00am-5:00pm ET) Live Online
November 3-6, 2020, (11:00am-5:00pm ET) Live Online
October 6-9, 2020, (11:00am-5:00pm ET) Live Online
November 16-19, 2020, (11:00am-5:00pm ET) Live Online
December 14-17, 2020, (11:00am-5:00pm ET) Live Online
September 14-17, 2020 (11am-1pm ET), Live Online
December 1-4, 2020 (11am-1pm ET), Live Online
November 2-3, 2020, (11:00am-3:00pm ET) Live Online
September 14-16, 2020 (2pm-4pm ET), Live Online
November 30-December 2, 2020 (2pm-4pm ET), Live Online
Self-paced Training (Web-based)
Self-paced Training (Web-based)
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ASCLD members: We need you!
To make a video in the comfort of your own space (whether that be home/office/outside…be creative) telling us why you like being a member of ASCLD!
Being a part of ASCLD helps our leadership across the world build connections with its memberships and allows members to gain more knowledge in this field by learning from others.
So what are we looking for? A video of you can include:
- Introduce yourself (your name, title, organization, years in the field)
- What got you in the field?
- What made you decide to join ASCLD?
- What benefits have you gained as a member of ASCLD?
- Is there anything you would want a prospective ASCLD member to know?
The video should be around 3 min to 3.5 min in length.
We are asking for videos so we can stay connected with our community during these unprecedented times. Additionally, it was pointed out to us that often times it can be intimidating to take that “leap” into engaging in such a large organization with such great leadership in our field. Let’s show those leaders out there in crime laboratories that we are a welcoming group seeking a diverse membership. Please consider helping us!”
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Also, please continue to submit your photos to social media with the hashtag #ASCLDfun
Here are a few photos from Forensic Science Week.
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Crime Lab Minute Sponsors
For More Information, Click the LOGO below:
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A2LA WorkPlace Training (A2LA WPT) is a nonprofit organization established with a vision of being the leading management systems, conformity assessment, and measurement training company in the world. Our mission is to provide independent, world-class training programs that inspire confidence in the quality of service and acceptance of results from organizations.
Be a leader in your industry by building confidence and consistency in your product through A2LA WPT’s broad spectrum of instructor-led and online e-learning training courses. Move ahead of your competition by learning best practices on international standards, quality systems, technical tools, and soft skills.
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Donations to ASCLD can now be made online! This is a great way to honor the memory of a forensic colleague, to commemorate a life event for that person who has everything, or to otherwise assist in supporting the tireless efforts of the ASCLD organization in the pursuit of excellence in forensic science management. The donation page can be accessed by clicking HERE or by visiting the ASCLD website and clicking on "Donate to ASCLD" under the "Member Site" tab (this donation page is accessible even to non-members). Please consider donating and do share this information with anyone you think might be interested.
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The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors
65 Glen Road, Suite 123
Garner, NC 27529
Phone: 919.773.2044
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