Post-mortem Computed Tomography of Blunt Force Injury

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This webinar will introduce participants to the use of PMCT in the diagnosis of blunt force trauma. PMCT scan may be used to diagnose fatal trauma in certain situations, allowing an external examination with postmortem CT to supplant an autopsy, which may better honor religious and cultural requests of grieving family members.  Non-suspicious, traumatic deaths, such as motor vehicle collisions, are such an example. Additionally, PMCT often provides additional documentation of internal injuries where fatal injuries are obvious on external examination.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on May 4, 2021.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrqug5VFImA

Post-mortem Computed Tomography Basics – Facility & Technical Aspects

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

In the first webinar, participants will be introduced to x-ray computed tomography (CT) and some key differences between CT and traditional x-ray. The basic specifications of a CT scanner (such as bore diameter, maximum image size, and table specifications) will be introduced, with reference to their impact on whole body post-mortem scanning in particular. Basic considerations for deploying a CT scanner in a medical examiner setting (cost, personnel, space, safety) will also be discussed.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 13, 2021.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO6j0Sz8UzY

Lessons Learned from Proficiency Test Results in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This webinar will evaluate the submitted responses for bloodstain pattern analysis proficiency tests over the past several years with the purpose of gaining insight into trends within the science.  The focus will be on erroneous conclusions and how an evaluation of the most problematic patterns can assist in moving the discipline forward.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 15, 2021.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jesl5TVm4xY

Overview of Post-mortem Computed Tomography for Pathologist Triage

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

In the second webinar of the Post-mortem Computed Tomography Series, participants will be introduced to the use of PMCT as a triage tool in a busy forensic pathology practice. Participants will first learn about the history of the use of PMCT at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) and the existing research and literature on the efficacy of PMCT in the medical examiner setting.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 20, 2021.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gv_53X2Apw

Advancing Fire Scene Investigations Through Field Portable Technologies

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

The focus of this project was the application and limitations of technology used for fire investigations. Today’s field-portable GC/MS) systems were found to provide lab-quality data for volatile hydrocarbons but the interpretation of that data proved challenging for field operators. Online access to lab experts is essential. Evidence sampling is enhanced with the use of sensitive Photoionization Detectors (PID) as a supplement to canine searches.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on April 6, 2021.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HzSgXMZpjc

Wellness and Operations, ASCLD Covid 19 Emerging Issues

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

COVID-19 has had an enormous effect on the workforce, and not just in the areas of operations and logistics. Workplace schedules have been completely rearranged, work-life balance has been turned on its head from telework, and reduced “in lab” hours have caused strain on an already stressed workforce. In this webinar, you will hear from three experts in workplace wellness, particularly in forensic science. They will discuss the various stresses in forensic laboratories, including issues like vicarious trauma, and present strategies that leaders can use to mitigate the negative effects of stress on their employees and improve the overall wellness of their lab.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 29, 2021.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljtgpl-6W1A

Remote Work in the Forensic Lab, ASCLD Covid19 Emerging Issues

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This webinar will explore some of the key elements that must be considered to successfully implement a Remote Work program in an operational forensic laboratory. Three leaders from County, State and Private labs will share their respective experiences on how to pivot to this new normal in the middle of a pandemic.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 17, 2021.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgRq9durfOk

Stability and Persistence of Touch DNA for Forensic Analysis

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

Touch DNA is a potentially powerful sample type for forensic casework, but is challenging to work with due to low quantity, variable deposition amounts, and fundamental questions regarding stability over time. In this webinar we describe best-practices and initial results related to comprehensive studies of the stability of touch DNA after exposure to different environmental conditions.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 11, 2021.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGs-hVrXidM

Structural Characterization of Emerging Synthetic Drugs by Mass Spectrometry

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

The primary focus of this presentation is to develop a better understanding of the fragmentation behavior of emerging synthetic drugs in different types of mass spectrometers. The goal is to assist practitioners in seized drugs and forensic toxicology with their understanding of current casework, and to help them more-readily identify new drugs as they emerge.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on March 5, 2021.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ62rM18Y3s

Novel Synthetic Opioids in Oral Fluid Analytical Methods and Prevalence

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This webinar will discuss the analytical methodology developed and validated to identify and quantify novel synthetic opioids and traditional opioids in oral fluid. The presenter will also discuss targeted and non-targeted approaches using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods for detection of fentanyl- and non-fentanyl related novel synthetic opioids. Additionally, this webinar with cover sample preparation techniques for isolating synthetic opioids with various chemistries and structures. Further, analytical challenges regarding sample preparation and chromatography will be considered.

This webinar was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on February 11, 2021.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPK2jSMuk9g