The PDQ workshop is a hands-on training session in which the attendees will receive instruction in the organization of the database, practice classifying paint systems, enter queries into PDQ and gain the basic interpretive skills necessary for evaluating results obtained from a search. Upon completion, a paint examiner will be able to provide an accurate assessment of possible sources for a questioned paint, utilize the database for making significant assessments for paints in K/Q comparative situations, and utilize the database for maintaining their understanding of the structure and chemistry of modern automotive paints. Prior training and practical experience in paint analysis and FTIR paint examinations and classifications are required.

This course has been designed to provide information on the several aspects of insuring quality for a trace evidence examiner including the use of standardized test methods. The release of the NAS report, which specifically references this issue, makes this an important subject each trace evidence examiner must address. Topics include: ISO requirements and issues as they pertain specifically to trace examiners; current and future SWGMAT documents: process/types of standards at NIST, the document process of ASTM, and a comprehensive study on errors in forensic science conducted by NIST; data showing trends/issues regarding CTS trace proficiencies for the past five year; European Working Groups for trace evidence; the most recently released examination offered by ABC and a scale to help the reader of a trace report understand the results.

This advanced-level workshop will introduce the methods and techniques used in Forensic Ornithology to include the morphological identification of feathers and basic concepts of approaching morphological identifications of bird species from feather fragments.

Whether natural or synthetic, polymers play an important role in our everyday lives. One does not need to look very far to see how prevalent polymeric substances are in our environment. With applications in inks, textiles, coatings, adhesives and plastics, to name just a few, it should come as no surprise that polymers represent a major category of trace evidence. The purpose of this workshop will be to familiarize attendees with common terminology, routine synthetic pathways, various manufacturing processes and the analysis and characterization of polymers in the forensic context. Particular attention will be given to polymers encountered during the examination of fibers, paints and pressure sensitive tapes.

This FT-IR workshop will examine the interpretation of infrared spectral data. Beginning with the fundamental classical and quantum models, the effect of bond strength and atomic mass on vibration frequencies will be briefly reviewed. An overview of vibrational band assignments will be presented and general data evaluation will be discussed in terms of how the sampling method and the sample itself can affect the appearance of the infrared spectrum. Band assignments will be presented for general categories of evidence, such as paint, fibers and drugs. Finally, an approach to the comparison of exhibits and the analysis of unknown materials will be given with illustrative case examples.

This workshop will focus on the new and growing applications related to the use of pollen and spores as important trace elements found at crime scenes. We will begin by outlining a brief history of this discipline and a short introduction into what pollen and spores look like and why they are valuable types of trace evidence. Illustrations of how pollen and spore evidence has been used successfully to link suspects to a victim, find the location of primary crime scenes when the victim or other items have been moved to a secondary location, link weapons and vehicles to a crime scene, identify the source areas and distribution network of illegal drugs, verify forgeries or authenticate original objects, prove the illegal importation of archaeological antiquities and assist in the identification of illegal goods purported to be from domestic sources will be shared. The use of pollen and spore data are being used to counter terrorism, identify the source area of weapons and identify the geographical locations where a wide variety of items were manufactured or used prior to being confiscated or involved in some type of illegal activity. The workshop will also focus on why the use of this forensic technique is now becoming routine in countries such as Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia and the European Union while in the United States this technology is virtually unknown and very rarely considered or used. A question and answer session focusing on applications and needed procedures that apply to using this technique and what needs to be done to broaden its use and acceptance within the United States will wrap up the workshop.

This half-day workshop on the application of Raman spectroscopy is aimed to familiarize trace evidence examiners with this technique and its application for the detection and analysis of substances like textile fibers, paint and explosives. Some casework examples will be shared. Participants will have demonstrations and the opportunity to undertake some practical work on available instruments.