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.

Chemometric methods of data analysis are becoming increasingly popular for identification and comparison of trace evidence. However, trace analysts are not generally familiar with the software tools required as well as the capabilities of various algorithms. This workshop will focus on practical approaches to chemometric analysis including pattern recognition techniques such as cluster analysis, principal components analysis and discriminant analysis as applied to instrumental techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, microspectrophotometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and elemental analysis.

This one-day workshop is an introduction to the construction and analysis of tapes commonly received as evidence. These include: duct, electrical, clear packing, masking and strapping tapes. The different instrumental methods for analysis will be discussed with an emphasis on those exams that are most discriminating. Variability of the given tape product also be discussed.

After this course of instruction, the student will have a clear understanding of how abnormalities of lamps can indicate if the lamp was off or on at the time of an accident. Abnormalities of lamps will be examined. Techniques for handling lamps will be covered along with ways to test the lamps to determine detailed information on crashes.

This one-day workshop will offer training to trace examiners at a intermediate and advanced level on the fundamentals, developments and applications of instrumental techniques currently used in forensic laboratories as well as techniques that have been demonstrated to enhance the value of evidence but are underutilized. The course will discuss a range of techniques used for elemental analysis on a large variety of materials (i.e. glass, paint, soil, fibers, ink, biological matrices.) The workshop is lecture and discussion-based and will feature an interactive session regarding good practices for data analysis and sound strategies for the interpretation of data including: sampling strategies, statistical analysis, match criteria, report writing and testimony in court.

This workshop will teach participants about the construction of different fabrics (knit, woven and non-woven) as well as the nature of fabric damage; the different types of cut/tear marks produced by different weapons and how to distinguish them. Practical exercises will be mixed with lecture and case examples. Report writing and the limitations of fabric damage examinations will be discussed.

This hands-on workshop will focus on the microscopical and microanalytical characterization of paint pigments in automotive and architectural paints. Following a brief introduction to paint pigment chemistry, we will explore various methods of sample preparation of microscopic paint fragments for the microscopical characterization of pigments in situ. Participants will learn the benefits of studying and identifying individual pigment particles, first by polarized light microscopy and then by Raman microspectroscopy. Examples from research and casework will be presented to illustrate the benefits and pitfalls involving pigment analysis and data interpretation. Two Raman instruments will be available for participants to obtain hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing data.

This general-level workshop will discuss the theory and applications of fractography to brittle and ductile materials frequently encountered in forensic casework. Interpretation and reporting of results will be discussed.

During the past decade, the contents and style of forensic science reports has experienced a paradigm shift from a short summary report that expresses a result or finding to a more comprehensive report that is descriptive of the entire analytical process. The purpose of this workshop is to explore report writing that not only reflects the results of an examination but also procedures, methods, findings and conclusions. The emphasis in the workshop will be on reporting conclusions in a manner that expresses the weight or significance of a finding along with appropriate statement of uncertainty. Participants in this workshop will be asked to submit examples of reports they issue prior to the workshop. These exemplar reports will be anonymous and used as a template for discussions.