GeorgiaDivision of the International Association for ... · GeorgiaDivision of the International Association for Identification Second Quarter of 2018 And Along Came Technology

GeorgiaDivision of the International Association for Identification www.gaiai.org

Second Quarter of 2018

GE🍑RGIA

Newsletter Page �1

http://www.gaiai.org




2018 Board of Directors Chairman of the Board, Lisa Maxwell Thomasville Police Department (229) 977-2026

Katrina Willis Banks County Sheriff’s Office(706) 677-2248

Mark Bentley [email protected]

Andy McIntyre Bureau of ATF(404) [email protected]

Stephanie Hoefs Douglasville Police Department Phone (404) 275-7396

Bruce Willis Retired(706) 677-2248

Regional Representative, Rodney Bryant Georgia Bureau of [email protected]

2018 Division Officers

President, Jason Canupp Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office(706) [email protected]

First VP, Ira Burnette Gwinnett County Fire Department (404) [email protected]

Second VP, Fred Wells Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office(229) [email protected]

Secretary/Treasurer, Sherry Hosey Retired(770) [email protected]

Historian, David Jury Columbus Police Department(706) [email protected]

Editor/Webmaster, Cory Payne Carrollton Police Department(678) [email protected]

Sergeant at Arms, Sarah Stowers

mailto:[email protected]











And Along Came Technology...

In the world of forensic science, technology is the driving force guiding training and continuing education. In my career, I have seen major technological advances in all forensic disciplines. However, with increased technology comes greater responsibilities for those in the day to day crime scene processing fields. With government appointed committees creating policies to govern our methodology and standard operating procedures at crime scenes, evidence, and final interpretations of analysis, it is easy to lash out and resist the changes coming in our field. Just like in many restrictive Supreme Court cases governing crime scene examinations, a collective “we” have brought about these changes. The adoption for SOP’s concerning the use of advanced technology may be in keeping the current storyline on many CSI shows but often fails as a forensic tool that aids in solving crimes. Communication and continuing education among all interested parties seems to be some of the variables causing this wake during the enlightenment age of forensics.

During the last 30 years, we have seen astronomical leaps in technological advances in photography, serology/biology(CODIS), fingerprints(IAFIS), ballistics (IBIN), and trace evidence comparison/analysis. These advances have resulted in the arrests of thousands of suspected perpetrators and exonerated many innocent individuals. However, with these advances come increased individual and Agency responsibility in employee retention, appropriate in-field training, continuing education, and additional fiscal costs. These costs should be for salaries appropriate for field experts, up-to-date training, and of course current and up to date equipment. Lest we forget advances in eavesdropping and tracking of …yes technologically advanced equipment. Each of these technological advances come with a very hefty price tag.

Let’s examine latent fingerprints or I mean markings. New technology, new terms also arise. I invest thousands of dollars in a latent print examiner and their appropriate training, salary, etc.., AFIS terminal, service contracts, etc. I expect results due to the use of taxpayer monies. A homicide occurs. I use my three-dimensional scanner, to photograph the scene, use my new and improved expensive light source, with my four peers in my super-duper decked out crime scene unit, and use all of my state of the art equipment. Remember use of new computerized and technologically advanced equipment is expected by our peers in the scientific arena. Forced entry was gained through a basement window that may not allow the use of some of my technologically advanced equipment. Oh by the way, it’s raining and my equipment cannot be wet. Now we’re at a crossroad. Should I try to cover short lived evidence until the weather subsides? Now it’s flooding and the protective barrier has been compromised.

Up walks the old patrol Sergeant who says side light with your flashlight to see the area for trace and use black powder and a digital camera to get your prints (with and without a scale of course). Fiber evidence is observed and fingerprints are developed and retrieved. The score becomes old way-1 and technology-0. While efficiency is certainly a benefit of our technological advances, it does not









guarantee success or quality. The inability to adapt to changes within each of your crime scenes due to technological limitations, no power, will ultimately allow a suspect to walk free and commit crime again. This is true for us older person(s) in the forensic science field. We must adapt to changes in technology.

The availability of technology certainly aids in data base searches and the identification of potential suspects. The best examples are IAFIS and CODIS. However, the systems are only as good as the information, or evidence, we put into the technology. How do you expect to become proficient in using latent prints in your cases when you are not constantly processing burglaries, entering autos, and thefts for latent prints? These menial scenes are on the job training opportunities where you make and self-identify your mistakes and take corrective action. We will always be our greatest critics. By perfecting your methods in latent print processing, YOU LIMIT YOUR MISTAKES ON MAJOR SCENES. Practice makes perfect.

In closing, technology in the forensic field is a great tool that we must learn to use. However, remember if you do not know how or why you took a specific DNA sample, what good are your actions anyway? Always strive to do the very best to your ability with the time, training, and resources you have at your disposal on your crime scenes.

Bruce Willis


ITS NOT TOO LATE!!!

Please join us in Savannah at our annual training conference of the Georgia State Division of the International Association for Identification.

This year we are focusing on the basics. It would be a great opportunity to get a refresher or join our division.

Visit www.gaiai.org for more information







G E O R G I A S T A T E D I V I S I O NI N T E R N A T I O N A L A S S O C I A T I O N

F O R I D E N T I F I C A T I O N

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIPPlease complete and return to:

Georgia State Division, IAIP. O. Box 1949, Carrollton, GA 30112 ANNUAL FEE: $30

I hereby make application for membership in the Georgia State Division, International Association for Identificationin accordance with its Bylaws and Constitution and agree to be bound by them.

I am applying for:(defined on reverse)

Active Membership Associate Membership

Name in Full: Date of Birth:Employed by: How long?In what capacity? How long?

Business Address:Home Address:

Business Phone #- Fax #-Ext:E-mail Address:Home Phone #-

1. Have you ever been convicted of a crime?NO

YES (if yes, give full details on other side.)

5. PLEASE NUMBER UP TO THREE AREAS OF YOUR EXPERTISEIndicate your primary discipline as Number 1, then other areas as 2 and 3.

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Fingerprint Identification Laboratory AnalysisCrime Scene Investigation PolygraphForensic ArtInnovative/Gen. Techniques Footwear/Tire Tracks Questioned Documents

Voice Print & AcousticsFirearms & Toolmarks Forensic Photography/Electronic Imaging

6. Recommende :Member's Name Member's #

Member's Address

Recommender's Signature (Required) DateApproved:

Signature of Membership Committee Chairperson and Date

(OVER)

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I understand that application fees paid to theAssociation by any new applicant between January 1stand August 31st shall be applied to the membershipdues for that calendar year only; fees paid by anapplicant on or after September 1st shall be applied tothe following calendar year.

2.

3. All applications MUST be accompanied bypayment of fees, which will be refunded if theapplication is rejected. Incomplete applicationswill be returned.

4. Also, I understand that my MembershipCertificate is the property of the Division andmust be returned to the Secretary upon myresignation or suspension.

Because this information will be used forcompiling our Membership Directory, PLEASEbe precise and complete ALL items.

Lapel Pin is optional. The cost is $5.00

GAIAI FM1/Feb201 /NR PAGE 1 OF 2.

http://gaiai.org/membership-application/

Do you need to renew your membership?

http://gaiai.org/membership-renewal/




