Quality Assurance and Ethics in Forensic Science

Regardless of which laboratory you choose to work in, you will inevitably need to navigate an established quality assurance program. With the kind of work we encounter in the field of forensics, it is also inevitable that ethical questions will arise. This 2-hour course will prepare you for operating inside of a quality assurance system and prepare you for how to navigate ethical considerations in your work. Topics covered in this course include: • Purpose and Benefits of a Quality Assurance Program • Quality Control • Ensuring Quality in your Forensics Work • Navigating Improvements & Changes • Ethical Considerations in Forensic Science • Real-life Examples & Class Discussion

Firearms Manufacturing & Corresponding Toolmarks

The toolmarks left on the cartridge cases and bullets give us varying information regarding the types of tools used during the manufacture of a firearm. In this 2-hour class, we’ll explore how and why we can use specific toolmarks left on cartridge cases and bullets in our same source identification conclusions. Topics covered in this course include: • Common Manufacturing & Finishing Processes • Identifying these processes on fired components • Which Toolmarks to use in our Conclusions and Why • Re-loading and Re-loading marks • Best Practices • Useful Resources

Courtroom Basics for Firearms Examiners

Testifying can be a daunting experience for many examiners, both new and experienced. This 2-hour class will prepare you for testimony regarding casework in forensic firearms analyses. Topics covered in this course include: • Expectations of an expert witness • Voir Dire • Communicating to a Jury • Bias • Attorney Tactics • Cross Examination • Court Evaluations • Group Discussions and Q&A.