It seems that virtual training for forensic scientists may be the new normal for the foreseeable future.
COVID has really put a damper on workshops, training, and conferences within the Forensic Science community. It really killed my vibe when the 2020 International Association for Identification conference in Orlando, FL was canceled this year. I feel like I was deprived of sunshine, networking opportunities, and Minnie mouse ears!
For forensic science practitioners, it is imperative that we keep up with the latest research and trends happening within the field. How mortifying would it be if I was up on the stand testifying and a defense attorney asked me about statistical models used within the latent print community and I had no idea what he was talking about?!? Cue the red turtleneck of embarrassment!
Maintaining a certain number of training hours each year is also important for forensic practitioners looking to seek or maintain certification within their forensic discipline. It is pretty difficult to get those training hours when agencies have put travel restriction policies in place due to the current pandemic.
With travel restriction policies in place, how do forensic science practitioners get the necessary training they need to stay current in the field?
Adapt and overcome I say! One of the aspects I love most about the forensic science field is how progressive we are as a community. Since we cannot attend training in person, let the training come to us…webinar style!
Why Virtual Training for Forensic Scientists is a great alternative to In-Person Training
First and foremost, virtual training offers forensic practitioners SAFETY from COVID! Let’s all remember that during this time we should all be doing our part to socially distance, wear our masks, wash our hands, and try to be good humans!
Second, virtual training offers a creative solution for agencies with tight training budgets! Let’s be real, everyone who works in the field of forensic science has heard at one point in their career “there is no money in the budget for training.” 🙁 Instead of shelling out thousands of dollars for course fees, travel costs, lodging, and food, agencies might only have to cover a small course fee if there is one. If I was in charge of my agency’s checkbook, virtual training sounds like a better option every time!
Lastly, you can take part in virtual training ANYWHERE! Personally, my favorite location to participate in training is from the comfort of my couch in my favorite pair of cozy sweats with a million snacks!
With the help of some of my favorite gal pals in the forensic community, I put together a list of some helpful resources to scope out virtual training opportunities within the field.
Virtual Training Opportunities for Forensic Scientists
Justice Clearinghouse
Justice Clearinghouse is a gold mine for information! Their site has a wide variety of webinars and their schedule is currently laid out through October 2021! Webinar topics range from emotional intelligence, crisis communication basics, video testimony, understanding bias, and so much more! Many of the webinars listed on their site are an hour long and some are free to sign up for!
International Association for Identification
This link above lists upcoming IAI online workshops for 2020. The courses advertised on the site have all been approved for credit by either the Crime Scene Certification Board or the Latent Print Certification Board. The course prices range anywhere from $100 to $125.
Evolve Forensics
Evolve Forensics provides latent print examiners with a wide range of virtual training topics to include error rates, trouble with exclusions, fingerprint distortion, introduction to palm prints, and more. Course costs run anywhere from $50 to $300. Most classes have been approved for credit by the Latent Print Certification Board. I have personally taken a few courses through this site and think they are absolutely worth it!
Forensic Technology Center of Excellence
This site offers a wide variety of webinars for every forensic science discipline. They are all free as well which is a huge bonus! While working remotely from home, I signed up for my fair share of webinars through this site and learned about topics related to firearm analysis, DNA, management skills, trace evidence, ethics, and more. The more you know!
The Center for Statistics & Application in Forensic Science (CSAFE)
CSAFE has a variety of virtual training resources available for forensic scientists to include presentations, webinars, publications, and short courses. The site provides research in areas related to bloodstain, digital forensics, firearms & toolmarks, footwear, handwriting analysis, latent prints, and more. Many videos uploaded are free and just about an hour long.
Podcasts
Podcasts are a fun, creative source for virtual training for forensic scientists. They allow us to learn new things while multitasking! Podcasts are great because you can listen from anywhere…sitting at your desk, taking a road trip, going for a jog, you name it! Below are links to a few of my favorite podcasts that I listen to on a regular basis. Here in our lab, we are big fan girls of the Double Loop Podcast!
Forensic Technology Center of Excellence
I get it, virtual training is no substitution for hands-on learning. But, as we have all heard a million times, “this too shall pass.” Soon we will all be able to gather at conferences, talk shop, and have a cocktail or five together!
I know that this is just the tip of the iceberg for forensic resources! These are just a few of the favorites that I frequent often. I hope you find them helpful 🙂 If you have additional forensic resources that you love, pass them along by commenting below!
A huge thank you to all my amazing gal pals for helping me gather these resources for this blog post! I am so lucky that these inspiring women within the field just so happen to be my best friends too!
