Physical Fracture Match Workshop

[Marc Dupre]

* TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT *


                          Physical Fracture Match Workshop


This 3-day, 24-hour workshop is designed for identification specialists, criminalists, and forensic scientists who need to be able to match broken or torn evidence fragments to determine whether they come from a common source. Inexperienced technicians and seasoned examiners alike will expand their abilities using the concepts and methods taught in this class.

Practical exercises and examples presented include both two-dimensional and three-dimensional matches. Tools and techniques for conducting correct examinations will be discussed, with appropriate tools being used in the workshop. Both class characteristics and individual characteristics are considered in making comparisons. Conclusions reached might include a positive identificaiton, determination of a possible (or probable) source, elimination (exclusion), or inconclusive results.

This course furnishes each student with the training necessary to examine physical match cases in a crime laboratory or identification unit setting. Of critical importance in such cases is the examiner's understanding of the scientific methodology that provides the basis for individualization. The examiner must be able to distinguish between observations made by an average person and those made by a trained examiner. Report writing and expert testimony on case examinations will also be discussed.

About the Instructor:  Stephen C. McKasson has worked in forensic laboratories, first for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and then for the Illinois State Police, from 1971 through 1999. Since retiring, he trains and consults full time. Steve has taught and lectured extensively, both in the U.S. and internationally, and is widely respected as a scientist for his expertise in both fracture matching and document examination. He has also taught expert testimony and authored the book, Speaking as an Expert.


Cost:  no more than $475 (dependent on # of attendees)  
Dates:  Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, 2004
Location:  NH Dept. of Safety, Concord, NH

            Contacts:
                           
 Marc Dupre, NHSP Forensic Lab, ph: (603)271-3573
                                           email: mdupre@safety.state.nh.us

 Steve Ostrowski, NHSP Forensic Lab, ph: (603)271-3573
                                                  email: sostrowski@safety.state.nh.us

                ** PLEASE RESPOND BY AUG. 1, 2004 **