Forensic Boot Camp Series Announced for July 2024 at NJIT

Empowering Forensic and Law Enforcement Professionals: Forensic Boot Camp Series Announced for July 2024 at NJIT

Newark, NJ May 2024 — The Leadership and Development Initiative, a collaboration between the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), is proud to announce an exciting Forensic Boot Camp Series on NJIT’s Newark campus in July. This series underscores NJIT’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier biological and chemical education and marks a significant milestone in advancing forensic proficiency.

The series offers two courses: Basic Footwear Analysis from July 8-12 and Advanced Blood Stain Pattern Analysis from July 22-26. NJIT Professor of Practice Dr. Kevin Parmelee, who is also a Certified Crime Scene Analyst (IAI), Certified Forensic Photographer (IAI), and Certified Latent Print Examiner (IAI) with over 23 years of law enforcement experience, will lead the Advanced Blood Stain Pattern Analysis course.

Lisa Ragaza, a certified footwear examiner through the International Association for Identification (IAI) and a certified instructor in Crime Scene Processing and Criminalistics, and Cory Bartoe, Forensic Scientist Senior at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science and President of the Chesapeake Bay Division of the IAI, will join Professor Parmelee in instructing the Basic Footwear Analysis course.

Dr. Parmelee notes, “It is critically important for forensic practitioners to stay up to date with current scientific trends and practices. Continuing education provides practitioners with the opportunity to reinforce learned skills and gain knowledge about the most current methodologies in the field, and it is also important for advancement to a higher level.”

The Basic Footwear Analysis course totals 40 hours and is designed to equip practitioners with the essential skills to conduct footwear examinations proficiently. Participants will delve into a comprehensive curriculum covering crucial topics such as digital image examinations, ACE-V methodology, case law, 2D and 3D impressions, and court chart preparation. The course will leverage innovative tools such as CSIPix software, ensuring hands-on learning experiences for all attendees.

The Advanced Blood Stain Pattern Analysis course will offer an in-depth exploration of advanced concepts over 40 hours of coursework. Participants will delve into topics including fluid dynamics, pattern recognition and classification, mathematical principles, and the fundamentals of BPA. By adhering to the standards established by NIST-OSAC, both courses ensure participants are well-prepared to handle complex forensic scenarios with precision and expertise. Successful completion of one or both courses may be used toward the IAI certification or re-certification process, and certificates will be distributed at the end of each week.

"We are excited to leverage the expertise of both NJIT faculty and distinguished leaders in the field, furthering our commitment to providing high-quality law enforcement education and empowering forensic professionals," said Dr. Michael Edmondson, Vice President of Professional and Corporate Education at NJII. "These boot camps represent a unique opportunity for practitioners to enhance and advance their skills with hands-on learning."

Registration for the Forensic Boot Camp Series is now open at https://tinyurl.com/forensics2024. Interested individuals are encouraged to secure their spots early, as space is limited.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: the Learning and Development Initiative at LDI@njii.com.