© 2025 All rights reserved
On behalf of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Forensics Training and Technical Assistance (Forensics TTA) Team, led by RTI International, is hosting the 3rd Annual BJA Forensics Programs Grantees Meeting on June 9-10, 2025!
This year’s virtual meeting will offer a series of educational case studies and sessions, covering key topics of significant interest to grantees across the BJA Forensics Programs. These include the application of forensic genetic genealogy in wrongful conviction investigations, innovative strategies for solving long-term missing and unidentified person cases, the evolving legal landscape for forensic evidence in light of Smith v. Arizona, implementing Rapid DNA technology in accordance with upcoming standards updates, the impact of turnaround times on death investigations, essential grant management practices, and more.
Program-specific breakout discussions will also be featured to provide grantees with a unique opportunity to learn more from respective BJA staff and other grantees.
Current recipients of CEBR (Formula), MUHR, Postconviction, COLD, and ME/C are required to attend per the BJA solicitation. All other grantees are strongly encouraged to participate. Please note, this meeting is optional for all Coverdell grantees.
All awardees may register up to three representatives for the meeting. These representatives should be key site team personnel to include technical staff members and one individual responsible for overseeing the grant management of the award. We encourage grantees to review the list of topics and determine which technical staff members should attend.
This training will be archived for on demand viewing for those who are unable to attend this live event.
All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time.
11:00 – 11:10
11:10 – 12:10
Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) is an innovative technique that combines DNA analysis with traditional genealogical research to help investigating agencies identify unknown perpetrators or victims of violent crime. While FGG is increasingly being used to resolve active cases where conventional investigative leads have been exhausted, its application in wrongful conviction investigations remains rare. Nevertheless, FGG holds considerable potential for uncovering new evidence and challenging wrongful convictions as illustrated by the exoneration of Albert Ian Schweitzer who was wrongfully convicted in 1991 for kidnapping, murder, and rape. During this session, attendees will learn how FGG can be effectively utilized as a postconviction DNA testing option, offering a promising avenue for justice in cases where traditional methods have failed. By expanding the use of FGG in the context of wrongful convictions, this technique can play a pivotal role in rectifying miscarriages of justice and securing the release of the wrongfully convicted.
12:10 – 12:30
Break
12:30 – 2:00
General Workshop Sessions
| Track A | Track B | Track C | Track D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Response: Philadelphia Police Department’s Role in Identifying Victims of the Recent Medical Jet Crash Using Traditional and Rapid DNA Methods The combination of traditional DNA analysis methods and Rapid DNA technology has revolutionized the identification process, enabling swift and reliable results that are crucial in critical response situations. During this session, attendees will learn about the Philadelphia Police Department's Forensic Laboratory’s response and efforts in identifying the victims of the tragic medical jet crash that occurred on January 31, 2025. This session will highlight the collaborative processes, challenges faced, and the advanced forensic DNA analysis techniques employed, including both traditional and Rapid DNA technology, to ensure the accurate and timely identification of the seven individuals who lost their lives. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the critical role forensic DNA analysis plays in disaster response and victim identification and learn about the support provided to the families and community impacted. | DNA Investigative Issues: The Legal Landscape Advances in DNA testing technologies, such as short tandem repeats (STRs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and DNA sequencing, have raised important legal challenges in forensic investigations. This presentation will cover the legal implications of using these methods, including the differences between STRs and SNPs, the role of Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG), and privacy concerns in sample collection. This presentation will also address FGG policies, DNA sequencing as courtroom evidence, and issues of training, liability, and legal responsibilities. Attendees will gain insights into the evolving legal landscape of DNA testing and its impact on investigations and the judicial process. | Uncovering the Truth: The Lori Long Chase Case and Advances in Forensic Technology In 1983, seventeen-year-old Lori Long Chase vanished from Phoenix, Arizona. Her body was discovered near an irrigation ditch in the Ahwatukee Foothills, but her identity remained a mystery for decades. It wasn't until September 2024 that Lori's remains were finally identified through a DNA comparison with her deceased infant son, who had tragically passed away just days after birth in 1983. This presentation will explore the details of Lori's case, the investigative efforts made over the years, and how advancements in forensic DNA technology ultimately led to her identification. Additionally, this session will highlight key lessons learned from the case, emphasizing the role of emerging forensic techniques in solving long-unsolved mysteries. | Transforming Forensic Science: Innovative Approaches As forensic laboratories face increasing demands for accuracy and efficiency, innovative approaches have proven critical to the effective adoption of innovative technologies and for improving operations. This session will showcase how BJA Forensics Programs grantees have implemented creative solutions that enhance forensic laboratory capabilities. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how forensic laboratories have used past funding to adopt new tools, enhance analysis capabilities, and improve overall effectiveness in their work. |
2:00 – 2:20
Break
2:20 – 3:50
Program Specific Workshop Sessions
| Track A - CEBR | Track B - MUHR | Track C - Postconviction | Track D - ME/C, COLD, and Coverdell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit-for-Purpose or Fit-for-Failure: Key Considerations in Forensic Science Validations Validating forensic methods requires careful planning to ensure they are fit-for-purpose. Key considerations include defining performance criteria, simulating casework conditions, and assessing limitations. A robust validation process accounts for risks and ensures methods are reliable and defensible. This presentation will explore the consequences of improper validation and attendees will learn how to design effective validation processes that ensure forensic methods are scientifically sound and legally reliable. | Engaging the Community: Innovative Strategies for Solving Long-Term Missing and Unidentified Person Cases Resolution of long-term missing and unidentified person cases requires cultivating engagement and accountability from the broader community, including law enforcement, the medicolegal death investigation community, and the general public. When traditional investigative efforts stall, it becomes crucial to explore new strategies to engage the public and generate support for advancing the investigation. Strategies discussed in this panel presentation will include the use of multiple forms of media, hosting a missing person awareness event, targeted DNA drives, and tribal law enforcement outreach. | Engaging Forensic DNA Experts: From Initial Review to Final Report In postconviction work, engaging forensic DNA experts is crucial to re-evaluating cases and uncovering new evidence that may impact the outcome. This session will guide attendees on effectively vetting and engaging with forensic DNA experts for case review and testing services. Attendees will learn how to collaborate with experts to develop a comprehensive testing plan and follow the case through key points of testing. Additionally, the session will cover methods for comprehensively evaluating the results and issued reports. | Forensic Grant Management Essentials: A Practical Guide for Forensic Practitioners Managing federal grants can be a complex and challenging process, especially for organizations that may not have dedicated grant managers. Misunderstanding or overlooking grant requirements can lead to compliance issues, delays in funding, and potential penalties. This session will provide an overview of the requirements for federal grant recipients, focusing on the roles and responsibilities associated with managing forensic grants. Attendees, particularly those who are not fulltime grant managers, will receive practical guidance on effectively managing forensic grants and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. |
3:50 – 4:00
Closing Remarks (Wrap-Up within Workshop Sessions)
11:00 – 11:01
Welcome for Day 2
11:01 – 11:55
Smith v. Arizona: A Multidisciplinary Examination of Legal and Forensic Challenges
Smith v. Arizona has reshaped the legal landscape for forensic evidence in both current and cold cases. This session will cover the significant implications of Smith v. Arizona for forensic evidence in both current and cold cases. Attendees will explore how this landmark case shapes the standards for admitting forensic testimony, distinguishing between testimonial and non-testimonial evidence. The presenter will analyze the roles and responsibilities of forensic analysts, including the extent to which their findings inform the work of other analysts in the investigative process. Furthermore, this session will provide practical strategies for effectively presenting expert testimony in light of Smith v. Arizona, ensuring that legal professionals understand the nuances of this precedent and its impact on the judicial process.
11:55 – 12:15
Remarks from the National Institute of Justice
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is dedicated to improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues through science. NIJ speakers will discuss their role in the field of forensic science.
12:15 – 12:35
Break
12:35 – 2:05
General Workshop Sessions
| Track A | Track B | Track C | Track D |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Vision to Reality: Core Principles of Strategic Planning Strategic planning is crucial for forensic laboratories to ensure effective operations and long-term growth. This presentation will highlight the importance of developing a strategic plan tailored to the unique needs of forensic laboratories. Attendees will learn about key elements of a successful strategic plan, such as goal setting, resource management, and performance evaluation. This presentation will also feature case studies from forensic laboratories, showcasing their strategic plans and the benefits they have achieved. | Navigating the Future of Rapid DNA: Quality Assurance Standards and Implementation Strategies The implementation of Rapid DNA technology is transforming the forensic field, particularly with the introduction of new Quality Assurance Standards set to launch in July 2025. One law enforcement agency will share insights on their Rapid DNA initiatives, including instrument procurement and validation studies, while crime laboratory representatives will explain their implementation of Rapid DNA technology at booking stations and plans to align with the upcoming standards. The presenters will also highlight their collaborative efforts in developing a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure seamless integration. | Hitting the Jackpot One (Fingerprint) Card at a Time: Unlocking Success in Human Identification Human identification through friction ridge skin remains a critical tool in our technology-driven world. This session will explore low-cost, low-tech methods for obtaining high-quality prints and provide an inside look at the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Latent Print Unit, highlighting how their integration of training, technology, and persistence leads to successful outcomes. A grantee from the Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program will also share their approach to incorporating fingerprint analysis into unidentified human remains workflows, emphasizing the importance of revisiting this key element in the identification process. | Ensuring Success: Best Practices for Subrecipient Management and Monitoring Effective management of subawards is a critical aspect of administering federal grants and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. This session will support grantees in understanding their roles and responsibilities when managing subawards and developing a comprehensive subrecipient policy and procedure that aligns with both the 2 CFR 200 guidelines and the specific requirements of their federal award. Additionally, an overview of the differences between subawards and procurement contracts will be provided to help grantees navigate these key aspects of grant management. |
2:05 – 2:25
Break
2:25 – 3:55
Program Specific Workshop Sessions
| Track A - ME/C | Track B - COLD | Track C - Coverdell | Track D - CEBR, MUHR, and Postconviction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Because Time is of the Essence: The Impact of Turnaround Times on Death Investigation The timely processing of toxicology results and cause and manner of death determinations plays a crucial role in both supporting families and enabling effective public health responses. This session will examine the impact of turnaround times for these results within medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) offices. Fast and accurate results are not only essential for providing closure to families, but they also allow public health and safety agencies to implement timely intervention strategies to prevent additional deaths. Speakers will include representatives from departments that utilize ME/C data to develop intervention strategies, along with insights from the medicolegal death investigation community. | Cold Case Investigation and Prosecution: The Who, What, Why, and When of Effective Prioritization Selecting "cold cases" for follow-up investigation and prosecution is a critical step in ensuring justice and effectively managing resources. This session will focus on the process of identifying which cases should be prioritized for further investigation and potential prosecution. This session will emphasize the importance of making informed decisions at these key stages, exploring factors such as the nature of the case, its age, available resources, and the potential application of advanced forensic techniques. Additionally, this session will discuss who should be involved in the decision-making process and how other case-specific considerations may influence these crucial choices. | Building a Strong, Resilient Workforce: Navigating Change and Prioritizing Employee Wellness Changes in forensic science are outpacing the capacity for forensic science service providers (FSSPs) to incorporate them while keeping up with backlogs and the high throughput culture of the field. Amidst change, it is critically important that the wellness of employees is kept at the forefront to curb stress, burnout, and other negative outcomes that can impact both quality of life and work performance for the individual. This session will discuss how change in the workplace is not always negative and how this perspective may be advanced throughout FSSPs. Additionally, this session will highlight training, tools, and resources that are available to identify and mitigate workplace stress and strategies that may be utilized when implementing changes in a manner that builds a strong, resilient workforce. | Forensic Grant Management Essentials: A Practical Guide for Forensic Practitioners Managing federal grants can be a complex and challenging process, especially for organizations that may not have dedicated grant managers. Misunderstanding or overlooking grant requirements can lead to compliance issues, delays in funding, and potential penalties. This session will provide an overview of the requirements for federal grant recipients, focusing on the roles and responsibilities associated with managing forensic grants. Attendees, particularly those who are not fulltime grant managers, will receive practical guidance on effectively managing forensic grants and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. |
3:55 – 4:00
Closing Remarks (Wrap-Up within Workshop Sessions)
To access this year’s registration form, log in to your Forensics TTA Single Sign-On (SSO) Account (for returning attendees) or create a new user SSO Account (for first time attendees) by following the steps outlined below. Each attendee is required to have their own SSO Account. When completing your profile information, please do not include any special characters.
After submitting your registration, you will receive an email from the Forensics TTA Team within 7-10 business days with your registration confirmation. This event will be accessible to approved attendees only.
Please reach out to the Forensics TTA Team (ForensicsTTA@rti.org) with any questions or concerns.
© 2025 All rights reserved