Author: Yujiemi Chisholm

Forensics TTA

2026 Forensics TTA Calendar of National and Regional Events

The Forensics TTA calendar of events provides a centralized view of national and large-scale regional conferences, trainings, and other events of interest to BJA Forensics Program grantees. This calendar is a downloadable resource designed to assist grantees with effective planning of event attendance when supported by BJA Forensics Program funding. Event entries are color coded by event type – conferences, trainings, and other (e.g., meetings, convenings). Clicking on a color-coded event entry produces a pop-up box which provides information including its name, date(s), and location along with a direct link to the event’s main page for additional details such as the agenda and registration, travel, and lodging information. Questions about applying or utilizing BJA funding to attend any events presented on this calendar should be directed to your assigned BJA Policy and Programs Office representatives. Explore the calendar today and contact the Forensics TTA team via Forensicstta@rti.org with any questions or suggestions for ensuring this resource best fits your needs! 
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Highlights

After 45 years, Jane Doe Identified as Thelma Gaston

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Bureau has positively identified previously unidentified human remains as Thelma Gaston, resolving a case that began in 1981 when a passerby discovered a shallow grave containing the remains of a severely decomposed female near Sugar Loaf Mountain in Riverside County, California. Despite extensive identification efforts over the years, the victim’s name could not be established.
Accreditation Document Repository

Small Office: Other Documents

These documents provide examples of the following: forms for an affidavit of identification, case notes, chain of custody, records requests, personal property, and a brochure with information for families, and address standards for IACME Agency Practices, section “A” and Investigative Practices, section “B”. These examples are reflective of a small office that performs autopsies at other facilities.
Accreditation Document Repository

Medium Office: Annual Report and Other Documents

These documents provide examples of the following: an annual report, an information sheet/flyer, and a sample release for DNA testing, and address standards for IACME Agency Practices, section “A”. These examples are reflective of a medium-sized office that performs autopsies in-house and at other facilities.
Accreditation Document Repository

Large Office: Annual Report and Examination Form Documents

These documents provide an example annual report and examination form, and address standards for NAME Reports and Record Keeping, section “F”. These examples are reflective of a large office that performs autopsies in-house.
Accreditation Document Repository

Medium Office: Property and Evidence Documents

These documents pertain to evidence and property, including chain of custody and drug handling, and address standards for IACME Agency Practices, section “A”, as well as IACME Investigative Practices, section “B”. These examples are reflective of a medium-sized office that performs autopsies in-house.
Accreditation Document Repository

Small Office: Property and Evidence Documents

These documents pertain to suicide note guidance, medication collection and disposal, and handling personal property and address standards for IACME Agency Practices, section “A”, as well as IACME Investigative Practices, section “B”. These examples are reflective of a small office that performs autopsies at other facilities.
Accreditation Document Repository

Large Office: Personnel Training Documents

These documents pertain to personnel training and support services, and address standards for NAME Personnel and Staffing, section “G” as well as NAME Support Services and Consultants, section “H” and IACME Forensic Specialists, section “E”. These examples are reflective of a large office that performs autopsies in-house.
Accreditation Document Repository

Medium Office: Forensic Specialist Document

This policy example provides guidance on forensic specialists and addresses standards for IACME Forensic Specialists, section “E”. This example is reflective of a medium-sized office that performs autopsies in-house.