Alumni Retrainer
In August of 2006, the University of Tennessee National Forensic Academy held its 2nd Biennial Alumni Retraining Seminar. The theme for the Retrainer was - "Simply the Best", welcoming home our National Forensic Academy Alumni.
The training topics for the event involved emerging trends and new techniques in crime scene investigation, as well as the best practices in those fields. The seminar consisted of 2.5 days of training and hands-on applications. On two of the days, breakout sessions were featured on a myriad of forensic topics:
- Forensic Odontology
- Robotic Total Station Mapping
- Courtroom Testimony for the CSI
- DeltaSphere 360 (degree) Imaging
- VSC5000 Document Imaging System
- New Chemical Processes for Evidence
- New Crime Scene Techniques
- Entomology for the CSI
In addition, the Retrainer had several national and international speakers.
Larry J. Thomas, Assistant Director with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Special Operations Division gave a lecture on the BTK serial killer case. He directed the KBI’s involvement in the BTK Task Force in Wichita. In 2006, AD Thomas received a Kansas House of Representatives Commendation along with the BTK Task Force for the resolution of the BTK case.
Dick Warrington, with the Lynn Peavey Company, presented his acclaimed course titled Gadgets & Gizmos which included demonstrations and some hands-on uses of various items and techniques and other tricks of the trade.
Clare Smithies, the Technical Manager with LGC Forensics in England, gave a presentation on the state of crime scene investigation and evidence analysis in her native country.
Dr. William Bass, renowned forensic anthropologist and founder of The Body Farm, gave a presentation on some of his more interesting cases that he has worked. He also signed copies of his new fiction book, Carved in Bone.
The Retrainer was an overwhelming success, bringing in nearly 200 attendees from 35 states. At the conclusion of the event, the staff took an alumni group photograph at World’s Fair Park, commemorating the event.