2025 Agenda & Speakers

8:00AM - 9:45AM - Repeated - 10:15AM - 12:00PM

Alternative Light Source Photography - Forensic photography using alternative light sources (ALS), including infrared and ultraviolet light is an invaluable tool in crime scene investigations. These techniques enable the capture of crucial evidence that may otherwise remain hidden, providing vital information in criminal cases. By understanding the proper use of ALS and the required equipment, forensic photographers can significantly improve the quality of evidence collected. This lecture will dig deeper into the equipment, techniques, and real-world applications of ALS. Katie McCoy and Brooke Brodzeller - Wisconsin State Crime Lab Milwaukee

Cellphone Investigations - This fast paced session gives the attendee an overview of using data to solve investigations.  We will live in a digital world and data is part of nearly every criminal investigation today.  From cell phones, to social media records to vehicle data and much more, you can be sure investigations will be filled with data.  The session discusses how to identify this data, preserve the data and finally how to exploit the data to further your investigation. Detective Martin Keck, Wauwatosa Police Department

Clandestine Dig Sites - Dr. Jordan Karsten

Cryptocurrency: Unraveling the Digital Currency Maze - Attendees will learn how cryptocurrency is used to facilitate many of the local crimes being committed.  Crimes such as investment scams, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), romance scams, drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, and more can all be successfully investigated if an officer/investigator knows where to look and what questions to ask.  Although this technology brings new hurdles to law enforcement, it is very manageable with the right skills and instruction.  Seizing cryptocurrency, considerations for storing cryptocurrency, and case studies will be a focus with this presentation. Michael Medina and Scott Simons

Developing more Fingerprint information using ALS - This hands on class will quickly go over the basics of superglue and dye stains to develop fingerprints on different materials. Although there is not enough time in the class to super glue items, we will go over the 4 steps of super glue and then the properties of dye stains used to develop more prints. Hands on test prints will be provided and the student will be able to see the different ALS frequencies and how to capture those prints using photography. - Larry Stringham


12:00PM - 1:00PM - Lunch (Provided)


1:00PM - 2:45PM - Repeated - 3:15PM - 5:00PM

Basic Crime Scene Documentation - This breakout session will be a mixture of lecture and hands-on interactive learning for participants new to or in need of a refresher in basic crime scene documentation. Some topics to be covered include scene response / initial walkthrough procedures, photography / videography,  note-taking, scene measurements, collection, and evidence packaging. The session will be divided into segments with a lecture followed by practical demonstration then participant participation. Attendees are encouraged to take whatever equipment they normally utilize to enhance familiarity. - John Grassel

Close Up Photography Tips and Trick For Any Budget - Unlock essential techniques for capturing forensic evidence up close—no matter your budget. This hands-on session will guide attendees through affordable, practical tips to achieve high-quality close-up photography, ideal for documenting small details crucial in investigations. Dr. Joe LeFevre - Fox Valley Technical College

Inadvertently Captured Evidence in Images and Videos -  When you think about evidence, do you ever wonder what is out there in all the images and videos captured daily?Evidence is often inadvertently captured in images or videos from sources like cell phones, surveillance cameras, or social media. Even if evidence, like friction ridge detail or the serial number on a gun, wasn’t intentionally documented, advanced forensic techniques can sometimes extract usable information from these digital sources.Traditionally, the Latent Print Unit focuses on processing physical evidence and comparing fingerprint lift cards, while the Forensic Imaging Unit deals with analyzing visual evidence to identify license plates and clothing. However, with the rise of digital imaging and video technology, there are opportunities for collaboration between these units. The Latent Print Unit and Forensic Imaging Unit work together to utilizing digital evidence in new ways that you might not have thought about. Katie McCoy and Amanda M. Wiltzius - Wisconsin State Crime Lab

Swipes, Wipes, and Transfer Stains - Abstract: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis is often thought of the analysis of airborne drops.  However, there are three categories of patterns where this is not the case.  This workshop will cover these 3 types of patterns/stains and what can be gleaned from them.  Directionality, mechanism of creation, and reconstructive value will be discussed.  Hands-on exercises will be utilized. Jeff Gurvis, Forensic Scientist with National Forensic Support Laboratory 

Update on the Status of Facial Identification and Forensic Art - Although dependence on “eyewitness” testimony as an element of criminal investigation goes back millennia, the use of facial recognition technology and forensic artist to support the justice system have
significant history. Since practical applications of Facial Recognition (FR) system came into play in the early 1990s, concerns over accuracy, bias and potential misuse (among others) have prevented the optimal implementation of the enterprise. Studies show that highly accurate FR algorithms combined with skilled Facial Identification (FI) analysts can mitigate many of these concerns. Despite this, FR and
FI continue to make headlines in the U.S. and around the world. Initial reluctance to deploy FR systems (and support with qualified FI analysts) has been tempered with the demonstrable benefits from proper applications, methodologies, training and adherence to sound standards and best practices. Forensic art has been around for over one hundred years but faces different challenges insomuch as law enforcement is depending more and more on technological solutions.

This Update on the Status of Facial Identification and Forensic Art is intended to further inform the forensic science and other stakeholder communities as to how the facial analysis and forensic at disciplines continue to support the criminal justice system and the court of public opinion. Recent and current events wherein facial recognition technology and subsequent facial analysis conducted by skilled practitioners, has demonstrated the benefits of FI. Outreach to the forensic art community is part of an effort to reengage with law enforcement to argue the benefits of a good artist to an investigation. Steve Johnson - Ideal Innovations

TIPS, EQUIPMENT and HELPFUL METHODS for PHOTOGRAPHING EVIDENCE at the SCENE and AGENCY - This workshop will introduce ideas, tips and equipment for photographing evidence at scenes and items brought back to the agency, along with some useful ideas when at scenes. It will also give attendees an opportunity to present questions or situations that have produced difficulties in getting those important images. The instructor has over fifty years of experience with thirty-six of those years as a Forensic Imaging Specialist who processed crime scenes throughout Wisconsin. Ron Groffy


6:00PM - Cocktails

6:30PM Banquet Dinner

7:00PM - 10:00PM - Comedy Sportz