Training

MFRC Training at a Glance

Upcoming MFRC Training Events

2012 Training Events

MFRC Training Materials Available for Download

Training Materials Available for Download
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Video Collection

Other Sources of Training and Information

Forensic Sites

MFRC Training

The MFRC provides forensic science training and professional development opportunities in the Midwest and around the nation while also initiating innovative training and professional development projects.

Past collaborators in these efforts include: the Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists; the Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers; the International Association for Identification; the National Forensic Science Technology Center; the West Virginia University Forensic Initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the U.S. Secret Service.

Providing Training

The MFRC provides training to individuals who work in publicly-funded crime laboratories and law enforcement.

Most of the MFRC’s training programs are delivered in the Midwest, and the MFRC does this to increase regional access to professional development and training opportunities.
The MFRC covers trainees’ costs of registration, per diem, travel and lodging. This is done to contribute to the professional development of the field, and to reduce the overall cost of training for crime laboratories and forensic scientists.
Training programs are suggested for delivery or development by members of the MFRC’s Advisory Group, the MFRC’s crime laboratory partners, individual forensic scientists, and forensic professional associations.
On average, the MFRC delivers one training program per month. Past training includes: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Forensic Toxicology, Crime Scene Reconstruction, FTIR Analyses, Footwear Impression Evidence, Forensic Applications of Molecular Chemical Imaging, Textile Fiber Examination, Forensic Applications of Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectroscopy(DART), Distance Determination via Gunshot Residue Analysis, Basic Hair Examination, Analysis of Low Explosives, Business Process Mapping for Laboratory Quality Assurance Managers, and Basic Courtroom Testimony.

Developing Training

The MFRC develops training that addresses new topics, improves existing programs, or employs innovations in training delivery. Much of this is done in collaboration with its training partners.

Training programs are suggested for development by members of the MFRC’s Advisory Group, the MFRC’s Midwest crime laboratory partners, individual forensic scientists, and forensic professional associations.
Examples of collaboratively-developed classes include: an Advanced Trace Evidence Symposium, Forensic Applications of Molecular Chemical Imaging Technology, a Symposium on Forensic Drug Chemistry, the Forensic Analysis of Low Explosives, Application of Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) Mass Spectrometry to Forensic Analyses, Raman Spectroscopy for Forensic Scientists, Measurement Uncertainty in Forensic Laboratories, a Symposium on Advanced Issues in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, and Best Practices in Crime Laboratory Management.
Examples of training developed for DVD and download include: High Speed Images of Four Blood Spatter Experiments, Questioned Documents at the Crime Scene, Video Highlights of Bloodstain Formation by Common Bloodletting Mechanisms, Forensic Analysis of GHB and 1,4 - BD, an Introduction to Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Capillary Electrophoresis, Crime Laboratory Ethics, Mass Spectrometry, Crime Laboratory Quality Assurance for Managers and Supervisors, and Fundamentals of Expert Witness Direct Examination.

Program Manager: Todd Zdorkowski - Ph:(515) 294-5640 Fax: (515) 294-4748
Program Assistant: Cindy Eckhart - Ph:(515) 294-0380 Fax: (515) 294-4748