Issue 13 - The Forensics Issue - March 2020
Greetings from NUCPS
Welcome to the March 2020 issue of The Key. Our special forensics issue happens to coincide with the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have had several calls regarding the virus' impact on our course schedule. As of this publication, our classes will proceed as planned. Northwestern University officials continue to monitor the situation and apprise staff and students on matters related to the virus. For more general information about COVID-19, review Northwestern University's Coronavirus/COVID-19 Updates webpages.
Sincerely,
Dave Bradford,
Executive Director
NUCPS Unveils All-New Forensic Certifications
For more than 20 years, NUCPS has provided forensic investigators and officers with courses designed to advance their crime scene investigation skills by enhancing their fundamental knowledge and abilities in such critical areas as locating, documenting, photographing, recovering, and analyzing physical evidence for the explicit purpose of revealing the nature of crime, and its unique history.
This spring, NUCPS is excited to unveil its three brand new Forensic Science certification programs:
- Crime Scene Forensic Investigator certification (CSFIC)
- Forensic Police Photographer Certification (FPPC)
- Forensic Blood Stain Investigator certification (FBSIC)
For agencies, these certifications will provide, among other benefits, a metric of the professional capability of the agency, offering a reliable indicator of forensic investigator competencies, as well as helping reduce the risk of forensic error through increased training. For officers, the certifications convey the achievement of foundations on which professional work is completed in addition to the training that enhances current forensic abilities.
Learn more about our exciting new forensic certifications >>
Developing Common Terminology for the Advancement of Forensic Science
By Don Ostermeyer
Bloodstain instructors at Northwestern Center for Public Safety have collaborated on developing a common working vocabulary for Bloodstain Pattern analysts and other professionals in the field. In order to limit misinterpretation or confusion, it is critical that analysts use consistent terminology, whether speaking to jurors in a courtroom, communicating with other law enforcement and public safety professionals, or discussing industry topics with each other.
Read more about this important glossary of blood pattern analysis terms >>
Meet NUCPS Forensics Instructor Don Ostermeyer
For more than 25 years, nationally respected forensic science expert Don Ostermeyer has instructed NUCPS students on the fine details that lead to success in forensic investigations.
"Don is beyond a subject matter expert in forensics," says NUCPS Associate Director of Police Training Victor Beecher. "He has been heavily involved in the advancement of criminal forensics for more than 25 years and has supported training for federal, state, and local law enforcement. He's one of the preeminent forensics instructors in the US today."
Ostermeyer possesses 45 years of law enforcement experience, including 20 years with the Orlando (FL) Police Department. Ostermeyer was instrumental in the development of the International Association of Identification (IAI) certification process and is an IAI-certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst and Bloodstain Pattern Analyst.
A resident of Florida, Don is married to retired blood splatter expert Judith Bunker. [Pictured at left are Ostermeyer, Bunker, and Beecher at NUCPS.] Together, Don and Judith operate Doje's Forensic Supplies. In his spare time, Don has contributed several articles to The Key, which can be accessed here.
Establishing a Policy for Narcan Deployment to Law Enforcement Officers — A Staff Study
By Brian Henry, NUCPS School of Police Staff & Command, #462
The opioid epidemic continues to rage in communities throughout the US. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that in 2017, more than 47,600 overdose deaths involved opioids. Laws in many states allow first responders to be trained in the use of such opioid antagonists as Naloxone (Narcan). Failing to address the possibility of fentanyl or other opioids becoming prevalent in communities, and not providing officers with a tool to save lives (Narcan), will lead to citizen lives lost and could lead to officer deaths due to incidental exposure.Read the program study and implementation options >>
Troy (MI) Training Center Paints Their Wall Purple, Creates NUCPS Staff & Command Wall
Troy (MI) Police Training Center is a frequent host to NUCPS School of Police Staff & Command — in fact, it hosts courses so frequently that Class #451 created a Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Staff & Command Wall, similar to the one at NUCPS in Evanston.
The wall, which also features Class #451's custom class brick, will feature the framed class photos for each SPSC that it hosts. The class brick not only features the names and class challenge coin but also a LED-illuminate "thin blue line."
Pencil Us In! Currently Scheduled Courses, Spring / Summer Update
Police Training . . . Management & Leadership . . . Crash Investigation . . . Transportation Engineering
Online or in the classroom, Northwestern is the direction for your career! Enroll in one (or more) of our Winter / Spring 2020 courses.
Download the Course Catalog PDF >>
Back Issues
Read More . . .
More articles from past issues of The Key are available using the following links . . .
- Dec 2019, Issue 12
- Sept / Oct 2019, Issue 11
- Apr / May 2019, Issue 10 (Download Issue 10 PDF)
- Feb / Mar 2019, Issue 9 (Download Issue 9 PDF)
- Dec 2018, Issue 8 (Download Issue 8 PDF)
- Sep / Oct 2018, Issue 7 (Download Issue 7 PDF)
- May 2018, Issue 6 (Download Issue 6 PDF)
- Feb 2018, Issues 5 (Download Issue 5 PDF)
- Issues 1 - 4
About The Key
The Key is a bi-monthly publication of Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, 1801 Maple Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. nucps.northwestern.edu. Copyright © 2019, by Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. Reproduction of any part of this publication without express written permission is strictly prohibited. Articles are contributed by professionals in public safety and related fields. No word rate is paid. No other reimbursement is provided. Contributors’ opinions and statements are their own and do not reflect that of Northwestern University Center for Public Safety or Northwestern University. Advertising is not accepted. To update the email address associated with a subscription, please email nucps-alumni@northwestern.edu. David Bradford/executive director. Caroline Paulison Andrew / editor.