Distortion Class in Minnesota

[g.]

Hi everyone,

The latent print examiners at the Minn. BCA are bringing in Alice Maceo to teach her 2-day distortion workshop June 26 (thur) and June 27 (fri) here in St. Paul, MN. Essentially, the BCA has already bought the class and all of our examiners are going to go through, which leaves about 10-12 spots open to folks interested in taking it.

We are going to try and set up a web-page for registration. We don't have a website yet, but I just wanted to put out feelers. Also, we thought we'd offer a slot for $200 to appease our admin. folks.

Basically, I am just curious to see what kind of interest there is for the class. As I said, no matter what, we are having the class, we just wanted to see if others wanted to come too, at a nominal cost, plus travel of course.

I was thinking folks in neighboring states (Wisconsin, Iowa, etc.) may be generally interested, but if examiners wanted to come from out of town for the course, we would be willing to set everyone up in a local hotel, even shuttle folks around if they can't rent a car, and generally play "nice host". The Minneapolis/St. Paul area is beautiful that time of year and we are located on a major airline hub (Northwest). Lots of direct flights.

This should be a great class. If you want info on the class, email me for a flyer. Generally, the student will learn about distortion effects, be given a latent to analyze for distortion, and then watch the video to see how the latent was created. This class is often taught as a 2-hr. mini workshop at the IAI. The full 2day course should be great. Also for those of you that know Josh Bergeron, he and Alice will be comparing notes on distortion as well. Josh has been doing research for some time on distortion and hopefully, Josh and Alice can synch up and share info. We are even talking about giving Josh an hour or two after class to present his stuff, for Alice to see and any students wishing to subject themselves to even more distortion.

Anyway, please email me if you think you'd be interested and your agency will support the travel. It's nice b/c for those agencies that have a "use it or lose it" fund pool for training, it comes at a good time to use it (before July 1).

And I can guarantee we will show you all some great North Midwest "hospitality". I recommend bringing your own pitcher....

Email: glenn.langenburg@state.mn.us

For cost estimates:
class registration: $200
hotel: $80/night (probably 3 nights w,th,fr--assume to stay on Friday since classes won't get out til 5PM at least)
Food: $35 a day.
Car: not needed if we shuttle people. but otherwise about $25/day.
Airfare: will vary


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[g.]

OK, so interest for this course has been heavy. I have had about 20 people email about the class.

The class is posted on the Minnesota BCA website. I apologize in advance, it's not the most user friendly. We are also trying to add some more info to the COURSE DESCRIPTION (such as start and end times, etc.) For the record, Thur and Fri. 0800-1700. If you are thinking about coming in from out of town, I would recommend staying over on Friday night or be prepared to take a late night flight home (it will just be easier to stay over and have fun with us!). With class out on Friday at 1700, traffic and communter air travelers, you need an 8PM flight or later to be on the safe side.

So here are the instructions for registering:

Go to the website:

http://www.dps.state.mn.us/bca/TD/docum ... Intro.html

Once there, click on: BCA Sponsored Training Opportunities for Law Enforcement Personnel

On this page you have 4 drop down menus:
-Course Schedules
-Course Descriptions
-Registration Policies and Procedures
-Coordinators

Also this page gives instructions for how to register (basically fill out the form, print it and then fax it to the coordinator).

To REGISTER, go to "REGISTRATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES". Click on GENERAL REGISTRATION FORMS, and then click on INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION FORM INTERACTIVE.

Select the course (ANALYSIS OF DISTORTION IN LATENT PRINTS), choose the date (there is only one option 06/28 ). Then a form will appear for you to fill out. Follow instructions to complete form and then print a copy to fax to us. Keep in mind, your agency does get billed (even if you don't show!) So don't register unless you are going to be in the class.

The website doesn't really say, but FAX the registration to:
Christina Martin at (651) 793-1101 also if you have questions about registration, call Christina at (651) 793-1103.

To find course info, go to Course Descriptions. Click on SKILLS ENHANCEMENT courses, then choose: ANALYSIS of DISTORTION IN LATENT PRINTS from the drop down "CHOOSE" menu. The course info will pop up.

Lastly, if you get wait-listed, don't despair. We are pretty good at notifying people they can still get in and we have a little wiggle room to open a few more slots depending on the demand. Bribery works well in the form of foamy alcoholic beverages. =)

I am working on trying to get a deal for a local hotel. More info there later. Good luck, and we are excited about playing "good little hosts". Fishermen (and women), Josh has a boat, so talk to him about lake excursions and walleye spots.

g.

[Ann Horsman]

G,

You sure the ice will be out by then? Nothing like a shore lunch of fresh 'eyes!

BTW- I have had Alice's class, she came up to New England last fall and those who are attending this session will really enjoy it and come away with more knowlege.

[g.]

We have secured a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn. $92/night.
I think we have maybe 1 or 2 more slots where we can squeeze people in the course.


The hotel contact info is below. As of Friday afternoon, the info wasn't in their computer yet, so if you call, they won't have the block reserved...but I left a nice "reminder" to the Hol Inn rep to get off her duff and get it in....

It should be available by Mon. 4/28. You can start booking your rooms then...



Holiday Inn
ST. PAUL-I-94-EAST (3M AREA)
2201 BURNS AVE.
ST. PAUL, MN 55119 UNITED STATES
Hotel Front Desk: 1-651-7312220 | Hotel Fax: 1-651-7310243


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