CLPEX Chat Board

The Toronto Police Service Forensic Identification Services Unit and the Toronto Centre for Forensic Sciences are hosting our annual Training Seminar from February 26th to March 2nd, 2007. Pat Wertheim will be our keynote speaker discussing 'Ethics and Fingerprints", and will host several workshops, one on Daubert issues and one on public speaking.

Many oher topics will be covered in lecture and workshop format. There will be at least three Case Histories discussed.

For more information, please visit our website at:

www.torontopolice.on.ca Click on the link to 'Conferences and Seminars'.

I apologise for the late notice - it just struck me that some of you may be interested and available to attend. I can tell you that room is still available in all of the FIS workshops (I'm helping with the registration) and at the hotel.

If you can't attend this year, keep us in mind for next year.

I have just finalized my plans to attend the Toronto Police Service Forensic Identification Services Unit's annual Training Seminar. I am honored to have been invited to be the opening speaker and the topic I have chosen is "Ethics and Fingerprints."

In addition, during the week long seminar I will be teaching an 8-hour workshop on fingerprint comparison. This workshop will focus on two groups of examiners. First, new and aspiring fingerprint examiners will receive basic instruction in the science and practical application of fingerprint comparison technique. And second, experienced examiners considering or preparing for the IAI Certification Examination will have a chance to develop and practice a strategy for taking the exam.

A second 8-hour workshop I will teach will be on Public Speaking Techniques with special application to expert witness testimony. This workshop is designed to help ease fears of public speaking and teach organization and presentation of talks to groups of people, including juries, school classes, service organizations, peer groups, etc.

Finally, I will do a talk on Daubert issues as related to fingerprint evidence. Both the history and evolution of Daubert attacks on fingerprints will be discussed, along with my forecast of where these attacks will take us in the next year or two.

Many other distinguished speakers will be on the program and this promises to be one of the best educational opportunities in the area of the Great Lakes, Northeast and Northcentral US, and all of Canada this year. I encourage anyone interested in a great week of training to contact the Host and register for the seminar.

Hope to see you all there!
Pat A. Wertheim