Description:
This 1 day hands-on workshop will introduce investigators to the field of forensic entomology and how this discipline may assist you in your investigations. World renowned forensic entomologist Gail Anderson will lead this session with a half day lecture on the application of forensic entomology for investigative purposes followed by a half day hands-on field exercise studying insects at a mock scene using carrion. The lecture component will provide investigators with some practical knowledge on how insects may assist different aspects of an investigation; including the estimation of the elapsed time since death, whether a body has been disturbed or moved after death, or whether drugs where used prior to death. The hands-on practical session will give the participants experience with a ‘real’ situation in which insects have naturally colonized carcasses and allow them to perform full insect collections as they would at a real crime scene.
The workshop will provide the investigator with an overall understanding of entomology and its applications to criminal or sudden death investigations, collecting insect evidence at a crime scene in a manner defensible in court, the value of insect evidence, and the results which can be expected from an entomologist.
Instructor: Gail Anderson
Format: 1 Day hands-on field day in Maple Ridge, BC
Date: July 25th
Workshop Times: 09:30 – 17:30
Cost: $128.00
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this workshop, the student will be able to:
- Describe the application of entomology to criminal investigations
- Demonstrate proper handling, collection and preservation of insect evidence at crime scenes
- Identify insect groups (especially carrion groups) and insect rearing cycles
- Explain scientific principles behind the use of insects in homicide investigations
Who should take this workshop: Any individual conducting investigations into events or circumstances that have led to a sudden death or homicide involving an individual or animal.
For more information, please email Julia Dreyer at jdreyer@bcit.ca