Iowa Division
International Association for Identification

A LETTER FROM YOUR PRESIDENT:

I would like to thank Herve Denain for his service as our 2010-2011 President and for his continued support serving as a director on our board.  Also I would like to thank the other board members and officers for their continued service.  We then need to welcome the two newest board members Brian Staszewski (Scott County Sheriff’s Office) and Brian Shock (Cedar Falls PD) for their commitment to serve the Iowa IAI. 

The Casey Anthony case dominated news coverage recently.  Many were surprised in the verdict, others saw the handwriting on the wall before it ever went to the jury.  The case reminds us to cover the basics and be thorough.  Experienced people know that there is no such thing as a perfect investigation, but we should expect everyone to do their best at all times.  You never know when your case will become the next high profile news item.  Take nothing for granted!

For those who don’t know me, I served as a police officer in Muscatine and West Liberty, Iowa.  I worked as a patrol officer, detective, and patrol supervisor.  I was assigned to both general crime and narcotics investigations.  I joined the Davenport Police Department in 2006 working as a civilian manager of their Identification Bureau.  I also supervised their evidence room and records department.  In 2009 I went into private practice with Ron Smith and Associates.  I worked as a laboratory and project manager for a variety of local, state and federal agencies.  In 2010, I formed my own company, Schwarz Forensic Enterprises, to continue providing consulting services.

There are several topics I want to bring up for membership comments and help to try to improve the organization:

-I would like to see the Iowa IAI website updated and reorganized.  The site should be a resource page for everyone to go to for help and information related to the forensic science disciplines.

-A standard glossary of technical terms should be developed so that terminology is being used in a consistent manner.  This will improve report writing and make multijurisdictional cases better.

-We should develop a best practices guide for evidence collection and processing.  Simple analysis of these tasks can identify ways to eliminate backlogs and speed processing time.