ASB Newsletter – October 18, 2024

The 77th Annual Scientific Conference of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences
February 17-22, 2025 - Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland

The AAFS Annual Conference is the largest meeting of the forensic science community year after year, providing a professional environment for learning, collaboration, and networking. Join us in Baltimore, Maryland, as we pursue our mission of, " TECHNOLOGY: A Tool for Transformation or Tyranny?."

Sponsor the AAFS Standards Board (ASB) Reception | $2,000 (Multiple available) 
Use the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) to help promote your brand and connect with the global forensic science community. Sponsoring a scientific event like the ASB Reception at the 77th Annual Conference spotlights your commitment to advancing the world of forensic science. (contact tambrosius@aafs.org for more information)

Early-Bird Registration Open Now Through October 31

ASB Documents Open for Public Comment

The ASB encourages all interested parties to provide comments on documents in progress.

The following documents are open for public comment: 

• Recirculation* - ASB BPR 021, Best Practice Recommendation for the Preparation of Test Impressions from Footwear and Tires, Second Edition (Comment Deadline, November 18, 2024)
• Recirculation* - ASB Technical Report 071, Forensic Document Examination Terms and Definitions (Comment Deadline, November 4, 2024)
• Recirculation* - ASB Std 076, Standard for Training and Certification of Canine Detection of Human Remains: Human Remains on Land (Comment Deadline, October 28, 2024) 
• Recirculation* - ASB Std 124, Minimum Requirements and Recommendations for a Firearm and Toolmark Examiner Training Program (Comment Deadline, November 11, 2024)
• ASB Standard 202, Standard for Interactions Between Medicolegal Death Investigation Authorities and Organ and Tissue Procurement Organizations and Eye Banks (Comment Deadline, October 21, 2024)

* Please note that comments on a recirculation will only be accepted on revised sections of a document, comments made to text not revised from the previous public comment period will not be accepted.

The documents, comment template, and additional information can be accessed through the ASB website  

Published Standards from the ASB

To date, the ASB has published over 100 Standards/Best Practice Recommendations (all approved as American National Standards by ANSI), including 4 Technical Reports. All ASB publications can be downloaded from the ASB website.

Checklists Available on Forensic Standards
These Checklists provide a tool to allow a forensic science service provider to evaluate the level of standard implementation and/or audit conformance to a standard.  Each checklist, provided in Excel, uses a standardized format that also allows flexibility when used. Checklists are in continuous production with more coming soon! Visit the AAFS Standards Resources and Training site to access the Checklists!

AAFS Factsheets on ASB, ASTM, and NFPA Standards Available
The AAFS Standards Factsheets provide a concise summary of each standard and facilitate broader understanding, they also highlight the purpose of a standard, why it is needed, and the benefits of adoption. Factsheets are in continuous production and more are coming soon. Visit the AAFS Standards Resources and Training site for more details!

Standards Webinars on AAFS Connect
AAFS Connect is the hub of digital forensic science content provided by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. AAFS Connect hosts conference workshops, presentations, webinars, educational training, and other resources. Webinars and updates on Forensic Standards are now available in the Standards Videos portion of AAFS Connect, free of charge. Visit the AAFS Educational Webinars page for more details!