James R. Simms Message |
January 19, 2001
The Holidays have just passed by us, and I hope everyone enjoyed a safe, happy, and healthy season. As the Spring of 2001 approaches, we must continue to meet the educational challenges that await us in the Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association for Identification. I would like to thank all of the Division members that have supported and assisted me through the past several years. A special thanks to Mark Neal and Mike Grimm fo their leadership guidance over the past 3 years. The 2000 International Conference co-sponsored by our Division was a huge success and everyone involved should be congratulated for a job well done. The financial benefit from the International Conference will help the Division in their efforts on upcoming Educational Conferences and training sessions, Forensic Intern Programs, and all related projects of the CBD-IAI. The Spring Educational Conference will he held on March 30 - 31, 2001 in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Division Officers have been working extremely hard to plan the Conference, supply speakers for the General Session, schedule workshops, and provide a variety of vendors that will make this a successful and enjoyable endeavor. Your attendence in Williamsburg will show support for the Division, it Officers, and the Conference planners. The CBD-IAI has enjoyed past years of outstanding contributions to the Forensic Science community, but this will only continue to be accomplished with your support of the Division. Our thoughts and prayers continue each day for the entire Grimm family and for all aspects of Paul's recovery. Have a great Spring, and I look forward to seeing all of you and your guests in Williamsburg this March.
August 15, 2001
The Summer of 2001 is about to pass us, and the IAI conference held in Miami, Florida is over. The CBD-IAI again had an impressive showing with 65 - 75 members in attendance. Our members were involved on committees, workshops, lectures and elected to the Board of Directors and Historian positions. We were able to host CBD-IAI members, other IAI members and international guests in our Hospitality Suite. This interaction gains us recognition within other areas of the Identification community.
Our CBD-IAI Fall Educational Conference is approaching and will be held in Ocean City, Maryland at the Clarion Fountainebleau Hotel on the ocean at 101st street. This newly-decorated hotel is an excellent location for a forensic conference. General sessions are planned to include a variety of topics such as internet training, image enhancement, computerization of crime scenes from photographs, FBI wireless applications, crimes on the internet and photo imaging certification. There will also be workshops planned on footwear, processing techniques for latent prints, Power Point presentations, crime scene certification review, and blood enhancement. We will also have a demonstration by the Baltimore County Bar Association's Technology Committee on the closing argument of the 1935 Charles Lindbergh trial using twenty-first century technology in the court presentation. Also, a Vendor Area will be set up to observe and demonstrate the latest supplies and equipment in the Identification field.
The demands such as accreditation, certification and the challenges in court with the Daubert ruling has increased the need for training such as that offered by the CBD-IAI. It is everyone's responsibility to obtain the necessary training as offered to perform the Identification duties of your respective disciplines. All members should attempt to advise non-members of the many benefits of membership to our professional organization. The future of our organization rests with the initiative and enthusiasm of the CBD-IAI members. Please come out and get involved with the Division.
Hoping everyone has a happy, healthy and safe summer. Wishing to see all members in Ocean City for the Fall conference.
November 09, 2001
On September 11, 2001 our world as we know it was turned upside down by a group of radicals. As a Professional Association, we extend our sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the victims, families, and all the people personally touched by this tradegy. We stood by in shock and horror as the World Trade Center was lost with thousands of lives gone, the Pentagon was damaged losing hundreds of lives, and a flight crashed in Southern Pennsylvania killing all on board. In New York, our fellow brothers and sisters in fire service, police service and other rescue workers paid the ultimate price while performing their duties in helping the victims at the crime scene.
Since the initial attacks, we have also seen sickness and the loss of lives due to the Anthrax bio-terrorist mail that has been sent. We have seen our military troops in war and combat and have heard from many Government Officaial speaking about these incidents. As a Professional Identification Group, we should collectively support our Government and Military in these efforts.
The CBD-IAI acknowledges all of the efforts by rescue workers, and all others dealing directly or indirectly with these tragic incidents. If there is anyone in the audience that has worked on these attacks, please stand to be recognized. Give these people a round of applause. Thank you!
President Bush has asked the country to return to their normal lives, and that is the reason we are here today. This Conference and others like it provide the much needed training that the entire country now realizes the Identification Specialists must have to perform their job. We are mad, scared and confused about this entire tragedy. In time, our Unity, Patriotism and Faith will overcome these feelings.
The Holidays have just passed by us, and I hope everyone enjoyed a safe, happy, and healthy season. As the Spring of 2001 approaches, we must continue to meet the educational challenges that await us in the Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association for Identification. I would like to thank all of the Division members that have supported and assisted me through the past several years. A special thanks to Mark Neal and Mike Grimm fo their leadership guidance over the past 3 years. The 2000 International Conference co-sponsored by our Division was a huge success and everyone involved should be congratulated for a job well done. The financial benefit from the International Conference will help the Division in their efforts on upcoming Educational Conferences and training sessions, Forensic Intern Programs, and all related projects of the CBD-IAI. The Spring Educational Conference will he held on March 30 - 31, 2001 in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Division Officers have been working extremely hard to plan the Conference, supply speakers for the General Session, schedule workshops, and provide a variety of vendors that will make this a successful and enjoyable endeavor. Your attendence in Williamsburg will show support for the Division, it Officers, and the Conference planners. The CBD-IAI has enjoyed past years of outstanding contributions to the Forensic Science community, but this will only continue to be accomplished with your support of the Division. Our thoughts and prayers continue each day for the entire Grimm family and for all aspects of Paul's recovery. Have a great Spring, and I look forward to seeing all of you and your guests in Williamsburg this March.
August 15, 2001
The Summer of 2001 is about to pass us, and the IAI conference held in Miami, Florida is over. The CBD-IAI again had an impressive showing with 65 - 75 members in attendance. Our members were involved on committees, workshops, lectures and elected to the Board of Directors and Historian positions. We were able to host CBD-IAI members, other IAI members and international guests in our Hospitality Suite. This interaction gains us recognition within other areas of the Identification community.
Our CBD-IAI Fall Educational Conference is approaching and will be held in Ocean City, Maryland at the Clarion Fountainebleau Hotel on the ocean at 101st street. This newly-decorated hotel is an excellent location for a forensic conference. General sessions are planned to include a variety of topics such as internet training, image enhancement, computerization of crime scenes from photographs, FBI wireless applications, crimes on the internet and photo imaging certification. There will also be workshops planned on footwear, processing techniques for latent prints, Power Point presentations, crime scene certification review, and blood enhancement. We will also have a demonstration by the Baltimore County Bar Association's Technology Committee on the closing argument of the 1935 Charles Lindbergh trial using twenty-first century technology in the court presentation. Also, a Vendor Area will be set up to observe and demonstrate the latest supplies and equipment in the Identification field.
The demands such as accreditation, certification and the challenges in court with the Daubert ruling has increased the need for training such as that offered by the CBD-IAI. It is everyone's responsibility to obtain the necessary training as offered to perform the Identification duties of your respective disciplines. All members should attempt to advise non-members of the many benefits of membership to our professional organization. The future of our organization rests with the initiative and enthusiasm of the CBD-IAI members. Please come out and get involved with the Division.
Hoping everyone has a happy, healthy and safe summer. Wishing to see all members in Ocean City for the Fall conference.
November 09, 2001
On September 11, 2001 our world as we know it was turned upside down by a group of radicals. As a Professional Association, we extend our sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the victims, families, and all the people personally touched by this tradegy. We stood by in shock and horror as the World Trade Center was lost with thousands of lives gone, the Pentagon was damaged losing hundreds of lives, and a flight crashed in Southern Pennsylvania killing all on board. In New York, our fellow brothers and sisters in fire service, police service and other rescue workers paid the ultimate price while performing their duties in helping the victims at the crime scene.
Since the initial attacks, we have also seen sickness and the loss of lives due to the Anthrax bio-terrorist mail that has been sent. We have seen our military troops in war and combat and have heard from many Government Officaial speaking about these incidents. As a Professional Identification Group, we should collectively support our Government and Military in these efforts.
The CBD-IAI acknowledges all of the efforts by rescue workers, and all others dealing directly or indirectly with these tragic incidents. If there is anyone in the audience that has worked on these attacks, please stand to be recognized. Give these people a round of applause. Thank you!
President Bush has asked the country to return to their normal lives, and that is the reason we are here today. This Conference and others like it provide the much needed training that the entire country now realizes the Identification Specialists must have to perform their job. We are mad, scared and confused about this entire tragedy. In time, our Unity, Patriotism and Faith will overcome these feelings.