Quarterly Webinar Series: Shaping The Scene - Cognitive Bias and Its Impact on
Reconstruction
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Abstract: Crime scene reconstruction stands at the interpretation, and human judgement. While investigators strive for objectivity, cognitive and contextual biases can subtly shape how scenes are approached, evidence is prioritized, and hypotheses are formed. This lecture examines the pathways through which bias infiltrates reconstruction work, ranging from expectations effects and confirmation bias to organizational pressures, prior case experience, and information contamination. Using real-world examples, psychological research, and lessons drawn from major case investigations, the session explores how biased assumptions can influence the sequence of events analysis, alter interpretations of physical evidence, and affect multidisciplinary team decisions-making. The session concludes with actionable recommendations for embedding bias-resistant practices into daily operations technical review, and agency-level culture. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to strengthen the integrity, accuracy, and defensibility of reconstruction analyses, ensuring the reconstruction remains grounded in science rather than assumption.
Speaker: Zack Kowalske
Zack Kowalske is a senior Detective with the Roswell Police Department in metro-Atlanta, where he has spent majority of his 17- year career assigned to the Crime Scene Investigations Unit. He is an experienced forensic analyst specializing in bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting reconstruction, and crime scene reconstruction. In addition to his law enforcement role, he is the founder and principal forensic analyst at Foxen Forensic Laboratories, where he provides expert review, analysis, and courtroom testimony for defense and prosecution clients across the United States in complex violent crime cases.
He holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science and is currently a PhD Researcher at the University of Staffordshire, where his dissertation research focuses on the impact of environmental factors on bloodstain pattern analysis. Over the course of his career, Mr. Kowalske has been certified as a CSI and Reconstructionist through the IAI and the State of Georgia. He has been court-qualified in multiple states as an expert in bloodstain pattern analysis, crime scene investigations, shooting reconstruction, police practices, use of force, and several other topics. Mr. Kowalske serves as the current President of the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction and Education Chair for the IABPA. He is the Vice Chair on the OSAC Subcommittee for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis and a voting member on the American Academy of Forensic Sciences’ ASB Consensus Body for BPA, contributing to the development of national forensic standards. His research has been featured in academic publications and national media, with special attention to the application of bloodstain pattern analysis in space research.
Speaker: Zack Kowalske
Zack Kowalske is a senior Detective with the Roswell Police Department in metro-Atlanta, where he has spent majority of his 17- year career assigned to the Crime Scene Investigations Unit. He is an experienced forensic analyst specializing in bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting reconstruction, and crime scene reconstruction. In addition to his law enforcement role, he is the founder and principal forensic analyst at Foxen Forensic Laboratories, where he provides expert review, analysis, and courtroom testimony for defense and prosecution clients across the United States in complex violent crime cases.
He holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science and is currently a PhD Researcher at the University of Staffordshire, where his dissertation research focuses on the impact of environmental factors on bloodstain pattern analysis. Over the course of his career, Mr. Kowalske has been certified as a CSI and Reconstructionist through the IAI and the State of Georgia. He has been court-qualified in multiple states as an expert in bloodstain pattern analysis, crime scene investigations, shooting reconstruction, police practices, use of force, and several other topics. Mr. Kowalske serves as the current President of the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction and Education Chair for the IABPA. He is the Vice Chair on the OSAC Subcommittee for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis and a voting member on the American Academy of Forensic Sciences’ ASB Consensus Body for BPA, contributing to the development of national forensic standards. His research has been featured in academic publications and national media, with special attention to the application of bloodstain pattern analysis in space research.