Short Communications - FBI Laboratory’s Toxicology Program Achieves Accreditation - January 2008

January 2008 - Volume 10 - Number 1

Short Communication

Thirty-Sixth Annual Crime
Laboratory Development Symposium: Leading the Next Generation

The FBI Laboratory is proud to announce the 36th Annual Crime Laboratory Development Symposium. We have the pleasure of partnering with Washington University in St. Louis for this valuable academic management program. The faculty is excited to work with our community and looks forward to sharing ideas in the field of management and leadership. This year’s theme of “Leading the Next Generation” addresses the work environment and the challenges facing the next generation of leadership. This year’s symposium will be designed to determine the specific skills and competencies for “next generation leaders” to be successful.

As in previous years, laboratories are welcome to submit as many applications as they wish. It is suggested that laboratory directors internally rank the applications submitted by their organization. Selection of attendees will be based on the total number of nomination forms received by the FBI Laboratory, the total number of laboratories submitting applications, and the size of the laboratory or laboratory system. As in previous years, our program capacity is 250, based on facility capacity and a sincere desire to ensure a valuable learning experience for attendees. In order to attend this program, applicants must be employed by a public crime laboratory or a forensic laboratory that is part of a law enforcement agency. International attendees are welcome to apply, but their agency will be responsible for travel to the host city.

In order for attendees to have a comprehensive and positive learning experience, we request that attendees commit to the entire program. As in past years, it is expected that there will be more applications than available seats; therefore, we discourage early departures and late arrivals. Substitutions will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

So that the community has a better understanding of our process, the following timeline is provided:

January 1, 2008: The formal announcement and call for applications for the symposium are published in this issue of Forensic Science Communications. Interested parties should complete and submit the attached application form by February 1, 2008.

Note: Application data will be transmitted electronically this year via e-mail and the Internet, by clicking the “SUBMIT” button at the bottom of the application. If you have trouble sending the form using the SUBMIT button, save and send your application as an e-mail attachment. If you do not receive an e-mail within five days confirming receipt of your application or have any other questions, contact Jane Garrison at jane.garrison@ic.fbi.gov or + 1-703-632-8368.

February 1, 2008: Due date for submission of application forms. FBI Laboratory staff will contact laboratory directors in order to determine the ranking of applicants and then select attendees based on previously mentioned criteria.

March 1, 2008: Registration packets will be mailed to selected attendees. Attendees must complete and submit all required registration materials by March 15, 2008, in order to be officially registered for the symposium. Registration materials will include course descriptions and registration confirmation.

March 15, 2008: Registration materials are due.

April 28, 2008 (Monday): Attendees travel to the host city and register on the evening of April 28.

April 29–May 1, 2008: Symposium takes place. Attendees are expected to remain for the entire program and should request departing flights for no earlier than 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 1.

May 2, 2008 (Friday): Attendees travel home.

The FBI Laboratory will provide the following:

• All program materials and program content.
• Single-occupancy lodging for attendees at the contracted hotel for Monday arrival through Friday departure.
• Round-trip airline travel to the host city or reimbursement of mileage and hotel self-parking (not valet) for personal vehicles. Mileage must be equal to or less than the contract government airfare. Travel to the host city for international attendees must be paid for by the attendee’s agency or with personal funds.
• Breakfast, lunch, and breaks on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
• Symposium dinner hosted at the lodging site one evening.

The attendee’s agency or the individual will be responsible for:

• Meals not provided during the program (travel days, dinner for two evenings).
• Mileage to and from the home city airport and airport parking fees.
• Transportation between the host city airport and the lodging site.
• Government vehicle mileage and parking fees.
• Incidental hotel charges (room service, Internet usage, phone charges, etc.).
• Any additional room charges for more that one guest, additional days’ stay, or room upgrades.

Detailed information will be provided to selected attendees in their registration materials (March 1 mailing date) and on-site registration materials (April 28). The Virtual Academy will not be used for registration. If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Quality Assurance and Training Unit of the FBI Laboratory.