Capital Litigation Initiative: Crime Scene to Courtroom Forensics Training

Webinar 22 - Crime Scene Reconstruction Essentials: Setting the Scene

Mr. Zack Kowalske’s presentation on crime scene reconstruction provided our legal audience with an overview of the key principles and techniques involved in reconstructing actions within criminal incidents. The content covered topics such as the importance of securing and preserving the crime scene, documenting the evidence, and conducting a thorough analysis of the physical and testimonial evidence utilizing methodologies built on the framework of the scientific method.  Topics included bloodstain pattern analysis, fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and other techniques used to identify suspects and reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the crime.  The lecture concluded with a discussion of the legal implications of crime scene reconstruction, including the use of evidence in court and the potential challenges that may arise during voir dire and testimony. By viewing this webinar, the legal practitioner will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of crime scene reconstruction, the techniques involved in analyzing and interpreting the evidence, and how the discipline ties into their case.

Mr. Zack Kowalke, Principal Forensic Advisor, CEO of Foxen Forensic Laboratories, currently serves as a Crime Scene Detective with the Roswell Police Department, outside of Atlanta (United States). Having served in law enforcement since 2009, the majority of his career has been within the Crime Scene Investigations Unit. Mr. Kowalske holds a Masters of Science with a Concentration in Forensic Science. Currently, he is a PhD researcher with Staffordshire University where he is completing a Doctorate in Forensic Science with his research focusing in the discipline of bloodstain pattern analysis. He is a graduate of the National Forensic Academy, where he was awarded the Dr. William Bass Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Forensic Investigations.

Throughout his career he has obtained several forensic investigation related certifications to include the IAI’s Crime Scene Investigator and Crime Scene Reconstructionist certifications.  In addition to his government case work, he is involved in private forensic case work and education, though his consulting firm Foxen Forensic Laboratories.  He has been court qualified as an expert witness in Crime Scene Investigations, Crime Scene Reconstruction, Crime Scene Analysis, and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. Mr. Kowalske is an active member of the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts, American Academy of Forensic Science, and serves as a Member on the NIST OSAC Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Subcommittee and the Board of Directors for the Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction.  He has published both Journal and Magazine articles on Reconstruction and Bloodstain topics.  To learn more or contact Mr. Kowalske in relation to case work, training, or booking a lecture please contact info@foxenforensics.com or visit www.FoxenForensics.com.  
    

Course materials:

• Learning Objectives
• Crime Scene Reconstruction Essentials, Zack Kowalski
• OSAC Crime Scene Investigation & Reconstruction Subcommittee
• Crime Scene Reconstruction Resource List
• View the webinar recording. This may take a few moments to load.

This webinar is designed for both prosecutors and defense attorneys. Attendees who complete this webinar will be eligible for Continuing Legal Education credits. The Stetson Office of Professional Education will work with each individual participant for reporting specifics. CLE applications will be made to Florida and other states per individual requests. Please email ope@law.stetson.edu for further information and state specific requests.  

This project was supported by Grant No. 2015-CP-BX-K006 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.