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ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS FAQs!

Early: Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 | Late : Dec. 31 – Mar. 31

$40

You need to have an active online member account. Please note that the new website was launched in February 2024 . If you have not created a member account since then, you will need to do so before accessing member-exclusive features, including renewal forms.

HOW CAN I ACCESS MY MEMBER ACCOUNT?

Click on the MEMBERS tab in the navigation bar above. On that page, you can either create a new account or login to your existing one.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL IS PAST MARCH 31?

Failure to submit renewal payment by March 31, will result in loss of membership status . If this applies to you, contact the Secretary, Dennise Hernandez [secretary@scafo.org] for more details.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Thank You for a Wonderful 2026 SCAFO Educational Conference!

It has been an absolute pleasure welcoming you all to Temecula for the 2026 SCAFO Educational Conference. As we wrap up this incredible event, I am deeply reminded of why having such a dedicated professional organization matters so much.

Looking back, this year has been a testament to our community’s resilience and shared commitment. From our February meeting in Santa Barbara with the FBI Evidence Recovery Team (ERT) and navigating our challenges, to our June gathering at SoCal Vibes exploring the “Saint Bloodbath” case with Retired Detective Mark McGuire, and our August cold case insights with Sergeant Kris Moore—every session has strengthened our association. None of this would be possible without everyone who continuously takes the time to attend, engage, and contribute.

For this annual conference, I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to our speakers, vendors, sponsors, conference committee, volunteers, and, most importantly, our members. It truly takes a collective effort to make an event like this a success. Your ongoing support and participation are what allow SCAFO to provide meaningful education and remain a strong, vibrant professional organization.

As your President, one of my highest priorities has been to encourage greater engagement within our association. SCAFO carries an incredible history dating back to 1937, and with that history comes a shared responsibility to keep moving forward. Our profession is constantly evolving, and by learning, adapting, sharing knowledge, and supporting the next generation of identification professionals, we honor that legacy.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Thank You for a Wonderful 2026 SCAFO Educational Conference!

It has been an absolute pleasure welcoming you all to Temecula for the 2026 SCAFO Educational Conference. As we wrap up this incredible event, I am deeply reminded of why having such a dedicated professional organization matters so much.

Looking back, this year has been a testament to our community’s resilience and shared commitment. From our February meeting in Santa Barbara with the FBI Evidence Recovery Team (ERT) and navigating our challenges, to our June gathering at SoCal Vibes exploring the “Saint Bloodbath” case with Retired Detective Mark McGuire, and our August cold case insights with Sergeant Kris Moore—every session has strengthened our association. None of this would be possible without everyone who continuously takes the time to attend, engage, and contribute.

For this annual conference, I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to our speakers, vendors, sponsors, conference committee, volunteers, and, most importantly, our members. It truly takes a collective effort to make an event like this a success. Your ongoing support and participation are what allow SCAFO to provide meaningful education and remain a strong, vibrant professional organization.

I truly hope this conference provided you with more than just valuable training. I hope it offered an avenue to reconnect with old colleagues, forge new friendships, exchange ideas, and remember why the work we do matters so deeply. So much of our growth comes not only from presentations, but from the conversations we share with those who have walked similar paths.

ACCESS EVENT MEDIA FILES HERE

As we look toward the close of the year, I warmly invite everyone to join us for our final SCAFO meeting in December – in honour of our past presidents – where we can also celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together and look ahead to the future.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President. I am endlessly proud of what SCAFO represents and even more excited about what we can accomplish together. Our legacy was built by those who came before us, and our responsibility is to strengthen it for those who come next.

Respectfully,

Lindsey Olson, 2026 SCAFO President

As your President, one of my highest priorities has been to encourage greater engagement within our association. SCAFO carries an incredible history dating back to 1937, and with that history comes a shared responsibility to keep moving forward. Our profession is constantly evolving, and by learning, adapting, sharing knowledge, and supporting the next generation of identification professionals, we honor that legacy.

I truly hope this conference provided you with more than just valuable training. I hope it offered an avenue to reconnect with old colleagues, forge new friendships, exchange ideas, and remember why the work we do matters so deeply. So much of our growth comes not only from presentations, but from the conversations we share with those who have walked similar paths.

As we look toward the close of the year, I warmly invite everyone to join us for our final SCAFO meeting in December – in honour of our past presidents – where we can also celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together and look ahead to the future.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President. I am endlessly proud of what SCAFO represents and even more excited about what we can accomplish together. Our legacy was built by those who came before us, and our responsibility is to strengthen it for those who come next.

Thank you for making this conference unforgettable, for taking valuable insights away from every presentation, and, most importantly, for being the heart of the SCAFO community.

Here’s to continuing the tradition, raising the standard, and shaping the future of our profession together!

Respectfully,

Lindsey Olson, 2026 SCAFO President

Cheers from the 2026 Conference – Temecula, CA!

To all Agencies represented and Sponsors/Vendors, we say thank you!

Bi-monthly Training Meetings

Mark Your Calendars

Be sure to check the website for updates and important information. Please note, the dates below are subject to change pending on venue availability.

Visit the ‘STORE’ page to purchase your seats for the different meetings or events as they become available.

Also, ensure you are logged into your member account to access exclusive information on the locations as well as other features.

2026 Training Dates

– FEBRUARY 7TH
– APRIL 4TH
– JUNE 6TH
– AUGUST 1ST
– OCTOBER 1ST – 2ND (Annual Conference)
– DECEMBER 5TH

FORENSIC SCIENCE ARTICLES

11.15.2026 | Thin slicing and Latent Orientation by Mack Brazelle Training

“In forensic fingerprint analysis, determining which way is “up” on any print—known as latent orientation —is a critical first step before making an identification. This training guide by Mack Brazelle introduces “thin-slicing,” a method for quickly orienting latent fingerprints using four visual cues: Straight Edge , Baseline Ridges, Clock Rule , and Strong Arch…”

See full presentation here

PREVIOUSLY ON FORENSIC ARTICLES

GAP SCIENCE

What’s Inside
The Vault?

With The Vault, you get unlimited access to expert-led forensic training designed for busy professionals like you. Whether you’re just starting out or advancing in your career, The Vault puts the training you need at your fingertips.

Exclusive SCAFO Member Offer: Unlock The Vault at a Special Rate!

Gap science is teaming up with SCAFO . You can access The Vault for just $10 per month —way less than the regular $29 per month.

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO SCAFO MEMBERS

AP NEWS BBC – FORENSIC SCIENCE CSAFE FORENSIC LIB FORENSIC – OIDS FORENSIC TECH FSI FSI-SYNERGY JFI – ABSTRACTS JFS NIJ NOBLIS STUDIES ONIN OSAC PHYS ORG RSA – ACADEMY SCIENCE ADV SCIENCE DAILY