ASSOCIATION OF FORENSIC FINGERPRINT EXAMINERS AND CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS

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AANNANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS FAQs!

 Early renewal period: October 1 – December 31.

 Late renewal period: December 31 – March 31.

To access the renewal forms, 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 to access member-exclusive features, including renewal forms.

If you already have an account and want to login—or need to create one—click on the MEMBERS tab in the navigation bar above and follow the instructions provided.

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.

AANNPROPOSED AMENDMENT

 Dear members, please take time to review the proposed amendment as they’ll be voted on during the August meeting. Your review is important to help us move forward with incorporating the approved amendments into the Constitution and Bylaws.

If you have any questions, please contact the Secretary, Dennise Hernandez [secretary@scafo.org] for more details.

Thank you.

click to review the changes

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

As we begin a new year, I am truly honored to step into the role of President of the Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers. SCAFO has long represented professionalism, integrity, and excellence within the identification community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and lead this organization forward. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our outgoing President, Denell Payne, for her leadership, dedication, and service to SCAFO. Her commitment to this organization and to the advancement of our profession has helped strengthen our foundation and position us well for the future. I am thankful for her guidance and the example she has set.

To our members, your passion for forensic science, your commitment to continued learning, and your dedication to excellence are what make SCAFO strong. Each of you plays an important role in advancing the identification profession and upholding the standards we are proud to represent. I am also grateful to our Executive Board, committees, and volunteers whose continued service and collaboration are essential to our success. Together, we will continue to build upon SCAFO’s mission through education, innovation, and professional integrity.

As President, my focus is on strengthening our organization, supporting our members, and continuing to move SCAFO forward with purpose and vision. The work we do matters, not only within our profession, but in the communities we serve. Thank you for your trust and support as we move into this new year. I look forward to working alongside each of you and to all that we will accomplish together. This is our moment to lead with purpose, strengthen our profession, and leave SCAFO better for those who follow.

Respectfully,

Lindsey Olson, 2026 SCAFO President

FORENSIC SCIENCE ARTICLES

9.07.2026 | Why Forensic Scientists are Essential Workers by M. M. Houck and G. S. LaBerge

“Forensic scientists, though crucial, are often overlooked in the “essential worker” discourse. This Perspective argues for their formal recognition as essential gov ernment personnel, aligning with federal definitions of essential and critical infrastructure workers. Their contributions are vital for timely criminal investigations, successful prosecutions, and protecting the innocent…. Sociologists refer to certain professions as “captive professions,” meaning their expertise is structurally subordinate to another organization’s priorities… [Forensic Scientists] operate within a “captive profession” under policing, lacking parity in pay, benefits, overtime, and furlough protections compared to sworn officers. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored these issues. While forensic laboratories were mandated to continue operations as part of the justice system’s critical infrastructure, forensic staff often face budget cuts and hazardous work conditions while not being acknowledged for doing so. 

During times of fiscal constraint, police officers and firefighters were exempted from furloughs often due to existing employment contracts, while civilian forensic staff were not. This disparity highlights a narrow definition of “essential” that prioritizes immediate protection of life and limb over the long-term public safety contributions of forensic science. Forensic laboratories play a crucial role in safeguarding communities…by conducting evidence-based investigations. These investigations are vital for preventing wrongful arrests and convictions… and fostering public trust in the justice system. However, within the existing structure, the essential function of forensic science is chronically undervalued…

Addressing this imbalance requires more than incremental reform. It calls for a cultural and structural shift in how the government defines, compensates, and supports forensic scientists within the essential workforce.

See full article  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 LEARNING FORENSIC LIBRARY FORENSIC RESOURCES – OIDS FORENSIC TECHNOLOGY FSI FSI-SYNERGY JFI – ABSTRACTS JFS NIJ NOBLIS STUDIES ONIN OSAC PHYS ORG RSA – LP ACADEMY SCIENCE ADVANCES SCIENCE DAILY
Credit: Standards for Examining Friction Ridge Impressions and Resulting Conclusions (Latent/Tenprint), 2011

FORENSIC SCIENCE ARTICLES

9.07.2026 |  Why Forensic Scientists are Essential Workers by M. M. Houck and G. S. LaBerge

“Forensic scientists, though crucial, are often overlooked in the “essential worker” discourse. This Perspective argues for their formal recognition as essential gov ernment personnel, aligning with federal definitions of essential and critical infrastructure workers. Their contributions are vital for timely criminal investigations, successful prosecutions, and protecting the innocent…. Sociologists refer to certain professions as “captive professions,” meaning their expertise is structurally subordinate to another organization’s priorities… [Forensic Scientists] operate within a “captive profession” under policing, lacking parity in pay, benefits, overtime, and furlough protections compared to sworn officers. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored these issues. While forensic laboratories were mandated to continue operations as part of the justice system’s critical infrastructure, forensic staff often face budget cuts and hazardous work conditions while not being acknowledged for doing so. 

During times of fiscal constraint, police officers and firefighters were exempted from furloughs often due to existing employment contracts, while civilian forensic staff were not. This disparity highlights a narrow definition of “essential” that prioritizes immediate protection of life and limb over the long-term public safety contributions of forensic science. Forensic laboratories play a crucial role in safeguarding communities…by conducting evidence-based investigations. These investigations are vital for preventing wrongful arrests and convictions… and fostering public trust in the justice system. However, within the existing structure, the essential function of forensic science is chronically undervalued…

Addressing this imbalance requires more than incremental reform. It calls for a cultural and structural shift in how the government defines, compensates, and supports forensic scientists within the essential workforce.

See full article  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
Credit: Standards for Examining Friction Ridge Impressions and Resulting Conclusions (Latent/Tenprint), 2011

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

Cheers from the 2025 Conference, Santa Clarita

  ~ Conference Appreciation ~  
Agencies Represented and Sponsors/Vendors

Listen to some interesting crime stories or forensic-related updates…

DATELINE DOUBLE LOOP FORENSIC FILES INVISIBLE CHOIR MINUTIAE TROIS

Non-Profit Registration Number: 91-1925512

  • 800 S. Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA 93009
  • scafo.training@scafo.org
  • Josie Mejia (Treasurer)
  • Dennise Hernandez (Secretary)
  • Omolola Odeniyi (Editor/Web Manager)
© 2026 Southern California Association Of Fingerprint Officers.