Animal Crime Scenes Workshop

Dates: March 19-21, 2024

Location: University of Florida, Austin Cary Forest Conference Center
10625 NE Waldo Road
Gainesville, FL 32609

Understanding the process for the proper documentation, collection, and recovery of physical evidence from buried animal remains is an essential skill for those engaged in the application of the forensic sciences to veterinary medicine. This intensive three-day workshop will address the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for the proper processing of buried animal remains associated with a legal investigation.

Course Objectives

This intensive three-day workshop will focus on the initial scene search, establishment of a grid for scene reference and measurement, excavation techniques, and evidence documentation. Mornings are spent in lectures where students will receive instruction on human vs. non-human bone identification, forensic botany, forensic entomology, basic crime scene processing, and scientific and legal principles of evidence. Afternoons are spent in the field where students will search for and locate clandestine gravesites, process the scene for surface evidence, and begin a two-day excavation of a burial site.

Speakers

Adam W. Stern, DVM, CMI-IV, CFC, Diplomate ACVP.  Professor of Forensic Pathology
Jason H. Byrd, Ph.D, D-ABFE. Associate Director, Maples Center for Forensic Medicine
Lerah Sutton, Ph.D.  Assistant Director, Maples Center for Forensic Medicine

Registration

Registration is online – It’s fast, safe and convenient. To register with your Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, please visit our secure, online registration website.

  • If the course is not listed on the registration page, then enrollment in the course is currently closed.

Registration Fee: $375 (USD)

Getting Started

  • This course is held from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily – make sure you plan travel time from your hotel accordingly!
  • Clothing: fieldwork clothes – closed toe shoes and long pants are required.
  • Lunch:
    • We will break for lunch daily around noon depending on the course schedule for that day.
    • There will be limited time to leave the lab location to go out for lunch – only fast food options such as Wendy’s are close and fast enough to be realistic options.
    • Some snacks and drinks will be provided, but we encourage students to bring their own lunches. There is a refrigerator and microwave on site.
  • Camera: DSLR or phone camera
  • Computer: Make sure you bring any necessary cables to upload your photos from your camera to your computer.

Lodging

Lodging is the responsibility of each attendee. Some options are:

  1. Best Western Gateway Grand, 4200 NW 97th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32606. A special rate of $108 per night has been arranged for course attendees. Reservation rates will be honored throughout the course dates. To make a reservation, please use this link, or call (352) 331-3336 (local) and refer to the Maples Center as your group. Reservations depend on availability—the sooner you can book, the better!
  2. Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville, 1714 SW 34th Street Gainesville, FL 32607. A special rate for the hotel is booked through the UF College of Medicine. When using our organization’s link, you can book your room under the corporate special rate code – N1364036. To make a reservation over the phone, please call the Sales Coordinator, Julia Andreeva at (352) 384-3412.
  3. University associates can book a Wyndham Hotel and receive a discount on their stay, as a result of a University of Florida contract with the Wyndham Hotel Group.  This contract provides reduced rates on rooms at 11 brands and nearly 7,000 participating hotels worldwide. As an associate of the University of Florida, you will receive a minimum of 10% off the “Best Available Rate” at participating locations every time you travel whether the travel is for business or pleasure. To make a reservation, call the member benefits hotline at 1 (800) 525-5501.  You will need to give the agent the information below at the time of booking to receive the discount.
    • University of Florida
    • Discount Account ID Number: 1000007780
    • Affiliate ID Number: 005140