Forensic Statistics

Class Code: 
A200
Subject Area: 
A - Professional Communication and Conduct Program
Class Location: 
Various
Class Description: 

This four (4) day hands-on workshop will acquaint forensic practitioners in non DNA disciplines with statistical methods used in the standard operating procedures now commonly being implemented in forensic labs. The course assumes minimal knowledge of statistics and is designed to be hands-on, with a combination of class discussion and exercises on the computer. It is designed to build attendees’ skill set and confidence in applying the methods that will be discussed. Topics covered will include basic descriptive univariate statistics, the GUM/uncertainty budgets, hypothesis testing, error rate statistics, gauge repeatability and reproducibility, regression for calibration curves, the “likelihood ratio paradigm” and (time permitting) Bayesian networks for forensic scenarios. To the extent possible, techniques will be illustrated with data sets familiar from laboratory practice. Attendees are also encouraged discuss or bring any data they are interested in analyzing for their laboratory. All software used will be open source, freely available, and peer reviewed. Skills learned in this workshop will provide a statistical foundation the practitioner can take back to their laboratory and reproduce on any computer system

Instructor: 
Dr. Nicholas D.K. Petraco
Teaching Methods: 
Lectures and hands-on exercises with the open-source R/RStudio software and custom software written in R by Dr. Petraco for the course
Objectives: 
The purpose of this hands-on course is to acquaint forensic practitioners with statistical methods that are applicable to evidence they encounter, as well as issues and pitfalls to be aware of when applying these methods. The focus of the course will be on statistical methods used to analyze data derived from forensic disciplines other than DNA; e.g., firearms and impression evidence, trace evidence, controlled substances, and toxicology.
Preparation: 
Forensic scientists should be familiar with statistical methods of data analysis.
Tuition: 
No cost to POST supported or State of California based Law Enforcement agencies. A $480.00 tuition fee will be required of all other public agency, private sector, or out-of-state applicants.
Course Contact: 
Neda Khoshkebari (916) 464-5599, (916)464-0600
More Information: 

Schedule of Classes:

Location Date(s)
Rancho Cordova November 13-16, 2017