2004 INNOVATIONS AWARDS PROGRAM Application Form (INSTRUCTIONS: Please complete and submit this document electronically if possible, e.g. a Word document. The application form is available online at our web site, www.csg.org, in the Programs section. Please determine the appropriate Program Category from the enclosed Program Categories sheet, and list the category under the Category section below on the right.)
ID #: 04-S-86VA Category: Public Safety/Corrections State: Virginia
1. Program Name Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine (VIFSM)
2. Administering Agency Department of Criminal Justice Services, Commonwealth of Virginia
3. Contact Person Linda Carne, Executive Director
4. Address 700 North 5th Street, Richmond, VA 23219
5. Telephone Number (804) 786-7299
6. FAX Number (804) 786-6857
7. E-mail Address [email protected]
8. Web site Address www.vifsm.org
9. Please provide a two-sentence description of the program.
VIFSM is the premier provider of hands-on training in a working forensic environment for aspiring forensic scientists and pathologists in addition to educating all those who interface with violent crime. VIFSM promotes a Virginia brand of justice forged from the cooperative efficiencies and innovations under the umbrella of the Department of Criminal Justice Services, Division of Forensic Science and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
10. How long has this program been operational (month and year)? Note: the program must be between 9 months and 5 years old on May 1, 2004 to be considered.
VIFSM was founded on July 2, 1999 11. Why was the program created? (What problem[s] or issue[s] was it designed to address?)
VIFSM was established as a public-private partnership designed to fulfill two missions:
1.) The preparation of qualified forensic scientists and pathologists to meet the growing demand for competent analysts. Graduates of VIFSM are ready to address national backlogs created by forensic laboratory caseloads (+23%) outpacing growth (+9%) in qualified forensic staff prepared to handle the evidence. 2.) Educate and train all those who interface with violent crime and homicide, promoting multi-disciplinary cooperation and the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence from crime scenes and victims.
12. Describe the specific activities and operations of the program in chronological order.
1999 Patricia Cornwell establishes VIFSM with $1.5 million contribution July 2, 1999 Board of Directors represents multi-disciplinary interaction of forensic science, medicine, law enforcement and the criminal justice system Institute locates its offices in VA Biotech II in Richmond, VA Gov. Gilmore supports VIFSM with $1.5 million two- year match from the Commonwealth 2000 Curriculum development, Fellowship design and Executive staff in place Key partnerships established with community colleges, universities, continuing education organizations, law enforcement agencies, judicial systems throughout the Commonwealth VIFSM sponsors 54th Forensic Academy for law enforcement VIFSM collaborates with the Science Museum of Virginia in the development of the Forensic Science wing of the museum, and has video display of the Institute showcased for the public 200l First Fellows graduate from VIFSM, with 13 certified in the forensic specialties of DNA, Controlled Substances, Toxicology and Pathology. All take positions in the Commonwealth VIFSM expands curriculum to include Covert burial, DNA of Prosecutors, Bugs, Bones and Botany VIFSM sponsors the Funsten Lecture Series at the Virginia Bio-Life Sciences Grand Opening VIFSM obtains academic credit for all educational programs offered via its three-to-five day courses in forensic science and medicine 2002 VIFSM expands Fellowship program to include Toxicology, Firearms & Tool marks and Forensic Anthropology VIFSM loses state matching funds, and embarks on foundation and grant support campaign that successfully insures its future VIFSM launches its website in partnership with Christopher Newport University and the Center for Innovative Technology VIFSM host first DNA Conference for Prosecutors and Judges, with 250 in attendance from the Commonwealth
2003 VIFSM secures state and federal contracts for education and Fellowship programs for the Commonwealth VIFSM obtains federal contract for DNA analysis for backlog cases, employing graduate Fellows of the VIFSM DNA program VIFSM hosts its first community tour of the Institute facilities, providing a view of the “real CSI”. More than 200 attend the fundraising event, at prices of $95 per ticket, raising more than $50,000 for VIFSM VIFSM expands its curriculum to 13 course offerings and more than 20 Fellowships
13. Why is the program a new and creative approach or method?
VIFSM was initially funded through an innovative combination of government funds and private contributions. This novel approach to program development can be held up as an example of government and the community sharing the cost and risk of service improvement to its citizens. Additionally, VIFSM’s approach to education is forged in hands-on, interactive learning methods, providing working examples rather than theory. VIFSM became a consulting resource for the television series “CSI”, and aptly became known as “the real CSI”.
14. What were the program’s start-up costs? (Provide details about specific purchases for this program, staffing needs and other financial expenditures, as well as existing materials, technology and staff already in place.)
$1.4 million revenue $950K expenses (See IRS 990 attachment)
15. What are the program’s annual operational costs?
FY 2003-2004: $1.8 million
16. How is the program funded?
1. Corporate and foundation contributions 2. Seminar Revenue 3. State and Federal Contracts
17. Did this program require the passage of legislation, executive order or regulations? If YES, please indicate the citation number.
No 18. What equipment, technology and software are used to operate and administer this program?
State of the art technology is employed in the program delivery of VIFSM’s educational efforts. From DNA analysis to Latent Print processing, VIFSM has been the beta site for equipment yet to be introduced to the public. In addition to the latest forensic technology, the Institute web programs are a showcase for innovation and cutting edge computer capabilities. The website, www.vifsm.org, is the number one site in search engines for “forensic training” in the world.
19. To the best of your knowledge, did this program originate in your state? If YES, please indicate the innovator’s name, present address, telephone number and e-mail address.
Original Board of Directors
Ms Patricia Cornwell c/o Irene Shulgin 1900 Bay Drive Pompano Beach, FL 33062 Marcella F. Fierro, M.D. Mr. Joseph B. Benedetti, Ret. Chief Medical Examiner Director Virginia Department of Health Dept. of Criminal Justice Services 400 East Jackson Street Richmond, VA 23219 805 E. Broad Street, 10th Floor Telephone: (804) 786-1033 E-mail: [email protected] Richmond, VA 23219 The Honorable Orrin G. Hatch Telephone: (804) 786-8718 United States Senator 131 Russell Senate Office Building E-mail: [email protected] Washington, DC 20510 Telephone: (202) 224-9860 Ms Linda Fairstein 211 East 70th St., Apt. 25A E. Anne Peterson, M.D.,M.P.H. New York, NY 10021-5209 Commissioner Telephone: (212) 335-9000 Virginia Department of Health 1500 East Main Street Paul B. Ferrara, Ph.D., Director Richmond, VA 23219 Division of Forensic Science Telephone: (804) 786-3561 Dept. of Criminal Justice Services 700 North 5th Street Larry J. Sabato, Director Richmond, VA 23219 UVA’s Center for Government Studies Telephone: (804) 786-3672 2020 Minor Road E-mail: [email protected] Charlottesville, VA 22903 Telephone: (804) 977-3472 The Honorable James Gilmore Former Governor Commonwealth of Virginia 20. Are you aware of similar programs in other states? If YES, which ones and how does this program differ?
No similar programs existed at the time of inception. Subsequently, VIFSM has been asked for guidance in establishing similar programs in California, Illinois, South Carolina, New Jersey, Australia, United Kingdom, Switzerland and the U.S. Army.
21. Has the program been fully implemented? If NO, what actions remain to be taken?
VIFSM has achieved its initial 4-year goals: To provide training to more than 6000 law enforcement professionals, attorneys, judges medical personnel and correctional personnel in the arena of forensic science and medicine. To provide intensive hands-on education for the certification of forensic professionals, with more than 30 forensic science and medicine Fellows completing their respective study programs, each of which participated in a minimum one year’s course of study. To educate the public about the Commonwealth’s criminal justice system’s forensic science and medicine excellence, both by proving guilt and exonerating the innocent. To beta-test the newest applications of forensic science and medicine, exploring the possibilities of efficiencies, cost containment and flawless analysis of evidence.
However, there is much more work to be done. The next four years’ goals include: Expanding the number of Fellows trained by VIFSM Establish partnerships with research entities to explore and validate new technologies Provide and expanded training facilities for localities Provide on-line learning opportunities for those areas of the Commonwealth least able to travel for training.
22. Briefly evaluate (pro and con) the program’s effectiveness in addressing the defined problem[s] or issue[s]. Provide tangible examples.
Highly Effective
Cross functional criminal justice enrollment in the programs, with an emphasis on multi-disciplinary cooperation and communication. The constituency now includes Rescue Squad volunteers, EMT’s, Fire and Arson personnel, law enforcement, SANE nurses, ER physicians, general practitioner physicians, social workers, Commonwealth’s Attorneys, judges, correctional officers, funeral home directors, Game and Inland Fisheries personnel, private investigators and academics form forensic study programs in universities an colleges in the Commonwealth.
- - 5 From 12,000 hits on our website per month to 150,000 hit per month, making VIFSM’s website the foremost location for forensic science and medicine. Every county in Virginia has had a representative participant in the educational programs offered by VIFSM, insuring educational extension throughout the State. The public’s growing fascination with forensic science has positioned the Institute to reach the public with its partnerships with The Learning Channel, the Virginia Science Museum, University and College Continuing Education Programs and civic association alliances.
Potential for Improved Effectiveness
The VIFSM’s location poses significant challenges for student travelers. Richmond is the 2nd most expensive air travel venue in the country and hotel costs in the immediate VIFSM area are expensive. The unavailability at this time of online courses prohibits distance learning participation. Space constraints limit Fellowship and training opportunities. A larger facility would increase efficiencies and numbers of participants. An increased judicial participation in programs (currently represent only 3% of enrollment in programs) is planned for improved effectiveness of the VIFSM education efforts. 23. How has the program grown and/or changed since its inception?
VIFSM has grown from offering three courses a year to 13 The Institute began with 6 Fellows annually, and now has 21 Program curriculum has developed in response to professional and citizen community need
24. What limitations or obstacles might other states expect to encounter if they attempt to adopt this program?
1. In the absence of an initial benefactor, program implementation costs could be prohibitive 2. Virginia is fortunate to have a number of recognized subject matter experts in this field, with world renowned reputations. It is to a state’s advantage to have such expertise in the palm of its hand rather than import it. 3. Factors that have made VIFSM are in some ways unique to Virginia: (a) a State approach to partnerships that enhanced VIFSM’s ability to provide a needed service and (b) a strong Criminal Justice system that encourages training and education.
- - 6 Add space as appropriate to this form. When complete, return to: CSG Innovations Awards 2004 The Council of State Governments 2760 Research Park Drive, P.O. Box 11910 Lexington, KY 40578-1910 [email protected]
DEADLINE: All original applications must be received by April 20, 2004, to be considered for an Innovations Award for 2004. ApplicationForm04.doc
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