Webinars

Rapid DNA Fundamentals & Getting Started

Tuesday, October 20, 2:00 PM EST

Explore appropriate sample types, potential applications in criminal investigations and unidentified human remains cases, and the distinction between investigative leads and evidentiary use. Experienced professionals will discuss the infrastructure, equipment, stakeholders, and validation processes needed to get a program up and running. The session will also examine funding pathways and a real-world example of a funded Rapid DNA program.

Learn how Bode Technology can support implementation through validation, databasing, and ongoing services, and leave with a clearer understanding of the steps involved in bringing Rapid DNA to your agency or organization.

GEDmatch PRO in Practice: New Updates and a Genealogist’s Perspective

Thursday, October 15, 1:00 PM EST

GEDmatch PRO continues to evolve, with new updates and functionality designed to support forensic genetic genealogy investigations. Join Tom Osypian, Associate Director of HID and GEDmatch Product Manager, for an overview of the latest product updates, followed by Bode genealogist Allison Ryall for a practical look at how GEDmatch PRO can be used in the context of FIGG casework. Allison will approach the platform from the perspective of the questions genealogists are trying to answer during an investigation. She will explore topics such as:

• What to look at first when evaluating a kit?
• Determining which matches are likely to be useful
• Assessing whether multiple matches may point toward the same ancestral line
• When does segment-level analysis become useful?
• How do DNA results guide genealogical research, and when is it useful to return to the DNA to test a developing hypothesis?

Whether you are new to GEDmatch PRO or looking to better understand how the platform can fit into a broader FIGG workflow, this session will provide both an overview of recent updates and a practical perspective on using GEDmatch PRO to support forensic genetic genealogy casework.

From Case Review to Identification: Building a Modern Cold Case Program

The discussion also examines how advanced DNA testing and forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) can support these efforts, from identifying evidence that may warrant additional testing to developing new investigative leads and identifying offenders.

FIGG for European Investigations: Practical Considerations and Emerging Opportunities

As interest in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) grows across Europe, agencies are looking beyond what the technology can do to understand how it can be applied responsibly and effectively within their own investigative and regulatory environments.

This webinar will provide an inside look at how FIGG works from the forensic DNA laboratory through genealogical research and investigative lead generation. Drawing on experience from real-world casework, the session will explore the scientific, investigative, genealogical, and operational considerations that shape a successful FIGG investigation—including how to navigate privacy and regulatory requirements such as GDPR.

Topics will include:

• How FIGG is applied in real-world investigations, from forensic DNA processing to investigative leads
• Evaluating cases and samples for FIGG potential
• SNP Testing approaches and considerations for challenging forensic samples
• Integrating FIGG with existing forensic and investigative workflows
• The role of GEDmatch PRO in forensic genetic genealogy
• How genealogical research, historical context, and regional expertise can inform investigations
• Navigating privacy, transparency, and regulatory considerations, including GDPR
• Approaches to working within jurisdictional requirements and developing practical pathways for FIGG casework
• Considerations for international collaboration, evidence handling, and reporting

Designed for forensic scientists, laboratory leaders, investigators, and other professionals involved in forensic casework, this session will provide a practical understanding of how FIGG works, where it can add value, and what agencies should consider when evaluating its use.

Whether your agency is exploring FIGG for the first time or looking to expand its capabilities, this session will offer practical insight from a team experienced in putting FIGG into practice.

Getting More from Your Evidence: DNA Sampling Methods for Every Case

The way DNA evidence is sampled can have a significant impact on the profile that can ultimately be developed. But with so many sampling methods available, how do you know which approach is right for the evidence in front of you?

In this 30-minute webinar, Bode will explore a range of DNA sampling methods and considerations, from traditional approaches such as cuttings, swabs, scrapings, and tape lifts to more advanced techniques for challenging evidence.

Topics will include:

• Key considerations when selecting a sampling method
• Traditional sampling methods, including cuttings, swabs, scrapings, and high- and low-tack tape lifts
• M-Vac sampling
• Specialized approaches for casings, bullets, and other metal objects
• Updates on emerging and proprietary Bode approaches for challenging evidence

Attendees will gain a better understanding of the sampling options available and how to select the right approach for different evidence types to help maximize DNA recovery and support downstream processing.

Advancing FIGG in Australasia: Practical Pathways for Investigative Success

As forensic laboratories and investigative agencies across Australasia continue to evaluate the role of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), questions are increasingly shifting from what FIGG is to how FIGG can be implemented effectively in practice.

This practitioner-focused webinar will explore operational experience from active FIGG investigations, including workflow considerations, lessons learned from complex casework, and the growing role of GEDmatch PRO as an investigative resource in forensic genealogy. Discussion will focus on how agencies are incorporating FIGG alongside existing forensic and investigative tools, as well as the scientific, logistical, and investigative considerations that accompany implementation.

Topics will include:

• Operational lessons learned from real-world FIGG investigations
• Integrating FIGG into existing forensic and investigative workflows
• The evolving role and capabilities of GEDmatch PRO in forensic genealogy casework
• Sequencing technologies and considerations for challenging forensic samples
• Genealogy and population research considerations relevant to Australasian investigations
• Investigative, privacy, and transparency considerations associated with FIGG implementation
• Practical considerations for international collaboration, evidence handling, and reporting workflows

Designed for forensic scientists, laboratory leadership, and investigative professionals, this session will provide an applied discussion of how FIGG is being used operationally today and considerations for agencies evaluating its role in future investigations.

Bode RapidSwab: One Collection, Two DNA Workflows, Zero Compromise

The utilization of Rapid DNA technology continues to expand from booking stations and buccal swabs to crime scene samples for real time investigative leads. This expansion and adoption by law enforcement, crime laboratories, and medical examiner’s offices will continue as applicable quality assurance standards are updated, allowing further access for database searching.

Coinciding with this expansion has been the continual development of Rapid DNA technologies to increase sensitivity and the types of samples that can be successfully analyzed. These advancements in cartridges and protocols now require that specialized evidence collection materials be utilized for full compatibility.

The Bode RapidSwab is a unique (patent pending) device that allows for the simultaneous collection (A Swab/ A Swab) of an evidentiary sample with both a cotton and flocked swab. This innovative dual matrix design allows a DNA analyst or crime scene investigator to collect for both rapid and traditional laboratory DNA workflows at the same time. The flocked swab is compatible with emerging rapid cartridges including the specialized protocol of the Applied Biosystems™ RapidINTEL™ Plus while the cotton swab can be utilized for a traditional extraction, quantification, and amplification analysis.

This webinar will detail the developmental studies of the RapidSwab demonstrating the collection and analysis of mock crime scene samples. Biological materials (blood, saliva, semen, and epithelial cells) were deposited on a variety of surfaces including gun grips, bricks, knives, fabrics, glass, and soda cans. The mock evidence samples were collected with the RapidSwab; the flocked swab was analyzed via Rapid DNA and the cotton swab analyzed with the traditional method. Data will demonstrate success rates with Rapid DNA analysis and comparative results to the traditional laboratory processing method. Data will also be presented comparing the simultaneous A Swab/A Swab collection method compared to the sequential and sub sampling A Swab/B Swab method.

State v Ronald Craige: Justice served 50 years later thanks to DNA and SAKI

NEW: On Demand Webinar

On the 21st night of September 1975, at just 19 years old, a Tulane student was raped at gunpoint by masked assailants in her home. After calling the police, she was examined and endured the additional trauma of having a SAK collected at the coroner’s office, years before Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner programs existed. Evidence was collected from her home and then stored, untouched, in a New Orleans Police Department attic space. The survivor went on to lead an extraordinary life, but always wondered what happened to her case. 

It wasn’t until decades later, when the survivor crossed paths with a member of the Cuyahoga Ohio SAKI team that things finally fell into place for her quest for justice. The dedicated folks from Cuyahoga utilized the SAKI network to see what could be done, leading them to Mary Glass who oversees SAKI in New Orleans.  

New Orleans had long been a part of the SAKI program, receiving funding specifically earmarked for cold cases like this one. Cold cases that have everything working against them, creating a near worst-case scenario for prosecution: 

• Key personnel from the original investigation were deceased or unavailable 
• Critical evidence, including the SAK, crime scene photos, and 911 audio, was missing 
• The remaining evidence had been improperly stored in plastic in an attic since 1975 
• DNA evidence was highly degraded, yielding only a partial profile 
• Outdated and problematic 1975-era case law had to be addressed in court 
• The DNA evidence would inevitably be heavily scrutinized during trial 

Despite all that, the suspect was identified and successfully prosecuted. Learn how, through determination and collaboration, the case was tried in court, not once, but twice, before the survivor finally got the justice she deserved, and her rapist was sentenced to life in prison. This webinar includes the assistant district attorney’s voir dire, opening and closing statements, excerpts from the trial transcripts, photos, exhibits, DNA, medical and NOPD reports, and victim’s impact statement given at sentencing. 

Advancing FIGG: How Bode and GEDMatch PRO Are Driving Innovation in Forensic Genetic Genealogy

See how Bode Technology’s FIGG services and GEDMatch PRO are advancing forensic investigative genetic genealogy. 

Join Bode Technology’s Teresa Vreeland and QIAGEN’s Tom Osypian for insights into: 

• New FIGG capabilities, technologies, and process improvements developed by Bode over the past year. 

• GEDMatch PRO updates that enhance usability, workflow integration, and collaboration. 

• Upcoming advancements and what they mean for agencies leveraging FIGG in investigations. 

This session is perfect for forensic professionals and law enforcement officers seeking practical insights and a forward-looking view of tools and services that help solve cases more efficiently. 

Optimizing the Power of DNA to Solve Cold & Challenging Cases

Cold and challenging cases demand persistence, innovation, and the right tools. Join Dr. Angela Williamson, Bode Technology’s Vice President of Cold Cases, for a practical discussion on how to maximize the impact of DNA in investigations. 

This session will explore: 

• How to think beyond traditional methods to uncover new leads 
• Advanced DNA technologies and innovative sampling techniques that can help generate probative evidence
• How to make the most of the resources available through your state or local lab—while also understanding what additional tools can be brought into play
• What federal grants are applicable to cold cases and advanced DNA testing

Whether you’re working to move a stalled case forward or preparing to approach a difficult investigation, this webinar will highlight strategies and solutions that can open new doors. 

Your Guide to GEDmatch PRO™: Tailoring the Tool to Your Investigative Style

GEDmatch PRO™ is one of the largest and most robust portals available to law enforcement for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG). Designed specifically to support police and forensic teams, GEDmatch PRO™ enables investigative comparisons to GEDmatch data, including tools tailored to advancing complex cases.

What you’ll learn:

• How GEDmatch PRO™ separates police investigations from standard genealogy activities while safeguarding user consent.
• The process of uploading SNP genotype data to the portal and its importance in conducting FIGG searches.
• Real-world applications of GEDmatch PRO™, including insights from a detective, a crime analyst, and a Bode Technology genealogist.
• The most commonly used GEDmatch PRO™ tools and features available for furthering investigations.
• The biggest misconceptions about GEDmatch PRO™ vs GEDmatch

Harnessing the Potential: Strategies for Rapid DNA Investigative Leads Programs

Presented by Bode Technology and ThermoFisher Scientific. An expert panel to discuss strategies and share invaluable insights for building and optimizing a rapid DNA investigative leads program, including:

• The latest advancements and resources in rapid DNA for investigations and identifications.
• Bringing Rapid online – implementation and operational resources and plans
• Case studies, successes, and the impact of DNA investigative leads

Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy

Exploring the Impact, Processes, Successes and Challenges of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Webinar Series. Examine forensic genealogy and its impacts. Speakers include forensic analysts, genealogists, prosecutors, investigators and more.

NEW: Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy – Answers for Unsolvable Cases

Bode Technology’s Forensic Genealogy Services provides an accredited solution to generate new investigative leads for previously unsolvable cases.

Teresa Vreeland, Bode’s Director of Forensic Genealogy Services, will review how Bode’s Forensic Genealogy Service is a turn-key accredited solution that will assist you in navigating this exciting field from sample selection and testing plan generation to a case solution. Bode has both whole genome sequencing and targeted sequencing validated and online. These two options allow us to customize the testing plan for each sample to generate the reliable results and progress your case.

Part 1: Forensic Genealogy: Introduction and Review of More than a Year of Cases

Includes background, databases, an introduction into how genealogy works, and the process of using genealogy to investigate unsolved homicides, rapes and to identify human remains.

Part 2: Forensic Genealogy: Unlocking the Science of Genealogy

An in-depth look at the science behind forensic genealogy, including exploring the use of Microarrays and Whole Genome Sequencing and research on the impact of lower amounts of DNA, degraded DNA and DNA from different sources.

Part 3: Forensic Genealogy: Diving Deeper into Law Enforcement Investigations

Forensic genealogy investigations from the perspective of the Fayetteville Police Department including approaches to database searching and research.

Use of DNA in Post Conviction Testing

Post Conviction DNA Testing

How to work with stakeholders when evaluating cases suitable for post-conviction DNA testing. Explore various technologies and topics including advanced sampling techniques, Bode X-traction, resolving complex mixtures and Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy.

DNA from Shell Casings & Rootless Hairs

Answers for Tough Cases.

Bode’s proprietary, advanced DNA X-traction Technology can yield ~10 times more usable DNA from spent shell casings and detect nuclear DNA from rootless hairs, offering investigative leads for current and cold cases.

Use of Rapid DNA in Forensics

Rapid DNA technologies can have a significant impact on local DNA databases and solving crimes through real-time investigative information through DNA.

Part 1: Implementation of Rapid DNA: Prevent Tomorrow’s Victim

Bensalem Township Police was one of the first police departments in the country to utilize Rapid DNA in conjunction with its well-established local DNA database. Learn how this technology maximized impact on the judicial system.

Part 2: From Collection to Persecution: Investigations Using Rapid DNA and Local Databases

Understand how Rapid DNA and local DNA databases can solve crimes faster with illustrations using real case examples. Understand best practices for using this groundbreaking technology.

Part 3: Preparing for the Worst – Rapid DNA as Part of a Comprehensive Disaster Victim ID Plan

A demonstration of how rapid DNA can play a pivotal role in disaster victim identification (DVI). This presentation focuses on streamlined protocols for rapid analysis of skeletal remains, use of RapidHIT™ ID, a mobile, field-deployable use of Rapid DNA, as a comprehensive solution that includes AABB accredited rapid DNA technology and real-time Bode Technology reach-back support. Case study of Rapid DNA in use by the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) to assist with analysis of tissue, brain and bone samples following a tragic helicopter crash.

BodeHITS™ Local DNA Database – Answers for Local Cases

Local crimes require local solutions. Quickly identifying and eliminating suspects is critical in ensuring rapid resolution of cases. Learn how building, growing, and utilizing a local DNA database will lead to a decrease in crime and provide a solution that delivers for years to come.

Gun Crime Initiatives – Answers for Law Enforcement

This webinar will explore several new and enhanced solutions to increase the success rate of forensic evidence and rapidly provide the data law enforcement needs to solve these challenging cases.

Sexual Assault Kit Testing

Sexual Assault Kit Backlogs Webinar Series

Forensic laboratories are often overwhelmed by the volume of sexual assault evidence kits (SAEKs) they receive for processing. This 4-part webinar series, presented jointly by Promega and Bode Technology, addresses legislative issues and workflow efficiencies for SAEK processing in the US.

Part 1: Anatomy of Sex Crimes: Investigations of Untested Rape Kits
Part 2: Effectively Managing the Workload from Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Legislation
Part 3: Embracing the Challenge of Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Testing
Part 4: Wisconsin’s Effort to Process 6,800+ Backlogged Sexual Assault Kits

Automation and Speed: Creating a Process for 2-week Turnaround of Sexual Assault Kit Evidence

Bode discusses how new technologies and automation improve capacity and throughput of testing sexual assault kit evidence in our laboratory.

The 6 Pillars of Approaching Sexual Assault Kit Backlogs
Presented by the Joyful Heart Foundation

Sexual Assault Kit Tracking: The Approach and Impact of Statewide Tracking
Presented by Michigan State Police

Property Crime Webinars

A look at creating success through high-throughput property crimes programs including technical and operational aspects, project development, implementation and results assessments.

Part 1: Oregon State Police’s High-Throughput Property Crime Program

Oregon State Police discuss lessons learned in the development of a high-throughput property crime program.

Part 2: Analyzing Property Crimes Is Worth More Than Its Weight In Gold

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department discusses lessons learned from development of laboratory property crime processing.

Part 3: A Comparison of DNA Typing Success in Compromised Blood and Touch Samples Based on Sampling Swab Composition

Virginia Commonwealth University discusses the impact of time and temperature on DNA analysis of samples using both cotton and a proprietary swab designed to minimize degradation of forensic samples.

DNA Evidence Collection: A Collaborative Effort

Best practices for crime scene evidence collection, packaging, and submission as well as the impact that DNA collection has on success rates and efficiency in a forensic crime lab were discussed