Deborah Smith Email & Phone Number

• Provide a learning experience designed to help forensic practitioners improve their investigation, evidence collection, and examination skills• Share knowledge and communicate best practices in the fields of fingerprints, crime scene processing, and quality management.

Fort Worth, Texas, United States

• Conduct root cause analyses; develop and implement corrective action reports for laboratory non-conformances• Review policies, procedures, accreditation criteria, laboratory conformance, potential quality issues and non-conformances, standard operating procedures, current and proposed laboratory procedures, laboratory safety issues and other miscellaneous quality functions• Prepare and submit reports to accrediting authority• Monitor and maintain training and development for laboratory employees; consult with Unit Supervisors regarding requirements for continued qualification of examiners; provide guidance and recommendations to laboratory employees • Review and approve changes in laboratory procedures; perform internal assessment of crime laboratory operations; identify, investigate and prepare non-conformance documentation • Maintain the Qualtrax Compliance Software for the Lab

Fort Worth, Tx

•Provide expert court testimony •Examine friction ridge impressions and interpret results (including verifications and peer reviews)•Maintain logs, forms, and file systems as prescribed by section SOP•Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing•Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work•Instruct law enforcement officers in the proper method of packaging, submitting and exam request procedures•Revise and maintain section SOPs, policies and procedures and software applications•Responsible and accountable for the overall operational, administrative and quality management activities of the Latent Print Unit•Responsible and accountable for the overall administration of Qualtrax Compliance Software for the Lab

Richmond, Tx

•Conduct complex crime scene investigations using various types of equipment•Develop, secure, and package physical evidence for scientific evaluation and comparison•Prepare detailed reports on the observations and activities at the scene•Testify in court regarding the findings and processing methods used at the scene•Maintain custody and control of all items of evidence in the property rooms including logs, inventory and yearly audits•Instruct law enforcement officers in the proper method of packaging, sealing, and labeling of evidence•Revise and maintain section SOPs, policies and procedures

Tyler, Tx

•Receive/return evidence to outside agencies and DPS officers•Maintain chain-of-custody standards by recording and storing evidence•Ensure all evidence contains a proper seal to guarantee integrity•Screen calls; handle routine inquiries and transfer calls to proper sources•Contact submitting officers or supervisors for case disposition information•Prepare written correspondence for distribution to entities outside of the laboratory•File laboratory reports, records and other related correspondence•Compile and prepare reports of laboratory activities•Instruct law enforcement officers in the proper method of packaging, sealing, and labeling of evidence•Revise and maintain section SOPs, policies and procedures

Master Of Science Degree, Forensic Science, Summa Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: Emphasis in Forensic Science Administration; Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Bachelor Of Science Degree, Government - Legal Studies + Criminal Justice Minor, Magna Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society; Chancellor's List Honors

Continuing & Professional Education, Professional, 4.0

Courses taken: The Science of Fingerprints Transition to Leadership Ethics in Forensic Science Roles in Forensic Science

Associate'S Degree

Activities and Societies: Phi Theta Kappa; Dean's List HonorsContinuous studies in preparation for BS/MS.

Certificate, Crime Scene Technician

Activities and Societies: Dean's List Honors; President's List Honors

Core Studies