Kathie Koppenhaver, FDE

I travelled to Baltimore Md, this past weekend to attend Kathie Koppenhaver's Forensic Document Examiners Conference held at the BWI Marriott hotel.

I saw many of my colleagues from past conferences, and we picked up right where we left off.

Kathie talked to us about the image of an Expert Witness, how to dress, how to behave etc.

We learned about different court room displays and the pros and cons for each. We discussed jury books, computer/video projection, and static displays.

Bill showed us his lab setup, including his stereo microscope, and his magnifying cameras. He brought out his IR filter, and we all got to see if our camera was capable of seeing IR. MOst of the point & click digitals could see IR, but the more expensive cameras (like the Nikon D80 or the Canon Rebel) had a hot mirror in it which stops the camera from seeing Infrared.


We learned how to take requested writings from Bob Baier, who is an excellent speaker and document examiner.

Anne Smith, from Virginia, showed us a cool new program that lets you do measuring and statistical analysis with computer generated calipers, compasses, and protractors. The information is then exported into Excel, where formulas are used to get the statistical information.

Linda Hodges, from North Carolina, presented on book collection software called bookcollectorz. This software will allow you to scan in your books (via the ISBN) or it can go online and gather information using only the ISBN or Title. This is a program that will grow with any avid book collection.

A mock trial was held, and those not court qualified were able to get some experience and those who have been court qualified before, were able to hone their skills.

After the 2 day conference, Kathie was kind enough to invite everyone to her office, so we could see how she operated her business. A great time was had by all, and it was over in a flash.

We are already planning next year's conference--it is one you dont want to miss.