I am both honored and humbled as I begin the duties of your President of the Rocky Mountain Division of the International Association for Identification (RMDIAI). I became a member of this organization almost immediately after moving to Colorado. During the past six years I have met some of the most dedicated individuals ever to grace the forensic field.
I am proud to say that, in this time of uncertainties with the pandemic and other factors, we have just completed one of the largest, if not the largest, attended educational conferences that the RMDIAI has held. If you missed it, the conference was held at the Ridgeline Hotel in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. This conference offered something of interest and value to everyone from ten-print analysis to low light photography. My many thanks are extended to all the members of the Conference Planning Committee and RMDIAI Officers.
One of the goals that I had in mind was to make this organization both more visible and accessible to all. I’m proud to say, due to the professionalism of Mike Reid, we established a Facebook page immediately after the conference. If you have not visited this site, please do so and “like” our page. This page is there not only for networking but to also share ideas and thoughts.
Also, if you have not viewed the International Association for Identification Facebook page, please do so. One of the latest entries is a group photo of our last conference.
As this is being written, the conference planning committee is already scheduled meetings for next year’s conference. Stay tuned as announcements for the location will be forthcoming.
As a new term year is upon us, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the professionals that have helped this past year. My sincere thanks to outgoing President Amy Laabs, Webmaster Mike Reid, Chair of the Board of Directors Heather Hatfield-Schlenker and Committee members George Slack, Becky Archuleta, Kailee Henson, Michelle Podhirny, Heidi Loveless, Sheri Shimamoto and Scott Miller.
As we progress through this year, I would like to issue a few challenges to the membership:
Challenge 1:
I challenge each of you to take at least one training course during this time. Some are required under accreditation standards to do so but others may not. Strive to be the best in your field. Go out of your comfort zone and broaden your knowledge.
Challenge 2:
Bring your expertise to the RMDIAI. Plan a presentation or workshop for the next and future educational conferences. We all learn from each other. Training through the RMDIAI ranks up there with the best and is also some of the least expensive you will find anywhere. If you have suggestions for training that you would like to see presented, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the Conference Planning Committee members.
Challenge 3:
Bring in a new member. There are many more forensic professionals that are not members in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. Each person has a knowledge base that can help all other members. In addition, it expands the networking capabilities between departments greatly.
Challenge 4:
Become involved! There seems to be an idea that members new to the organization have to wait years to become involved with the RMDIAI. This is far from the truth as can be witnessed from this year’s elections. There are also many chances to be involved through committees within the organization. The RMDIAI is your organization. Be a part of it!
I promise to you, as your President for the 2022-23 year, I will continue to set goals to improve the RMDIAI and to keep you informed of the progress. I also promise to be available to every person that may have ideas or questions. Please feel free to contact me at any time.
Respectfully,
Dennis Honeycutt
I am proud to say that, in this time of uncertainties with the pandemic and other factors, we have just completed one of the largest, if not the largest, attended educational conferences that the RMDIAI has held. If you missed it, the conference was held at the Ridgeline Hotel in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. This conference offered something of interest and value to everyone from ten-print analysis to low light photography. My many thanks are extended to all the members of the Conference Planning Committee and RMDIAI Officers.
One of the goals that I had in mind was to make this organization both more visible and accessible to all. I’m proud to say, due to the professionalism of Mike Reid, we established a Facebook page immediately after the conference. If you have not visited this site, please do so and “like” our page. This page is there not only for networking but to also share ideas and thoughts.
Also, if you have not viewed the International Association for Identification Facebook page, please do so. One of the latest entries is a group photo of our last conference.
As this is being written, the conference planning committee is already scheduled meetings for next year’s conference. Stay tuned as announcements for the location will be forthcoming.
As a new term year is upon us, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the professionals that have helped this past year. My sincere thanks to outgoing President Amy Laabs, Webmaster Mike Reid, Chair of the Board of Directors Heather Hatfield-Schlenker and Committee members George Slack, Becky Archuleta, Kailee Henson, Michelle Podhirny, Heidi Loveless, Sheri Shimamoto and Scott Miller.
As we progress through this year, I would like to issue a few challenges to the membership:
Challenge 1:
I challenge each of you to take at least one training course during this time. Some are required under accreditation standards to do so but others may not. Strive to be the best in your field. Go out of your comfort zone and broaden your knowledge.
Challenge 2:
Bring your expertise to the RMDIAI. Plan a presentation or workshop for the next and future educational conferences. We all learn from each other. Training through the RMDIAI ranks up there with the best and is also some of the least expensive you will find anywhere. If you have suggestions for training that you would like to see presented, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the Conference Planning Committee members.
Challenge 3:
Bring in a new member. There are many more forensic professionals that are not members in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. Each person has a knowledge base that can help all other members. In addition, it expands the networking capabilities between departments greatly.
Challenge 4:
Become involved! There seems to be an idea that members new to the organization have to wait years to become involved with the RMDIAI. This is far from the truth as can be witnessed from this year’s elections. There are also many chances to be involved through committees within the organization. The RMDIAI is your organization. Be a part of it!
I promise to you, as your President for the 2022-23 year, I will continue to set goals to improve the RMDIAI and to keep you informed of the progress. I also promise to be available to every person that may have ideas or questions. Please feel free to contact me at any time.
Respectfully,
Dennis Honeycutt