SWAIT Reno 2025
WHEN
FEBRUARY 25-27, 2025
IN PERSON
EARLY REGISTRATION
$360
LATE REGISTRATION
After Feb 1, 2025
$385
ON DEMAND/VIRTUAL
$250
WHERE
REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CENTER
5190 Spectrum Blvd
Reno, NV 89506
Synopsis:
The 2025 Serial Wildland Arson Investigation Training will emphasize the application of data analysis in identifying, prioritizing resources for, and monitoring emerging arson events or series of fires. Attendees will benefit from insights by a highly experienced practitioner from the FBI, who will illustrate how cellular data aids in dynamic and ongoing criminal investigations. This session will include vivid examples from complex investigations in which cell technology played a crucial role in tracking, identifying, and apprehending multiple serious offenders.
Additionally, there will be presentations focused on the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in crime analysis. Participants can expect to review a variety of case studies that demonstrate how GIS can significantly enhance arson investigations and assist in strategic planning.
The training will also address the "human aspect" of arson investigation. Multiple speakers will present case studies of serial arsonists and discuss methods for engaging with arsonists who have mental health concerns or special needs. An award-winning arson investigator will specifically address the impact of cognitive bias in modern investigations and provide strategies for mitigating its effects.
Furthermore, a crime lab expert will deliver a lecture on the exploitation of questioned documents in the criminal investigation process, rounding out a comprehensive training experience.
Real world Serial/Wildland Arson Investigation Training is hard to come by! Networking opportunities abound at this high-caliber training event. We invite you to join us in Reno and encourage you to bring your colleagues along for this invaluable experience.
Make sure to sign up for the newsletter for additional training updates and keep an eye on the website for additional information on SWAIT Reno 2025.
Schedule
Day 1
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
0745-0800 Check-in
Nordskog/Taylor/Fischer
0800 - 0815 Opening Remarks
0815-1000 Cell Data Analysis
1000-1200 Analysis of Questioned Documents
1315-1500 Mental Health Related Wildland Arson
1500-1600 10 Most Common Errors in Collecting Fire Debris
1600-1700 The Evolution of Fire Debris Analysis
Day 2
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
0800-1200 Cognitive Bias in Arson Investigations and Strategic Approach to Fire/Arson Investigation
1315-1700 Using Analytics During Serial Wildland Arson Investigations
Day 3
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
0800-1200 Serial Wildland Arson Investigations
1315-1500 Lessons Learned - Serial Arson Investigations and prosecuting firearms related fires
1500-1700 GIS Explained with Serial Arson Case Studies
We reserve the right to change the schedule due to unforeseen circumstances and last minute cancellations from our speakers. The speaker or the agency/company they work for are responsible for the content of their presentations. Opinions expressed by the speakers do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of INVF Consultants and the Serial Wildland Arson Investigation Training. See Terms and Conditions for additional details.
Mike Easter
Special Agent, FBI (Retired)
CAST National Asset
Contact: (805) 539-3285 measter@csliexpert.net
Mike Easter is a retired FBI Special Agent with over 20 years of investigative experience and over a decade of experience as a National Asset with the Cellular Analysis Survey Team (C.A.ST.). Mike worked on thousands of cases involving the analysis of mobile device location information to locate victims and subjects of kidnappings, homicides, robberies, other violent crimes, and national security matters. Over the course of his career, Mike designed and created the curriculum the FBI used to teach law enforcement partners the methodology for using mobile device location information to find the missing, the lost, and the hiding. Further, Mike has been an expert witness in over 200 criminal cases and has taught expert witness testimony for over a decade.
Class Topic: Cell Data Analysis for Criminal Investigations
Class Synopsis: SA Easter will be presenting his highly acclaimed class on the modern use of cellular technology in support of criminal investigations. His class takes a complex subject and makes it easy for investigators to understand and to present in a courtroom. He has an excellent mix of real-world case studies and high-quality graphics to support his lecture. He will also be available for questions and assistance to investigators on current cases.
Rachael Brady
The Analytical Moose
Contact: rachael.brady@s1analytics.com
Rachael Brady is a former Cal FIRE expert who worked more than 13 years in various roles, with significant time as a Research Analyst and Data Specialist. She helped develop and implement a “crime analysis” system that was particularly helpful in tracking emerging serial arson cases. She was a specialist who routinely worked with field investigators to help them identify the parameters of an arson series, locate “hot” and “warm” zones of activity, and help locate where the unknown arsonist worked or lived.
Rachael has since left Cal FIRE and created her own analysis company, “The Analytical Moose”, where she remains focused on the use of analytics in wildfire prevention and awareness.
Class Topic: Using Analytics During Serial Wildland Arson Investigations
Class Synopsis: Rachael Brady, through the use of real-world cases, will present detailed training on the practical use of analytics during wildland serial arson investigations. She will show that through proper information (data) gathering by the investigators during the evolution of a case and comparing it against historical data for the norms of an area, a well-trained analyst can detect an emerging arson series before it gets out of control. This highly trained specialist will then show how best to use the data to isolate areas where the arsonist likely lives or works, and the times and areas where the arsonist is most active. This gives investigators a science-based tool to focus precious investigative resources in a manner that will lead to more efficient and successful investigations.
Nicole Brewer
Retired – Portland Fire and Rescue Service
Envista Forensics Consultant
Contact: Nicole.brewer@envistaforensics.com
Nicole Brewer is a recently retired Arson Investigator from the Portland (OR) Fire and Rescue Service. She worked for that agency for more than 26 years and now is employed as a Consultant for Envista Forensics. She is an IAAI CFI, and also a CFEI through NAFI. Nicole has a master’s degree in forensic sciences from Oklahoma State University, and is currently pursuing her PhD. Nicole is highly decorated and due to her work in the arson field was named both the Oregon Fire Investigator of the Year, and the IAAI’s Investigator of the Year-2022. Brewer will be presenting two different subjects during her four-hour block of instruction.
Class Topic: Cognitive Bias in Arson Investigations with Arson Case Studies
Class Synopsis: We will look at common issue within the arson investigation field and the role of Cognitive Bias as it pertains to arson investigations.
Class Topic: A Strategic Approach to Fire/Arson Investigation
Class Synopsis: This presentation will explore serial arson case studies and will discuss the transition from emergency response to fire investigation. It will also cover strategies to minimize cognitive bias, ensuring objective and effective investigations in complex fire scenarios.
David Brien
Forensic Lab Manager (Retired)
Contact: djb314159@gmail.com
David Brien has an MS in Chemistry from UC Berkeley. Retired manager of EFI Forensic laboratory with 32 years experience. Analyzed over 50,000 fire debris samples and testified over 90 times.
Class Topic: 10 Most Common Errors in Collecting Fire Debris
Class Synopsis: Lists the most common concerns and issues associated with collection of evidence for the analysis of ignitable liquids. Class goal is to improve the value and success rate of fire debris sample collection.
Class Topic: The Evolution of Fire Debris Analysis
Class Synopsis: A brief history of ignitable liquids and laboratory testing methods: Class goal is to give a basic understanding of forensic laboratory testing and give specific issues in the past, present and future of arson investigations.
Sophia Fong
Special Agent
US Forest Service
Contact: Sophia.fong@usda.gov
Class Topic: Mental Health Related Wildland Arson
Morgan Dale
Assistant Special Agent in Charge
U.S. Forest Service
Contact: morgan.dale@usda.gov
Morgan Dale is the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Northern Region of the Forest Service. Morgan began his Forest Service career in 1999 as a seasonal employee. He was a wildland firefighter five years before joining Forest Service Law Enforcement & Investigations as an officer in 2007. Morgan has worked both criminal and civil wildland fires cases across the country. He has also taught numerous NWCG courses in the US and abroad including FI-110 and FI-210.
Class Topic: Serial Wildland Arson Investigations
Class Synopsis: SA Dale will present multiple wildland arson case studies focusing on identifying and collecting physical evidence, the effective use of geolocation data in identifying the scope of a series, and witness/suspect interviews.
Suji Lee
Forensic Document Examiner
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept.
Scientific Services Bureau
Forensic document examiner Suji Lee is an expert with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Scientific Services Bureau, specializing in the analysis of questioned documents. With expertise in handwriting analysis, alterations, latent writing impressions, and document authentication, she plays a vital role in criminal investigations and provides expert testimony in court.
Class Topic: Analysis of Questioned Documents
Class Synopsis: In her upcoming presentation, Lee will focus on the proper collection and preservation of evidence related to questioned documents, emphasizing key techniques to ensure the integrity of the evidence is maintained throughout the investigative process.
Bill Silva
GIS Specialist
U.S. Forest Service
Contact: raymond.silva@usda.gov
Bill Silva was a crime analyst for Sacramento Sheriffs Department. He has since worked for Bureau of Indian Affairs and the US Forest Service. He has taken FI210 and has wildland fire investigation experience. He is currently providing GIS support for major wildland fires.
Class Topic: GIS Explained with Serial Arson Case Studies
Class Synopsis: Silva will demonstrate the use of geospatial and pattern analysis in support of several wildland arson investigations. He will be presenting several wildland case studies where he shows the advantages of using this valuable investigative tool.
C. Todd Smith
Senior Special Agent (Retired)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives
Contact: christopher.smith@atf.gov
Todd Smith is a Senior Special Agent (retired 2025) with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. He is a Certified Fire Investigator and Certified Explosives Specialist and was a member of the National Response Team. SA Smith spent a total of 29 years in law enforcement, with he last 22 years assigned to the ATF’s Spokane Field Office
Class Topic: Lessons Learned - Serial Arson Investigations and Prosecuting Firearms Related Wildland Fires
Class Synopsis: SSA Smith will present his technical insights on the unique field of Exploding Targets/Tannerite-caused wildfire investigations- where he was a technical expert on 8-10 cases in his career. He will also talk about a wildfire-caused fatality event which was initiated by a “Dragon’s Breath” shotgun round. In addition, SA Smith will speak about “lessons learned” during serial arson investigations.