Interface, 2011 A Guide for Professionals Supporting the Criminal Justice System Springer’s Forensic Laboratory Science Series

Understanding the Criminal Justice System.- Documentation.- Evidence.- The New and Future Crime Scene.- The Interview Process.- Courts and Demeanor.- Safety Issues.- The Media.- Appendix 1 – FEMORS – A Multidisciplinary Statewide Team.- Appendix 2 – 10 Image Tips for the Professional.- Appendix 3 – Evidence Collection, Preservation, and Marking.

Paul R. Laska received a B.S. in criminology from the Florida State University in 1973. In 1974 he began his professional career with the Belle Glade Police Department in Florida as an Identification Officer. In 1977 he joined Florida’s Martin County Sheriff’s Office as a Detective in the Crime Scene Unit. Over the next 25 years he served in that position, as full time Identification Officer (fingerprint specialist), as supervisor of the Forensic Science and Records Units, and as the Environmental Investigator. Additionally, in 1979 he attended the Hazardous Devices School and returned to establish the Bomb Disposal Team for the Sheriff’s Office, service as its commander until his retirement.

Beginning in 1979, he also served as an instructor, being an adjunct instructor with the Indian River Community College (late Indian River State College) in Ft. Pierce, Fl., and the Florida Institute of Technology Underwater Technology Program in Jensen Beach, Fl., As an instructor he also served as an in-service instructor for many law enforcement and fire agencies on the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches of Florida. He also provided training to a variety of private and public concerns in the area.

Since his retirement from public service, he has continued to provide services as a consultant to the legal profession in fingerprint identification, crime scene investigation, firearms technology and identification, and bomb/explosives technology. Additionally, he regularly publishes in a variety of public safety oriented magazines and journals. He also serves as an instructor with a variety of programs, including the U.S. Department of State Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program, University of South Florida Center for Biological Defense, South Florida UASI, and New Mexico Tech Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center.