California Association of Criminalists


Since 1954
 

ABOUT THE CAC - WHY JOIN US?

OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE

  • Foster an exchange of ideas and information within the field of criminalistics.
  • Foster friendship and cooperation among the various laboratory personnel.
  • Encourage and, if possible, financially support worthy research projects.
  • Encourage the compilation of experience data of value in the field.
  • Promote wide recognition of the practice of criminalistics as an important phase of jurisprudence.
  • Promote a high level of professional competence among criminalists.
  • Encourage uniform qualifications and requirements for criminalists and related specialists.
  • Disseminate information to the law profession concerning minimum qualifications for physical evidence consultants.
  • Provide a board of review in cases involving differences of professional opinion when requested.
  • Encourage the use of improved testing procedures and methods of presentation of conclusions.
  • Encourage the recognition of the CAC and its purposes among other appropriate groups and societies.
  • Lend assistance, whenever possible, in the formulation of college curricula and law enforcement programs.
  • When appropriate, to review and act upon any pending legislation which appears to be related to the field of criminalistics.
  • Establish, maintain, and enforce a Code of Ethics for criminalists.
  • Establish, maintain and manage an Endowment Fund to fund scholarships, research projects, special classes and other activities in keeping with the objects and purposes of the CAC.
  • Support certification testing programs for individuals engaged in the practice of criminalistics.
  • MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

    Financial

  • Special Price for Seminar Registration
  • Full Member Seminar Lottery ($1000)
  • Free ABC exam application fee for all members
  • Highly discounted subscriptions to the Journal of Forensic Sciences and Science & Justice
  • Free/Reduced fees for CAC-Sponsored workshops
  • Best Presentation Award ($200)
  • Edward F. Rhodes Memorial Award ($1000)
  • Reduced Meals Cost at Study Group Luncheons/Dinners
  • ABC Examination Award ($200)
  • Best Poster Award ($50)
  • Funding of Research Projects and/or Workshops ($???)
  • Awards & Recognition

  • Alfred A. Biasotti Most Outstanding Presentation Award
  • Anthony Longhetti Distinguished Member Award
  • ABC Examination Award
  • AAFS Regional Award
  • Edward F. Rhodes Memorial Award
  • Paul Kirk and Presidents Award
  • Roger Sherman Greene III Memorial Award
  • W. Jack Cadman Award
  • Best Poster Award
  • Educational Opportunities

  • Biannual seminars
  • Study group meetings
  • CAC-sponsored workshops
  • Leadership/Service Opportunities

  • Board of Directors position
  • Committee positions
  • Study Group Chair positions
  • Fun & Entertainment

  • Elvis two times in six years (2007 & 2012)
  • Murder Mystery Banquet (2013)
  • Lifelong friends
  • It looks good on your Curriculum Vitae (CV)

    We accomplish these purposes through a wide range of events (study groups meetings, bi-yearly seminars, training and research endowments), financial assistance for training for new criminalists, and many other activities performed by our Board of Directors and Committees. If this Association interests you, please explore this website further or contact any of the Board of Directors or Committee Members.

    Thanks for your interest in the CAC!