Welcome to the MNIAI website!The Minnesota Division of the International Association for Identification was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status on February 5, 2026, and is dedicated to advancing continuing education opportunities for professionals across Minnesota working in forensic science, crime scene investigation, law enforcement, and identification disciplines.. Our annual course content is approved by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) for licensed peace officers eligible to receive continuing education credits. Chartered in 1964, the MNIAI hosts an annual educational conference offering a variety of relevant and up-to-date training courses designed to provide practical knowledge students can apply in their everyday professional responsibilities. Typically held in the fall, the conference spans two to three days, with locations varying from year to year. MNIAI LOGO CONTEST!The MNIAI Board of Directors is launching a contest to update our Division logo. Please see the flyer below for full details. Be aware of the submission deadline of August 1, 2026. This contest is open to MNIAI members ONLY.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your potential participation and for your creativity in this contest! We're sure we'll receive many great designs from our talented membership. 
Local Employment OpportunityThe City of Minneapolis Police Department - Forensic Services Division is hiring a Forensic Scientist I position! The work involves documenting/processing crime scenes, and fingerprint examinations, among other tasks as assigned!
NO experience required. Minimum of a Bachelors degree in a physical science, criminal justice, or equivalent required. Posting closes May 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central This timing is perfect for new college grads! Follow this link for detailed information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/minneapolismn/jobs/5274174/forensic-scientist-i Asking for support for one of our ownPlease help imprisoned ex-Minneapolis Police Officer rebuild his life. Click this link to donate today.
https://alphanews.org/fundraiser-launched-to-help-imprisoned-ex-minneapolis-police-officer-rebuild-his-life/ Thank you! Devastating news about our law enforcement and fire department families in Burnsville! Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the slain and everyone at the Burnsville Police Department and Fire Department.
Click here for the story from Alpha News. Fundraiser launched for the families of the fallen. We're on Facebook!
Click here to see information on other Division's 2026 Educational Conferences.
SAVE THE DATES!Information regarding the MNIAI
2026 Fall Educational Conference Dates: September 9-11
Location: The Inn on Lake Superior aka: The Inn at Canal Park 350 Canal Park Drive Duluth, MN 55802 
Click the image to go to their website.
Sleeping room rates:
Reservations are made by calling the Inn directly at 218-729-1111. Request the MN Association of Identification Group Rate. The cut-off date for reservations is August 10, 2026. Reservations made after this date will not enjoy the special rates. 
The 2026 Conference agenda is under construction. Check back often for updates.
Wednesday, September 9
*DENOTES CONCURRENT SESSIONS 05-12-2026 Conference Sponsorship OptionsTo register your presence at our Educational Conference, please click here to go to our Sponsorship Registration page. Complete the form and click on the Submit and Pay button. Payment is made via PayPal and the cost per Sponsor is $300.00.
Another option for Sponsorship is Monetary Only. Click here to go to that page. Complete the form and select your preferred option then click on the Pay Now button underneath your choice. Options range from $100.00-$500.00. The MNIAI thanks our Sponsors for their participation in whatever capacity they choose to use! 2026 Fall Educational Conference Sponsors
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And now...a word from one of our Advertisers!
Purchase ad space by clicking here. Options are 12-month ads, 6-month ads and 3-month ads.
Purchase ad space by clicking here. Options are 12-month ads, 6-month ads and 3-month ads.
Click on the image to visit their website.
Expires 4-15-2027
MNIAI Online Store
MNIAI Challenge Coin
Heads Tails
News and Info From the IAI
Begun in 1915, the International Association for Identification (IAI) is the oldest forensic science organization in the United States and one of the oldest in the world. The IAI is dedicated to the development of the forensic sciences and to the continued education and certification of practicing forensic scientists and crime scene investigators.
The IAI
Keeping You Informed
Click the image above to go to the IAI home page.
DIAC Challenge Coin Design Contest
The Division Interaction and Affairs Committee is seeking assistance with the design of our first challenge coin! Please view and share the below flyer and submission form and get creative!! Submission deadline is May 1. We would LOVE to see some international contributions!
This contest is for IAI members only.
The Division Interaction and Affairs Committee is seeking assistance with the design of our first challenge coin! Please view and share the below flyer and submission form and get creative!! Submission deadline is May 1. We would LOVE to see some international contributions!
This contest is for IAI members only.
| diac_-_challenge_coin_design_contest_flyer_and_submission_form.pdf |
JOB POSTING
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Forensic Scientist III - Latent Prints
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/azdps/jobs/5253227/forensic-scientist-iii-latent-prints
No closing date is indicated.
IAI 110th
Annual Conference
The IAI 2026 Conference will be August 16-22, 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri
SAVE THE DATES!
Click the image above to go to the
IAI Conference web page.
The IAI 2026 Conference will be August 16-22
in St. Louis, Missouri
in St. Louis, Missouri
With over 150 lectures and workshops to choose from, you will be able to fill your week-long calendar with topics related to crime scene processing, photography, collection and examination of latent print, footwear, tire track, bloodstain, biometric and other types of impression evidence. The latest techniques, standards, methods and developments are discussed here every year - don't miss your chance to be brought up-to-date!
This Conference is the most cost-effective and time-efficient investment that you can make in your career this year! See full 2026 Conference Program and Register now.
Remember, workshops fill up fast, so make your selections and sign up for your hands on experience choices today!
Go to Hotel Information to reserve your hotel.
Hope to see you in St. Louis!!
This Conference is the most cost-effective and time-efficient investment that you can make in your career this year! See full 2026 Conference Program and Register now.
Remember, workshops fill up fast, so make your selections and sign up for your hands on experience choices today!
Go to Hotel Information to reserve your hotel.
Hope to see you in St. Louis!!
Call for Presentations!
The online submission for Lecture, Workshop, and Poster proposals is OPEN!
The IAI conference will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, August 16th, through August 22nd, 2026.
Do you have a great case or research project that you would be willing to share? How about a management strategy or casework technique you have worked hard to develop? Do you have a skill that those new in the field could practice, or a new way of doing something that all professionals should hear about?
If so, It is time to submit your idea to the IAI for consideration as a presentation to be included in the 2026 IAI Educational Conference.
• Consider a lecture if your information can be shared visually in 30-60 minutes.
• Consider a workshop if your information is best conveyed through hands-on experience in 2-4 hours.
• Consider a poster if you are more comfortable having one-on-one discussions with attendees about your information and/or for topics with a very specific focus.
For more information regarding, Lectures, Workshops, and Posters/Photos Contest, go to the IAI Website.
Book your hotel now!
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN ENGAGE IN IS PASSING YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON TO OTHERS!
In an effort to enhance the professional development of our membership, the IAI is pleased to announce a collaboration with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) to provide an excellent professional development training opportunity. ASCLD is offering its outstanding Level I Leadership Academy this summer with a capstone to coincide with the IAI Conference in St. Louis.
The Leadership Academy Level I is an amazing opportunity for those who are in supervision or who wish to further their career and become supervisors and managers. This course begins with weekly online sessions and culminates with an in-person capstone. It is widely recognized in the forensic community and has been completed by more than 1000 forensic professionals.
Sessions begin soon. Register today and spread the word!
Register Now
More information on the Leadership Academy, click here.
The Leadership Academy Level I is an amazing opportunity for those who are in supervision or who wish to further their career and become supervisors and managers. This course begins with weekly online sessions and culminates with an in-person capstone. It is widely recognized in the forensic community and has been completed by more than 1000 forensic professionals.
Sessions begin soon. Register today and spread the word!
Register Now
More information on the Leadership Academy, click here.
IAI IDNews
With continued efforts, the IAI is going green. As of January 1, 2025, printed copies of the IDNews will no longer be available.
IAI IDNews
The current issue of the new, IDNews ebook is now available online. Please go to https://theiai.org, login, go to the Member Menu, then click on the link IDentification News eBookVol. 56 No. 2(Apr-Jun 2026) to read the issue online. To download the current issue as a PDF, go to Publications in the Member Menu and click on IDentification News - Download current issue as a PDF.
Featured Articles:
IAI IDNews
The current issue of the new, IDNews ebook is now available online. Please go to https://theiai.org, login, go to the Member Menu, then click on the link IDentification News eBookVol. 56 No. 2(Apr-Jun 2026) to read the issue online. To download the current issue as a PDF, go to Publications in the Member Menu and click on IDentification News - Download current issue as a PDF.
Featured Articles:
Thank you for your continued patronage, and happy reading!!
Regards,
The IAI
Regards,
The IAI
IAI Forms the Division Interaction and
Affairs Committee
My dear friends and fellow members of the Minnesota Division of the IAI,
The IAI has decided to make the “Division Affairs Committee” a permanent standing committee, per the By-laws:
Section 8.20 Division Interaction & Affairs Committee.
(a.) Purpose. This committee shall advise the President on the support of and advocacy with the
divisions.
(b.) Composition. The committee shall consist of an odd number of members with a minimum of three
(3) to a maximum of seven (7) members. The Chairperson shall be the Division Representative. All other
members shall be appointed by the President by October 1 after assuming office. The term of
appointment for the appointed members shall last until September 30.
(c.) Voting. All the members of the committee, to include the Chairperson, shall have the right to vote at committee meetings.
(d.) Other duties. The Committee shall perform such other duties as the President shall prescribe.
2022-2023 Appointed members
Kelly Ayers, WV, USA - Chair
Larry Stringham, FL, USA
Mike Wisniewski, OH, USA
Jason Cole, VA, USA
Brian Dew, NC, USA
Penny Dechant, AZ, USA
Kasey Gizler, PA, USA
It is my pleasure to have the Minnesota Division to be one of my appointed Divisions to provide outreach too as a member of this committee.
As you can see, the Division Representative (Kelly Ayers) has been assigned as the chairperson for this committee and appreciates your communication with her to include completing the yearly survey of your Division operations, as it is shared with the IAI Board of Directors and Officers at the yearly IAI conference. As the chairperson, Kelly is always happy to provide any communications between the IAI and your Division. Also, as your assigned committee member, I hope to add a more personal touch providing you with any assistance and being an advocate for your concerns to the IAI parent body. Please feel free to reach out to either of us at any time to assist the Minnesota Division in any way we can.
So, what’s new?
With the success of the Inaugural 5k Race/ Fun Run in Omaha, we were able to make a little bit of money to give back to the Divisions. While my initial intention was to assist some Divisions in having a representative attend the IAI Annual Conference, it was thought these funds could better assist the Divisions as their needs dictate. It maybe a few hundred dollars to bring in a special speaker to your conference, or maybe cover a loss due to unforeseen circumstances like COVID, Hurricanes or other natural disasters. Using these funds as more of a pool of money that Divisions can request similar to a Grant process to further your Division in whatever your needs. The process to get these funds is still TBD but we are hoping to have guidance before the new calendar year.
We are currently working with the Chesapeake Bay Division to plan another 5k Fundraiser at next year’s conference In National Harbor. With a more extensive planning timeframe, we are hoping to get more sponsorships and awareness. We still attempt to keep the costs down for participants and want to make sure our liabilities and required cost don’t outweigh the benefits, so this event is still tentative.
At the same time we are attempting to be creative and come up with other fundraising ideas such as “dunk your favorite/or not so favorite, IAI personality” in a dunk tank at the conference. Your input is important to us and we appreciate any constructive feedback or ideas.
So what’s been done?
Beyond monetary support, we are still interested in your concerns and ways to improve the IAI/ Division relationship. In the past year we have also taken the feedback from so many of the Divisions by adding links to how a Division can apply to host the International conference on the conference website, https://www.theiai.org/conference.php
If a Division wants to consider hosting an IAI conference in the future… https://www.theiai.org/docs/Annual_IAI_International_Educational_ConferenceR.pdf
In addition, the IAI Conference Planner, Candy Murray has offered her services to assist any divisions by reviewing any hotel/conference center contracts and provide guidance back to your division. She can be reached at: [email protected]. The IAI Educational planner Heather Connor is also available to provide suggestions for your speaker program: [email protected]
Hopefully the fact that this Special Subcommittee has become a Standing Committee is also a demonstration of the IAIs dedication to improving your Division.
I look forward to continuing assisting your Division in the coming year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with and questions, concerns or comments. I will always do whatever I can to assist your Division.
All the best,
Jason Cole
The IAI has decided to make the “Division Affairs Committee” a permanent standing committee, per the By-laws:
Section 8.20 Division Interaction & Affairs Committee.
(a.) Purpose. This committee shall advise the President on the support of and advocacy with the
divisions.
(b.) Composition. The committee shall consist of an odd number of members with a minimum of three
(3) to a maximum of seven (7) members. The Chairperson shall be the Division Representative. All other
members shall be appointed by the President by October 1 after assuming office. The term of
appointment for the appointed members shall last until September 30.
(c.) Voting. All the members of the committee, to include the Chairperson, shall have the right to vote at committee meetings.
(d.) Other duties. The Committee shall perform such other duties as the President shall prescribe.
2022-2023 Appointed members
Kelly Ayers, WV, USA - Chair
Larry Stringham, FL, USA
Mike Wisniewski, OH, USA
Jason Cole, VA, USA
Brian Dew, NC, USA
Penny Dechant, AZ, USA
Kasey Gizler, PA, USA
It is my pleasure to have the Minnesota Division to be one of my appointed Divisions to provide outreach too as a member of this committee.
As you can see, the Division Representative (Kelly Ayers) has been assigned as the chairperson for this committee and appreciates your communication with her to include completing the yearly survey of your Division operations, as it is shared with the IAI Board of Directors and Officers at the yearly IAI conference. As the chairperson, Kelly is always happy to provide any communications between the IAI and your Division. Also, as your assigned committee member, I hope to add a more personal touch providing you with any assistance and being an advocate for your concerns to the IAI parent body. Please feel free to reach out to either of us at any time to assist the Minnesota Division in any way we can.
So, what’s new?
With the success of the Inaugural 5k Race/ Fun Run in Omaha, we were able to make a little bit of money to give back to the Divisions. While my initial intention was to assist some Divisions in having a representative attend the IAI Annual Conference, it was thought these funds could better assist the Divisions as their needs dictate. It maybe a few hundred dollars to bring in a special speaker to your conference, or maybe cover a loss due to unforeseen circumstances like COVID, Hurricanes or other natural disasters. Using these funds as more of a pool of money that Divisions can request similar to a Grant process to further your Division in whatever your needs. The process to get these funds is still TBD but we are hoping to have guidance before the new calendar year.
We are currently working with the Chesapeake Bay Division to plan another 5k Fundraiser at next year’s conference In National Harbor. With a more extensive planning timeframe, we are hoping to get more sponsorships and awareness. We still attempt to keep the costs down for participants and want to make sure our liabilities and required cost don’t outweigh the benefits, so this event is still tentative.
At the same time we are attempting to be creative and come up with other fundraising ideas such as “dunk your favorite/or not so favorite, IAI personality” in a dunk tank at the conference. Your input is important to us and we appreciate any constructive feedback or ideas.
So what’s been done?
Beyond monetary support, we are still interested in your concerns and ways to improve the IAI/ Division relationship. In the past year we have also taken the feedback from so many of the Divisions by adding links to how a Division can apply to host the International conference on the conference website, https://www.theiai.org/conference.php
If a Division wants to consider hosting an IAI conference in the future… https://www.theiai.org/docs/Annual_IAI_International_Educational_ConferenceR.pdf
In addition, the IAI Conference Planner, Candy Murray has offered her services to assist any divisions by reviewing any hotel/conference center contracts and provide guidance back to your division. She can be reached at: [email protected]. The IAI Educational planner Heather Connor is also available to provide suggestions for your speaker program: [email protected]
Hopefully the fact that this Special Subcommittee has become a Standing Committee is also a demonstration of the IAIs dedication to improving your Division.
I look forward to continuing assisting your Division in the coming year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with and questions, concerns or comments. I will always do whatever I can to assist your Division.
All the best,
Jason Cole