(WHITESBORO, TEX.) – In addition to a full schedule of training courses for government or private security video professionals, the 2019 LEVA Digital Multimedia Evidence Training Symposium will include a session that focuses on mental health issues for forensic video analysts. “Disturbing Images: Processing What You Cannot Delete” will discuss the psychological well-being of analysts who are exposed to disturbing media. The 30th annual symposium of the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association International runs Oct. 7-11 in Denver.
Technology has changed the type of evidence that is now processed in criminal cases, with more audio, video, and image evidence available than ever before. In some cases, multimedia analysts need to clarify evidence in an effort to identify suspects or the context of a situation, which may involve viewing or hearing homicide, child abuse, torture, and other heinous acts. While exposure to this type of evidence might be “part of the job,” research shows it can cause depression, secondary traumatic stress, and other mental health issues.
“LEVA 2019 as usual will have a full schedule of sessions dedicated to forensic video technology, but we also thought it was important to deal with this human, non-technical part of the job,” explained Jan Garvin, LEVA Executive Director. “Regular exposure to disturbing images – not Hollywood special effects but true-life graphic criminal activity – can affect members of the digital forensics community, and we felt it was time to start the conversation. Several LEVA members will share the serious mental and emotional toll on their lives and what others must be able to face.”
Disturbing Images: Processing What You Cannot Delete” will be led by Indiana-based Dr. Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar, an assistant professor at Purdue University, deputized Special Investigator for the Tippecanoe Prosecutor’s Office, and member of the Tippecanoe High Tech Crime Unit. Most recently, she has focused on the psychological wellbeing and job satisfaction of digital forensic examiners and multimedia analysts exposed to disturbing media.
“Technology has changed the criminal justice game – we now have pictures and videos of the actual crime itself, not just eyewitness accounts to help investigators narrate the story,” Seigfried-Spellar explained. “Video examiners are exposed to a wide range of disturbing media. Preliminary research shows that multimedia forensic examiners – specifically individuals also working audio – are the most symptomatic, including suicidal thoughts and feelings of guilt/worry. Digital and multimedia forensic examiners need to understand that they are not alone, and researchers are pursing effective ways in which we can successfully reduce work-related stress for digital and multimedia forensic examiners.”
Other training sessions during the symposium focus on courtroom testimony for forensic video experts, forensic audio analysis, image authentication, and investigative animations. LEVA membership is not required to attend LEVA 2019, but classes can earn hours toward LEVA certification. Several classes have limited availability and require pre-registration. For schedule details, pricing options, and hotel and travel information, visit leva.org.
ABOUT LEVA
Established in 1989, LEVA is a nonprofit corporation committed to provide advanced training and certification to the Public Safety Community in the science of forensic video analysis. LEVA serves as a key resource providing opportunities for professional development through quality training and informational exchange. Find out more at leva.org.
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