Melissa Whipple
Bellingham,WA
Summary
- 09/2023 Human Osteology, Taphonomy and Forensic Recovery (Bellingham, WA)
- 06/2023 PNWDIAI Education Conference (Spokane, WA)-Fire Death Scenes, Mass Fatality Incidents
- 08/2022 Independent Investigative Team Qualified Lead Investigator Certificate
- 06/2022 PNWDIAI Educational Conference (Bend, OR)-Forensic Testimony Techniques, Buried Body Recovery
- 10/2021 Orientation and Search Clues-Friction Ridge (Renton, WA)
- 06/2021 Ethical Considerations in Latent Print Examination and Testimony (Ron Smith & Associates-Online)
- 11/2020 Basic Homicide Investigation Course (Washington Homicide Investigators Association-Online)
- 08/2020 Automated Biometric Identification System Certification (WSP-Cheney, WA)
- 08/2019 PNWDIAI and Northwest Academy of Forensic Scientists Joint Educational Conference (Portland, OR)-Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Basic Latent Print Comparison, Understanding and Comparison of Latent Palm Prints, Determination of Skeletal Material, Fire Related Death/Homicide Investigation
- 06/2018 Identifying, Investigating, and Prosecuting Domestic Violence Strangulation Cases (Bellingham, WA)
- 05/2018 Western States Joint IAI Educational Conference (Las Vegas, NV)-Basic Fingerprint Comparison, Trends in Fingerprint Evidence, Bullet Impact Examination
- 04/2018 Science of Fingerprints (University of Virginia-Online)
- 06/2017 PNWDIAI Educational Conference (Bend, OR)-Determination of Bullet Impact Sites by Detection of Common Bullet Metals, Full Spectrum Photography UV/IR
- 06/2016 PNWDIAI Educational Conference (Tulalip, WA)-Forensic Evidence from Less Lethal Weapons
- 05/2015 International Firearm Specialist Academy (Seattle, WA)-Certified Firearm Specialist
- 04/2015 Advanced Crisis Intervention (Seattle, WA)
- 06/2013 Officer Involved Shooting Investigations (WHIA-Seattle, WA)
- 11/2012 Detective School 200 (SPD-Seattle, WA)
- 10/2012 Detective School 100 (SPD-Seattle, WA)
- 09/2012 Integrated Ballistics Identification System/Brasstrax 3D and Matchpoint (Forensic Technology-Tacoma, WA)
- 11/2011 Evidence Technician (SPD-Seattle, WA)
- 09/2011 Anti Crime Team Response (SPD-Seattle, WA)
- 07/2011 DNA (University of Tennessee-Seattle, WA)
- 12/2010 Tactics Cadre (SPD-Seattle, WA)
- 11/2010 Taser X-26 (Seattle, WA)
- 09/2010 Verbal Judo (Seattle, WA)
- 10/2009 Rifle Basic (SPD-Seattle, WA)
- 03/2009 Undercover Operations (Seattle, WA)
- 10/2008 Crisis Intervention Training Basic (Seattle, WA)
- 10/2008 Crime Scene Investigation Basic (SPD-Bellevue, WA)
- 09/2008 Buried Human Remains (Seattle, WA)
- 12/2007 Shotgun Basic (SPD-Seattle, WA)
- 05/2007 Advanced Team Tactics (SPD-Seattle, WA)
- 03/2006 National Incident Management Systems (FEMA)-IS700
- 04/2006 International Police Mountain Bicycle Association (Spokane, WA)
- 05/2005 Supervision Essentials-IS200
- 06/2004 Wildland Fire Operations and Incident Command (Entiat, WA)
- 05/2004 Supervision Essentials-IS100
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Police Officer/Crime Scene Investigator
Bellingham Police Department
Bellingham, Washington
06.2016 - Current
- Examined and documented evidence at crime scenes.
- Analyzed physical evidence to determine its relevance to the investigation.
- Collected and analyzed fingerprints, DNA samples, bloodstains, and other trace materials.
- Prepared detailed reports of findings from crime scene investigations.
- Photographed crime scenes and collected relevant evidence for laboratory examination.
- Assisted with searches of premises related to criminal investigations.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies regarding investigative procedures.
- Provided expert testimony in court proceedings related to criminal cases.
- Evaluated forensic data obtained from laboratories for accuracy and completeness.
- Developed strategies for solving complex crimes based on analysis of available evidence.
- Attended seminars and workshops pertaining to forensic science techniques.
- Performed research into new technologies used in forensics such as 3D imaging or fingerprint identification software.
- Reviewed case files prior to attending court hearings in order to prepare testimony.
- Observed autopsies performed by medical examiners in order to determine cause of death.
- Used scientific equipment to collect and analyze evidence to support investigations.
- Evaluated and marked crime scene areas and collected physical and biological evidence for processing.
- Testified in court and presented case evidence to assist with trials and hearings.
- Worked with law enforcement to secure crime scenes and prevent evidence contamination.
- Testified under oath in administrative hearings and criminal court cases.
- Liaised with law enforcement agencies to investigate and solve crimes.
- Executed and obtained search warrants and subpoenas to obtain evidence for resolution of criminal matters.
- Secured evidence from crime scenes, bodies and secondary locations, carefully following sound evidentiary practices and chain of custody requirements.
- Utilized specialized equipment such as magnifying glasses, tweezers, scalpels, swabs, thermometers, ultraviolet lamps., during collection of evidence.
Police Officer/Crime Scene Investigator
Seattle Police Department
Seattle, Washington
09.2006 - 06.2016
Commissioned Park Ranger
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Grand Coulee, Washington
03.2004 - 09.2006
Education
Professional Certificate -
National Forensics Academy
Knoxville, TN11-2015
Professional Certificate - Forensics
University of Washington
Seattle, WA06-2011
Peace Officer Certification - Law Enforcement
Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy
Spokane, WA12-2004
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
University of Washington
Seattle, WA06-2003
Certification
International Association for Identification (IAI) Certified Crime Scene Analyst (CCSA) 2016-Present
Pacific Northwest Division for the International Association for Identification (PNWDIAI) 2016-Present
-Board of Directors 2016-2018 and 2019-2023
Washington Homicide Investigators Association Member
Accomplishments
- Lead Instructor for Bellingham Fire Department Medic Certification Course 2021: Crime Scene Preservation
- Lead Instructor for Bellingham Fire Department Medic Certification Course 2020: Crime Scene Preservation
- Lead Instructor for PNWDIAI Educational Conference 2016: Buried Body Recovery
Timeline
Police Officer/Crime Scene Investigator
Bellingham Police Department
06.2016 - Current
Police Officer/Crime Scene Investigator
Seattle Police Department
09.2006 - 06.2016
Commissioned Park Ranger
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
03.2004 - 09.2006
Professional Certificate -
National Forensics Academy
Professional Certificate - Forensics
University of Washington
Peace Officer Certification - Law Enforcement
Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
University of Washington
International Association for Identification (IAI) Certified Crime Scene Analyst (CCSA) 2016-Present
Pacific Northwest Division for the International Association for Identification (PNWDIAI) 2016-Present
-Board of Directors 2016-2018 and 2019-2023
Washington Homicide Investigators Association Member
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