Stopping in at the Delaware State Police Homicide Association Conference

DE Homicide Conf_Winner Holly Donovan Division of Forensics for DE.

Last week, Aftermath visited the eastern state of Delaware for the Delaware State Police Homicide Association (DSPHA) Conference. The three day event was held at the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover, DE.

The conference was suggested by CSCU’s Chief Operating Officer and long-time Aftermath manager, John Tyler. Still, Aftermath’s Mike Webster and Rodney Tower were unsure of what to expect going into the event. As Mike explained: “Many conferences we attend year after year. We get to know the attendees, and they introduce us to new members and their associates. But this event was a first for us.”

According to the conference website, the mission of the DSPHA is to provide improved services to victims and their families through the education and training of law enforcement officers. Members of the Delaware State Police Homicide Association are “committed to providing the highest caliber of instruction and best practices relating to the field of death investigations while facilitating a forum for networking among Law Enforcement Professionals.”

The Association also promotes networking and the exchange of ideas and includes regular training and workshops, some of which are hosted during the organization’s annual four day conference. Each night, guests were able to socialize with their colleagues. Dinners were hosted in different locations, and the board made sure to include Aftermath whenever possible. Daytime workshops brough attendees together with specialists from several different areas of the field, including Det. Craig Appel and Det. Matt Ingui, both of the Aurora Police Department in Colorado.

Also during conference hours, the Aftermath booth attracted the attention of both the detectives and forensics specialists who attended. Event goers had questions about service locations as well as how the company handled insurance and payment. “We were the only vendor at the show for most of the event, so we were able to speak to almost everyone,” reported Mike.

Mike and Rodney also gave away booth prizes: two 5.11 tactical bags and PPE kits. The winners (pictured) were Sgt. Justin Rowe of the New Hampshire State Police, and Holly Donovan of the State of Delaware’s Department of Forensics.

By the end of the event, Mike was ready to pronounce the final verdict: “DSPHA members are a very welcoming group. They made us feel right at home, and because the conference can only grow in size and popularity, I look forward to returning again next year.”

You can’t get a better review than that! Thanks again to the DSPHA for having us.

Aftermath is a proud sponsor of police and law enforcement organizations like the Delaware State Police Homicide Association