Training budgets are tight for police departments across the country, but the 23rd annual conference from the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA) is proving to be a popular draw for forensic video instruction. The 2012 LEVA Annual Training Conference, which runs Oct. 22-26 at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego, will feature a full schedule of hands-on workshops and interactive educational sessions, plus an exhibit hall and networking opportunities.

Officer Roy Dunkelbarger of the Mesa (Ariz.) Police Department's Video Services Unit has completed more than 200 hours of training toward becoming a Certified Forensic Video Analyst (CFVA), and will meet his eligibility requirements at the LEVA conference. On the job, he has seen a steady increase in cases that are dependent on video evidence.

Det. Juan J. Ruano of the Miami-Dade Police Department's Forensic Video Unit said he is encouraged by the department to stay current with training, because it bolsters skills and credibility in court as well as other legal/judicial procedures. He has already included the "Digital Media Workflow: Acquisition, Processing, Analysis, and Presentation Workshop" and "Reverse Projection Workshop" in his conference plans.

This year's five-day conference will focus on digital multimedia evidence (DME) and include a Digital Asset Management Expo, co-located with LEVA's exhibit hall on Oct. 23, as well as a number of sessions focusing on DME laboratory best practices, DME recovery for first responders, and more. Daily room costs will be at U.S. federal lodging rates for LEVA attendees.

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