What does a body look like if it has been left in a shallow grave for three years -- or three days? What are signs of cyanide poisoning? What do police really do when they are called to a crime scene?  Can a forensic scientist tell what kind of gun was used in a crime just by looking at a body?

These are just a few of the questions writers may have while writing crime fiction. Now Sisters in Crime offers writers a fun and exciting way to get answers.

Sisters in Crime, an international organization of mystery authors and their fans, is sponsoring Forensic University of St. Louis: 50 Ways to Catch a Killer, a conference offering education in all aspects of forensic science. Forensic University of St. Louis (ForU STL) is scheduled for November 1-4, 2007, at the St. Louis Airport Hilton, St. Louis, Missouri. The conference is open to the public.
  
The ForU STL’s class schedule spans two and a half days. Planned topics include an overview of forensic science and police procedure; how to make forensic science work in your book; crime scene basics; overview of crime labs; death investigation basics; autopsies; psychology of crime; poisons and their detection; understanding DNA evidence; fingerprints; firearms evidence; the role of photography and videography in forensic work; interpretation of blood spatter; trace evidence; forgery; the role of jurisdiction in forensic procedures; entomology; science and the courtroom; and using warrants and searches.

“This conference is really something the writing community needs. Readers are more and more sophisticated. In turn, writers need to become more knowledgeable,” said best-selling author Jan Burke. “Whatever type of crime fiction you are writing—historical cozy, thriller, hard-boiled detective--you should know the basics of forensic science. Whether your victim died in the 13^th century or in the 21^st century, death is still death, the same physical processes would occur.” 

Key faculty will include Dr. D.P. Lyle, author of Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Medical and Forensic Questions for Mystery Writers; Jan Burke, author of the Irene Kelly series; Eileen Dreyer, RN, BS, best-selling author of more than eight medico-legal mysteries; and Detective Lee Lofland (retired), author of Police Procedure & Investigation: A Guide for Writers (July 2007).

Eileen Dreyer has twenty years experience in the field of medicine, sixteen in trauma nursing, and has training in forensic nursing and death investigation.

Detective Lee Lofland (retired) has solved cases in areas including narcotics, homicide, rape, murder-for-hire, and ritualistic and occult crimes. He worked in a sheriff's office, and a city police department serving as a uniformed officer, as a detective, and as an undercover officer for several jurisdictions. He spent four years as a narcotics K-9 handler.

"Shows like CSI have made the public more aware of the role of forensic science in law enforcement. Our goal is to provide an educational experience which will allow those who attend to write with greater credibility and accuracy,” explained Becker.

“This is a great chance for authors to get their questions answered by forensic professionals,” said Slan. “We’re purposely limiting the number of attendees so that faculty and students will have plenty of time for interaction.”

The registration before May 31, 2007, for the conference is $225 for Sisters in Crime members and $265 for non-members. After that date, registration fees increase. The cost includes a welcome reception on Thursday; classes on Friday, Saturday and a half-day Sunday; a handbook with resource material; two box lunches and a continental breakfast.

The first fifty students who sign up for the conference are eligible to add a visit to the Bull’s Eye LLC Indoor Shooting Range for $35, which includes transportation, ammunition, targets, safety gear, assistance from a range instructor, and debriefing.

Tickets for A Muddy Brew-Ha-Ha Party and Auction to benefit the Crime Lab Foundation are $40.

A limited block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton St. Louis Airport at $88 a night, not including local taxes or parking. A complimentary shuttle is available from the airport.

Due to the popularity of the subject, attendance will be limited 200. Because of the intense nature of the subject matter, no one under 18 will be allowed to attend.

Forensic University of St. Louis

Please save the dates-- Nov. 1-4, 2007. The two-and-a-half day conference will be held at the Hilton St. Louis Airport (St. Louis, Missouri).

Our headliners are Jan Burke, Dr. D. P.Lyle, Eileen Dreyer, and Detective Lee Lofland (retired).

Planned topics include an overview of forensic science and police procedure; how to make forensic science work in your book; crime scene basics; overview of crime labs; death investigation basics; autopsies; psychology of crime; poisons and their detection; understanding DNA evidence; fingerprints; firearms evidence; the role of photograph and videography in forensic work; interpretation of blood spatter; trace evidence; forgery; the role of jurisdiction in forensic procedures entomology; science and the courtroom; the role of canine units; and using warrants and searches.

Faculty will be drawn from law enforcement and those working in the field of forensic science.

Early sign ups can join us on Thursday afternoon for a trip to an indoor shooting gallery for an extra fee. Tickets are also available at extra charge for A Muddy Brew-Ha-Ha Party and Auction to benefit the Crime Lab Project Foundation. The auction and party will be on Saturday evening.