Laura Pettler Has the Coolest Job(s)

  • By Website Editor
  • •
  • 05 Oct, 2018
Dr. Laura Pettler has quickly become a CrimeCon favorite (I mean, she has those cool forensic toys!). We’ve been honored to have her take over the CrimeCon Insider app to introduce us to her webseries Notorious and share some of the captivating stories that we’ve come to expect from her. Naturally, I was in full geek mode when we had a chance to chat about her work, the takeover, and what’s coming up next.
Dr. Laura Pettler has quickly become a CrimeCon favorite (I mean, she has those cool forensic toys!). We’ve been honored to have her take over the CrimeCon Insider app to introduce us to her webseries Notorious and share some of the captivating stories that we’ve come to expect from her. Naturally, I was in full geek mode when we had a chance to chat about her work, the takeover, and what’s coming up next.
CCI: We’ve seen an explosion of cases solved with DNA this year. What do you think the future of DNA will be as an investigative tool? 
I think DNA as an investigative tool will far surpass even what we thought was possible. With the apprehension of the Golden State Killer, we are beginning to see an increase in cold cases being solved using the most advanced technology available today including innovative ways of using DNA Ancestral Databases and familial DNA. Touch DNA is also becoming more common and as I have always opined, DNA in general is more likely on firearms and triggers of firearms than a fingerprint on a trigger.  

CCI: Tell us a little about the Cold Case Accountability Act and how readers can get involved. 
The Cold Case Accountability Act was created by Sheryl McCollum of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, Laura Pettler & Associates and myself, and Leigh Egan from CrimeOnline.com. It was written by law enforcement professionals for law enforcement professionals, victims, and families. The major premise of the Act is for all of us as a country to take responsibility for the American Cold Case Epidemic proactively by implementing a multifaceted system that includes dedicating new and substantial funding to law enforcement agencies nationwide for cold case management and investigation, cold case investigator and prosecutor education, training, and certification, standardized annual cold case accountability, investigative plan, and status reports, annual family updates, outside agency case review, and private sector resources and case review upon a case reaching chronological milestones. The goal is to make sure physical evidence is checked on and accounted for every 12 months, for investigative agencies to have the money for training, case management, and investigation, for families to be included in the non-confidential aspects of the investigation, such as annual updates, and ultimately for victims of all cold cases: murder, sexual assaults, kidnappings, robberies, etc. to have justice. You can sign the petition at  www.change.org  if you're interested. 


CCI: Your webseries is awesome. Do you have plans to do more in that format in the future?
Thank you! We do. LPA has partnered with Infield Media and Promotion who has their own film crew. We intend to begin a new crowdfunded webseries in 2019. The new webseries will feature cold cases throughout the United States. 

CCI: The MVAC demo at CC18 was BANANAS cool. What cool tech will you bring to NOLA?? 
Thank you! The "M-VAC", short for The Microbial Vacuum is the best DNA collection tool that has ever been invented in my opinion. LPA was the first in North Carolina to bring the technology to our state and we are the only private sector Death Investigation firm to own an M-VAC. In August we launched our partnership with the newest and most innovative DNA Laboratory in the country and we now offer in partnership with them 2-day turn around on DNA samples. So you never know, maybe we will sample a case on the first day of CrimeCon NOLA and reveal the results on the third day! Planning is in the works...
Along with the M-VAC, our Laser Bullet Trajectory Demonstrations are a CrimeCon favorite, we expect to do another case in NOLA featuring how to use the Kaleidoscope System as well. 

CrimeCon UK heads to Manchester!

By David Jones • November 28, 2024
Breaking News! CrimeCon UK is coming to Manchester in 2025!

CrimeCon London 2025

By David Jones - Brand Manager • September 30, 2024

CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts

Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.

CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.

What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025

Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.

Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:

  • Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
  • Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
  • Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
  • Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.

Who Should Attend?

Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.

For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

Secure Your Spot

Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits. 

To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!

PUBLIC VOTE - OPEN NOW

By David Jones • February 5, 2024

Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!

VIEWERS' CHOICE:  Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.

LISTENERS' CHOICE:   All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!

READERS' CHOICE:   Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!

Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.  Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.

VOTE NOW!

The Big Scottish Book Club

By daviduk • October 18, 2023
THE BIG SCOTTISH BOOK CLUB
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW

Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen)  rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.

If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here. 
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