WELCOME LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to the 2023 International Homicide Investigators Association’s 29th Annual Training Symposium. We are very excited to be in Oklahoma City this year! Our Co-Hosts have been tremendously helpful, and we can’t do it without them. This year’s hosts are Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Please thank them for their support.

I look forward to seeing old friends and colleagues as well as meeting new members and attendees. This symposium marks my 14 th IHIA Symposium and 4 th year as your president. It has been a great honor to be part of the board and growth of the IHIA over the last 13 years. At the end of the week Sgt. Rob Peters will take over as the next president and I look forward to the next two years as the immediate past president. I highly encourage any of you who have a desire to become a board member to reach out either to me or your regional representative.

There is no higher honor than investigating the death of another human being. These investigations by their very nature require a combination of innovation, time-honored methods of investigation, and most importantly teamwork. The 2023 IHIA symposium is structured to support this formula of success with presentations from investigators, prosecutors, forensic science professionals, academia, digital media, and electronic communications.

In support of these investigations, you will find exhibitors who are as dedicated to these investigations as you are. Our exhibitors are part of the IHIA family with many being with us for years. They could choose to support other associations or endeavors, but year after year they make time to spend several days with us and interact with each of you. We take this loyalty very seriously and truly appreciate their friendship, and the time and energy put into their products to support you in your investigations. Please take some time to chat with them, as you will find their passion will rival yours!

Thank you all for attending and your commitment to professional development and growth. Your agencies and communities appreciate you and recognize the sacrifices you make.

Lt. Paul Belli