Letter from the Chair
by Randall Thomas, Forensic Chair
(from FORENSIC NEWS - Winter 2000)
As another NARPPS/IARP year winds down, I though it relevant to take a look back in review, as well as a look forward to the challenges ahead in this, my last column as Forensic Section Chair.

1999 was an excellent year for the Forensic Section. The December conference in ‘Vegas was a success, both in terms of number of attendees and the quality of presentations.

There has been much discussion of changes in the federal rules of evidence and whether these changes will have any effect on those of us in the forensic arena. It is my belief that we have yet to experience the significant challenges that we will face as we offer "expert opinions" in court.

I have encouraged the NARPPS/IARP Board to aggressively plan for continuing education and training for our members. After a review of the upcoming conferences of other professional associations, I am impressed by the emphasis on Daubert and the federal rules of evidence. For example, the American Board of Vocational Experts will be holding their spring conference April 6-9 in New Orleans. One of the featured sessions will be regarding the impact of Daubert on vocational expert testimony. Also, the participants can take part in a peer review session and receive a certificate of participation. If a participant's work product is reviewed, they will receive certification of that fact. The ABVE program is an example of a proactive response to a significant professional challenge. It is essential that NARPPS/IARP provide an environment that is conducive for training and education for its members.

In April, I will relinquish the position of Chair of the Forensic Section and serve one year as Past Chair. Robert Taylor of Phoenix will assume responsibilities of Chair the Forensic Section and guide the Forensic Section Board and Forensic Section during the next 12 months. I would encourage all of us to work aggressively for training and education that will be critical to our success during the coming years. As I read posts to the listserver, I realize that information being shared would be a good point to begin determining training needs for our members. The listserver has been one of the most valuable services that I am provided as a Forensic Section member. A special thanks to Carl Gann who was instrumental in beginning the listserver and in maintaining it. Thanks to all who contributed so much to the forensic section during the past year. There has been a significant amount time, energy and resources given by the forensic section board and by members of the forensic section. It is a great pleasure to work with those individuals who are willing to give of so much of their energy. And now, there continues to be many task that we must undertake. This year will be a critical time for all of us in this profession and I encourage you to remain active and involved in the Forensic Section.