Aftermath Joins the IHIA 2017 Conference

Late last month, Aftermath was fortunate to join the International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA) for the 2017 IHIA Training Symposium. The event was hosted at the Rosen Center in sunny Orlando, Florida from June 25th until the 30th, though the event was only open to vendors for the first two days. Representing Aftermath this year were Stephen Brown, National Director of Business Development and Rodney Tower, Senior Manager of Law Enforcement Relations.

According to the organization’s website, IHIA’s mission is “to provide active support to law enforcement death professionals through leadership, training, networking, and provision of resources and expertise to resolve cases.” Members are current or former law enforcement, or have worked in related forensics or behavioral science fields.

A Quick Visit to the Conference

Attendees came to the conference from all over the US; there was also some representation from outside the country. Visitors listened to speakers and presentations on topics such as death investigations, violent crime, and cold cases. They also toured the small exhibit area, and met with vendors who specialize in products and services designed to help law enforcement professionals perform their duties. As in previous years, Stephen described the tone of the show as positive and receptive. He said: “The most common questions we received were about our locations and how we work with insurance companies.”

During the week, visitors who stopped by the Aftermath booth were entered into a drawing for a 5.11 Tactical Bag with PPE kit. This year’s winner was Stephanie Fretwell. The team also distributed air fresheners, memo pads, and other promotional materials. In addition to the vendors area and presentations, an after hours networking session was hosted by Dateline NBC, the TV newshow.

We Want to Know Why You Serve

Aftermath greatly values time spent at conferences like IHIA. It gives us opportunity to reach the men and women who are on the front lines in their communities each and every day. We also get to hear their stories, and explain the importance behind professional biohazard cleanup.

During these visits, we often hear how officers would like to be able to do more for the families they serve. To answer this desire, Aftermath is sponsoring the Why We Serve Service Grant Competition for law enforcement. In a video of three minutes or less, tell us why you do what you do…it’s that simple! All members of law enforcement may enter and one winner will walk away with $5000 to donate to a charity or community group in their area.

To enter the #WhyWeServe video competition, visit our website. Rules and restrictions are viewable here. Click here for more information on uploading your video.

Contest ends July 15th, so get your videos in soon! We’re excited to learn more about you and the work you  do. From everyone here at Aftermath, best of luck!