From the desk of Bates County Coroner Greg Mullinax

I have been in Columbia, Missouri for the last few days for some of the best continuing education I have ever received. This training qualified for both POST and ABMDI credit and was expertly facilitated by Vista Law Enforcement Training & Consulting, LLC.

Monday:
- Crime Scene Investigation with a focus on scene processing, scene photography
- Collection and processing of evidence
- Mock scenes for processing of evidence
- Coroner’s role in seizing evidence

Tuesday:
- Interviewing techniques: Cognitive Interviewing & SCAN methodology
- De-escalation techniques and application of Cognitive Interviewing to obtain truthful and accurate information from witnesses and those exposed to traumatic/stressful events
- Practical mock interviews
- Forensic anthropology - human osteology application for differentiation of human versus non-human remains
- Case studies and taphonomy (study of remains after death including exposure to the elements)

Wednesday:
- Child & Infant death investigations
- Tactical interviewing of first interviews with primary caregivers
- Methodology for re-enactments
- Practical hands-on reenactment training

 
This was an intense few days, but this training is valuable. I am pleased to apply updated protocols and techniques immediately.

 
It is my priority to serve you to the fullest extent of my professional ability. My thanks to Deputy Coroner Dustin Miller for handling cases these last few days in my absence. Deputy Miller will complete this training in the future as well.

 
Most respectfully,
Greg D. Mullinax
Bates County Coroner