California Association of Criminalists

In 1982 the General Section of the American Academy of Forensic Science established a fund to recognize outstanding new members to the profession of criminalistics. The General Section yearly awarded a $100 cash stipend to each of the seven region associations, including the CAC for this purpose. The Paul Kirk Award was an outgrowth of the General Section's award.

The Presidents Award was established in 1994 to encourage a collegial relationship between the CAC and the Forensic Science Society in England by promoting scientific exchange and fellowship between members. The award is granted in even numbered years to a young forensic scientist and is sponsored to attend a meeting of the Forensic Science Society in England. In 1995 it was established that the winner of the CAC Paul Kirk Award would also be the recipient of the Presidents Award. Therefore after 1994 the Paul Kirk and Presidents Award is a combined award that is granted to a CAC member every two years. For info on the FSS, visit: http://www.forensic-science-society.org.uk.

Nominations have no requirements except that self-nominations will not be accepted. Candidates must be members of the CAC in any status, and must be employed in the profession for fewer than six years. Employment in the field is defined as full-time employment and shall not include time in pre-professional positions, such as an intern or laboratory technician. During the six-year qualifying period, the candidate should have demonstrated an interest in a professional organization, not limited to the CAC. Candidates must have made at least one of the following contributions to the profession:

• Research disseminated in the form of a publication (e.g. journal or newsletter), presentation of a paper at a seminar, or delivered at a workshop or study group
• Sustain production of papers or technical notes in newsletters or at seminars
• Casework which provided a significant contribution to the investigation or adjudication of one or more cases
• Training to law enforcement agencies, users of criminalistics services, or other criminalists
• Involvement in study groups in the form of organizing speakers or group data gathering projects which will benefit the forensic science community
• Development or design of materials which enhance the quality and integrity of evidence (e.g. evidence collection kits)
• Any other unusual or significant contribution to the improvement of the criminalistics profession

To nominate someone (other than yourself) for the Paul Kirk and President's Award, complete the Nomination form:

• Submit the Online Nomination Form (secure)
• Complete, Print, and Mail the Nomination Form