Over 400 law enforcement professionals from across the globe are gathering in New Orleans this week for the International Homicide Investigators Association symposium, where attendees will share resources, hear stories, and explore advancements in investigative technology.
Participants range from local agencies in Kenner to international investigators from Dubai.
The five-day event includes several speakers, with the first being Greg Smith, executive director of the Kelsey Smith Foundation.
Smith is the father of Kelsey Smith, an 18-year-old who was abducted and murdered from her Kansas hometown in 2007. Monday morning, Smith plans to share how vital cell phone location data is in aiding investigations, as Kelsey’s location data took over four days to retrieve.
“Anytime we can talk about our girl, it’s a good day,” said Missey Smith, Kelsey’s mother. “When we hear stories, and at conferences like this, we get to hear the stories of someone that was recovered or brought home using cell phone technology. And it’s because of Kelsey that that is able to happen, and it just warms a mom’s heart.”
Since Kelsey’s murder, her family has efforted Kelsey’s Act. A law that requires cell phone carriers to immediately share a person’s location with police if they are believed to be in danger. The law is currently in effect in Louisiana and 30 other states, but the Smiths hope it will soon become nationwide.
“When police got the information, it took them 45 minutes to locate Kelsey’s body. So we want to make sure that every law enforcement agency has that tool in the United States,” Greg Smith said, “we’re just working, trying to get that in front of as many law enforcement, prosecutors, folks who do this type of work to let them know that, hey, there’s there’s an avenue here that you need to look at.”
The symposium also features booths highlighting developments in law enforcement technology, including DNA testing, K-9 search and rescue, and digital evidence tools.
Attendees at the symposium are also purchasing $10 raffle tickets, with proceeds supporting the Smiths’ foundation, Kelsey’s Army.
Thursday, Aug. 13, will conclude the event.
Next year, the 33rd International Homicide Investigator’s Association symposium will be held in San Diego.
READ MORE:International homicide investigators meet in New Orleans
