Welcome to Gold Coast Forensic Association

Before the Gold Coast Forensic Association (GCFA) was established, another forensic organization was operating out of Broward County. That association was named the South Florida Forensic Association (SFFA), and many of today's GCFA members were members of the SFFA. The SFFA stopped meeting regularly and eventually dissolved around early 2000, which created a void that the founding members of the GCFA felt needed to be filled. Around 2003, King Brown, Dawn Watkins, Harold "Rus" Ruslander, George "Bud" Staley, and Anthony "Tony" Mead formed what became today's GCFA. The current officers are: King Brown- President; M. Dawn Watkins- Treasurer and Educational planner; Neil Zielinski- Secretary and Web Master; Teresa Bryant- Educational Speaker Coordinator; Greg Parkinson- Sergeant at Arms; and Cameron Stauffer- Internal Affairs.

The GCFA is a forensic association established to promote the advancement of forensic science and provide a venue for those with  an interest in the field to gather to discuss issues and events, exchange knowledge, and to provide opportunities to learn about the science  and make connections with other professionals. 

The Gold Coast Forensic Association hosts bi-monthly meetings where people from all over south Florida, from Ft. Piece to Miami, gather to network with other members, and participate in discussions around various forensic topics predicated by an event's featured guest speaker. Meetings are typically held on Thursday evenings once every other month around 7pm in the West Palm Beach Area, which last about 2 hours or less. The GCFA has also hosted numerous training events in various forensic science topics. 

These events are fantastic opportunities to showcase your interest and knowledge to active forensic professionals. Many of our student-members have gone on to become employed by law enforcement agencies, law offices,/courts and the Medical Examiner's office to name a few. 

The GCFA provides opportunities to meet with other professionals and discuss techniques and advancements in forensics and learn about the capabilities and equipment available at other local agencies. Are you wondering if vacuum metal deposition is worth your agency's time and money? Pick the brains of a local end-user at a meeting such as a BSO CSI. Are you working a case where a person may have been buried, but not sure where? PBSO has a ground penetrating radar device. Speak with a PBSO CSI about deploying that technology. Looking into getting a Faro or Leica laser scanner? Our members use both. Be careful though...that's like an Android vs. IOS debate.

Our meetings are open to anyone expressing interest in the forensic science field whether a paid member or not. Paid memberships however are strongly encouraged as they will give you access to an active member certificate, certificates for events you attend, and access to discounted training when available. Having an active membership is a fantastic way to provide proof to potential employers or the courts that you are an active participant in the quest for knowledge and the advancement of forensics. Many, if not all trials, always begin with voir dire: "Are you a member of any professional forensic organizations", and "how many hours of training do you have?"  A GCFA member in good standing can answer those questions with a "yes" and offer proof with their certificate.