Join us for an insightful webinar that delves into the complex interplay between cognitive biases and forensic science. While cognitive biases can streamline decision-making, they can also lead to significant errors in high-stakes situations. This presentation will shed light on common biases like the halo effect, confirmation bias, and anchoring bias, illustrating their effects on forensic professionals, law enforcement, jurors, and the public through relatable everyday examples.

In addition to understanding these biases, attendees will gain valuable knowledge about the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, including their potential and pitfalls. The session will offer practical strategies to mitigate the impacts of cognitive biases in forensic practice, enhancing accuracy and fairness through innovative forensic technology. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your decision-making toolkit in a critical field!

OBJECTIVES

• List various cognitive biases and describe their influence on decision-making processes in forensic science and related fields.
• Explain practical strategies and best practices for addressing and reducing cognitive biases in forensic settings.
• Recognize how forensic technologies, such as AI and machine learning, interact with and potentially exacerbate cognitive biases.

PRESENTERS 

	Joyce Williams, DNP, MFSA, RN Joyce Williams chairs the Forensic Nursing Subcommittee to establish standards and best practices for the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science, administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Focusing on injury prevention, her research includes intraoral swabbing of the mouth/lips for foreign DNA and reducing combat morbidity and mortality through improved protective armor for military members. She is a Retired Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, past chair of the Forensic Nursing Science Section and a voting member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board’s Forensic Nursing Consensus Body. A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing she serves on the expert panels: violence and quality health care. An active member of the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team Victim Information Center she deploys to disaster areas when activated.
	Michelle Patch, PhD, MSN, APRN-CNS, ACNS-BC, AFN-C, DF-AFN, FAAN Michelle Patch is an Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and is board-certified as an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist and Advanced Forensic Nurse. Her internationally recognized scholarship and clinical practice address patient, staff, and public health safety, specifically during times of crisis, violence, disaster, and trauma. Dr. Patch’s research focuses on health care responses to intimate partner violence and assault-related mechanisms including strangulation and head trauma. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), Vice-Chair of the AAN Expert Panel on Trauma and Violence, a Distinguished Fellow of the Academy of Forensic Nursing, past-Secretary for the Forensic Nursing Certification Board, past-Chair of the Academy of Forensic Nursing’s Research Committee, a Medical Advisory Board member for the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, and a voting member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board’s Forensic Nursing Consensus Body.
	Victor G. Petreca, PhD, DNP Dr. Victor Petreca is the Director and Principal Investigator of the Center for Police Training in Crisis Intervention. He leads the development of evidence-based mental health, substance use, and crisis intervention training programs for law enforcement. The Center, established by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health as a JDP initiative, collects and manages data to optimize behavioral crisis responses, serves as a clearinghouse, and provides support to jail diversion programs across the Commonwealth. He is also an Assistant Professor at Boston College William Connell School of Nursing and a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, his research focuses on forensic psychiatry, jail diversion programs, and crisis intervention strategies. Clinically, he has extensive experience in forensic psychiatry/mental health, correctional healthcare, and psychopharmacology.

Enduring Modules - This module originated on 11/12/2025 and will remain available for CE credit through 12/31/2027

Criteria for Successful Completion:

Live attendees must join the zoom link via the LMS site, be logged in for a minimum of 90% of the session, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded. 

Recordings of the live session will be made available within one week of the live date. 

Asynchronous attendees must utilize the LMS to obtain resource information (if available), view 100% of recording(s), complete all modules, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded.

No relevant financial relationships exist for any individuals in a position to control content of this educational activity.

NOTE:

The Academy of Forensic Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.