In anticipation of the Diamond Anniversary, the association leadership elected to have a new design created as our logo.   A number of designs were submitted and ultimately our new logo was selected.  

This new logo reflects the association’s commitment to  “Standardization, Training, & Professionalism.”  The “sight picture” is targeting a fingerprint in Southern California.  The print is the mirror image of the print on our past banner.  This use reflects the association’s determination to continue building on the success of the past. The reversal gives a forward direction to the pattern and converts the often misunderstood “12” to “21”, a widely used short-form for the (imminent) 21st Century.  

The statement “Since 1937" establishes the maturity of the organization without fixing the logo in time.  The use of the familiar traced print and core/axis markings, which will shortly become obsolete, provide historical value from the current era.  

The concept,  design and artwork provided by Thomas W. Jones exceeds the original desires and provides great meaning and historical significance to our logo.  This new trademark shall become the recognized symbol of what SCAFO represents, as we move forward into the twenty-first century.

S.C.A.F.O. HISTORY

In 1936 the first steps were taken to form an association that would later be known as the “Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers”.  This is also the year the Axis Powers began to move in Europe.  Germany marched into the Rhineland while Italy invaded and conquered the small country of Ethiopia. The Berlin Olympics were held and Jesse Owens of the U.S.A. won the 100, 200 Meters and the Broad Jump on the historic third try.

In America, Lou Gehrig with 49 homers, and rookie Joe DiMaggio led the New York Yankees to the World Series Championship over the Giants; Paul Muni won the Academy Award for his performance in the “Story of Louis Pasteur”; Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President for his second term with a victory over Alf Landon;  The Queen Mary made her maiden voyage and one year later, Amelia Earhart Putnam was lost over the Pacific.

During the year 1936, Fingerprint Officers began meeting informally at various Police Departments over a cup of coffee and doughnuts. “Classification of Fingerprints” by the F.B.I. was not printed until 1939, and the experts would meet to discuss classification of fingerprints.  The “International Association of Identification, California State Division” met in Santa Monica for the Twenty-First Annual Convention with Charles Ogie of Sacramento presiding.  One of the high-light speeches was “The Iodine-Silver Transfer Method for Recording Latent Fingerprints” illustrated with large exhibits and presented by John McMorris of Pasadena.  W. A. “Bill” Snare of Bakersfield was installed President and Rudy Vallee provided the entertainment.

After the 1936 Conference, the possibility of organizing a Southern California Association was discussed.  A By-Laws Committee was appointed consisting of A.W. Mallery, Santa Monica Police Department; Sam Baxter, Glendora Police Department; Scott Smith, Monrovia Police Department, and R. H. Swain, Manhattan beach Police Department.  The Committee composed and agreed upon the “Constitution and By-Laws” for an Association later to be named the Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers in September of 1936.

In 1937, the informal meetings continued, led by Vern Matson, Bob Rogers - LASO; Bob Nelson, Carl Hartmeyer - Beverly Hills; Dan Munns, Harland Stahl - LAPD; Charles Wolford - SAPD; Carl Setzer -So. Pasadena; Roy Standard - Huntington Park; and the members of the By-Laws Committee already listed.

1st President  -  ROBERT  V.  ROGERS, 1937-1938

July 2, 1937, Nelson and Hartmeyer, Beverly Hills PD, hosted an informal meeting at Helen's Restaurant.  Approximately 40 persons attended this meeting.  With a good attendance it was decided to make this an official meeting, and as first order of business, officers were elected as per their Constitution.  Bob Rogers, Los Angeles Sheriff's Office, was elected President and Roy Standard of Huntington Park Police Department, Treasurer.  Bob Nelson was prepared for this day and already had Charter Member ID Cards printed up.  Everyone at the meeting wanted Card No. 1, so it was decided to raffle the cards, with the proceeds going into the Treasury.

August 6, 1937. - Matson  and Rogers, LASO, hosted the next meeting at Little Joe's in Los Angeles where the installations took place.

September 3,  1937. - Meeting was held in the vicinity of 154th Place, Los Angeles, at the Restaurant owned by Clifton's and the feature attractions were “Strippers”.  Several meetings in the future would be held with “Strippers” providing the entertainment so as to increase membership attendance.

Bob Rogers joined the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department in 1925 as an identification Technician and was trained by Superintendent Adams of the same Department. His retirement came in 1948 after 23 years as a Fingerprint Expert.  Bob retired to deep sea fishing in Mexico and afterwards to the area of Lake Tahoe.  A serious accident sent Bob to Pismo Beach to recover and then to the Sierra Pine Guest Home in Arlington, California.

2nd President - DANIEL  A.  MUNNS, 1938-1939

Dan was installed as President at the August 1938 SCAFO Meeting. Vern Matson, Los Angeles Sheriff's Office (Vice-President); Carl Hartmeyer, Beverly Hills (Secretary) and Roy Standard, Huntington Park (Treasurer).

On February 21, 1939, SCAFO, under the leadership of President Munns, supported a bill in Sacramento that would require fingerprinting of driver license applicants.

Dan Munns joined the Los Angeles Police Department in 1925 and retired as a Sergeant on January 23, 1946.  Dan went to work for the California State Racing Commission as an ID Photographer and retired to his home at 424 Diamond St., Arcadia, California.

3rd President - CHARLES  W.  WOLFORD, 1939-1940

July 7, 1939 - Captain McGhee, Head of Santa Monica Douglas ID, hosted a meeting of 150 members.  Chief Davis spoke and then took the men on a tour of the plant.  SCAFO name buttons, 3 ½" in size, were voted for and Charlie was elected President.

Charles Wolford retired from the Santa Ana Police Department with the rank of Captain of Detectives.  

President Wolford was one of the original forty charter members of the association and held membership number 31.  

4th President - CARL  T.  HARTMEYER, 1940-1941

July 12, 1940 - Carl hosted a meeting at Gordon's Cafe in Beverly Hills and was elected President with Norris Viles, Los Angeles PD (Vice President); Carl Setzer, So. Pasadena (Secretary) and Roy Standard, (Treasurer for the fourth time).

Carl Hartmeyer was an ID Technician while President, but when Schermerhorn left Burbank PD, Carl was employed as a Lieutenant. Carl rose in rank and became the Chief of Police.  Carl was also Chief of Police at Oxnard and Anderson Police Departments.

5th President - JOHN  W.  JERGENSEN, 1941-1942

John was hired by the San Gabriel PD in 1937 and resigned after serving as SCAFO President.  John was last seen in 1960 on a visit to San Gabriel.

6th President - FORREST  M.  SCHERMERHORN, 1942-1943

Schermerhorn hosted a meeting in Burbank with the guest entertainer Chill Willis.  After a long discussion, Willis became the first citizen not connected with Law Enforcement to be voted Honorary Membership in SCAFO.

Lynn Brackett, Santa Monica Police, who was serving as Secretary, began to illustrate the newsletter - thus “Little Accidental”, a Brackett invention.

Forrest Schermerhorn served with the Burbank Police for 18 years, rising to the rank of Sergeant.  On June 26, 1943, he enlisted in World War II as a Fingerprint Expert and, after serving overseas, he returned to Southern California a very sick man.  Forrest worked several years as a salesman, however, when he became gravely ill in 1958, he committed suicide at the age of 55.

7th President - JAY  C.  DECKER, 1943-1944

Sheriff Ward, of Las Vegas, hosted a SCAFO meeting at the Apache Casino.  Members were taken for a boat ride on upper Lake Mead. Lowell, of Redondo, took movies which were shown at the next meeting. Judge Fricke was a frequent speaker at the meetings during the war years. Attendance depended on the number of gas coupons each member had.

Jay Decker retired as a Captain from the Orange  County Sheriff Department. Jay passed away April 20, 1973.

8th President - EVERETT  C.  SETZER, 1944-1945

August 1, 1945 - Ralph Bradford, Long Beach Police, hosted a meeting at the Lakewood Country Club.  The featured speaker was Dr. Arthur Meigs who spoke on “Dental Identifications”.  Ralph also spoke on “Latents”.

“Questioned Fingerprint Patterns” by Gus Bowis, FBI; U-V Products, by Thomas Warren; Moulten Spectrograph were a few of the other topics for the year.

Everett Setzer was an Identification Technician while President, but soon rose to become Chief of South Pasadena Police Department.

9th President - LYNN  BRACKETT, 1945-1946

April 12, 1946. - Joe Head hosted an open meeting at the Tropics in Beverly Hills.  Attorney Jerry Geiser was the featured speaker and Jimmy Gleason provided his usual humor.

August 9, 1946. - The Election Meeting was held in Redondo Beach with Phil Munding, Kern County SO the featured speaker.  His speech was entitled “Taking Prints with a Carbon Stick”.

At the meeting of November 8, 1946, it was decided that all members would wear a name badge at all meetings. The badges were 2 ½ inches and cost a whopping $1.00.

Lynn was a Sergeant with the Santa Monica Police while President of SCAFO.  As one of SCAFO's outstanding members, he soon was promoted to the rank of Captain.  A great shock overwhelmed the members when Lynn died on March 18, 1958.

10th President - RICHARD  M.  BRADLEY, 1946-1947

February 7, 1947  - Chester Troan hosted a meeting of 85 at the Carlsbad Hotel, Oceanside.  Past President Lynn Brackett lined up buses which made many stops on their way to the meeting.  Ralph Bradford, who spoke on Latents, and Bill Murphy, FBI, were the speakers.  It was at this meeting that the members decided the 3 ½” badge was too costly for the Association to support.  It was then voted to change to a 2 ½" size badge.

August, 1947 - Harry Skoog held a meeting at Eleda Cafe in Inglewood.  The afternoon was spent as the guests of the Hollywood Park Race Track and the evening meeting was held in the Cafe.  With pickets outside the cafe, members served themselves.

Dick Bradley was a Lieutenant with the Santa Ana Police and was the first of many SCAFO Presidents to be elected President of the International Association for Identification - California Division.

President Bradley died March 26, 1997, just a month prior to the Association’s Diamond Anniversary Celebration.  Dick, having joined SCAFO within its first year, held membership number 201. His nearly sixty years of  participation in the Association were honored by nine Past Presidents and Life members attending his funeral.

11th President - HARRY  V.  SKOOG, 1947-1948

August 6, 1948 - Joe Head held the Election Meeting at Eaton's Cafe in Beverly Hills.  Joe presented color slides of a local murder case.

Tom McGaff, Orange County SO, and Ralph Alexander, LA County Trial Deputy, also spoke.

September 3, 1948 - Ralph Bradford, Long Beach PD, hosted a meeting at the Long Beach Pistol Range.  Bill Skousen, FBI, spoke on “What Do We Mean —-Internal Security!”

Harry Skoog served the Inglewood Police Department as Superintendent of Records.  Harry also became President of the International Association for Identification -  California Division.

12th President - JOSEPH  M.  HEAD, 1948-1949

March 4, 1949 - Chief Ted Murphy welcomed 100 members to the Tip Top Cafe, Signal Hill.  The meeting was highlighted when Ted drew two groups of four names out of a hat for a singing contest.  The winners were: Coughlin, Los Angeles PD - Bowman, Ventura SO - Head, Beverly Hills - and Seymour, Ventura SO.

August 5, 1949. - Jim Rhodes opened the gates to CIM and welcomed 168 members (the largest meeting in the history of  SCAFO).  Inmates at CIM put on a program after an introduction by Kenyon Scudder.  George Brereton was also present for the elections.

Joe Head retired as Superintendent of Records at Beverly Hills PD.

13th President - RALPH  BRADFORD, 1949-1950

September 2, 1949 - Eaton's Cafe in Beverly Hills was again selected by host Joe Head.  Dr. Glovanni spoke on “Larceny from the Person”. After his speech, the Doctor selected members of SCAFO and then proved to all that he is the “World’s Greatest Pickpocket”.  August Meister and Harold Gillett represented CII at Bradford’s installation.

Ralph Bradford was a Laboratory Technician while President, but he was soon promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Records.  Ralph was elected President of the International Association for Identification-California Division in 1964 and hosted the Golden Anniversary of the International Association for Identification, National Division. Ralph retired from the Long Beach PD.

14th President - JAMES  O.  RHODES, 1950-1951

May 5, 1951 - Jim Rhodes and George Pletts planned and hosted the first and only SCAFO meeting to be held outside the United States. General Jose Perez Tejada Gomez, Inspector General de Policia del Territorio Norte del la Baja California (Inspector General of Police for the Northern Territory of Baja California) was the principal speaker. Also attending this meeting in Mexicali, Mexico, were Sr. Kraus Morales, the Commander of Police, Mexicali; George Zentz, American Consul; and Pat Brown, Attorney General for California.

Jim Rhodes served SCAFO and was employed by the California Institute for Men in Chino until his death in an automobile accident in 1960.

15th President - GEORGE  T.  PLETTS, 1951-1952

February 1, 1952 - Reed McLaughlin, Los Angeles Police Department, hosted an open meeting in Chinatown. The “Temple of Heaven” Room in the Rice Bowl, Los Angeles, was the setting for an unusual meeting with Chinese entertainment.  

George Pletts  went on to serve as a President of the International Association for Identification - California Division, and retired from the Laguna Beach PD as a Lieutenant.

16th President - JOSEPH  E.  RITCHIE, 1952-1953

September 5, 1952 - Chief Murphy hosted another of his meetings at the Hill Top Cafe in Signal Hill.  

Joseph Ritchie served with the Santa Monica Police as a Sergeant until his disability retirement in 1961.  Joseph passed away on February 17, 1962.

17th President - A. REED MC LAUGHLIN, 1953-1954

Reed McLaughlin was employed as a Sergeant in the Handwriting Section of The Los Angeles Police PD.  In 1962 Reed was elected President of International Association for Identification - California Division.

18th President - EMORY  C.  HUBBARD, 1954-1955

Emory Hubbard resigned as President of SCAFO and his job as Sergeant with Oxnard PD in March 1955. Emory became Coordinator of Community Leadership Training, Extension Division, University of Alabama.

19th President - PAUL  A.  HELM, 1955-1956

Paul Helm was elected Vice President under Emory Hubbard.  After Emory resigned, Paul was appointed President.  After serving Hubbard's term, Paul was elected President and, in the Association’s first sixty years,  was the only person to serve more than one term as President. Paul hosted a SCAFO meeting at the Long Beach Police Honor Farm.  A tour of the facility was on the program.

Paul Helm served with the Long Beach Police as an Identification-Technician during his term as President. Paul rose to the rank of Chief Clerk and finally to Superintendent of Records.

20th President - ROBERT  H.  SHARP, 1956-1957

September 6, 1957 - Rainbow Angling Club in Azusa served as host to the installation of Lyle Stalcup as the new President.  Past President Joe Head presented outgoing President Bob Sharp with a Coleman lantern, badge and card.

Bob Sharp served as Captain with the Orange County Sheriff's Department during his year as President of SCAFO. Bob was later promoted to Under-Sheriff.

21st President - LYLE  G.  STALCUP, 1957-1958

February 7, 1958 - Wally Hilderbrandt, San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, hosted a meeting at the Club Oaks with Harold Gillete and “Sexy Tom” Hunter of CII attending.  Lieut. Sukarno, Indonesia National Police, spoke on Police Problems in Indonesia.  Legal procedures were waived and the Lieutenant became the first SCAFO member from a foreign country.

August 8, 1958 - Harold Van Fleet, Monrovia Police Department, hosted his meeting at the “Westerner” in Arcadia.  Attorney Gladys Root spoke on her favorite subject “Sex” and the “Fingerprint Expert in Court”.  Walt Sorensen was elected President at this meeting.

While Lyle served as President he was a Senior Deputy in the Latent Print section of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.  He then promoted and later retired as a Sergeant.

22nd President - V. P. H. (WALT) SORENSON 1958-1959

March 6, 1959 - Ferris and North hosted the meeting at the Orange Bowl in San Bernardino.  Lewis Olio spoke on “Officer as a Witness”. Professor Rickert Von Ardsberg of Heidelberg University, Baden, (Germany) also spoke.  The Professor's topic was “Physilognomy” - a speech that left the members talking to themselves.  No one woke up to the fact that the Professor was really Richard Ward of San Bernardino.

November 8, 1958 - Ben Alexander hosted the meeting at the Eagle's Lodge Hall in Brawley.  Kirnan of U.S.Treasury, Alcohol Tax, presented a film on Tax Evasion, Firearms Act and Confiscation.

Walt Sorenson, Senior Identification-Technician at Santa Monica Police, was elected President of International Association for Identification - California Division in 1958.

23rd President - HAROLD  VAN FLEET, 1959-1960

November 6, 1959 - Bob Sharp, Orange County Sheriff's Office, had as his speaker J. R. Abbott, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Ret), who presented a slide show - “Identification of Object by Sculptor”.

September 9, 1960 - Beverly Hills was the setting for one of the blackest days in the history of SCAFO.  A moment of silence was observed for Past President James Rhodes and SCAFO Director Ben Alexander who both passed away quite suddenly.  

Harold Van Fleet served as a Lieutenant with the Monrovia Police Department.

24th President - ALBERT  G.  GREVELDING, 1960-1961

April 11, 1961 - Fred Cox, Los Angeles Sheriff's Office, hosted the meeting at the Ram's Horn in Encino. Superior Court Judge LeRoy Dawson was back at SCAFO as our speaker.

A special Executive Board Meeting was held on March 10, 1961 and the Minutes were read. Secretary-Treasurer Strohte resigned his post and Robert Luxembourger, Orange County SO, was appointed to fill the position.  The Board also recommended that the number of officers in SCAFO be expanded.  The membership voted in favor of adding a 2nd Vice President and separating the Office of Secretary and Treasurer.  

At the next meeting, Reed McLaughlin proposed that new members must be present while being approved for membership, and it was passed.

Al Grevelding served with Beverly Hills Police as an Identification-Technician for 19 years before he retired in December of 1961.  Al passed away on April 30, 1965.

25th President - RAY  G.  JONES, 1961-1962

October 6, 1961 - President Ray Jones welcomed members to the White Elephant in Inglewood.  Lynn Compton, Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, spoke on the Putney Murder case and the importance of fingerprints.  Ray Jones composed an Oath of Membership and new members Gilbert Munday, Virgil Hansen and Robert Black were sworn in.  Discussions were started about the possible membership of a female Deputy.

April 7, 1962 - Bill Purdie welcomed members  to Kern County for a North-South Meeting.  Veteran's Memorial Hall was the site for the meeting and Past President Carl Hartmeyer attended with members from the North. Judge H. L. Howden was the speaker with “Belly Dancers” providing the entertainment.

Ray Jones was a Lieutenant with the Inglewood Police. In 1968 he became the 7th SCAFO President to be elected President of the California Division of the International Association for Identification.

26th President - ROBERT  W.  LUXEMBOURGER, 1962-1963

December 7, 1962 - Fred Fox and Lee Smith held their meeting at the Larchmont Hall in Los Angeles.

Earle Simmons, CII, presented a slide show on CII and Lynn Compton spoke on new Legislation.  Lux appointed a committee of Lee Smith and Reed McLaughlin of Los Angeles Police Department, and Bill Purdie, Kern County Sheriff's Office, to design a Banner for SCAFO.  In October of 1963, Lux put “Little Accidental” back on the Newsletter.  Charlie Wolford, 3rd President of SCAFO, held another meeting at Big Bear Lake this year.

During Bob’s tenure, he began an effort to have POST establish a certification program for latent print examiners.  While this effort was unsuccessful, discussions within the International Association for Identification later evolved into the development of the internationally recognized program.

Bob Luxembourger was Captain of Records and Identification at the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

In 1976, Bob was elected President of the California Division of the International Association for Identification.  

27th President - ERVAN  S.  STEPHENSON, 1963-1964

March 6, 1964 - Robbie's Restaurant in Pomona welcomed Host Jr. Hendricks of LaVerne Police and the SCAFO members.  Deputy District Attorney Fred Wichello spoke on “Search and Seizure”.  It was reported that Past President Al Grevelding had lost his eyesight.

July 10, 1964 - Robert Topliff, Downey Police Department, hosted a meeting at Romeo's in Downey. Dr. Frank J. Hendel, Staff Scientist of North American, presented a movie regarding “Aviation and Identification”.

Bob also presented a Downey Police movie on “Mob Riot Control” at the nomination meeting.

Steve served as a Lieutenant with the Pomona Police until his death on March 30, 1967.

28th President - RICHARD  B.  COURTRIGHT, 1964-1965

November 6, 1964 - Ed Miller, Los Angeles Police Department, hosted his meeting at the Ram's Horn in Encino.  Frank Kelly, Scalex Corp., spoke on several of his company's products.  The meeting was actually one big birthday party - horns, hats, noise makers, etc.  The “One Hundred Year Old Man” Bob Luxembourger, who celebrated a birthday every monthly meeting, was surprised by Ed Miller and the SCAFO members in this, the biggest of all parties.  President Courtright also announced that he was now with the Culver City Police.

In the March 1965 Newsletter, Editor Lee Johnson gathered all Court decisions on fingerprints and photographs and placed them in the newsletter.  T. Dickerson Cooke of the Institute of Applied Science, requested extra copies of this fine bulletin.  

At the April 2, 1965 meeting in Riverside, Past President Ray Jones presented a “Code of Ethics” he composed and it was accepted by the members. President Courtright hosted the first Chief of Police SCAFO Meeting later in the year.

July 19, 1965 was the opening of the International Association for Identification, National Convention in Long Beach at the Edgewater Inn. This conference celebrated the Golden Anniversary of the International Association for Identification. SCAFO Past President-Ralph Bradford was President of the California Division of International Association for Identification and host for this conference.  Many SCAFO members assisted in putting on a fine Conference.  Bill Purdie was in charge of presenting the 20 ft. SCAFO Exhibit.

Dick Courtright served with the Santa Monica Police Department and retired as a Criminalist from the Culver City Police.

29th President - ELMER  L.  SMITH, 1965-1966

February 4, 1966 - Bill Gutierrez, Santa Monica Police, and Ron Ashabramer of Sears Roebuck Company hosted 80 members at the Surf Rider Inn in Santa Monica. Tom Carroll and Larry Lee of “Photographic International” presented an outstanding show and demonstrated their cameras.  Santa Monica Police Department displayed many exhibits of ninhydrin cases.

August 5, 1966 - Harold Van Fleet hosted another of his fine meetings at the “Keg-N-Kettle” in Monrovia. Rev. Olson presented an outstanding film “Profiles of Vietnam”.  The film not only presented the War in Vietnam, but also showed what was being done for the displaced persons - the real victims of the war.

Lee was a Sergeant in the Latent Print Section of the Los Angeles Police Department.  Elmer Lee Smith was expelled from SCAFO in 1994.

30th President - P. LEE  JOHNSON, 1966-1967

February 3, 1967 - Bob Luxembourger hosted a Firearms Meeting at the Orange County Training Facility in Orange.  P. McDonald Taber spoke as did Burton T. Miller who also demonstrated the Armalites AR-18 and AR-14. DeWayne Wolfer spoke on the restoration of serial numbers and presented a movie.  Jim Sarros, Orange County District Attorney's Office, won 1st Place in the SCAFO Pistol Shoot.

On April 7, Russell Bradford hosted a meeting at Rochelle's in Long Beach where amendments were voted into the Constitution as follows: No dues for Past Presidents and the installation shall be in December instead of September.  At the May 5th meeting, Bob Topliff designed new SCAFO buttons which were voted on and approved.  After this meeting, Robert Zippel of Anaheim Police Department, wrote the first “Between the Lines” for the SCAFO Newsletter.

July 7, 1967 - Gutierrez, Santa Monica Police and Ashabramer of Sears Roebuck Co., hosted an open meeting at the Surf Rider Inn, Santa Monica.  Ron spoke on new Electronic Business Systems, including the “microphone in an olive”.  Don Valdivla, also of Sears Roebuck Co., demonstrated that he was an outstanding comedian.  William (Bill) Gutierrez of Santa Monica Police, who helped host this meeting, spoke on the Classification of Latents System which he designed and which was  being used by his Department.  It was also announced at the meeting that Bill was resigning from the Police Department to join the State Department Police in Saigon, Vietnam.

December 1, 1967 - Ray Jones and his Chief hosted the “30^th Anniversary Meeting of SCAFO” in Inglewood. A large number of Past Presidents were in attendance to receive a gold Past President card.  A moment of silence was given for our departed members and the six Past Presidents who have been called away.  The SCAFO History was written for this meeting by Historian Russell Bradford and was passed out to each of the members. Eighteen Past Presidents were presented gold Past President identification cards.  Robert F. Topliff was sworn in as SCAFO's 31st President.

Click here to view picture of
Past Presidents at 30 year Anniversary

Lee Johnson was an Identification Technician with the Orange County Sheriff's Office and was the fourth member of his Department to serve as President of SCAFO.

31ST President - ROBERT  TOPLIFF, 1968

February 15, 1968 - President Topliff announced several association firsts: First Installation of Officers in December; first gathering of 18 Past Presidents, including the 1st-Robert V. Rogers; 30th anniversary of SCAFO; first publication of the history of SCAFO; first presentation of Gold Cards to Past Presidents.

June 7, 1968 - Big Bear Lake - Past President Charlie Wolford was the host.  Judge O. B. (Jack) Matthews was the MC and Richard Lewis, former Lieutenant & Commander of the Big Bear Substation for the San Bernardino Sheriff's Office gave a presentation on the use of fingerprint evidence in narcotic cases.

November 14, 1968, Robert Zippel was elected as the 32nd President of SCAFO.

Robert Topliff was a Captain for the Downey Police Department during his year as SCAFO's President.  In 1974 he was elected and installed as President of the California Division - International Association for Identification.

32nd President - ROBERT  ZIPPEL, 1969

February 7, 1969 - Briars Restaurant - President Zippel announced his slogan for the year, “Progress Through Participation”.  He also suggested that Executive Board's photographs should be left off the SCAFO stationary - “it would give SCAFO a more professional document”.  Secretary-Treasurer Bradford recommended that mailing fees of $2.00 should be raised - voted down and to be looked at again in June. Guest speaker form Ampex Corp. gave a presentation on “Computers in Law Enforcement”. (1969)

Carl Hartmeyer, SCAFO's 4th President passed away February 12, 1969.  Carl J. Wallace, Honorary Member since 1946, passed away March 11, 1969.

Robert Zippel was a Lieutenant for the Anaheim Police Department during his year as SCAFO's President and served as President of the International Association for Identification - California Division in 1972-1973.

33rd President - J.  G.  HENDRICKS, 1970

February 6, 1970 - Briars - Executive Board meeting and discussion on how to improve attendance.  Dell Freeman made a motion to implement an attendance drawing, $10.00 at each meeting from members who have paid their mailing fees.  (still $2.00)  Unclaimed money would go on to the next meeting, no compounding.

May 1969 meeting was held in Bakersfield at the CHP Club.  It was hosted by Captain William Purdie of Kern County Sheriff's Office. Guest Speaker was Senior Deputy Speaks from the Los Angeles Sheriff Department. Speaks gave a presentation on “Ninhydrin”.  

The host provided each couple attending a ten pound sample bag of potatoes.

July 10, 1970, Walt Sorenson explained the #12 in the center of the SCAFO emblem.  “The #12 in the center of the SCAFO emblem represents the Original Twelve Charter Members of this Association”.

J.G. Hendricks was a Lieutenant for the La Verne Police Department during his year as SCAFO's President.

34th President - WILLIAM  C.  PURDIE, 1971

February 5, 1971 - San Clemente Inn - President Purdie introduced guest speaker, Tony Sherman from the U.S. Secret Service.  He gave a presentation on the establishment and responsibilities of his agency. George Pletts made an announcement about the upcoming International Association for Identification  Conference to be held in Laguna Beach, May 11-14, registration $15.00, need not be a member of the International Association for Identification to attend any of the training lectures.

March 5, 1971 - Briars - Criminalist Ray Wells, spoke on “Thermoluminescence.”

April 3, 1971 - Bakersfield - President Purdie introduced guest speaker, Judge Jelletich who gave a presentation on “Recent Developments in Criminal Law”.

“The fact that a person is really guilty is of little importance today, the important thing is —- that all of the Law Enforcement Officials, Courts, etc.,  do every thing correctly and in so doing, do not in any way violate the rights of the person on trial”.

June 4, 1971 - Briars - a quote from “Light Magazine” was brought to the attention of the SCAFO members.  “Much of the turmoil in our country today is caused by unreasonable demands of irrational misfits —-people who debase our basic concepts to include provocation, incitement, violence, destruction, and crime.  They are demanding more than a Free Nation can give if it is to survive.  They should remember that America's greatness lies not only in her achievements but also in her aspirations.  However, for those whose hearts are blind to truth, the light of reason is hard to see”.

September 3, 1971 - Orange Co. Trng. Facility - Fred Collins and Jim Harrell, both OCSD, provided a double program.  Collins discussed Trace Metal Detection on Hands and Harrell presented his researched article on “Processing Fingerprints in Blood”.

William C. Purdie was a Captain for the Kern County Sheriff's Department during his year as SCAFO's President.

35th President - CLARENCE   BALES, 1972

February 4, 1972 - Revere House- During an Executive Board Meeting, the Board discussed a frequent topic within the International Association for Identification and the fingerprint community -standardizing the number of points required to go to court.  A motion was made by R. Jones and seconded by Lee Smith to send a letter to the parent body of the International Association for Identification, letting them know that SCAFO was opposed to any determination of a minimum number of friction ridge characteristics required in two impressions in order to establish a positive identification. The motion carried, the letter sent and SCAFO went on record opposing any such determination.

March 3, 1972 - Briars - Floyd Smith introduced a movie on Crime Scene Investigation of a homicide.

May 5, 1972 - Centro Basco - Guest speaker Deputy District Attorney Gerry Poierier (Los Angeles County) spoke on the death penalty.  “It may be put to the voters to see if they want it or not”.

July 7, 1972 - Capristano Beach - President Bales discussed the article in the Fingerprint Magazine, “To fingerprint all” discussed in the Senate Finance Committee, may get support.

November 3, 1972 - Dr. Irving Root, a San Bernardino County Pathologist talked about bullet wounds.

Clarence Bales served as a Detective for the Riverside Sheriff Office during his year as SCAFO's President.

36th President - DELL  FREEMAN, 1973

February 2, 1973 - MCAS - Santa Ana - President Freeman introduced a proposal to change the Constitution and By-Laws to admit female members.  Motion from the floor by Joe Head to strike the word male from the Constitution and By-Laws, seconded by Don Hobbs. After a discussion it was decided it should be submitted to the members for a vote at the March meeting.  The Board also proposed that wives of members be allowed to purchase a name tag for $1.25, to be worn at Open Meetings.

March 2, 1973 - Media Club - President Freeman presented for vote the proposal to admit qualified female members and strike the word male from the Constitution and By-Laws.  Motion passed by two-thirds vote of the Active members attending.  Harold Treichler, LASD, spoke on the “Photogrammetric” system used by Switzerland Police.

August 3, 1973 - Briars - Historic night for SCAFO, Barbara Pominville, Long Beach Police Department became the first female to be sworn in.

At the December meeting, at the Yamashira Restaurant in Beverly Hills, entertainment was provided by actor Buddy Ebsen.

Dell Freeman served as a Senior Deputy for the Los Angeles Sheriff Department during his year as SCAFO's President.  In 1982 Dell joined the ranks of so many of SCAFO’s Presidents and continued to serve the fingerprint community by being elected and serving as President of the California Division of the International Association for Identification.

37th President - PAUL  SEGURA, 1974

February 1, 1974 - Briars - President announced that Past President P. Lee Johnson had become an Attorney and joined the Law Firm of Ellis & Morrison in Fountain Valley.

April 5, 1974 - NCO Club MEAS El Toro - President Segura introduced the guest speaker, Attorney P. Lee Johnson.  P. Lee talked about the transition from Policeman and Criminalist to Attorney.  He also touched on the area of forged fingerprints.

May 11, 1974 - Centro Basco - President Segura made the announcement that Past President (1958-1959) Walt Sorenson had passed away.  He also announced that a SCAFO photograph contest would be held at the October meeting in Palm Springs.

October 5, 1974 - Palm Springs Elks Club. - President Segura acknowledged that the photo contest was a total flop, only 11 entries of which 9 came from two members.  Donald Howard, Los Angeles Sheriff Department  took 1st & 2nd place.

Paul Segura served as an Identification Technician for the Whittier Police Department during his year as SCAFO's President.

38th President - THOMAS A. CONNER,  1975

March 4, 1975 - LAPD Academy - Executive Board decided to look at the Constitution and By-Laws to ascertain if any changes were in order.  A notation was made on the article submitted by Dave Crisp (LASD) “Under prevailing rules of evidence in the United States, the courts do not have discretionary power to determine how many Points of Identity are needed for an identification.  The FBI is not in possession of, nor knows of any court decision requiring twelve points or any other specific number of points of identity”.

April 4, 1975 - Royal Inn Hotel -  Guest speaker Claude Patterson Jr. (Aero Space Corp.) spoke on digital processing and enhancement of some “bad latent prints”.  Executive Board announced the following changes in the Constitution and By-Laws.  The following changes to the Constitution and By- Laws are noted in bold print:

Paragraph II

To promote the social and professional relationship of all persons engaged in any type of scientific identification and investigation work.

Paragraph III

Eligibility:  The active membership of this Association shall be confined to those bona fide tax-paid law enforcement officers and tax-paid civilian employees of law enforcement agencies who, at the time of their election to membership, are employed in law enforcement and whose duties include fingerprint classification  and identification, photography and/or scientific investigation and identification.

Paragraph III  (addition of Associate Memberships)

C.  Upon admission to membership they shall enjoy all rights and privileges of active members except voting and holding office.

Article II

Quorum : Fifteen (15) active members in attendance including at least four (4) elected officers shall constitute a quorum at all regular meetings of the association.

Article V

Application For Membership:  Applicants for membership shall be proposed and vouched for by a member in good standing.  The application shall be referred to the Membership Committee, and if approved, they shall be accepted or rejected by a majority vote of the members present at a regular meeting of the Association.  The applicant will be introduced to the membership at the time of the first reading.  Applicant must be present for his second reading, at which time the applicant will be voted upon.  New member will be sworn in at the third meeting. The oath of membership shall be administered by the Presiding Officer.

August 01, 1975 - Holiday Inn - Barbie Pominville becomes the first female to host a SCAFO Meeting.

November 7, 1975 - Santa Fe Inn - Barbie Pominville becomes the first female to be elected to the Executive Board (Director).

Thomas A. Conner was a Sergeant with the Orange County Sheriff's Department during his year as SCAFO's President.

39th President - LLOYD  WYANT,  1976

February 6, 1976 - The Regency - Larry Bison presented a By-Laws change that would enable the Board of Directors to set mailing fees compatible with the current conditions, prices, postage, etc.  Second by Lloyd Wyant, motion carried.

Gerald Snyder moved to change the way the attendance drawing was being administered.  Draw no more than three (3) names per meeting, at a rate of $10.00 per month.  Not allowed to accumulate beyond December, maximum $110.00.  Second by Richard Clason, motion carried.

August 6, 1976 - The Scuttlebutt - Guest speaker Judge Robert Thomas (Santa Monica Court)  spoke on Plea Bargaining, based on “horse sense derived through years of patrolling the Legislature countryside in the Judicial saddle”.

Lloyd Wyant was a Senior Deputy for the Los Angeles Sheriff Department during his year as SCAFO's President.  

40th President - JAY  K.  BROWN, 1977

February 4, 1977 - Adolphs - Executive Board did away with the cumulative attendance drawing, raised the amount to $15.00 and continued to draw three names.  

March 4, 1977 - Fireside - President Jay Brown announced that the International Association for Identification, California Division would hold a meeting at the Sheraton in Newport Beach on May 1, 1977. Gerald Snyder made a motion to have a joint SCAFO, California Division - International Association for Identification meeting, second by Jake Jordan, motion carried.

July 8, 1977 -  President Brown indicated that SCAFO was undecided as to whether they would back the International Association for Identification on its recommendations for certifying latent print examiners.  A committee was formed with Richard Howie to head it up and the committee delegated to  come forth with their recommendation.

August 5, 1977 - R. Howie reported that members of the committee were basically in support of the recommendations that the International Association for Identification was putting forth but they definitely had some problems with the educational requirements.  R. Howie advised that they would wait to hear from the National Convention before they made their decision.

October 8, 1977 - R. Howie reported that the committee agreed that the educational requirements that the International Association for Identification was recommending were not needed.  He also suggested a law be written that required verification on prints before they could go to court.  Dick Clason stated that he felt the International Association for Identification would implement their recommendations regardless of what any other organization had to say.  “We might just as well send them a letter of congratulations.”

Jay K. Brown was an Investigator for the Riverside County District Attorney's Office during his year as SCAFO's President.

41st President - RICHARD  CLASON, 1978

January 20, 1978 - Executive Board announced an increase in mailing fees to $5.00.

March 3, 1978 - Williamsburg Inn - Lou Meadows of Dactek International demonstrated an “Inkless Fingerprint Kit”.  President Clason announced that the service and food had been so good that they should come back again, sometime in the twenty-first century.

April 8, 1978 - Mamma Cozza's - President Clason appoints Lynette Atwood as SCAFO's Historian.

May 19, 1978 - By-Laws proposal

Article III, second paragraph.

The President shall preside at all regular and special meetings. He shall appoint all committees and perform such other duties as pertain to his office.  

New addition to this paragraph follows:

He shall with concurrence of a majority of the Executive Board, appoint a member for the duration of the current year or until election, to fill an office that has become vacant. (To be introduced at the June meeting and voted on in July).

June 2, 1978 - El Castillo Real - Guest speaker Dr. Robert Reynolds OD, spoke on Identification and Classification of People by Ocular Structures.  “ Eyes Are Individualistic ”.

July 7, 1978 - Sterns - President Clason announced that Open Meetings are to be discussed.  In regards to the By-Laws about meetings, Dick Bradley made a motion that the word may replace the word shall, second by George Pletts. The proposed By-Laws addition that was proposed in May was voted on and approved.

October 7, 1978 - Woolgrowers - President Clason submitted an oath for the Associations Officers as follows:

I    State Your Name       do hereby acknowledge the faith and trust exhibited by the membership in electing me to office.  I hereby promise that as a member of the executive committee I will execute the duties of my office to the best of my ability in guiding this association toward fulfillment of its goals.  

December 1, 1978 - Ramona Parlor - Barbie Pominville is elected as the 42nd SCAFO President. (First female to be elected to this position).

Dick Clason was a Police Officer for the Beverly Hills Police Department during his year as SCAFO's President.

42nd President - BARBIE  POMINVILLE, 1979

February 2, 1979 - Ren Lee's - A discussion was held about a possible By-Laws addition-allowing students to become members of the Association.  Due to the fact that not many opinions were expressed, the proposal was carried to the next meeting.

March 2, 1979 - Staff NCO Club - The members rejected students becoming members of the Association and restored Associate Membership.

August 4, 1979 - Holiday Inn - 1st Vice President Jake Jordan filled in for President Pominville.  Guest speaker Malcom S. McMillan, Public Defenders Office, gave his explanations as why he has to “grill” the Expert Witness. “ If I don't, I could be held to be incompetent and have the verdict reversed”.  

November 2, 1979 - Ren Lee - A proposal was made to add the Historian’s position to the SCAFO stationary.  To be voted on at the December meeting.

December 7, 1979 - The previous proposal was voted on and approved by the members.  

Barbie Pominville was a Senior Records Clerk for the Long Beach Police Department during her year as SCAFO's President.

43rd President - JAKE  JORDAN, 1980

March 7, 1980 - President Jordan made a request for any printed SCAFO material, papers, photographs, etc.  He asked if the Historian (Lynette Atwood) could get started on the History of SCAFO.

Guest speaker, Officer Rudy Lopez from the West Covina Police Department spoke on “False Documents”.

April 4, 1980 - Jack Jessen from the Santa Monica Police proposed changing the meeting nights to Thursdays.  He indicated that too many members were tied up with other commitments, such as ball games, etc. The matter was to be handled by the Executive Board.

June 6, 1980 - President Jordan indicated that the meetings would remain on Fridays.  Guest speaker Dr. Judy Suchey spoke on Identifying Skeletal Remains.

December 5, 1980 - Past President Dick Clason gave a  presentation on Handwriting Evidence as it pertained to the Lindberg Kidnapping case.  

Jake Jordan was a Deputy IV with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department during his year as SCAFO's President.

44th President - GERALD  SNYDER, 1981

January 10, 1981 - Executive Board Meeting -Closed and Open schedule was set for the year.

February 6, 1981 - Salvatore's- Wally Dillion brought up the fact that the meeting attendance was down lately.  Richard Bradley made a motion to have a committee formed to look into student/ apprentice members.  A second was made by Wally Dillion and the motion passed.

March 6, 1981 - President Snyder proposed that the discussion regarding the student/apprentice members be shelved until the next closed meeting.

April 3, 1981 - The Old Norwalk Peanut Company - Due to the amount of noise at the restaurant the discussion on the student/apprentice membership was again shelved.

May 1, 1981 - Del Conte's - Guest speaker Deputy D.A. Stephen Kay talked about the Tate/LaBianca trial, indicating that it was the fingerprint evidence that put Watson in the big house. Still no decision about the student/apprentice members.

June 5, 1981 - March AFB - A questionnaire is to be sent out regarding the student/apprentice member proposal.

October 2, 1981 - Knotts Berry Farm - The questionnaire responses didn't show enough support for the student/apprentice member proposal.

Gerald Snyder was a Lieutenant for the Torrance Police Department during his year as SCAFO's President.

45th President - ALEX  KOEHLER, 1982

February 5, 1982 - Taxi Restaurant - Mailing fees were raised to $6.00.  Main theme for the night was open vs closed meetings.  Dick Bradley made the motion to change the By-Laws and make all meeting open.  Second was made by Harold Treichler, motion passed unanimously.

May 14, 1982 - Ren Lee's - Special Executive Board meeting was held. The Board recommended to remove Michael Briley from his Sgt-At-Arms position.  Also recommended that Craig McCart fill the Sgt-At-Arms position and that Bob Myers fill Craig's vacated position as Director.  Membership affirmed the recommendations and they became effective immediately.

September 10, 1982 - Ren Lee's - Guest speaker Lee Smith , Consultant for the Defense, gave a presentation about the problems of obtaining cooperation when he approached the various law enforcement agencies.

Alex Koehler was a Deputy IV for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department during his year as SCAFO's President.

46th President - LYNETTE  ATWOOD, 1983

February 3, 1983 - Governors - Guest speaker P. Lee Johnson WFA (World Famous Attorney) spoke on the Fabrication of Evidence, two kinds, “Mistakes and Intentional”.

December 2, 1983 the Installation of new officers was held at the Jolly Roger.

Atwood worked for the Long Beach Police Department during her year as SCAFO President.

Lynette Atwood died March 15, 1995.

47th President - ARTHUR  SEAY, 1984

March 2, 1984 - Mediteranean Restaurant - Guest speaker, Renato Giannini- San Bernardino P.D. discussed the hazards for I.D. Technicians when investigating drug labs.

November 2, 1984 - China Gate - Jacques Sopkin discussed burglar alarm systems and how different types work.

December 7, 1984 - Peppy’s - Installation of Officers and a presentation by Jim Mock, Torrance PD on “Prosthetic Fingerprints.”

President Seay worked for the Riverside Public Defenders Office during his term of office.

48th President - JOSEPH  MANN, 1985

As the appointed Editor, James Mock changed the association’s newsletter to a magazine style publication and the first issue of the “The Print” was distributed.

February 8, 1985 - China Gate - Richard Howie, Westminister P.D., discussed special problems in the identification of Vietnamese Criminals.

May 4, 1985 - Maria's Cafe Italiano - Speaker William Baird, San Bernardino Lab Director, detailed the importance of physical evidence in the 1983 murder of a family of four in Chino Hills by escapee Kevin Cooper.  

President Joe Mann announced that a questionnaire was sent out in February by the Executive Board, (requesting the general feelings of the members as to where and what they would desire in meeting locations, contents, etc.).  The consensus was that Buena Park was a central location.  The number one reason for not attending meetings—location too far.

August 2, 1985 - Crest Catering - A trio of speakers, Anaheim PD, Los Angeles and Orange Counties District Attornies Office presented topics relating to Sex Crimes and the importance of physical evidence.

Editor Jim Mock related that everyone should be sure that they read the feature article presented by Dick Clason.  “The Last and the First”. (The last stagecoach robbery, and the first presentation of a palm print -Dec. 1916).

November 1, 1985 - The Velvet Turtle - Speaker Bill Lystrup, Orange County Coroner’s Office, showed slides and described the PSA airplane crash in San Diego years before.

Joe Mann was head of Security at McDonnell-Douglas during his year as SCAFO'S President.

49th President - STEVE  EVANS, 1986

February 8, 1986 - Central Basco Restaurant -  First Vice President Ron George conducted the meeting.  Guest speaker was Walter Ihle, (retired Fingerprint Expert from the San Francisco Police Department). He gave an update on CAL - ID.

March 7, 1986 - The China Gate - President Steve Evans turned the meeting over to his guest speaker, Russell Bradford (Retired Long Beach Police Department).  Russell gave a presentation on Believe It or Not and Donald Duck Handwriting.  His believe it or not was about the first typewriter evidence being allowed into evidence, the 1891 case of Levi vs. Rust.  Then Russell related how he had followed the Donald Duck cartoon characters and the comic strip in particular.  Based on his experience in Questioned Documents he came to the conclusion that the strip was being done by three separate people and upon contacting Disney Studio's, they confirmed his observations.

April 4, 1986 - Knotts Berry Farm  - Speaker Verle Truman, U.S. Postal Service, talked about ESDA, Physical Developer and the value of Writer’s Palm.

Executive Board meeting was held and the Board appointed Alan McRoberts in charge of gathering information to establish a yearly award to a member who contributes the most to SCAFO and/or the science of fingerprints.  

Editor Jim Mock related that he is looking for an assistant editor.

June 6, 1986 - Michaels - President Evans announced that thanks to Jim Mock and Ron Ingram the Membership Handbooks are ready for disbursement.  He indicated that there are now 132 Active Members.

Editor Jim Mock related that he had delivered an extra computer, disk drive and monitor to Mary Landowski’s home, who would be his assistant editor.

By-Laws addition - After a brief discussion, the membership voted unanimously to add to the By-Laws an award which can be presented annually to a member for outstanding efforts in promoting the science and association.  This award was named in remembrance and recognition of the contributions to the association by charter member and past president Charles W. Wolford.

August 2, 1986 - Lakewood Country Club - It’s announced that there would be an Executive Board meeting in September to discuss purchasing a printer for the editor.

October 3, 1986 -Gold Star Restaurant - Thanks to the generosity of William Snare, the printer was purchased and was being used by the editor, Mary Landowski.

November 8, 1986 - The Reef Restaurant - Speaker Ron Linhart, L.A. Coroner’s Office, discussed Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation and showed many slides depicting the value of this type of evidence.

Steve Evans was an Investigator for the Riverside District Attorney’s Office during his year as SCAFO's President.

50th President - RONALD  GEORGE, 1987

January 10, 1987 - Los Angeles Sheriff Department - Executive Board Meeting - Updating the By-Laws and Guidelines to host meetings were discussed.  Also on the agenda was the possibility of a training seminar and changing the attendance drawing—start at $20.00, draw three names, if no one wins the amount goes up $5.00 per month to a maximum of $50.00.

February 6, 1987 - Cask & Cleaver - Speaker Gil Carrillo, LASD-Homicide, spoke to the importance of fingerprints in major investigations.

March 6, 1987 - Elks dome - Jacque Berndt, OC Coroner’s Office, discussed autopsy procedures.

President Ron George presented the first Charles W. Wolford Award to Past President Richard Bradley.  Bill Corson, SCAFO member and President of the California Division of the International Association for Identification, reminded the members of the upcoming conference to be held in Long Beach on May 21,22, & 23.

April 3, 1987 Old World German Steak Haus - President Ron George announced that Past President Steve Evans was the recipient of an award, District Attorney Investigator of The Year-Riverside.  Guest speaker, John Doyle of EDICON (Kodak) gave a presentation on the Mug Identification System, a computerized relational photoimage database system.

May 2, 1987 - Elks Lodge - Verle Truman, US. Postal Service, returned for another SCAFO meeting and discussed the importance of proper humidity when using ninhydrin.

The Executive Board met and decided that a potential SCAFO member would not have their first reading until their application is received. The application would be examined by the directors for accuracy and eligibility.  The application would then be given to the President, who would conduct the first reading at the next meeting the applicant attends. The applicant must also pay mailing and membership fees at the time the application is made. This decision was made so applicants can be receiving the newsletter as soon as possible.

June 6, 1987 - Lancer’s - Dike Lake, San Bernardino S.O., discussed the Gwaltney Murder Case (CHP officer), where he was tried twice in Superior Ct. and eventually convicted in Federal Court for civil rights violation.

August 7, 1987 - Michaels Restaurant - Editor, Mary Landowski announced that the search for a new editor was over. Tim Golt of the Garden Grove Police Department agreed to take over.

September 11, 1987 - Knotts Berry Farm - Past President Steve Evans introduced the guest speaker, Carl E. Collins from the FBI Disaster Team.  He indicated the team was formed in 1940, after a plane crash in Virginia that had several FBI employees aboard.

November 6, 1987 - Los Amigos Country Club - The Honorable Judge John Hopson discussed “Qualifying as a Fingerprint Expert.”

Ron George was a Deputy with the Los Angeles Sheriff Department assigned to the Latent Print Section during his year as SCAFO's President.

51st President - JOSEPH  ALMANZA, 1988

January  9, 1988 - Mary Landowski's  - Executive Board Meeting-Dates, locations, and hosts were selected.  Mailing fees to remain at $15.00 for the year.  Editor and Ass't Editor would soon have the new directories ready for disbursement.

February 5, 1988 - China Gate - Rick Plows, O.C. Coroner’s Office, discussed Autoerotic Deaths.

April 8, 1988 - Michaels - Guest Speaker Mel Cavanaugh, Los Angeles Sheriff Department, gave a presentation on document examinations.  One of his statements undoubtedly raised a few eyebrows, “handwriting, as well as fingerprints, is an absolute science”.

May 6, 1988 - Madden Cooper, formerly a D.D.A., discussed the importance of fingerprint evidence, resumes, and having charted exhibits.

June 4, 1988 - Executive Board Meeting - President Joe Almanza brought up a proposed By-Law change.  

Article IV—Amended to read

Eligibility for inclusion of the mailing list shall be contingent upon the payment of a mailing fee set by a vote of the Board of Directors as determined by an assessment of current postage rates and other costs.

Such mailing label fees shall be payable at the first of November for the subsequent year and shall be delinquent on the 1st of January of that year.

Delinquent members shall be dropped from the mailing list until mailing fees and a $5.00 reinstatement fee is paid.  Past Presidents shall be exempt from the mailing fees.

June 4, 1988 - Maruko Hotel - Editor Tim Golt announced that there would be a three month trial change in the format of The Print.  Guest speaker Deputy Chief Anthony Longhetti, San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, gave a presentation on DNA.  He indicated that no government crime laboratory had the capability to analyze samples. There were three private laboratories doing the analyzing for $1000 to $5000 per case.  

August 6, 1988 - Rueben’s - Bill Leo, LAPD, presented a display and discussed the “Lady in Cement Case.”

October 7, 1988 - Elk’s Lodge - Gary Jackson, OCSD, discussed “Photographing Serial Homicides.”

November 5, 1988 - S.S. Princess Louise Restaurant - Due to a conflict with the Mid-year CSD-IAI meeting, President Joseph Almanza, 1st Vice President Don Fandry and Secretary-Treasurer Alan McRoberts were not able to attend the meeting.  2nd Vice President De Alexander conducted the meeting and presided over the election.

At the December meeting Eugene Bragdon, San Bernardino Police Department received the 1988 Charles W. Wolford Award.

Joseph Almanza was a Police Officer for the City of South Gate during his year as SCAFO's President.

52nd President - DONALD  FANDRY, 1989

January 14, 1989 - Executive Board Meeting -  The Board decides to have more meetings on Saturdays.  Alan McRoberts indicates that the new invoice system for dues appeared to be working well.  Clark Fogg indicated the changes in the By-Laws were finalized.  Tim Golt indicated that the new format for The Print was working out well, and Meripa Corson was working with him as Assistant Editor.  A motion was made by Don Fandry to continue the new format and raise the advertisement charges to $200.00 per year, second by Dell Freeman, motion carried.

February 3, 1989 - China Inn - Alan McRoberts read a letter regarding By-Laws violation by one of SCAFO's members.

April 1, 1989 - J.E.’s. Old Fire House - Executive Board Meeting prior to the general meeting.  Alan McRoberts reported on the Incorporation,

* Employer identification number with the I.R.S.

* Articles of Incorporation filed with the California Secretary of State.

* Exemption from California corporation franchise tax or income.

* Results of Committee's efforts as of April 1, 1989. Employee identification number 95-4188695.

* Notification of receipt by Secretary of state on Articles of Incorporation. * Action pending on tax status as a professional society under California Franchise Tax Board.

Speaker Lynne D. Herold, Ph.D., LASD-Criminalist, provided an appetizing and interesting after-dinner discussion and slides on “Analyzing Stomach Contents.”

June 3, 1989 - Sleuth's - Sgt. Randy Eom, Baldwin Park P.D., discussed “Occult” Crime Scene Investigations.

The Print had an article indicating that Riverside Police Department shattered the previous record in California for the most crimes solved through a single Cal-ID fingerprint identification.  

In January 1988, a single subject in Riverside was identified with 11 burglaries through fingerprints.  By the time the investigation was closed, over 200 commercial burglaries were solved within the city limits.

September 9, 1989 - Mesquite Country Club - U.S. Secret Service Agent Jeff Eisenbeiser discussed the background of the “Service” and counterfeit notes.

President Fandry stated that Clark Fogg had presented each member of the board with proposed By-Law changes.  The finalized by-laws would be proposed to the active members at a monthly meeting, published in The Print and then voted on.

October 13, 1989 - China Gate - Charles Illsley, West Valley City P.D.-Utah, discussed the survey he conducted on Juries and their attitudes about experts.

November 4, 1989 - Holiday Inn Hotel - James Mock, Torrance P.D., discussed fingerprint evidence in narcotic cases.

The following changes to the By-Laws were voted on and approved. The changes are noted in bold type.

Article 1

The name of this Association shall be “The Southern California Association Of Fingerprint Officers,” which shall be incorporated under and by the virtue of the laws of the State of California, as a non-profit corporation and is formed for the following purposes:

Article 2

Active Membership

Change of Duties

Should any active member be transferred to duties of a different nature in his/her department, or leave the service on retirement, or in the interest of National Defense it shall not effect his/her status as a member.

Severance From Law Enforcement

Those active members who have honorably severed their connection with law enforcement agencies may remain as an active member regardless of their subsequent employment, provided said employment is in conformity with the rules of conduct as defined in Article 8.

Associate Members

Associate Members are those non-tax paid professional men and women engaged in business similar to, or supplying equipment for scientific criminal investigation and identification.  Upon admission to membership they shall enjoy all rights and privileges of active members except voting and holding office.

Life Members

A life member shall be granted to all Past Presidents and to active members of this Association who have paid their dues and assessments for the past thirty (30) consecutive years.  A membership card bearing the inscription “Life Member” shall be issued to all such members and they shall enjoy the same rights and privileges as active members.  They shall receive the newsletter and remain on the mailing list and shall be exempt from the payment of the annual dues.

The elective officers of the Association Shall Be:

President

First Vice-President

Second Vice-President

Secretary-Treasurer

Sergeant-At-Arms

Directors (Four)

Historian

Executive Board

The Executive Board shall be composed of the above Officers, the immediate past President and Parliamentarian.  The meetings of the Executive Board are “closed” and shall be at times and places selected by its members and shall be presided over by the Past President, or in his absence, by the President.

Tenure

The President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Sergeant-At-Arms shall be elected for a term of one (1) year; The Directors and Historian for a term of two (2) years.  Two Directors are to be elected at each election, thus alternating two Directors each year.  

Meetings

A.  Membership meetings shall be held on the first Friday or Saturday of each month, unless otherwise voted by the majority of the members present or in special circumstances by a vote of the Executive Board.

C. All membership meetings are open, unless announced “closed” by special vote of the membership, or by vote of the Executive Board.

Duties of Officers

The immediate Past President shall preside as the chairman at all Executive Board meetings and he/she shall be advisor to the President.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep an accurate written record of the proceedings of all meetings, issue notices of regular and special meetings, and other notices which may be required from time to time.  He/She shall at the end of his/her term of office, or upon removal from office, surrender all books and papers pertaining to his/her office to the Association, and perform such other duties as are necessary for the proper performance of his/her office.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep an accurate record account of all monies belonging to the Association and shall collect the fees and other monies due.  He/She pay all bills contracted and approved by the members.  He/she shall submit a financial report at the October meeting of the Association, and prepare an annual financial report for the calendar year of his tenure and submit said report at the January Executive Board meeting and to the membership at the February meeting.

The Editor:  The President may appoint an Editor who shall assist the Secretary-Treasurer in disseminating to the membership any information coming to his/her attention concerning new processes, techniques, materials and equipment pertinent to criminal identification  and investigation.

The Association may pay the membership fees and dues necessary for the Editor to be a member in good standing with other organizations and associations whose purpose are so akin to those of this Association.  That such membership would be a benefit to the Editor in the performance of the duties demanded of him/her.  The Association may subscribe to such periodicals and publications which will enable the Editor to enlighten the membership as to the latest advances in criminal identification and investigation.

The Sergeant-At-Arms shall maintain order, assist the /Secretary-Treasurer in the collection of assessments, maintain the flags of the Association and shall be responsible for the presentation of these flags at the monthly meetings and such other duties as the presiding officer may direct.

The Historian shall search for, collect, and have custody of all items of historical interest to the Association.  The Historian shall identify and mark each item, acknowledge the donor of each, and maintain an inventory of all materials on hand, and shall advise the Executive Board of new acquisitions and other pertinent matters on a regular basis.

Parliamentarian:  The office of Parliamentarian shall be bestowed upon any Active of Life Member, who in the opinion of the President, is deserving of this title.  He/She shall hold this office during the tenure of the Appointing President.

The Parliamentarian shall see that the rules contained in “Roberts Rule of Order” govern the Association in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these By-Laws.  He/She shall assist the President of Presiding Officer in matters relating to such rules at meetings of the Association or the Executive Committee.  He/She shall receive, evaluate and submit to the Executive Committee, any proposed changes or additions to the By-Laws.

Article 6

Association Funds

Eligibility on the mailing list shall be contingent upon the payment of annual dues set by a vote of the Board of Directors as determined by an assessment of current postage rates and other Association costs.  Such annual dues shall be payable at the first of November for the subsequent year and shall be delinquent on the 1st of January of that year. Delinquent members shall be dropped from the mailing list until the annual dues fee and a five ($5.00) reinstatement fee is paid.  Past-Presidents shall be exempt from the annual dues, but need to mail dues notice to the Secretary-Treasurer, to keep the addresses up to date.

Article 7

Application For Membership

Applicants for membership shall be proposed and vouched for by a member in good standing.  The application shall be referred to the Membership Committee and, if approved, the applicant shall be accepted  or rejected by a majority vote of the members present at a regular meeting of the Association.  The applicant will be introduced to the membership at the time of his/her first reading and the Editor will publish this information in the next issue of the newsletter so that all members will be aware of the name of the proposed member.  The applicant must be present for his/her second reading, at which time the applicant will be voted upon.  If there is a lapse of one (1) year after a prospective member's first or second reading, the prospective member must reapply for membership.  The new member will be sworn in at the third meeting.  The oath of membership shall be administered by a presiding officer or by a Past President or other active member designated by the presiding officer.

Application Fees

A membership fee of five dollars ($5.00) plus the annual dues fee as determined by the Board of Directors pursuant to Article 6 above shall accompany each application for active of associate membership.  The $5.00 membership fee shall serve to meet the costs of the application process.  If the application is presented after the first day of October, the fees shall cover the following year.  If the applicant is rejected by a majority of the membership, the fees shall be returned and the applicants name removed from the newsletter mailing list.

By-Laws will be effective January 1, 1990.

Donald Fandry was a Deputy Sheriff (Document Examiner) for the Los Angeles Sheriff Department during his year as SCAFO's President. Don became the 12th SCAFO President to also serve as President of California Division of the International Association for Identification President.

53rd President- JAMES  “DE”  ALEXANDER, 1990

January  1990 - Diamond Bar (LASD Sub. Station) - Executive Board Meeting.  Thanks to the efforts of Alan McRoberts, SCAFO's incorporation was completed.  All meetings were set for the current year.

February 2, 1990 - Knotts Berry Farm - President Alexander appointed a committee for the Charles W. Wolford Award, Past President Gerald Snyder is the Chairperson.  Guest speaker was Sgt. Ron Ingram, Torrance Police Dept.  He gave an update on Cal-ID.  * Brief History- FBI went to DeLarue in mid 1970, DOJ went to NEC in mid 1980, L.A. County bought into DOJ's system (SB190) in 1985-1986 and opened latent operations in Fall of 1987, L.A.County then opened Prisoner ID operations in January 1988.

April 6, 1990 - T & J - Guest speaker Gil Carrillo, LASD-Homicide, returned to a SCAFO meeting and presented his most notorious investigation—“The Night Stalker Murder Investigation.”  The Richard Ramirez rampage from June 1984 thru August of 1985 resulted in his conviction on 12 counts of murder and numerous other charges.

June 2, 1990 - Norton AFB - Gary Smeltzer, Dep. Public Defender-San Bernardino Co., discussed the “Defense Side of Fingerprint Evidence.”

September 8, 1990 - March AFB - The Honorable Judge Dennis Myers, Riverside Superior Court, shared his Courtroom Observations.

President Alexander mentioned the article that Bill Leo submitted to The Print.  Card Carrying Member by Harvey Gittler.  A highlight from the article —“Being a member of a professional organization shows that you consider yourself and your speciality a profession.  Don't wait for your company to offer to pay your dues.  Your company won't make you a professional; only you can do that.”

October 6, 1990 - China Gate - Bill Leo, LASD, discussed current information relative to obtaining latent fingerprints from dead bodies.

December 1990 - Anaheim - Don Fandry received the Charles W. Wolford award.

James “De” Alexander worked for the San Bernardino Police Department during his year as SCAFO's President.

54th President - ALAN McROBERTS, 1991

January 5, 1991 - Ontario Police Department - Executive Board Meeting-The highlights of the meeting were—A new membership application form was approved by the Board. A “Subscription” rate of $20.00 was approved by the Board, for individuals who want to subscribe to The Print without joining the organization.  Approval to publish The Print six times a year instead of ten on a trial basis was given. Don Fandry and Jim Lawson were assigned to plan the first SCAFO Training Seminar.

March  1991 - President Alan McRoberts  announced that the first SCAFO coffee cups and glassware are about ready for delivery.  The February and March meetings had two of our members giving presentations on DFO.  Kurt Kuhn and Becki Morgan gave excellent presentations.

May 3, 1991 - Knotts Berry Farm - Speaker James Mock, Torrance P.D., presented a Tribute to Dr. Henry Faulds.  The First Annual SCAFO Training Seminar is set for September 7, 1991 at the Radisson Palm Springs Resort and Conference Center.  The SCAFO coffee mugs and glassware will be available at the June meeting.

June 1, 1991 - Anderson's Pea Soup - First Vice-President Tim Golt hosted the meeting.  Speaker Brandon Armstrong, N.I.S.-Laboratory Director presented an overview of the N.I.S. lab functions. William A. Snare was recognized for his years of dedicated service and was presented with a special plaque with the following inscription.

“Presented to William A. Snare in Recognition of your dedication and contributions to the forensic identification science and support to this Association for over 42 years”.

Click here to view a picture of Bill

August 3, 1991 - Centro Basco - D.D.A. Kennis Clark, Riverside Co., talked about Prop. 115 and it’s effect on the way we write reports.