ARPA Snapshot Series

Overview

The ARPA Snapshot Series is designed as a resource for Law Enforcement and Cultural Resource Professionals who may want to refresh their skills, look more closely at a particular topic, or explore new directions that ARPA may take them in their work.

Our philosophy is that all members of the ARPA team need to know about the entire process to more effectively participate in an investigation and its follow-up. In addition to Caven Clark presenting ARPA from the Cultural Resource perspective and retired AUSA Randy Ream representing the legal side, we now have NPS Special Agent Robert Still offering parallel Snapshots to showcase the LE side of the equation. Both CR and LE are encouraged to participate in ALL Snapshot offerings.

This class is offered as a virtual training using the MS Teams platform. Registration is required, but there are no prerequisites or outside assignments. All learners should join the ARPA Forum on the NPS Common Learning Portal prior to class to have access to class materials. Learners can register for as many or as few as their schedule and interests permit.

The guidebook that goes with the series is available.

This course also references these ARPA Documents.

Upcoming Sessions

ARPA Resource Damage Assessments (RDAs)
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
2:00-3:30 pm ET
Instructor: Caven Clark, Ph.D.

The writing of the Resource Damage Assessment (RDA) is the outcome of the information collected at the crime scene. This brief examination presents the outline of the RDA’s contents and explains how it is populated by the Field Damage Assessment.

What is the basic structure and content of an RDA?
How does the information gathered at the crime scene populate this document?
What are the Elements of ARPA?
What are the Costs & Values?
Who gets to read the RDA?

Recommended pre-requisites: ARPA Basics and ARPA Field Damage Assessment

ARPA & Curation
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
2:00-3:30 pm ET
Instructor: Caven Clark, Ph.D.

TOPIC CHANGE! Sentencing Guidelines, originally scheduled for this date, has been moved to August 10

Theft of museum property, managing sensitive and/or fragile items as evidence in a secure environment, understanding evidence and the chain of custody, all are a part of the Curator’s world when ARPA is applied.

When ARPA evidence appears at my door, what do I need to know and do?
What is evidence management?
How secure is secure?
What about NAGPRA concerns and access by tribal representatives?
What happens to evidence once the case is closed and it is released by the court?

Recommended pre-requisites: ARPA Basics, ARPA Field Damage Assessment, & ARPA Resource Damage Assessment

ARPA and Tribal Partners
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
2:00-3:30 pm ET
Instructor: Caven Clark, Ph.D.

We have an obligation to partner with our consulting tribes when an ARPA violation occurs. This partnership includes the creation and use of mutually beneficial protocols that address potentially conflicting laws and interests.

What does ARPA have to say about working with tribal partners?
What MUST we do in terms of satisfying the requirements of ARPA and NAGPRA?
What else SHOULD we do to enhance our partnerships and built trust?

Recommended pre-requisites: ARPA Basics and ARPA Resource Damage Assessment

ARPA Patrol – Patrol Basics
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
2:00-3:30 pm ET
Instructor: Robert Still, Special Agent, ISB, NPS

The documentation of the Prohibited Acts of ARPA are the primary role of the Cultural Resource Management professional working with Law Enforcement. The investigation of an archeological crime scene, while not fundamentally different from other types of crimes, requires specialized knowledge that enables efficient coordination with the rest of the team.

Who needs to be on the investigative/documentation team?
Who is in charge?
Is forensic evidence collected differently than archeological evidence?
What parts of the case jacket will be populated with information gathered during this phase?
In what condition do I leave the crime scene?

ARPA and Vandalism
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
2:00-3:30 pm ET
Instructor: Caven Clark, Ph.D.

Acts of vandalism often elicit a response short of the criminal investigation it deserves. Spray paint on petroglyphs and buildings, “tagging” on battlefield cannon, and other forms of what we collectively refer to as “vandalism” need to be viewed as crimes subject to ARPA.

What is “vandalism”?
How does ARPA apply to acts of vandalism?
What are some “dos” and “don’ts” when it comes to vandalism response?

Recommended pre-requisites: ARPA Basics and ARPA Resource Damage Assessment

Resource Damage Assessment & Law Enforcement
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
2:00-3:30 pm ET
Instructor: Robert Still, Special Agent, ISB, NPS

The writing of the Resource Damage Assessment (RDA) is the outcome of the information collected at the crime scene. Although not typically authored by the Case Agent, it is incumbent that the Case Agent is fully conversant with the RDA and is able to articulate its content and relevance. This brief examination presents the outline of the RDA’s contents and explains;

What is the basic structure and content of an RDA?
How does the information gathered at the crime scene populate this document?
What are the Elements of ARPA?
What are the Prohibited Acts of ARPA?
What are the Costs & Values?
Who gets to read the RDA?

ARPA Sentencing and Sentencing Guidelines
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
2:00-3:30 pm ET
Instructor: Randy Ream, AUSA retired

Rescheduled from May 25

This Snapshot episode covers Federal Sentencing Guidelines and what you need to know for an ARPA sentencing hearing. This material is as important for cultural resources as well as law enforcement. Topics to be covered include:

Plea bargaining in an ARPA case – getting creative.
The role of the US Probation Officer.
US Sentencing Guideline 2B1.5: Theft of, Damage to, Destruction of Cultural Heritage Resources.
Tips for testifying.

Building Liaisons with Your AUSAs
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
2:00-3:30 pm ET
Instructor: Randy Ream, AUSA retired

Without this strong relationship the whole process is difficult and the outcome questionable. You will need to know the following:

Who Assistant U.S. Attorneys are and why you have to work with them in an ARPA case.
The team you need to build to investigate cultural property crime.
How/when to meet the AUSA and present your case.
What AUSA’s will expect from you if they take your case.
What you should expect from your AUSA.

Recommended pre-requisites: ARPA Basics, & ARPA Resource Damage Assessment

ARPA & NHPA
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
2:00-3:30 pm ET
Instructor: Caven Clark, Ph.D.

It is often the case that our own agency’s actions do more damage to archeological resources than the looters addressed in ARPA. We spend a great deal of time with section 106 as part of our daily routine.

At what point does failure to do 106 constitute a violation of ARPA?
What is the difference between a willful and knowing act or just not very good 106 in this regard?
What can we do better?
What is the role of the SHPO in an ARPA case?
The Civil remedy

Recommended pre-requisites: ARPA Basics, & ARPA Resource Damage Assessment

Building a Better ARPA Case: Overview of Investigative Techniques
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
2:00-3:30 pm ET
Instructor: Randy Ream, AUSA retired

While this title and its contents sound like (and are) very much the world of the LEO, the unique perspective offered by the AUSA sheds important light if we are to produce a solid case utilizing all available “tricks of the trade” to get there. This class covers:

Search warrants – forms and building probable cause.
Using the Grand Jury to lock-in witnesses.
Finding a lab to process your DNA evidence.
Trail cameras and utilizing facial recognition software.
Utilizing cell phone and other electronic evidence.

Recommended pre-requisites: ARPA Basics, & ARPA Resource Damage Assessment

Common Learning Portal

Common Learning Portal

What is the CLP?

CLP Vital Statistics

Training Events Catalog

Knowledge Park

News and Announcements

Learning Activities

NPS Fundamentals

CLP Groups

Connections

CLP Activity

Overview

Upcoming Sessions

Estimated Completion Time

Notes

What is the CLP?

CLP Vital Statistics

Training Events Catalog

Knowledge Park

News and Announcements

Learning Activities

NPS Fundamentals

CLP Groups

Connections

CLP Activity

ARPA Snapshot Series

Overview

Upcoming Sessions

Estimated Completion Time

Notes

Related Training Events