Crime and the Courtroom

John Collins interviews Dr. John Morgan about his recent study exploring the impact that forensic evidence had in convictions that were later overturned.  References Wrongful convictions and claims of false or misleading forensic evidence (Morgan) Wrongful Convictions and Forensic Science Errors: Case Studies and Root Causes (Book) Visit Dr. John Morgan Online (Website)    

Supplanting is the cutting of a normal operating budget and replacing those funds with grants or other allocations. It is an impermissible use of federal forensic programs, but has other dangers as well. References: Paul Coverdell - Competitive CFSO Funding Page OJP Supplanting Guide Sheet

In today's episode, John Collins shares a historical perspective on why many of today's forensic scientists may be struggling in the courtroom and what laboratory administrators can do to start fixing the problem.

Recorded from Phoenix, Arizon, John Collins discusses "points of credibility" in the courtroom and the potential impact that visible tattoos and piercings can have on how expert witnesses are perceived by a jury.

In this episode of the Crime Lab COACH Cast, John Collins discusses the subject of implicit bias and explains why bias is not - and should not - be the focus of our attention.  References Greenwald, A. G., Banaji, M. R., & Nosek, B. A. (2015). Statistically small effects of the Implicit Association Test can have societally large effects. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 108(4), 553-56...

Ahead of the 50 annual symposium of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, John Collins reflects on an unusual confluence of events that created an opportunity for him and his laboratory to go beyond the confines of forensic science to meet an urgent need that no one could have predicted.

In this episode of the Crime Lab COACH Cast, John Collins speaks with Matthew Gamette, the Director of the Idaho State Police Forensic Laboratory System and Chair of the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations. Matthew joins John to discuss the establishment of the National Technology Validation and Implementation Collaborative (NTVIC) and the gamechanging impact it will likely have on how ne...

The 2023 calendar year is underway. Recording from downtown Baton Rouge near the site of this week's Advanced Expert Witnessing workshop, John shares his perspective on the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and its inevitable impact on forensic science and the enterprise of expert witnessing. You thought attorneys were powerful in the courtroom before?  We haven't seen anything like this...

In this special holiday episode of The Crime Lab COACH Cast, John Collins has some things he'd like you to think about as you wind down your 2022 and look forward to a healthy and productive 2023.

The Department of Justice announced its forensic science funding initiatives for the coming year.  In this episode, we discuss the lack of funding and political support for nonDNA disciplines and the problems it causes for America' crime laboratories. Program References DOJ Announcement Debbie Smith Act Paul Coverdell Program IACP Forensics Committee

In this episode, John Collins seeks to inform a newer generation of forensic science professionals about the Innocence Network and the post-conviction litigation enterprise.  Program References Crime Lab Report (By John Collins, 2019) Gallup on Public Death Penalty Opinion Dr. Jon Gould on Erroneous Convictions Gary Dotson Ted Bundy

Recorded from the site of the 33rd International Symposium on Human Identification in Washington, DC, John Collins discusses the growing concern of laboratory decision-makers about the skills of scientists to perform effectively on the witness stand. Are we developing our forensic scientists the right way, and are we emphasizing expert witnessing skills in our training programs? John Collins, auth...

In today's show, John discusses the launch of The New Superior leadership coaching program, while also sharing his own experience of hiring coaches and consultants to help him in his business endeavors. Program References The New Superior Coaching Program Annie Dookhan Crime Lab Scandal FBI Uniform Crime Reports

In this week's show, John discusses the recent handwriting study published by the FBI Laboratory, and announces the creation of The New Superior Executive Coaching Program based on his book, The New Superior: A Better Way to Be the One in Charge. Program References: The New Superior - Book Home Page The New Superior Executive Coaching Program FBI Laboratory Release on Handwriting Study Scientific...

About: In this episode of The Crime Lab COACH Cast, John explains the phases that individuals pass through during their careers, and the age at which knowledge and ways of thinking make a dramatic shift.  This shift must be understood if forensic science laboratories are to fully leverage the talent of older employees and the contributions that only they can provide. Episode References: Podcast: C...

Bitterness and resentments can build up over time. John Collins explains factors that lead to career-toxifying emotions.

Listen to John Collins as he explains the two types of interpersonal communication styles, and the advantages and disadvantages associated with both.

The conversation about crime lab independence often ignores a fundemental fact about forensic science - which is that there is no such thing as independence.

Scientists and other technically capable professionals struggle with organizational culture, but why?  In this episode of the Crime Lab COACH Cast, John Collins shares a different way to think about culture and how to be a scientist that contributes to a healthy work enviornment in your laboratory.

There is no such thing as junk science. There is only science that's applied poorly. In this episode of the Crime Lab COACH Cast, John Collings explains why the difference is important.

John podcasts from the site of the 2022 ASCLD Symposium in Reno, Nevada.  Today's Coach's Briefing is about putting your leadership process above your leadership personality.

This week, John discusses a new discipline section created within the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and he tackles the frustrating and challenging problem of workplace favoritism, the damage it causes, and how to deal with it.

Do you agree that forensic science services are becoming "federalized?" Also, in today's coach's briefing, John shares some tips for avoiding decision fatigue, a very real and dangerous problem in today's hecktic societies and workplaces.

In today's episode, John shares news about the development of a new local laboratory in New Orleans, as well as an attempt to separate a laboratory in Austin, Texas from it's police agency.

In the news, former Innocence Project Board Director, Dr. Eric Lander, resigns from the Biden Administration after accusations of bullying; in the Coach's Briefing, John explains strength-based coaching and its applications to teamwork and leadership.