The Crime Lab Coach Cast

In this coaching session with John Collins, we explore specific priorities and strategies for developing professionals who give courtroom testimony as a part of their normal responsibilities. This episode is useful for accelerating the development of all kinds of expert witnesses, especially forensic laboratory scientists and administrators. Season:  5 Episode:  93 Duration:  48:06 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES None ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this coaching session with John Collins, we discuss the problem of placing our trust in subject-matter experts in a time when it seems that integrity has gone out of style. John offers some solutions and strategies for how to be more effective in screening the individual expertise, competence, and character of individuals who claim to be experts. Season:  5 Episode:  92 Duration:  42:06 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES Everyone is Cheating Their Way Through College (Article) ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

Jacqueline Helfgott is the Director of the Crime and Justice Research Center at Seattle University and the author of “Copycat Crime: How Media, Technology, and Digital Culture Inspire Criminal Behavior and Violence.” In this episode, Dr. Helfgott speaks with John Collins about the subject of psychopathy and how prevalent it is across the human population. They also discuss how psychopaths come into being, and whether or not the disorder can be treated. Season:  5 Episode:  91 Duration:  56:00 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES Jacqueline Helfgott at University of Seattle Jackqueline Helfgott Author's Page ABOUT YOUR HOSTJohn Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

John Collins speaks with Jeff Asher, a data-analytics expert and Substack writer specializing in - as Jeff puts it - crime, data, and crime data. Jeff has an impressive history working in the Department of Defense and the CIA, among others. In this episode, John and Jeff discuss the measurement of crime in the United States, how it is done, and the challenges that exist in collecting, analyzing, and reporting this data as efficiently and accurately as possible. Season:  5 Episode:  90 Duration: 32:06 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES AH Data Analytics Subscribe to Jeff Asher's Substack ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.   For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

Nancy La Vigne is the Dean of the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice, based at the campus in Newark, New Jersey. In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins and Dr. La Vigne discuss her new responsibilities at Rutgers, as well as contemporary priorities in criminal justice research, technology, and education. Dr. La Vigne also shares her experiences as the former director of the National Institute of Justice, and what it's been like for her to return home to her alma mater, where she now leads the same school where she received her doctorate degree in 1996.    Season:  5 Episode:  89 Duration: 45:04 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES Rutgers School of Criminal Justice ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode, John Collins builds on the themes and recommendations covered in episode 87, with regards to forensic laboratory accreditation and its strengths and limitations. Seven policy priorities are discussed to help forensic science laboratories, their parent agencies, and their jurisdictions prevent instances of catastrophic misconduct before they happen. Season:  5 Episode:  88 Duration: 1:00:18 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES Article: A Reality Check on Crime Lab Backlogs ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

John Collins answers an email from an audience member who wonders: What's the point of accreditation if a catastrophic failure or major act of misconduct can still happen under the radar. Season:  5 Episode:  87 Duration: 35:57 YOUTUBE CHANNELSMain Podcast Channel Highlights Channel   FROM OUR SPONSORLearn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification   REFERENCED RESOURCES CBS News News Report on Yvonne Woods Book: HR Management in the Forensic Science Laboratory Article: The Wrongful Conviction of Forensic Science   ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.   For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

Caitlin Burchill is an investigative reporter with NBC Connecticut and a proud member of the production team that created the documentary, Traces of Doubt: The Forensics of Dr. Henry Lee, which is now available in its entirety on YouTube. Caitlin speaks with John Collins about her life and career as an investigative reporter, and sheds light on her investigation of famed but now controversial forensic expert, Dr. Henry Lee. Season:   5 Episode:  86 Duration: 40:30 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification   REFERENCED RESOURCES Traces of Doubt: The Forensics of Dr. Henry Lee Caitlin Burchill at NBC Connecticut ABOUT YOUR HOSTJohn Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more information and resources, please visit www.criticalvictories.com

Dr. Sarah Chu is the Director of Policy and Reform at the Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice at the Cordoza School of Law in New York. In her role at the center, she applies her own extensive background in science and public policy to take an active lead on advancing our criminal justice system's efforts to utilize forensic evidence with maximum effectiveness and integrity. In this episode, Dr. Chu speaks with John Collins about her work at the Perlmutter Center, some of the more pressing issues related to the contemporary application of forensic evidence in criminal trials, and specific efforts that jurisdictions can prioritize to minimize the chance of erroneous convictions. Season:   5 Episode:  85 Duration: 59:02 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification   REFERENCED RESOURCES Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice ABOUT YOUR HOSTJohn Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more information and resources, please visit www.criticalvictories.com

In Episode 84 of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins explores why forensic science is distinct from traditional sciences and often misunderstood. He examines how forensic methods—such as fingerprint and bullet comparisons—are rooted in stochastics, the study of randomness and unique patterns. Addressing past criticisms, Collins argues that forensic science is a leading preventer of wrongful convictions, not a cause of them. He calls for forensic professionals to uphold ethical standards and embrace their field's scientific legitimacy. This episode provides crucial insights for those interested in forensic evidence, justice, and the evolving role of expert testimony. Season:   5 Episode:  84 Duration: 43:22 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel REFERENCED RESOURCES Stochastics (Journal By Taylor & Francis) Modern Stochastics: Theory and Application (Journal) ABOUT YOUR HOSTJohn Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more information and resources, please visit www.criticalvictories.com

The profession of forensic science has lost one its greatest thinkers and pioneers. His name is John Murdock, and his body of work contributed to the professionalization and trustworthiness of the evidentiary analyses performed by forensic science laboratories all over the world. In this update, your host John Collins commemorates the life and career of John Murdock, recalling how his own career and ways of thinking about the reliability of forensic science continues to impact his work to this day.  Season:   5 Episode:  83 Duration: 26:16 REFERENCED RESOURCES Research by John Murdock and Al Biasotti ABOUT YOUR HOSTJohn Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.  

In this inaugural episode of Crime and the Coutroom, John Collins shares what he describes as "the craziest case I ever experienced in a forensic science laboratory." As he explains, sometime in late 1995 or early 1996, John conducted what started as a routine forensic analysis of a firearm used by a police officer in a shooting invovling an armed suspect. As it turned out, nothing about the case was routine, and the experience helped to galvanize John's perspectives on the risks of policing and the greater risks of dysfucntional police culture. John closes with some encouragement for police organizations doing their best to enable healthy, productive, supportive, and efficient organizational environments for their sworn and civilian team members, as well as the communities they serve. Season:   5 Episode:  82 Duration: 34:24 REFERENCED RESOURCES Book: The New Superior - By John M. Collins (2023) ABOUT YOUR HOSTJohn Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more information and resources, please visit www.criticalvictories.com

In this quick holiday update, John Collins shares what he argues is the one key message to teach children so that they can grow up as attentive, cautious adults who can take care of themselves.

John Collins discusses emerging forensic results in the investigation of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and why one evidentiary issue might allow the defense to make some noise. References Mangione attorney says he will challenge forensic results' admissibility, accuracy Crime Lab Report (2019, Academic Press)

A major decision has been made to expand the reach of our podcast while continuing to prioritize the challenges and opportunities facing the forensic laboratory community. In this final CoachCast update of 2024, John Collins explains the changes that are taking effect, and the strategic basis for those changes. The result will be an expanded audience that shares one thing in common: a deep professional interest in improving our society's capacity to prevent, investigate, and adjudicate crime.  

John Collins, in a special Crime Lab CoachCast update, reflects on the importance of creating conditions for the criminal justice system to be elevated by professionals with the right expertise, attitudes, and leadership skills. He emphasizes the significance of executing consequential roles in striving for personal success, and the need to carefully reassess one's identity and priorities during career transitions. John also announced his 10th year in private practice as a coach, speaker, writer, facilitator, and mentor, hinting at a significant (but not radical) expansion to the CoachCast format and its target audiences, which will be further explained in an upcoming update.

We are entering "strategy season" here at Critical Victories. John Collins discusses how to take advantage of the opportunity to plan your coming year and the positive psychological impact it can have on yourself and your organization. John also provides some follow-up to his comments in episode #75 by discussing some of the inherent conflicts of interest that must be identified and managed when public servants engage in outside forms of employment or business activities. References Visit our Friends at Promega Advanced Expert Witnessing (December Online) Show Links Promega News on Stutter Solution - The Scientist Magazine Book: Wicked Takes the Witness Stand by Mardi Link Coach Cast Episode #75 Denver Post Article on 'Fledgling' Forensic Business Enterprise Correction The start of our 2025 season will begin on Monday January 6th, not the 7th as was mentioned in this episode.

In today's coaching session, John discusses the problem of technical units and their supervisors not playing nice with their laboratory administrators, the damage this causes, and approaches to dealing with it - and preventing it - effectively. We also enjoy a conversation with Bob McClaren, Director of R&D in Genetic Identity at the Promega corporation on one of the biggest discoveries in the history forensic DNA analysis.  References Visit our Friends at Promega Advanced Expert Witnessing (December Online) Show Links Promega News on Stutter Solution - The Scientist Magazine

There are times when life confronts us with great loss or the threat of loss, and the emotions we feel can be overwhelming. Deep emotional pain, however, can have adverse effects on the brain that threaten the quality of a sufferer's work. In this episode of the CoachCast, John Collins provides insight and tips for dealing with emotional pain, and how to support the members of our teams when they are afflicted by the most difficult circumstances that life will inevitably bring our way. Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) Advanced Expert Witnessing (Online) Show Links Hennepin County DNA Contamination The Scent of Death - A New Methodology in Death Investigations CBI Audit and Responding Proposals HR Management in the Forensic Science Laboratory (Book, 2018)

Coming off a recent tour of workshops and presentations on the subject, John Collins discusses the threat of excessively restrictive policies that prevent hiring managers from really getting to know their job candidates. When forensic science laboratories are forced to follow a structured "script" that prohibits a conversational connection with interview subjects, their ability to recognize and identify potential problems is significantly impaired.  Events and Workshops Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) Advanced Expert Witnessing (Online) Show Links Stutter Reduction Enzyme by Promega HR Management in the Forensic Science Laboratory (Book, 2018)

This is a Crime Lab CoachCast Update for Monday September 30, 2024. Live from the 2024 meeting of the Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers.  Coach's Message for Today "Honorable and competent work performance arise from professionals who know how much they truly matter."

The newest forensic science organization got off the ground in November 2023. The National Association of Forensic Science Boards is now set to host its 2nd annual meeting in Albany, New York. In this episode of the CoachCast, John speaks with Kermit Channell and Jennifer Naugle about the organization's mission, future, and upcoming meeting. John also explains the evolution of his own thinking about forensic science oversight.  Our Season Sponsor Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) Events and Workshops ISHI 2024 Workshops - San Antonio (September 2024) AFQAM 2024 - Daytona Beach, Florida True Intergity at AFQAM - Registration Page Show Notes and Links National Association of Forensic Science Boards National Forensic Science Week - Texas Style NIST Strategic Opportunities Report Rhode Island Firearms Suspension CFSO on Smith v. Arizona

Few things are harder on a team or organization than a change in executive-level leadership. The experience can leave even the best-running teams feeling like everyone has lost their minds. In this episode, we explain why it happens and how to prevent it with a more thoughtful and open approach to transitioning between leadership regimes. Our Season Sponsor Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) Events and Workshops ISHI 2024 Workshops - San Antonio (September 2024) AFQAM 2024 - Daytona Beach, Florida True Intergity at AFQAM - Registration Page Show Notes and Links Election Forensics Wall Street Journal on Cannibis and Impaired Driving

There is a particular kind of individual with a particular temperament that you must identify and eliminate from hiring consideration. Doing so will save you and your team valuable time and energy, and it will prevent the poisoning of your team and its ability to nurture a communicative and collaborative environment. Our Season Sponsor Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) Events and Workshops ISHI 2024 Workshops - San Antonio (September 2024) AFQAM 2024 - Daytona Beach, Florida True Intergity at AFQAM - Registration Page Show Notes and Links Traces of Doubt: The Forensics of Dr. Henry Lee (NBC) The ASCLD LEAP Network HR Management in the Forensic Science Laboratory (Book)    

What is integrity and how does the study of ethics ensure that professionals will demonstrate integrity during the most difficult situations? The answer is that it can't. Ethics is a highly misunderstood and often misapplied field of study. In this episode, your host, John Collins, will discuss his new situational readiness workshop, True Integrity, and some important factors that predict the quality of decisions people will make when everything is on the line. Our Season Sponsor Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) Events and Workshops ISHI 2024 Workshops - San Antonio (September 2024) AFQAM 2024 - Daytona Beach, Florida True Intergity at AFQAM - Registration Page

Job satisfaction leads to higher levels of energy, which translates into better engagement and better performance. But the factors leading to one's job satisfaction are complicated and often include personal matters that are outside the control of the laboratory. In this episode, John Collins discusses some of the key elements of job satisfaction and why the hiring of local talent should always be an option worthy of serious consideration. Our Season Sponsor Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) ISHI 2024 Workshops - San Antonio (September 2024)

In this episode of the Crime Lab CoachCast, John Collins, your host and author of HR Management in the Forensic Science Laboratory - A 21st Century Approach to Effective Crime Lab Leadership, discusses the importance of filling vacant leadership positions as soon as possible. He also discusses the damage caused by unnecessary delays. For those of you involved in the selection and hiring of executive forensic laboratory administrators, you won't want to miss this episode. Our Season Sponsor Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) References Smith v. Arizona (SCOTUS Blog) HR Management in the Forensic Science Laboratory (2018)

Jody Wolf is an award winning forensic laboratory veteran and former president of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors. She is one of the few forensic laboratory administrators to climb beyond the laboratory into the police command ranks. Jody is now the Chief of Staff for the Phoenix Police Department. In this episode, John speaks with Jody about her journey and love of forensic science laboratories, and what she's observed and experienced in forensic science along the way. You don't want to miss this chat with one of America's most influential forensic laboratory leaders. Our Season Sponsor Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) References Video - Elevating Women in Law Enforcement - With Jody Wolf    

Confidence is the blissful feeling of self-assurance that you can handle whatever people or situations you encounter in your life and career. But you can lose it and, when you do, it can leave you feeling lost, hurting, and desperate for answers. The good news is that you can get it back, and in this episode you will learn how. Our Season Sponsor Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) References No references    

Relationships are the raw materials from which teamwork is made. But what happens when problems arise in workplace relationships and what can be done to fix them? John Collins will share his thoughts about relationships within the forensic science environment and will also share a strategy for repairing broken relationships when they start getting in the way of your laboratory's mission. Our Season Sponsor Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) References Book: The Body Keeps the Score - Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Faith is not a subject we typically associate with science, but even scientists rely on their faith to orient themselves in this world and this life. Faith is not the same as religion and is not rooted in certainty. It is something we struggle with. John Collins speaks with his friend, colleague, and fellow coach, Kevin R. Smith, about having faith in our natural strengths, and knowning that they provide the best opportunity to function with more effectiveness in our lives and careers. Our Season Sponsor Visit our Friends at Promega The International Symposium on Human Identification (2024) References Still Kevin - Leadership Development (Kevin R. Smith)

In today's episode of the Crime Lab Coach Cast, John discusses the most widely discussed element of personality, which is the extroversion/intoversion spectrum. But there are myths that need to be replaced with facts and healthier attitudes about our desire to socialize and communicate with others. Where do YOU fall on the spectrum, and how do you use it to your advantage? Our Seasonal Sponsor Promega and the International Symposium on Human Identification References Strength and Personality Masterclass Free Access with INVITE coupon code Show Up Strong Build Your Authoritative Presence Through Assertive Thinking and Conflict Readiness Public Safety professionals use SAFETY coupon code for discount

John speaks with forensic science veteran, educator, and philosopher, Max Houck, to discuss some of the deeper issues facing forensic science laboratories today. Join Max and John as they tackle issues such as the relationships between laboratories and police agencies, standards, acceditation, the future of forensic science, and some interesting bits of historical fact that brought forensic science to where it is today.    Our Seasonal Sponsor Promega and the International Symposium on Human Identification Program References Visit Max Houck Forensic Science Inernational - Synergy Jay Siegel - In Memorium Washington Post on Max Houck's Departure  

Bad things happen in all occupations, but when nightmares come true, it's vital that your team stick together to come out on the other side better than you were before. In this episode of the CoachCast, John Collins discusses the one mistake and the one fantasy that get in the way of forensic science laboratories seeking to address - and prevent - a crisis or catastrophic failure.  Our Seasonal Sponsor Promega and the International Symposium on Human Identification Program References NIST 2023 Environmental Scan Max Houck on Substack Colorado DNA Misconduct Case  

Employees can only motivate themselves, a truth that invites important questions about what both managers and employees should be prioritizing in their efforts to contribute toward a high-energy laboratory team. John Collins, "America's Crime Lab Coach," shares his tips and ideas in this next edition of the Crime Lab COACH Cast. References Promega - 2024 Season Sponsor Talent is Overrated (Book) The New Superior (Book) by John Collins

In this 3rd episode of the 2024 season, John reaches into his bag of coaching strategies to help listeners cope effectively with people having pathologically challenging personalities. References Promega (Season Sponsor) Coping with Difficult People (Book by R Bramson, PhD)

John Collins speaks with Tim Kupferschmid, Chief of Laboratories for the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Tim is also the current president of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors. In this episode, Tim shares his thoughts on current events and issues facing today's forensic science laboratories, as well as the issues that will confront laboratory administrators in the near and distant future. Special thanks to our 2024 season sponsor, Promega.  References 2020 Census of Publicly Funded Forensic Science Crime Laboratories Office of the Chief Medical Examiner - Laboratories DNA Gun Crimes Unit SCOTUS - Smith v. Arizona

In this first episode of our 4th season, John Collins chats with Mark Stolorow, the former Deputy Director of the Special Programs Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where he was also the Director for OSAC Affairs (Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science). The mission of OSAC is to produce consensus documentary standards and guidelines to improve quality and consistency of work in the forensic science community.  Mark shares his own history and path that led him to a successful career in forensic science, and shares his thoughts about the ongoing effort to "harmonize" progress in forensic science. References Visit our season sponsor, Promega! NIST Forensic Science Website  

In this Crime Lab COACH Cast update, John discusses the newly released 2020 Census of Publicly Funded Forensic Science Crime Laboratories, the upcoming SCOTUS ruling in Smith v. Arizona, and strategies for dealing with artificial intelligence "cheating" when administering essay questions during the application process for new scientists. References Smith v. Arizona 2020 Census of Publicly Funded Forensic Crime Laboratories

Ann MacPhetridge is the Senior Manager in charge of Genetic Identity Commercialization & Marketing at Promega Corporation. Ann speaks with John Collins about the rewards and challenges of commercializing and marketing within the forensic science marketplace. She also explains the history of the ISHI meeting and the impact DNA scientists have had on the entire forensic laboratory community. References Visit Promega ISHI (International Symposium on Human Identification) DocuSeries: Innocence After Guilt Houston DA Wants Lab to Outsources Cases

The top decisions-makers at the Wisconsin DOJ Division of Forensic Science join John Collins to discuss an innovative approach to developing and building support for case submission policies. Nicole Roehm and Jennifer Naugle explain the history of the committee, the benefits of the committee on keeping backlogs down, and what's happening nationally with regards to the establishment of forensic science advisory committees and/or regulatory commissions. References Evidence Submission in Wisconsin  

Indi Young is an expert at teaching clients how to prevent false assumptions from causing damage to themselves and their customers. The author of 3 books, Indi speaks with John Collins about how she evaluates individuals to understand how they think, and why they think it. Perhaps it's time to stop dwelling on bias and begin thinking about mental models and how they can be leveraged to our advantage. References Visit Indi Young's Website Indi Young's Book Author Page

Peter Stout is the president and director of the Houston Forensic Science Center. He and John Collins discuss the current political climate in the Houston criminal justice system, its past challenges, and some potentially game-changing blind-testing strategies being employed by Stout and his team. References Proceedings of the NAS (Forensic Articles Coming Soon) Stout Turned Around Houston Lab (News) Police Union Calls for Stout's Resignation Backlogs at the Houston Lab (News) The Secret Life of Crime Labs (Stout) Forensic Papers by PNAS

After welcoming Promega as the first sponsor of the Crime Lab COACH Cast, John Collins discusses some sensitive advocacy issues related to claims that forensic science disciplines are invalid or unreliable. Are crime laboratories putting out "junk science," or is "junk activism" misportraying the reality of forensic science methods? Maybe both? You be the judge. Sponsorship Links Promega International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI) References Bias Bullying I Bias Bullying II (Mental Modeling) Junk Science vs. Junk Activism? A Decision for the Courts Chris Fabricant Dr. Itiel Dror American Academy of Forensic Sciences  

John Collins brings you up to speed on some more forensic controversy out of Houston, and shares a valuable interview tip for evaluating the potential of new forensic laboratory scientists to develop into effective expert witnesses. It's a busy day here at the Crime Lab COACH Cast. See you in the studio! References News out of Houston

Pamela Marshall is the Associate Professor and Director of the Forensic Science and Law masters program at Duquesne University. In this episode, John chats with Dr. Marshall about the state of forensic science education in the United States, and what employers in forensic science need to know about the new generation of students who will become tomorrow's workforce. References Duquesne University Forensic Science and Law ASCLD LEAP Program Aurthur Eisenberg Obituary

Kermit Channell is the Executive Director of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. In this conversation with Director Channell, John Collins asks about his coming retirement, his career in forensic science, the outlook for forensic labs in the next 10 to 20 years, and the priorities laboratory administrators will have as the profession continues to evolve.  References Kermit Channell Retirement Announcement

Your host, John M. Collins, has issued a press release making an official statement on the significance of the recent federal court ruling holding Dr. Henry Lee liable for malpractice in the investigation of a 1985 homicide. John's comments are intended to put the situation, at least preliminarily, into proper context so that recent events aren't use to unfairly attack today's trustworthy, reliable forensic scientists. References Statement by John M. Collins (Video - 9mm) Report by the Associated Press Shawn Henning Case - National Registry of Exonerations Press release by John Collins not active at the time of this podcast release. Please visit criticalvictories.com/newsroom to view John's press releases.

You are naturally wired to lead and influence in a particular way, but do you know what that way is? Do you know how your employees and colleagues are wired? If you don't, you have an amazing opportunity. In this impactful episode of the COACH Cast, John Collins discusses the workshop he facilitated at the 50th annual symposium of the American Society of Crime Laboratory directors. Listen to John as he discusses how he utilizes the Clifton Strengths assessment to help his forensic laboratory clients, and what talents and strengths are emerging as the most common across the forensic laboratory community. This is an episode you don't want to miss. References The New Superior (Paperback Pre-Print) Link will be provided when Amazon pre-print is ready DEA Release on Fentanyl and Xylazine

Random characteristics are the basis of the forensic pattern identification disciplines but, too often, examiners testify about randomness without understanding what it means or if it's even a scientifically legitimate principle. It is legitimate and this episode explains why. References Memphis, Tenn Crime Lab Debate Stochastics article by John Collins International Journal of Stochastics