Introduction

Just the Soul of the Profession

Just the Soul of the Profession

← Back to Just Science Podcast

Original Release Date: November 5, 2018

In episode one of our Forensic Advancement season, Just Science interviews John Collins, an instructor and consultant from Critical Victories, and Jay Henry, the laboratory director of the Utah Department of Public Safety.  Listen along as our guests discuss how crime labs can create environments that are more appealing to the younger generation of professionals and the challenges directors are facing with retention. Stay tuned to find out about the delicate balance of casework completion and retention strategies.  

The Forensic Advancement season of Just Science will focus on many areas that challenge forensic leadership within the community. A majority of these interviews were recorded at the 2018 ASCLD Annual Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia.

This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence [Award 2016-MU-BX-K110].

Listen to or download the episode here:


Guest Biography

John Collins is an HR consultant, coach, writer, and speaker specializing in the development of forensic science employees and organizations. He is the author of the first-ever text book on HR Management in Forensic Science Laboratories, published by Elsevier.

Jay Henry is the Director for the Utah Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory System with responsibilities that include operations, training, curriculum development, and legislative advocacy. He leads Utah’s only “full-service” forensic provider, which comprises three laboratories with 50 employees and serves 140+ law enforcement agencies with a population base of approximately 2.8 million people. Mr. Henry is certified by the American Board of Criminalistics and holds memberships in the Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists (NWAFS), American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors. He has served in various capacities within these organizations, including President of the NWAFS.


The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast episode are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Contact us at ForensicCOE@rti.org with any questions and subscribe to our newsletter for notifications.


Related Content

Lessons in Leadership: Leading Change in Dynamic Environments

Overview This engaging webinar series is designed for leaders navigating organizational change, such as technology transitions, within their crime labs. These brief 30-minute webinars – crafted for the busy crime laboratory leader – feature real-world examples from forensic science laboratories…

Effective Leadership Communication: Why it Makes or Breaks Leading Change

← Back to Webinar Series Page Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM Eastern Duration: 30 minutes Overview Effective leadership communication plays a vital role in promoting meaningful change within an organization. This presentation explores key principles…