Overview
This webinar uses data from Project FORESIGHT to examine the effects of the opioid crisis on the demands for laboratory resources and the direct and indirect effects on the work of forensic laboratories.
The dramatic increase in abuse of opioids has an impact on all facets of society. Using data from Project FORESIGHT for a few of the most highly impacted jurisdictions, we examine some of the trends in the forensic laboratory as the opioid crisis grows. This includes a look at the direct changes in case volume, productivity, and processing costs for drug/controlled substances, toxicology ante mortem, and toxicology post mortem; but also includes an examination on the indirect effects on all other areas of investigation in the laboratory. The implications from a review of the data suggest that laboratories must monitor their own trends and plan accordingly or else risk having diverted resources begin to cripple the laboratory’s ability to deal with all of its casework.
A certificate of completion is available for all who register and attend this webinar.
Presenter
- Dr. Paul J. Speaker
Funding for this Forensic Technology Center of Excellence webinar has been provided by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this webinar are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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