In this special release episode, Just Diversity & Inclusion in Forensic Science, Just Science sat down with Donia Slack, the Director of the Research, Technology, and Evaluation Program in RTI’s Center for Forensic Sciences, and Dale Hart, a Research Forensic Scientist in RTI’s Center for Forensic Sciences, to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in forensics. 

Forensics is a fast-growing field making the need for racial and gender representation among its practitioners critically important. From confronting biased research to experiencing microaggressions and feelings of “imposter syndrome,” our expert panelists know the realities of being underrepresented in the field. Listen along as they detail their experiences as forensic scientists of color, articulate how bias and underrepresentation can produce flawed findings, and discuss the impact that diversity and inclusion has had in their careers in this episode of Just Science.  

This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Diversity and Inclusion In Forensic Science

In episode two of our Firearms Research season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Josh Hendrix, a researcher at RTI International’s Center for Community Safety & Crime Prevention and an expert in school safety and violence prevention, to discuss school safety during an age of mass shootings. 

Dr. Hendrix has performed in-depth analysis on the efficacy of school tip lines, an anonymous means for students and teachers to report suspicious activity. Listen along as he discusses the data surrounding school shootings, as well as strategies to prevent them from occurring in this episode of Just Science.  

This episode of Just Science is funded in part by the National Institute of Justice's Improving the Understanding of Mass Shooting Plots [Awards 2019-R2-CX-0003 and SCON-00000321] and RTI International's Applied Justice Research Division.

Just School Safety Tip Lines

In episode one of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, a researcher, sexual assault nurse examiner, and the Associate Dean of Brigham Young University’s College of Nursing, to discuss the use of at-home sexual assault kits. As a researcher in sexual assault response reform and a sexual assault nurse examiner, Dr. Valentine is a subject matter expert on collecting evidence in sexual assault cases. Listen along as she discusses her work in sexual assault response reform and her perspective on the role of at-home sexual assault kits in sexual assault cases in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Supporting Evidence Collection In Sexual Assault Cases

In episode five of our Perspectives on At-Home Sexual Assault Kits season, Just Science sat down with Scott Mourtgos, a PhD Candidate at the University of Utah, a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) LEADS Scholar, and the Deputy Chief of the Salt Lake City Police Department to provide a law enforcement perspective to our discussion on at-home sexual assault kits. Sexual assault cases are some of the most challenging cases to investigate. Forensic evidence associated with these cases plays a key role in resolving these cases and supporting victims of sexual assault. Listen along as Deputy Chief Mourtgos, a researcher and veteran police officer with experience investigating sexual assault cases, discuss at-home kits and other strategies to respond to sexual violence in this episode of Just Science. This season is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Key Considerations for Investigations of Sexual Assault Cases

In the final episode of our Community Relations season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Mike Planty, the Director of RTI’s Center for Community Safety, to discuss how emerging technologies in policing affect community relations. Evaluating community sentiments about their respective police departments is an important part of ensuring that community needs are being addressed. The Criminal Justice Testing and Evaluation Consortium (CJTEC), funded by the National Institute of Justice, is designed to employ evidence-based research methods to enhance the data collection capabilities of stakeholders in the legal system. Listen as Mike discusses how community surveys can contribute to improving police-community relations on this episode of Just Science. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Applied Justice Research Division.

Community Relations

Just Emerging Technologies in Policing

In episode two of our 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, a Researcher, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), and the Associate Dean of Brigham Young University’s College of Nursing, to discuss sexual assault cases involving strangulation and dating apps. While working as a sexual assault nurse examiner, Dr. Valentine and colleagues noticed an increase in survivors reporting violent sexual assaults that occurred after meeting someone through a dating app. They also observed that these violent sexual assaults showed higher rates of strangulation, a trend that was supported by one of her recent research studies. Listen in as Dr. Valentine discusses her current research on sexual assault and dating apps, legislative implications, and the prevalence of strangulation in sexual assault cases.  

This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Research Of Dating Apps And Violent Sexual Assault Cases

In episode two of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Sarah Williams, a Research Associate Professor in Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University and Dr. Keith Morris, a Ming Hsieh Distinguished Teaching Professor of Forensic & Investigative Science at West Virginia University to discuss undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate programs in forensic science. This season, Just Science will explore a variety of forensic science programs and the growing need for more doctoral programs. Recent years have also presented unique challenges for hands-on research with the COVID-19 pandemic and misconstrued expectations stemming from the CSI effect, forcing universities and their students to adapt. Listen along as Dr. Morris and Dr. Williams discuss Ph.Ds. in forensic science and the role of NIJ and FEPAC in providing research and education opportunities for the next generation of forensic science professionals. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Higher Education And The CSI Effect

In episode three of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Mark McCoy, Professor and Administrator of the Digital Evidence and Cyber Security Program at the University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Institute, and Josh Brunty, an Associate Professor of Digital Forensics in the School of Forensic & Criminal Justice Sciences at Marshall University, to discuss the field of digital forensics, the importance of research and collaboration, and the development of dynamic academic programs. 
Digital forensics is still considered one of the newer forensic science disciplines; however, it is a field that is rapidly growing. With devices from smart refrigerators to video game consoles constantly collecting user data, the science behind digital forensics must be ready to pivot with every software update and additional device available on the market. Tune in as Dr. McCoy and Professor Brunty discuss digital forensics versus cyber security, careers and research opportunities for those with strong computer science backgrounds, and an outlook for the field of digital forensics. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Digital Forensics Program Development And Outlook

In episode seven of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Karen Scott, an Associate Professor, Forensic Toxicology Consultant, and Director of the Master of Science in Forensic Science program at Arcadia University, and Dr. Jarrad Wagner, a Professor and Director in the Oklahoma State University School of Forensic Sciences, to discuss research collaborations and keeping on top of the dynamic drug landscape encountered in forensic toxicology casework. One of the requirements of FEPAC accreditation is that programs maintain partnerships with external collaborators, such as forensic science laboratories and professional organizations. This is especially important for rapidly evolving disciplines like forensic toxicology where there is a constant influx of new drugs and analytical challenges such as a lack of available reference standards and complex biological matrices. Because of these issues, students and researchers at universities and practitioners in crime laboratories must work together to develop new techniques for novel drug detection and analysis in real-time. Listen along as Dr. Scott and Dr. Wagner discuss their FEPAC partnerships, on-going research efforts, and the importance of hands-on learning in their forensic toxicology programs. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just Forensic Toxicology And Professional Partnerships

In part-two of the final episode of our Strengthening the Forensic Workforce season, Just Science continued the conversation with Dr. Peter Stout, Dr. Ray Wickenheiser, and Matthew Gamette discussing the future of the forensic workforce. FEPAC-accredited institutions provide high quality forensic science education for undergraduate and graduate students. However, coursework alone does not adequately emulate what working in a forensic laboratory and pursuing a career in forensic science will entail. Listen along as our guests discuss court readiness, training gaps, and other valuable insights for anyone considering a career in forensics. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence.

Just The Forensic Laboratory Workforce Part 2

In episode two of our Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics mini-season, Just Science sat down with Amy Durall, a Project Manager with the International Association of Chiefs of Police to discuss the incorporation of advocacy into the judicial proceedings. Advocates play a critical role in addressing the needs of a victim or family, as well as providing insight to other allied professionals that they work alongside. It is important to understand the varieties of advocates and how their respective roles may slightly differ. Listen along as Amy Durall dives deep into advocacy models, victim wellbeing, and opportunities for agencies to enhance their response to victims and their families. This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Just Incorporating Advocacy To Enhance Conviction Integrity

In episode three of our Enhancing Conviction Integrity through Forensics mini-season, Just Science sat down with Jim Markey, a Senior Research Public Health Analyst with RTI International to discuss the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining the integrity of a conviction. Law enforcement officers are oftentimes the “gatekeeper” of information on any given case, including details about the crime, the status of evidence being tested, and even whereabouts of a suspect or victim.  Working alongside their allied professionals, officers certainly bring an important perspective to the process. Listen along as Jim Markey dives deep into the details of a law enforcement officer’s relationship with attorneys, clearance rates, and how agencies can enhance their relationship within the community. This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Just The Law Enforcement Perspective On Conviction Integrity

In episode two of our Case Studies: Part 2 mini season, Just Science sat down with Jason Moran, Commander of Police at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, to discuss how he and his colleagues set out to identify the remaining victims of John Wayne Gacy, decades after their bodies were found.  Technological limitations can sometimes make it very challenging to identify decomposed human remains. In the case of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, eight of his thirty-three victims remained unidentified for more than thirty years. Listen along as Commander Moran discusses how the Forensic Services Initiative team re-opens cold cases, utilizes modern DNA analysis for human identification, and began the journey to give Gacy’s victims their names back. This episode is funded by The National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Identifying Gacy’s Victims Part 1

In episode two of our 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Month mini season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Julie Valentine, the Associate Dean of the Brigham Young University College of Nursing, to discuss the factors that contribute to low prosecution rates for sexual assault cases.  In our last episode, Dr. Valentine highlighted the importance of sexual assault kit submission and DNA evidence as the groundwork for prosecution in sexual assault cases. Despite national efforts to improve the submission rate of sexual assault kits for forensic testing and to support the investigation of sexual assault cases, Dr. Valentine’s research indicates that prosecution rates for sexual assault cases remain low. Listen along as Dr. Valentine discusses the challenges associated with resource allocation for improved sexual assault response reform, the outcome of her research related to prosecution rates for sexual assault cases, and how future legislation may positively impact response reform efforts.   

Dr. Valentine is also participating in the FTCOE’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month webinar series. Listen to Dr. Valentine present on the use of dating apps, the value of trace/touch DNA, and research on prosecution rates associated with sexual assault cases. Go to ForensicCOE.org today to register! 

This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).  

Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Improved Response To Sexual Assault

In episode five of our Case Studies season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Justin Schorr, Principal Collision Reconstruction Engineer, and Tim Primrose, Mobile Forensic Analyst, at DJS Associates, Inc. to discuss utilizing digital evidence in real-world cases. In the digital age, forensic technology has broad applications for investigations. From cell phone, social media account, and car infotainment system data to three-dimensional modeling for crime scene reconstruction, technology is becoming a staple in forensics. Listen along as Dr. Schorr and Tim describe what kinds of digital evidence is applicable to investigations, the limitations and court considerations for forensic technology, and case examples on how mobile forensics and reconstruction simulations were effectively used to further investigations. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).  Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Forensics In The Digital Age

In episode four of our National Case Closed Project: Supporting Best Practices in Investigation season, Just Science sat down with Michael McKissic, founder of the Mikey23 Foundation, Reverend Rodrick Burton, St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition's Chairperson for Public Safety, and Dr. Stacy Sechrist, Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International, to discuss the importance of building trust between law enforcement and community members and ultimately improving gun violence investigations. In many cities in the United States, there has been growing mistrust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, which can negatively impact violent crime investigations and public safety. In response, community organizations are working to bridge the gap between law enforcement and community members to form connections that are rooted in love and understanding. Listen along as Mike, Reverend Burton, and Dr. Sechrist describe recommendations for law enforcement to positively engage in their communities, how to navigate anti-snitching sentiments and fears of retaliation, and the importance of police reaching out to victims’ families after a homicide. This project is supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-21-GK-04008-JAGP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Building Trust Between Police And Their Communities

In episode one of our Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition season, Just Science sat down with Lucas Zarwell, Director of the Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences at the National Institute of Justice, and Dr. Jeri Ropero-Miller, Principal Scientist and Director of the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence at RTI International, to discuss a newly published roadmap that guides the transition of forensic research and technology innovations into the forensic practitioner community. During the development of new forensic technologies, there are various challenges that result in products not actually being utilized in forensic laboratories. To help the community overcome these challenges, the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group, or FLN-TWG, introduced a roadmap report with action items to help seamlessly and successfully implement new forensic technologies into practice. Listen along as Director Zarwell and Dr. Ropero-Miller describe ways that forensic research products can become unsuccessful, the importance of collaboration between forensic researchers and practitioners, and the process of developing the FLN-TWG roadmap report. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Improving Forensic Technology Transition

In episode two of our Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition season, Just Science sat down with Cleveland Miles, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Division of Forensic Science, and Henry Maynard, Lead Research Scientist for the United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, to discuss the importance of building partnerships in the forensic community to effectively communicate and advance forensic technology.  Successfully transitioning forensic technology into practice requires a coordinated effort between many forensic stakeholders, including researchers, practitioners, and industry workers. While building these partnerships is crucial for technological advancement, there are often challenges to overcome when collaborating with individuals from different forensic domains. Listen along as Cleveland and Henry describe the gap in awareness about forming forensic partnerships, actionable strategies for enhancing relationships in the field, and how to navigate the different languages of the various forensic entities. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).    

Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Building Partnerships To Advance Forensic Technology

In episode three of our Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Catherine Grgicak, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Rutgers University Camden, and Henry Maynard, Lead Research Scientist for the United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, to discuss the importance of developing research infrastructure within forensic laboratories and communication channels with collaborators. Forensic research and advancement are impossible without the input of forensic practitioners; however, many practitioners are not accustomed to engaging in formal academic research. As a result, the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology Working Group, or FLN-TWG, has identified important tools for building an infrastructure for research and collaboration within forensic laboratories. Listen along as Dr. Grgicak and Henry describe how research is ingrained in forensic practice, how to empower new forensic scientists to get excited about research, and resources to better integrate forensic researchers and practitioners.  This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Enhancing Research To Improve Tech Transition

In episode four of our Roadmap to Improving Technology Transition season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Catherine Grgicak, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Rutgers University-Camden, and Stephanie Stoiloff, Chief of the Forensic Services Division at the Miami-Dade Police Department, to discuss their real-world experiences with introducing new forensic technology into practice. While new forensic research products are often innovative and interesting, they may not always be practical in operational forensic laboratories. Researchers should lean on practitioner input to develop technologies that fill a necessary gap, are unbiased, and offer benefits over existing technologies. Listen along as Dr. Grgicak and Stephanie describe lessons learned in their own experiences with technology transition, strategies for approaching product validation, and advice from both an academic and a practitioner perspective.  This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award No. 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Lessons Learned In Forensic Technology Transition

In episode one of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Neal Parsons, Senior Research Scientist at RTI International, to discuss the growing threat of drone use and how the American criminal justice system is responding. Most people think of drones as a benign hobby or a tool to take aerial photos and videos, however, recent research reveals that drones are increasingly being used for malicious purposes. Drones are easily accessible to the masses and can be used to transport contraband, violate privacy, and even drop explosives. Listen along as Neal describes what exactly a drone is, the many ways that drones are being used to commit crimes, and evolving strategies for the detection, regulation, and mitigation of drone threats. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.

Just Drones as a Growing Threat

Just Drones As A Growing Threat

In episode two of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Matthew DeMichele, Director of the Center for Criminal Legal Systems Research at RTI International, to discuss his research focused on former members of white supremacist groups. Domestic Violent Extremists use violence to further their social or political goals, and thereby pose a significant threat to the American public. To better understand these groups, Dr. DeMichele’s research examines the factors associated with individual vulnerability to radicalization. Listen along as Dr. DeMichele describes important research practices for working with former extremists, findings about how and why radicalization occurs, and the future of de-radicalizing individuals from extremist groups. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Research On Radicalization And White Supremacy

In episode three of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Sarah Cook and Ariane Noar, Researchers in the Security and Extremism Research Program at RTI International, to discuss how their work contributes to the prevention of violent extremism. Many organizations across the country receive funding from the Department of Homeland Security, to implement programs that aim to prevent terrorism and targeted violence. To better understand if these programs are effective and to identify promising practices, it is important to collect data and conduct evaluations. Listen along as Sarah and Ariane describe the need for terrorism and targeted violence prevention, their methods for conducting data-driven program evaluations, and how they engage practitioners who may not be accustomed to research practices. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.   Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Preventing Terrorism And Targeted Violence

In episode four of our Domestic Radicalization season, Just Science sat down with Dr. William Parkin, Senior Research Analyst at RTI International, and Dr. Rainer Hilscher, Senior Research Data Scientist at RTI International, to discuss what people do when an improvised explosive device, or IED, detonates in a public space. When an IED unexpectedly explodes in a crowded space, people can react in many ways including freezing, fleeing, helping, or hiding. Using information from past attacks, researchers can predict the way people will behave after an explosion, which informs the way first responders are trained for these events. Listen along as Dr. Parkin and Dr. Hilscher describe what they learned from case studies like the Boston Marathon bombing, how they use software to model human decision-making during a crisis, and the unique challenges of conducting this kind of research. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Understanding Human Responses To IED Attacks

In episode one of our Innovations in Corrections season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Christine Lindquist, Director of the Corrections and Reentry Research Program at RTI International, to discuss the importance of consulting individuals with lived experience when designing corrections and reentry research. To assist incarcerated individuals who are preparing to reenter their communities, correctional institutions are rolling out technologies, such as reentry planning software or special features on tablets or other devices, that could be helpful for developing reentry plans, communicating with service providers, and applying for work opportunities. To investigate the efficacy of these types of technology, it is crucial that researchers consult experts, such as those who were formerly incarcerated, to develop the best research questions and methodologies. Listen along as Dr. Lindquist describes why her team integrates those with lived experience throughout their corrections research, specific examples of how experts have improved research practices, and the impact this work has on individuals who are transitioning out of the correctional system. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.   Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Lived Experience And Reentry Research

In episode two of our Innovations in Corrections season, Just Science sat down with Joe Russo, institutional and community corrections researcher with the University of Denver, to discuss how advancements in technology can improve the probation and parole experience for both officers and clients. Community supervision agencies, such as probation and parole offices, are responsible for providing many services to their clients, including case management, location monitoring, and drug and alcohol testing. As these agencies become more understaffed and underfunded, technological innovations can help reduce the casework of officers, while also reducing the burden on clients. Listen along as Joe describes the need for change in community supervision, the pros and cons of technology such as check-in kiosks and smartphone monitoring, and the future of research and development in this field.  This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Tech Advancements In Community Supervision

In episode three of our Innovations in Corrections season, Just Science sat down with Todd Craig, retired Acting Assistant Director for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Neal Parsons, Senior Research Scientist and Project Manager at RTI International, to discuss how technological advancements can help correctional officers prevent the introduction of contraband into jails and prisons. For correctional officers, preventing contraband from entering jails and prisons is a top priority as it can present a security threat to inmates and staff. To assist officers in their prevention efforts, researchers and practitioners are working together to implement technological solutions that can help keep contraband, such as cell phones, weapons, and controlled substances, out of correctional facilities. Listen along as Todd and Neal describe common ways that contraband enters a jail or prison, how researchers are developing technology to keep up with new contraband threats, and important logistical considerations when implementing these technologies. This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.   Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Preventing Contraband In Corrections With Technology

In episode four of our Innovations in Corrections season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Sam Scaggs, research criminologist and corrections expert at RTI International, to discuss how automatic appointment reminders help justice-involved individuals better navigate probation-mandated behavioral health care management appointments. For those involved in the criminal justice system, missing a mandatory appointment such as a court date, treatment service, or parole visit could have serious legal consequences. To help clients manage these obligations, researchers piloted an automated digital appointment reminder system which provides users with quick and concise information about upcoming behavioral health management appointments. Listen along as Dr. Scaggs describes a two-phased approach for developing this system, preliminary results about the efficacy of appointment reminders, and the broad applications that this technology could have in the future.  This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.   Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Appointment Nudging For Behavioral Health Care

In this 2024 Sexual Assault Awareness Month special release episode, Just Science sat down with Erin House, Special Assistant Attorney General in Michigan; Richard Johnson, Kalamazoo SAKI Investigator; and Lindsey King, Kalamazoo Community-based Victim Advocate, to discuss their team-based approach for investigating sexual assault cold cases. While DNA can be a helpful tool for convicting sexual assault offenders, many sexual assault cold cases do not include DNA evidence. As a result, it is important for investigators and prosecutors to utilize a variety of methods to bring a sexual assault case to justice. Listen along as Erin, Rich, and Lindsey discuss how their team first approaches a cold case, examples of case success stories, and how a multidisciplinary approach ensures that survivors are always supported and heard. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences

Just Sexual Assault Response For Cases Without DNA Evidence

In this 2024 Sexual Assault Awareness Month special release episode, Just Science sat down with Dr. Katherine Scafide, associate professor and sexual assault response researcher at George Mason University, to discuss how her team is developing methods to improve the visibility of bruises on black and brown skin tones following a sexual assault involving victims of color. During a sexual assault medical forensic exam, capturing injuries such as bruises can be crucial for helping bring a case to justice. To address the challenge of bruise visibility on victims with darker skin tones, researchers are developing methods and technological solutions that better detect and capture skin discoloration for certain cases as well as lead to improved outcomes and promote greater equity for victims of marginalized communities. Listen along as Dr. Scafide discusses how her clinical background informs her current sexual assault response research, the importance of consulting clinical practice guidelines before adopting a new technology, and how her work aims to address equity and inclusivity in sexual assault response. This episode is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Technology To Improve Sexual Assault Bruise Detection

In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Deputy Chief, recently promoted to Assistant Chief, Catherine Cummings of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and Jennifer Cianelli, licensed mental health counselor at the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, to discuss the implementation of the Indianapolis co-response team program, which provides an alternative to traditional police responses. When a community member requires emergency services during a mental health or substance use crisis, they may benefit from a range of additional or alternative services in conjunction with a traditional law enforcement response. To understand the impact of these alternative responses, public safety and treatment practitioners in Indianapolis collaborated with researchers to pilot a co-response mobile crisis assistance team program, where a mental health clinician is partnered with a police officer for response to any behavioral health related emergency calls. Listen along as Assistant Chief Cummings and Ms. Cianelli describe how providing immediate mental health services and follow-up care can benefit community members while also providing support to police on-scene, helpful advice for practitioners who may want to implement co-response teams, and the importance of partnering with researchers to effectively evaluate these types of programs. This episode is funded in part by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area and the Mobile Crisis Assistance Team program supported by Arnold Ventures.  Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Implementing A Co - Response Program In Indianapolis

Just Science is a podcast for justice professionals and anyone interested in learning more about forensic science, innovative technology, current research, and actionable strategies to improve the criminal justice system.  This podcast deals with a range of issues, including human trafficking, firearms, policing, leadership in the crime lab, new technologies, sexual assault response, and broader challenges for science and public security. We cover various types of topics across RTI's Justice Practice Area. 

Some seasons of Just Science were developed by RTI International's Justice Practice Area through various funding sources. Please visit the individual episode to learn more about its funding.

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