Just Science Podcast: Just the NIJ Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner/Coroner Offices

• NCJ Number: 254504
• Author(s): Jonathan McGrath
• Date Published: January 2020
• Length: 1 page
• Grant Number(s): 2016-MU-BX-K110
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Technical Assistance; Report (Grant Sponsored); Interview; Instructional Material (Programmed)
• Award: Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) FY17

Annotation

This episode one of the Improving the System season of the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) Just Science podcast series is an interview with Dr. Jonathan McGrath, Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of Investigative and Forensic Science at NIJ, who discusses the recently published NIJ Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner/Coroner Offices Report to Congress.

Abstract

After reviewing the academic and professional services of Dr. McGrath, the interview focuses on the content of the Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner/Coroner Offices. He notes the importance of the work being done by Project Foresight at the University of West Virginia. This project is collecting data on the needs and priorities of forensic labs and medical examiner/coroner offices, with attention to existing and projected workforce needs, issues fueling increased demands, new technologies being used and their impact, and the features of academic curricula that address the needs of forensic laboratories and medical examiner/coroner offices. Online access is provided for the needs assessment report.