Leadership Series Address Challenges in the Forensics Field

• NCJ Number: 252162
• Author(s): Becky Lewis
• Date Published: September 2018
• Length: 2 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Award: A proposal to operate the National Criminal Justice Technology Resource Center.

Annotation

Developed to complement the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Leadership Academy, the Leadership Series described in this article introduces leadership concepts to the forensic scientist.

Abstract

Developed by the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE), the Leadership Series consists of 12 self-paced, stand-alone modules that provide introductory-level information on a variety of topics relevant to leadership skills in the field of forensic science. The modules address topics not addressed in depth by the ASCLD academy, which focuses on operational aspects of forensic science. Many of the topics in the Leadership Series are relevant to the bench scientist as well as laboratory managers and supervisors. The modules are not designed as a chronological series on leadership that should be completed in a successive order. Each module addresses a topic that is independent of the other modules. One module (“Generations”) addresses differences among worker age cohorts in a forensic lab and how they relate to work expectations, attitudes toward authority, and other personnel age-related differences. The ”Cultural Diversity” module relates to employee interactions with varying work-related cultural values and attitudes. The “Personal Leadership” module provides examples of effective leadership traits. The “Moral Compass” module summarizes the book entitled “Moral Compass for Law Enforcement P:rofessionals.” The “Leadership and Ethics” module addresses how to address ethical problems in the forensic laboratory. The ”Leadership and Change” module examines constructive attitudes toward change in a forensic laboratory. Other modules are entitled “Leadership Principles and Concepts,“ “Leadership and Power,“ “Leadership Theories and DiSC,” “First Line & Mid-Level Supervisor,” “Founding Fathers,” and “Emotional Intelligence.” Each module takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Online access to the modules is provided in this article.