Three LEADS Scholars serving in different law enforcement agencies and positions discuss their experiences with identifying and implementing evidence-based interventions to reduce gun violence. NIJ Senior Advisor Dr. Tamara Herold hosts this conversation with guests Police Chief Cecilia Ashe (Milford Delaware Police Department), Chief of Staff Lieutenant Matthew Barter (Manchester, NH Police Department), and Analytical Services Manager Mr. Jason Schiess (Durham, NC Police Department). 

LEADS, which stands for Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science, is designed to increase the research capabilities of law enforcement professionals and agencies. Since 2014, yearly cohorts of selected policing professionals are provided access to programming that connects current and emerging police leaders with evidence-based research to advance justice. Learn about more about these LEADS scholars, their challenges and triumphs, and how they embraced science to tackle gun crime in their jurisdictions.  Read the transcript.

Listen to part 2 of this episode.

Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice 

• NIJ’s Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Programs  
• Meet the LEADS Scholarship Recipients 
• CrimeSolutions: Rated programs and practices related to gun violence 

Other Reading and Resources 

• Operation Bullseye 
• Project Connect 
• National Network for Safe Communities 

Vaping has grown in popularity as an alternative to cigarettes, but like its predecessor, vaping brings many health complications to consumers. Thanks to the persistence of researchers like Dr. Michelle Peace, these once unknown dangers have been brought to light. Dr. Peace, a tenured Associate Professor and founding member of VCU’s Department of Forensic Science, joins host and NIJ Scientist Dr. Frances Scott to discuss the history and science of vaping and what it does to our bodies. Read the transcript.

Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice 

• Five Things About Vaping and E-Cigarettes | Article
• The Evolution and Impact of Electronic Cigarettes | Article 
• Characterization and Abuse of Electronic Cigarettes: The Efficacy of "Personal Vaporizers" as an Illicit Drug Delivery System | Report 
• Chasing the Electronic Cigarette Dragon - Characterizing the Evolution and Impact of Design and Content | Report 
• Through the Looking Glass: Abuse of the Evolving Electronic Cigarette and the Impact of Vaping Ethanol in the Evaluation of Impairment | Report 
• Characterization and Abuse of Electronic Cigarettes: The Efficacy of "Personal Vaporizers" as an Illicit Drug Delivery System | Report 
• Through the Looking Glass Part II: Abuse of the Evolving Electronic Cigarette and the Impact of Vaping Ethanol in the Evaluation of Impairment | Grant 

Other Reading and Resources 

• Cannabinoid-based vaping products and supplement formulations reported by consumers to precipitate adverse effects | Report 
• Evaluation of Nicotine and the Components of e-Liquids Generated from e-Cigarette Aerosols | Article 
• A determination of the aerosolization efficiency of drugs of abuse in a eutectic mixture with nicotine in electronic cigarettes | Article 
• Identification of Gamma-Butyrolactone in JUUL Liquids | Article 
• Concentration of Nicotine and Glycols in 27 Electronic Cigarette Formulations | Article 

The National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) has played an essential role in obtaining justice for victims of sexual assault nationwide. During this episode of the Justice Today podcast, hear how SAKI funding helped the state of Georgia process a backlog of sexual assault kits, which led to the identification and conviction of a serial rapist who had lived in plain sight for over a decade, preying on vulnerable women.

During this episode of the Justice Today podcast, Mayor Jermaine Wilson describes his personal journey from maximum security prison to the highest elected office in his hometown, Leavenworth, Kansas.

Formerly incarcerated people face a web of laws that Marlon Chamberlain describes as "permanent punishments." During this episode, he discusses his campaign to eliminate them.

The scientific basis of several aspects of forensic evidence was first called into question by the 2009 National Research Council report. That report had an immediate impact on law enforcement, crime labs, courtrooms, and the broader scientific community. 

David Stoney, Chief Scientist and head of Stoney Forensics in Chantilly, VA, and Greg Dutton, program manager and physical scientist with NIJ’s Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences, join host Jim Dawson to discuss the concerted effort in many fields of forensics — ballistics, trace evidence, fingerprints, and more — to improve the science underlying forensic evidence in the wake of the 2009 report. Read the transcript.

Listen to Part One of the conversation. 

Research and Resources from the National Institute of Justice:

• Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward (2009 NRC report)
• The Slow but Steady March Towards a More Reliable Forensic Science

Other Resources:

• The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC)

During this episode, three Black law enforcement leaders discuss why they walked 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama—retracing the route of a famous 1965 civil rights march—and how their journey changed their professional and personal lives.

The scientific basis of several aspects of forensic evidence was first called into question by the 2009 National Research Council report. That report had an immediate impact on law enforcement, crime labs, courtrooms, and the broader scientific community. 

David Stoney, Chief Scientist and head of Stoney Forensic in Chantilly, VA, and Greg Dutton, program manager and physical scientist with NIJ’s Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences, join host Jim Dawson to discuss the concerted effort in many fields of forensics — ballistics, trace evidence, fingerprints, and more — to improve the science underlying forensic evidence in the wake of the 2009 report. Read the transcript.

Listen to Part Two of the conversation. 

Research and Resources from the National Institute of Justice:

• Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward (2009 NRC report)
• The Slow but Steady March Towards a More Reliable Forensic Science

Other Resources:

• The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC)

NIJ Director Dr. Nancy La Vigne joins the show to interview Dr. Marie Garcia, Director of NIJ’s Criminal Justice Systems Division and a former NIJ graduate research fellow. They discuss the application process, Marie’s experience as a fellow while at Temple University, and advice for future applicants. Read the transcript. 

Reading and Resources from NIJ:

• NIJ FY23 Graduate Research Fellowship | Solicitation
• Graduate Research Fellowship Program | FAQ 

Detective Kari Johnson of the Denver, Colorado Police Department and Dr. Angela Williamson, the Forensics Unit Supervisor at the Bureau of Justice Assistance, describe how decades of determined police work and cutting-edge forensic science identified Joe Michael Ervin as the person who assaulted and murdered four women between 1978 and 1981. Read the transcript.

NIJ Social Science Analyst Yunsoo Park shares her knowledge about elder abuse, a widespread issue in the U.S. and around the world, particularly polyvictimization — the experience of a range of different types of abuse and maltreatment. As much as 11% of community-residing older adults experienced some form of abuse or mistreatment in the past year. Yunsoo discusses risk factors, difficulties in defining and studying elder abuse polyvictimization, and strategies for intervention and prevention. Stacy Lee Reynolds, a Communications Assistant with NIJ, hosts. Read the transcript.

Reading and Resources from NIJ:

• Multidisciplinary Team Works to Reduce Preventable Deaths of Older Adults
• Prevalence of Elder Polyvictimization in the United States: Data From the National Elder Mistreatment Study
• Exploring Elder Financial Exploitation Victimization: Identifying Unique Risk Profiles and Factors to Enhance Detection, Prevention and Intervention
• Defining Late-Life Poly-victimization and Identifying Associated Mental and Physical Health Symptoms and Mortality

Human trafficking is an issue without a simple solution, but research on this problem is helping victims and developing tools and information to help better understand, prevent, and respond to trafficking. NIJ Scientist Mary Carlton joins host Josh Mondoro, Communications Assistant at NIJ, for a discussion about this research. Read the transcript.

Reading and Resources from NIJ:

• Federally Backed Human Trafficking Task Force Model Yields Progress, and Opportunities for Continued Growth
• Identification of Effective Strategies to Disrupt Recruitment of Victims in Human Trafficking: Qualitative Data, Systems Modeling, Survivors and Law Enforcement
• For Human Trafficking Survivors, Justice Is More About Healing and Preventing Future Trafficking

Senior Science Writer Maya Pilkington is joined by “the Paintball Lady” – Dr. Katherine Scafide. Dr. Scafide shares how her research on detecting bruises and skills as a forensic nurse help pediatric and adult assault and domestic violence victims by providing clear documentation. Read the transcript.

Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice:

• Improving Bruise Detection with Alternate Light
• Improving the Forensic Documentation of Injuries through Alternate Light: A Researcher-Practitioner Partnership
• Analysis of Alternative Light in the Detection and Visibility of Cutaneous Bruises
• A National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations

Social media has become a potent tool for spreading extremist beliefs and promoting violent extremism. NIJ Social Science analyst Aisha Javed Qureshi joins writer-editor Paul Haskins for a conversation about how scientific research is helping law enforcement and other agencies understand and address this growing concern. Read the transcript.

Reading and Resources from NIJ:

• Domestic Extremists and Social Media: Study Finds Similarities, Differences in Web Habits of Those Engaged in Hate Crimes Vs. Violent Extremism
• Radicalization on the Internet: Virtual Extremism in the US from 2012-2017
• An Assessment of Extremist Groups Use of Web Forums, Social Media, and Technology to Enculturate and Radicalize Individuals to Violence
• Social Learning and Social Control in the Off and Online Pathways to Hate and Extremist Violence

Reflecting back on Recovery Month, the Bureau of Justice Assistance's (BJA's) Betsi Griffith discusses BJA's work in this area and some of the lessons learned from it.

In January 2021, NIBRS became the national standard for law enforcement crime data reporting. The transition to NIBRS offers significant improvements to data on crimes known to law enforcement, providing detailed information on the characteristics of crime incidents, victims, and persons arrested.

NIJ communications assistant Josh Mondoro explores novel psychoactive substances with NIJ scientist Frances Scott. She explains what NPSs are, current research in the field, and the practical impact of this research for law enforcement and policymakers. Read the transcript.

Reading and Resources from NIJ:

• NPS Discovery and the Hunt for New Drugs of Abuse
• NIJ awards for novel psychoactive substances
• NIJ website

Other Resources:

• NPS Discovery
• NIST NPS hub

During this episode, hear from David Gibbs as he explains how he escaped an addiction to alcohol and drugs that began when he was eight years old.

During this episode, Doreen Schenkenberger describes how she recovered from alcoholism that began at age 13 and now leads a statewide organization that assists others on that same path.

To commemorate the annual observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims on September 25, Office for Victims of Crime Director Kristina Rose speaks to Roberta Roper about the murder of her beloved daughter, Stephanie,  in this Justice Today podcast episode. Recalling the tragic event and its aftermath, Roberta shares the challenges she and her family faced while trying to navigate the justice system. In response to her experience, and in memory of her daughter’s life, Roberta founded the Stephanie Roper Committee and Foundation, now known as the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center.

Hear Roberta’s inspiring story and how the crime victims’ field has changed in the past four decades and learn about the ongoing work that needs to be done to help all victims of crime find their justice.

NIJ Director Dr. Nancy La Vigne shares how her extensive experience in criminal justice research shapes her vision for NIJ under her tenure. Beth Pearsall, Managing Editor of the NIJ Journal, hosts the conversation. Read the transcript.

Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice:

• About the NIJ Director
• NIJ website

Today, across the U.S., there are 500 specialized courts designed to address the needs of military veterans. Judge Robert Russell explains how he founded the first one. Read the transcript.

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Gun violence may be the most discussed topic surrounding school safety, but it is by no means the only one. Bullying, school climate, and mental health affect students across the country, and are some of the many other issues that NIJ researches. Mary Poulin Carlton, an NIJ social science analyst, joins host Paul Haskins to discuss these and other important school safety issues. Read the transcript.

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Reading and Resources from NIJ:

• Student Threat Assessment: Virginia Study Finds Progress, Areas to Improve 
• Anti-Bullying Intervention for Teachers Shows Positive, Short-Term Outcomes 
• What Do the Data Reveal About Violence in Schools?
• NIJ-supported research on school safety
• NIJ website

NIJ scientist Tracey Johnson joins science writer Sarah Michaud in this episode. They discuss Rapid DNA technology, and Tracey explains the complexities of this technology — its pitfalls and its possibilities. Read the transcript.
This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Reading and Resources from NIJ:

• NIJ-sponsored forensic rapid DNA research
• Using Forensic Intelligence To Combat Serial and Organized Violent Crimes 
• NIJ website

Other Resources:

• Rapid DNA – General Information
• National Rapid DNA Booking Operational Procedures Manual
• Non-CODIS Rapid DNA Considerations and Best Practices for Law Enforcement Use
• Results of the 2018 Rapid DNA Maturity Assessment
• Letter to the editor of FSI Genetics

Robin Engel, a nationally respected criminologist and professor at the University of Cincinnati, discusses her research and experience leading police reform efforts across the United States. Read the transcript.

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Stacy Lee Reynolds and Christine (Tina) Crossland continue their discussion of tribal crime, justice, and safety, including how Native American persons experience crime victimization at higher rates than non-Native people and the jurisdictional complexities in responding to tribal crime, justice, and safety. Read the transcript.

Listen to the first half of Stacy and Tina’s discussion.

Find more information on the research and programs referenced in this episode.

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

During this episode, Karhlton Moore, who took over as director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in February, explains what attracted him to BJA and where he sees the agency going in the future. Read the transcript.

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy Solomon and Senior Advisor Eddie Bocanegra team up in this Justice Today podcast episode to discuss community violence intervention. Bocanegra discusses his own experience with gang violence and incarceration and his work in OJP to help the Biden Administration tackle community-based violence. This episode was recorded before the FY 2022 Office of Justice Programs Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative grant solicitation closed. 

Research indicates that Native American persons experience crime victimization at higher rates than non-Native people. Furthermore, the unique position of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes as both sovereign nations and domestic dependents of the U.S. creates jurisdictional complexities in responding to crime, justice, and safety. Senior social and behavioral scientist Christine (Tina) Crossland discusses NIJ’s research on these topics, especially on the prevention of violence towards American Indians and Alaska Natives. Communications Assistant Stacy Lee Reynolds hosts. Read the transcript.
Listen to the second half of Stacy and Tina's discussion.

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Find more information on the research and programs referenced in this episode. 

Gregory Dutton, a physical scientist at NIJ, and science writer Jim Dawson continue their conversation on the microbiome: what it is, how it applies to forensics, and the evolution of its role in forensic science. Read the transcript.
Listen to the first half of Jim and Greg’s microbiome discussion. 

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice

• The Forensic Microbiome: The Invisible Traces We Leave Behind 
• NIJ-sponsored forensic microbiome research
• NIJ website

A nationally recognized expert discusses America’s 3,800 drug and treatment courts, which are transforming the way the justice system addresses people with substance abuse and addiction issues. Read the transcript.

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Gregory Dutton, a physical scientist at NIJ, joins science writer Jim Dawson to discuss the microbiome: what it is, how it applies to forensics, and the evolution of its role in forensic science. Read the transcript.
Listen to the second half of Jim and Greg's conversation.

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice

• The Forensic Microbiome: The Invisible Traces We Leave Behind 
• NIJ-sponsored forensic microbiome research
• NIJ website 

What is reentry? Why is it important? And what research is being done in this field? National Institute of Justice Journal Editor Beth Pearsall hosts a conversation on reentry with NIJ staff  Senior Science Advisor Angela Moore, Senior Social Science Analyst Marie Garcia, and Social Science Analyst Eric Martin. Read the transcript.

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice

• Reentry Research at NIJ: Providing Robust Evidence for High-Stakes Decision-Making
• Recidivism Forecasting Challenge
• Specialized Smartphones Could Keep Released Offenders on Track for Successful Reentry 
• Role of Human Services During Community Supervision
• Child Support and Reentry
• Recruitment, Assessment, and Retention in the Direct Care Workforce for Individuals With Criminal Records: A Comprehensive Model Approach 
• Formerly Incarcerated Women and Reentry: Trends, Challenges, and Recommendations for Research and Policy
• Overview of Offender Reentry
• NIJ's Role Under the First Step Act
• CrimeSolutions
• NIJ awards on this topic
• NIJ website

Chris Poulos shares lessons learned during his remarkable personal journey from incarceration to lawyer and White House Fellow to senior corrections policymaker in the State of Washington. Read the transcript.

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Speakers:

• Angel Sanchez, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Visiting Fellow
• John Bae, BJA Visiting Fellow

During this episode, two people who not only have studied reentry from incarceration but experienced it themselves offer their unique perspectives. Read the transcript.

This podcast episode was produced by and discusses the work of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

Desistance is the process of individuals ceasing engagement in criminal activity. It may sound simple but it is quite complex, and the more we understand it, the better equipped we are to help accelerate the process before people are incarcerated or once they leave prison or jail. National Institute of Justice Journal Editor Beth Pearsall hosts a conversation on this topic with Senior Social Science Analyst Marie Garcia, Senior Advisor Ben Adams, and Social Science Research Analyst Kaitlyn Sill. Read the transcript.

This podcast episode was was produced by and discusses the work of the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice

Reading and Resources from NIJ:

• Desistance From Crime: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice
• CrimeSolutions 
• NIJ awards on desistance
• NIJ website

Speaker: Amy L. Solomon, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General

In this episode, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon introduces the Office of Justice Programs Justice Today podcast series.