Not every crime scene will have definitive evidence, such as DNA, to link an individual to a crime. In those cases, law enforcement relies on other evidence to build the burden of proof. NIJ graduate research fellow Dr. Shelby Khandasammy developed a tool to analyze organic gunshot residue and distinguish between different firearms calibers and manufacturers. She joins Marie Garcia, office director for the Office of Criminal Justice Systems at NIJ, to talk about her work and experience as a research fellow. Read the transcript.
Reading and resources from NIJ:
Marijuana legalization poses many challenges — especially those related to drug chemistry and toxicology — for researchers, law enforcement, and policy makers. In the latest episode of Justice Today, NIJ Communications Assistant Josh Mondoro hosts a conversation with NIJ Scientist Frances Scott about marijuana toxicology, including comparing its effects to alcohol, measuring impairment, and maintaining public safety as more and more states legalize recreational marijuana. Read the transcript.
Reading and Resources from NIJ:
- Effects of Marijuana Legalization on Law Enforcement and Crime | Final Report
- Exploring the Neighborhood-Level Impact of Retail Marijuana Outlets on Crime in Washington State | Article
- Differences in Cannabis Impairment and its Measurement Due to Route of Administration | Article
- Chemical Foundations of a Cannabis Breathalyzer | Funding Award
- Marijuana Intoxication: Roadside Tool for Law Enforcement to Measure Impaired Peripheral Vision | Funding Award
- The problems with Cannabinoid Analogs (Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC and CBD) and their metabolites detectability in urine drug testing for potential cannabinoid abuse | Funding Award
Marijuana poses many challenges for researchers, law enforcement, and policy makers, challenges that fall into two fields: drug chemistry and toxicology. NIJ scientist Dr. Frances Scott joins this episode to explain the complications in drug chemistry and how difficulties defining marijuana lead to backlogs in crime labs around the country. NIJ Communications Assistant Josh Mondoro hosts. Read the transcript.
Reading and Resources from NIJ:
- Study Reveals Inaccurate Labeling of Marijuana as Hemp | Article
- Effects of Marijuana Legalization on Law Enforcement and Crime | Final Report
Other resources:
- NIST Tools for Cannabis Laboratory Quality Assurance | Program Website
- NIST Tools for Confidently Distinguishing Between Hemp and Marijuana | Webinar
Correction: The article referenced by Dr. Scott as having been published in the 1950s was actually published in 1976. "A Practical and Natural Taxonomy for Cannabis" by Ernest Small and Arthur Cronquist, was published in TAXON in August 1976.
NIJ Social Science Analyst Eric Martin discusses why the number of serial killers is declining and the factors that deter people from this type of violent offense. He also shares insight into whether society is experiencing an evolution away from serial killing and how NIJ continues to support research in this area.
Mark Greene, the Division Director of the Technology and Standards Division at NIJ, and Lucas Zarwell, the Office Director of NIJ’s Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences, co-host this conversation about serial killers. Read the transcript.
Listen to Part One.
Reading and Resources from NIJ
- Serial Killer Connections Through Cold Cases | Article
- Using Forensic Intelligence To Combat Serial and Organized Violent Crimes | Article
- NamUs database
Other Resources
The emerging drug crisis in the U.S. touches both criminal justice and public health, and experts from both fields came together at NIJ’s 2023 National Research Conference to discuss strategies and tools to fight this problem. Dr. Frances Scott, NIJ scientist and program manager, continues the conference discussion with two fellow panelists: Ciena Bayard, the Method Development and Validation Program Manager for D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and Haley Greene, the Deputy Epidemiologist for the Central Region for the Virginia Department of Health. Read the transcript.
Reading and Resources from NIJ
- Identifying New Illicit Drugs and Sounding the Alarm in Real Time | NIJ Journal
- Meeting the Evolving Challenges of Fentanyl and Other Emerging Drugs of Abuse: Innovative Strategies for Improving Analysis | Article
Other Resources
In April 2018, the Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo was arrested. NIJ support helped lead to his arrest, and in the aftermath of the arrest, NIJ Social Science Analyst Eric Martin was among those tasked with finding other cases NIJ helped law enforcement solve. Eric joins the show to talk about some of those cases, and answer some broader questions about serial killers: What is a serial killer? Are they on the rise? How do we know how many serial killers are currently active?
Mark Greene, the Director of the Office of Technology and Standards at NIJ, and Lucas Zarwell, the Director of NIJ’s Office of Investigative and Forensic Sciences, co-host this conversation about serial killers. Read the transcript.
Reading and Resources from NIJ
- Serial Killer Connections Through Cold Cases | Article
- Using Forensic Intelligence To Combat Serial and Organized Violent Crimes | Article
- NamUs database
Other Resources
Incarcerated individuals deserve opportunities for healing and growth, but they often lack the necessary resources for such opportunities. Additionally, organizational cultures that don’t support these outcomes often stand in the way. Researchers and practitioners gathered at NIJ’s 2023 National Research Conference to share ideas and projects that will increase opportunities for incarcerated populations around the country. This show continues their conversation.
Angel Sanchez, a visiting fellow with the Bureau of Justice Assistance at the Department of Justice, hosts this discussion with three guests: Dr. Stephen J. Tripodi, an associate professor at Florida State University’s College of Social Work and a faculty director at the Institute for Justice Research and Development; Dr. Dan O’Connell, a criminologist at the Center for Drug and Health Studies at the University of Delaware; and Marina Duane, a research fellow at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.
Reading and Resources from NIJ
- Five Things About Reentry | Article
- Emerging Relevance of Neuroscience in Corrections | Article
- A New View of Jails: Exploring Complexity in Jails-Based Research | NIJ Journal
Other Resources
A large body of research on crime and justice is available, yet it can take years for findings to influence practice in the field. During a recent panel at NIJ’s 2023 National Research Conference, researchers and practitioners shared ideas and discussed practical steps and promising new approaches to inspire change. Three guests join the show to continue their conversation: Dr. Tamara Herold, a senior advisor to the NIJ director, Dr. Nancy La Vigne, hosts Dr. Shon Barnes, the police chief of the Madison (Wisconsin) Police Department, and Dr. Kim DuMont, an expert in evidence-based policymaking and senior vice president of program at the William T. Grant Foundation. Listen to the transcript.
Reading and Resources from NIJ
- NIJ National Research Conference 2023
- NIJ's Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science (LEADS) Scholars Programs
Other Resources
The long-standing problem of estimating the age and sex of subadult skeletal remains has been significantly "solved" with the advances in understanding the growth and development patterns in the skeletons of young people. This is the second half of the conversation with Kyra Stull, an anthropologist and forensic researcher at University of Nevada, Reno, Danielle McLeod-Henning, a physical scientist at NIJ, host Jim Dawson. Read the transcript.
Listen to part one.
Reading and Resources from NIJ:
- Meeting the Forensic Challenges of Subadult Skeletons
- Investigation of subadult dental age-at-death estimation using transition analysis and machine learning methods
- A Radiographic Database for Estimating Biological Parameters in Modern Subadults
Other Resources:
The long-standing problem of estimating the age and sex of subadult skeletal remains has been significantly "solved" with the advances in understanding the growth and development patterns in the skeletons of young people. Kyra Stull, an anthropologist and forensic researcher at University of Nevada, Reno, and Danielle McLeod-Henning, a physical scientist at NIJ, share more about this research with NIJ writer and host Jim Dawson.
Reading and Resources from NIJ:
- Meeting the Forensic Challenges of Subadult Skeletons
- Investigation of subadult dental age-at-death estimation using transition analysis and machine learning methods
- A Radiographic Database for Estimating Biological Parameters in Modern Subadults
Other Resources:
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 one of this episode.
Reading and Resources from the National Institute of Justice
- NIJ’ 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
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’ 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
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 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 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:
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 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
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
Closing Cases Using Gunshot Residue
19:30
What's Known and Unknown About Marijuana (Part Two)
27:57
What's Known and Unknown about Marijuana (Part One)
27:55
Cold Cases and Serial Killers (Part Two)
27:24
A Data-Informed Response to Emerging Drugs
19:39
Cold Cases and Serial Killers (Part One)
30:06
Meeting People Where They Are to Improve Institutional Culture
54:48
Progressing from Evidence to Action
21:27
Estimating Age of Death from Subadult Remains (Part Two)
19:52
Estimating Age of Death from Subadult Remains (Part One)
15:57
Driving Down Gun Violence (Part Two)
15:46
Driving Down Gun Violence (Part One)
20:41
Vaping: It's Not What You Think
41:38
Building More Reliable Forensic Sciences (Part Two)
21:10
Building More Reliable Forensic Sciences (Part One)
14:01
A Leg Up: NIJ’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program
20:05
Defining and Studying Elder Abuse Polyvictimization
21:52
Understanding, Preventing, and Responding to Human Trafficking
14:44
Shedding Light on Assault
20:17
Social Media and Domestic Radicalization
18:59
To Catch a Drug
18:14
A New Vision for NIJ with Director Nancy La Vigne
21:55
The Science of School Safety
11:55
What's Possible with Rapid DNA Technology?
23:01
Tribal Crime, Justice, and Safety (Part Two)
18:15