Lab Administrators, Don’t Sell Out Your Forensic Pattern Examiners (S6E113)

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins reflects on recent presentations at the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Symposium and the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners conference before turning his attention to the central themes of his new book, “Valid Comparisons: The Forensic and Judicial Examination of Stochastic Patterns.” Collins examines how misunderstandings surrounding the 1993 Daubert decision shaped decades of debate within forensic science and contributed to what he describes as the “Daubert contagion”—a movement that fostered excessive doubt about the scientific foundations of many forensic disciplines. Drawing on his experience as a forensic scientist, laboratory director, and expert witness, Collins argues that pattern comparison disciplines such as firearm identification, toolmark examination, and latent print analysis remain scientifically valid despite their perception as being highly interpretive. He challenges the notion that instrument-based disciplines are somehow free from subjectivity, emphasizing that all scientific conclusions require interpretation and professional judgment. The episode offers a thoughtful discussion of scientific validity, expert testimony, error, confidence, and the continuing role of forensic science in helping courts answer difficult questions in the pursuit of justice. Season:  6 Episode:  113 Duration: 1:00:24   REFERENCED RESOURCES None ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John’s many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master’s degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.   For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.