About the Book
50 Situations Awaiting Every Forensic Scientist is a personal guide to navigating the unique challenges and opportunities faced by America's forensic laboratory scientists, those charged with the awesome responsibility of giving a voice to the most commonly collected items of physical evidence used by our criminal justice system. In this thoughtful collection of heartfelt advice, humorous reflections, and candid self-admissions, acclaimed forensic laboratory administrator and leadership coach, John M. Collins, encourages readers to stand tall in the face of adversity and opportunity. There is no such thing as a typical forensic science career, but there are situations, both common and uncommon, that can disorient even the most capable professionals if they are not prepared. From the perspective of one of the most recognized and respected forensic science leaders, not only in the United States but also internationally, 50 Situations promises to inspire and motivate while also cautioning forensic scientists to remain alert for situations that are especially threatening or perplexing. Luck favors the prepared, which is why this book is a must-read for forensic science professionals at all levels of experience and responsibility who are interested in maximizing their individual effectiveness. Two special features have been included in the 2nd edition for readers who are students or practicing forensic scientists. The first is the addition of five coaching questions at the end of each situation to facilitate reflection and discussion for both individuals and study groups. The second is a special chapter addressing criticisms launched against forensic science professionals by innocence activists in the criminal justice reform movement. While recognizing the legitimacy of this movement, the author puts these criticisms into their proper context.
Make some space in your library because you'll want this book close by even after you read it!
Although 50 Situations is intended for practicing forensic scientists, it is also helpful for forensic science managers, leaders, and executive administrators seeking to become better coaches and mentors for their employees.
After John welcomes readers with a heartfelt call-to-action in the book's introduction, the main content is divided into four sections, with each section covering specific situations that share common themes.
Part 1 is titled Your Employment, addressing some of the most common situations forensic scientists encounter during their training and ongoing relationships with their individual laboratories. Part 2 is titled Your Professionalism and Integrity, exploring some of the temptations and tests that one can expect when working in a forensic science laboratory. In Part 3, John gets specific with his recommendations and words of caution about the enterprise of expert witnessing. Then, in Part 4, readers are guided through a facilitated reflection about what the future holds for them as forensic science professionals.
In the book's conclusion, the author shares what he describes as one of the most important and impactful moments of his career, one that provided guidance and direction for the remainder of his tenure as a forensic laboratory administrator.
For those who are interested in putting themselves on a journey of self-exploration and personal transformation, John has included a comprehensive self-analysis exercise in the book's appendix. In this exercise, participants will have the opportunity to expand their self- awareness by answering and reflecting on 50 questions, all of which are designed to help explore various factors that impact how forensic scientists feel about their careers, how they perform in their careers, and how they make choices that affect how their careers play out over time. It's not an exercise that can be completed in a day or two. In fact, it can take a participant months to go through the questions and formulate thoughtful answers. Enjoy!
About the Author :
John M. Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in forensic science, criminal and civil law, law enforcement, and other authoritative, high-stakes occupations that impact that quality and duration of people's lives. John started his private practice in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career in forensic science, having served as Director of the Michigan State Police, Forensic Science Division, overseeing seven accredited forensic science laboratories across the state.
Among his contemporaries in forensic science, John's range of experience is unmatched, having facilitated highly sensitive domestic and international meetings on behalf of the United States Government, as well as corporate strategic planning retreats. His career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta (for which he received a commendation from the Department of the Treasury), as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with Attorney General Eric Holder and other experts to discuss solutions to gun violence following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
John is the author of multiple books on forensic science leadership, professionalism, and public policy. In 2018, he published his first book, "HR Management in the Forensic Science Laboratory - A 21st Century Approach to Effective Crime Lab Leadership" (Academic Press), followed by "Crime Lab Report - An Anthology on Forensic Science in the Era of Criminal Justice Reform" (Academic Press) in 2019. In 2021, John released the first edition of "50 Situations Awaiting Every Forensic Scientist - A Professional Effectiveness Handbook," with the 2nd edition released in 2024.
In 2022, John authored and published his highly acclaimed, "The New Superior - A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," in which John shares his unique perspectives on high-stakes leadership, drawing from the sometimes painful lessons he learned as a leader and scientist during his one-of-a-kind forensic science career. The New Superior is available in print and audio.
As a facilitator, John's range of experience is unmatched, having facilitated corporate strategy retreats, as well as highly sensitive domestic and international meetings on behalf of the United States Government. John's career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta (for which he received a commendation from the Department of the Treasury), as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with Attorney General Eric Holder and other experts to discuss solutions to gun violence following 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.
Review :
"In 50 Situations Awaiting Every Forensic Scientist, Author John Collins provides a road map for future forensic science professionals, with insights into professional, ethical, and moral conduct. Based on his own experiences, he has created a forensic "how-to", covering every situational element that a forensic scientist should expect to face, with practical advice on how to react and respond. This is a must-read book for every forensic scientist student and new hire!" - Pamela Marshall, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director, Duquesne University Master of Science in Forensic Science and Law Program; Director, Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law
