HR Management in the Forensic Science Laboratory: A 21st Century Approach to Effective Crime Lab Leadership

Description

HR Management in the Forensic Science Laboratory: A 21st Century Approach to Effective Crime Lab Leadership introduces the profession of forensic science to human resource management, and vice versa. The book includes principles of HR management that apply most readily, and most critically, to the practice of forensic science, such as laboratory operations, staffing and assignments, laboratory relations and high impact leadership. A companion website hosts workshop PowerPoint slides, a forensic HR newsletter and other important HR strategies to assist the reader.

Key Features

• Provides principles of HR management that readily apply to the practice of forensic science
• Covers and emphasizes the knowledge necessary to make HR management in the forensic science laboratory effective, such as technical standards and practices, laboratory structures and work units, and quality system management
• Includes an online website that hosts workshop PowerPoint slides, a forensic HR newsletter and other important HR strategies

Table of Contents

1. PART I. INTRODUCTION
   1. Forensic Science and the Promise of HR
   2. The Story of Forensic Science
   3. Crime Scenes and Evidence Categories
2. PART II. LABORATORY OPERATIONS
   1. Evidence Triage and Intake
   2. Case Management and Customer Service
   3. Special Case Circumstances and Considerations
   4. Occupational Outlook
   5. Professional Standards and Governance
   6. Reporting of Conclusions and the Art of Consulting
3. PART III. JOB ANALYSIS AND STAFFING
   1. Core Competencies and Education
   2. Job Descriptions and Requirements
   3. Recruitment, Evaluation, and Selection
   4. Employee Onboarding and Training
   5. Organizational Structuring and Work Units
   6. Overtime, Flexibility, and Alternative Staffing
4. PART IV. ACCOMMODATIONS AND ENVIRONMENT
   1. Health and Safety
   2. Physical and Sensory Challenges
   3. Mental and Emotional Health
5. PART V. LABOR RELATIONS
   1. Job Compensation and Classification
   2. Unions and Collective Bargaining
   3. Performance Review and Appraisal
   4. Progressive Discipline
   5. Malpractice and Misconduct
   6. Outside Employment (Moonlighting)
6. PART VI. HIGH-STAKES LEADERSHIP
   1. Ethics, Integrity, and Independence
   2. Accreditation
   3. Developing Future Leaders
   4. Strategic Positioning

Author Biography

John Collins is among the most active and respected forensic science professionals in the United States. A prolific writer and speaker on contemporary forensic science practices, John has been a pioneering advocate for the improvement of leadership and HR practices in forensic science organizations. His educational workshops are among the most highly attended of any forensic science instructor in practice today, and his writings have had an unprecedented impact on modern forensic science policy in the United States and overseas. John is a member of the forensic science faculty at Michigan State University, and he also works as a high-stakes leadership consultant and executive coach at Critical Victories (www.criticalvictories.com), a company he founded to help people, teams, and organizations function more effectively in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. John has a master’s degree in Organizational Management and is formally recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management as a Senior Certified Professional. In 2013, John was honored by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors with the prestigious Briggs White Award in recognition for his expertise and outstanding contributions in the field of forensic science administration.

Affiliations and Expertise
Forensic Science Instructor, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA