This eighth episode of the "Just So You Know" series of the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) Just Science podcasts is an interview with Dr. Kelle Barrick regarding her work with the NIJ-funded Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) and the social impact of forensic technologies.
Dr. Barrick is a research criminologist with FTCoE. She has an undergraduate degree in the administration of justice and a graduate degree in criminology. She was recently involved in FTCoE's evaluation of a multisite NIJ-funded post-release program for violent offenders recently released from correctional facilities. The objective of the evaluation was to determine whether participation in the program has prevented recidivism among participants over a 10-year follow-up period. Release of the report of this evaluation is envisioned for 2019. When asked about the social impact of forensic technologies, she indicated that improved effectiveness and efficiency in forensic science can ensure that the administration of justice in society is more productive and fair in addressing crime. When asked about her most interesting research project, she talked about a study of trafficking in and exploitation of migrant workers in the United States.