By Dr. Dena Weiss
Should social workers respond to violations by a homeless person instead of police? Statistics reveal the homeless, who often suffer from mental illness, engage in troubling criminal behavior. As a compromise, some agencies have created a homeless outreach program with officers, medics, and mental health professionals. Learn the pros and cons of such a program.
By Dr. Dena Weiss
Rapid DNA technology can be used in the field to obtain results in just two hours. Learn how this technology is being applied and how it’s helping reduce backlogged state forensic labs at a much lower cost.
By Dr. Dena Weiss
Studies indicate that female police officers are less likely than their male counterparts to use excessive force and they are highly skilled at deescalating situations through communication. While the number of female police officers has increased over time, very few hold leadership positions. Learn why more agencies should actively recruit women into law enforcement.
By Dr. Dena Weiss
Due to different state laws regarding the medical and recreational use of cannabis, it is important for law enforcement departments to have access to reliable laboratory testing facilitates to accurately identify the components of cannabis.
By Dr. Dena Weiss
COVID-19 has caused major delays within the U.S. judicial system. Learn about increases in case backlogs, disruptions to criminal investigations, and potential violations of a person’s right to a speedy trial.
By Dr. Dena Weiss
Are you considering a career in forensics? The demand for forensic scientists is huge and only expected to grow. When investigating academic programs, here’s why you should consider ones that incorporate case-based learning scenarios.
By Dr. Dena Weiss
Despite requirements, many military branches are failing to submit data of convicted servicemembers to the federal government. Learn more about the problem and the consequences to public safety.
By Drs. Michelle Beshears and Dena Weiss
As college-level educators in today’s educational environment, we often need to wear many different hats. In addition to teaching, professors are often involved in research, professional networking, and publishing. Learn how collaboration can greatly enhance our work in furthering the field of criminal justice.
By Dena Weiss
Developing latent prints from a crime scene can be a long and tricky and process, but new technology is set to change that. Learn about the new process that can save investigators valuable time.
Dena Weiss has worked in law enforcement for the past 25 years, specializing in crime scene investigation. “Those who have a passion for the forensic investigation aspect of criminal justice are drawn to the job because we want to help the victims and their families find closure,” she says. Read more about Dena’s long career as a crime scene investigator.