The feature articles in this issue describe the contents of a recent publication with guidelines and checklists for the design of "lean" forensic facilities, the technical assistance provided by the Institute for Community-Police Relations, and an award-winning video ("Plan, Prepare, Act") that encourages planning for responding to an active school shooting.
"Roadmap Leads to Increased Efficiency, Improved Function in Forensic Labs" reviews the content of "Development of a Lean Facility Design Roadmap for Design-Bid-Build Forensic Facilities." This publication was prepared by the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE). Released in April 2016, this report is based on Lean Facility Design (LFD) principles and integrates them with the guidance in "Forensic Science Laboratories: Handbook for Facility Planning, Design, Construction and Relocation (the "White Book"). "Institute for Community-Police Relations Offers Guidance, Assistance" profiles an online resource for reports, model policies, fact sheets, handouts, blog pools, training materials, and other material that is organized under the six "pillars" in the final report of President Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing. " 'Plan, Prepare, Act' Video Wins Award, Encourages Planning" describes the content and uses of an 11-minute video that provides guidance on how students and school staff should respond to a school shooting incident. Prepared by the Orland Park Police Department (Illinois), the video encourages viewers to plan and prepare for a safe evacuation of the school, locate safe hiding places, and plan how to fight back if absolutely necessary.