“If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else.”
Forensic work is exhilarating, rewarding, and full of unexpected opportunities. But it’s also demanding, relentless, and often emotionally draining. In this two-part series of the Forensics Unfiltered podcast, we sit down with Jason Cole, a seasoned forensic professional who has journeyed from police officer and detective to crime scene and latent print examiner (and beyond!).
Watch Part 1 of our conversation as we explore the early stages of his forensic career journey, the unexpected twists along the way, and the lessons that shaped his approach to forensic leadership today. There’s a raw energy in Jason’s voice, laughter, and moments of vulnerability that you can’t fully capture in text.
Finding Your Place in Law Enforcement
Jason Cole’s path into forensics wasn’t a straight line. After high school, he struggled through college. Traditional classroom learning wasn’t his style, he needed hands-on experience. That’s how he found law enforcement—a field that promised variety, challenge, and an active role in his community.
Hired by the Sandy City Police Department in Utah, he began as a patrol officer. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was the foundation of everything that followed. Early in his career, Jason discovered the incredible breadth of law enforcement: from responding to calls, documenting crime scenes, to complex investigations.
The first lesson from Jason’s forensic career journey: sometimes your starting point is not your dream job, but it’s a training ground for what’s ahead.
Transitioning to Detective Work
Jason had his eye on the detective bureau. When a domestic violence and juvenile crime position unexpectedly opened, he saw it as his chance and jumped in.
Domestic violence cases are challenging. In Utah, these cases are classified as “enhanceable offenses,” meaning repeat offenders face escalating charges. Jason had to track arrest histories, obtain court documents, and build detailed case files. While he jokes that he was a “glorified paper pusher,” the truth is this work sharpened his analytical skills and attention to detail – critical traits for any forensic professional.
During this period, Jason’s dedication was clear. He immersed himself in the job, often working long hours and taking personal responsibility for professional growth.
Discovering a Passion for Forensics
The real turning point in Jason’s forensic career journey came when he discovered crime scene work. Sandy City was developing a crime scene unit, and Jason seized the opportunity.
Training in fingerprint analysis, evidence collection, and scene processing became his new obsession. He loved the hands-on nature of the work—the meticulous observation, the technical skill, the science behind every print or trace.
Later, moving to West Valley City Police Department as a forensic investigator expanded his expertise. Here’s a snapshot of what he did:
✅ Responded to major crime scenes
✅ Processed evidence in the lab
✅ Developed fingerprints using chemicals and superglue fuming
✅ Conducted fingerprint comparisons and APHIS entries
✅ Collaborated with other law enforcement agencies
Jason loved the diversity of responsibilities. He also realized that forensic work isn’t just technical – it’s a passion. Every scene leaves an imprint, not just on the case, but on the professional who processes it.
Building a Network Through Forensic Training and Conferences
Jason didn’t just want to work in forensics; he wanted to lead, teach, and grow the community. He recognized early on that professional development and networking were crucial.
Conferences became a regular part of his career:
- Teaching classes
- Attending workshops
- Meeting other experts
- Sharing knowledge with smaller agencies
He even started his own training company to bring in experts like Ron Smith, expanding his network and giving back to the field. Jason’s point is simple: if you want to grow in your forensic career journey, don’t just learn. Teach. Share. Connect.
💡 Pro Tip: Seek at least one training or conference a year outside your immediate department. It’s where you’ll find mentors, peers, and opportunities that transform your career.
Moving Into Leadership
After years of dedication, Jason became the director of West Valley City’s crime lab. Leadership brought new challenges:
- Managing personnel and case workflows
- Balancing administrative duties with technical expertise
- Mentoring the next generation of forensic professionals
Jason emphasizes integrity, consistency, and modeling professionalism. Leading by example is critical, whether you’re overseeing evidence processing or mentoring a new examiner.
Transitioning to the Forensic Industry
Jason’s career took another turn when he moved into the private sector and accepted a role with Foster + Freeman USA, an international company specializing in forensic technology. This shift allowed him to:
- Travel to conferences nationwide
- Consult with labs on policies, procedures, and workflows
- Continue teaching while expanding his professional impact
He describes this as a natural extension of his forensic career journey. This move allowed him to reach more forensic professionals, teach at conferences, and share best practices across agencies – a true expansion of his impact in the forensic community.
The Importance of Mental Health in Forensics
One of the most striking parts of Jason’s story is his transparency about mental health in forensics. Early in his career, mental health discussions were rare. “Suck it up” was the unofficial policy. Yet, the toll of long hours, trauma exposure, and emotional stress was real.
Over time, he observed a cultural shift: agencies now emphasize that it’s okay to not be okay, encouraging open conversations about mental health without stigma. This awareness has become a critical component of leadership in forensics, highlighting the importance of balance and self-care alongside professional excellence.
Lessons from Jason’s Journey
Part one of Jason Cole’s career journey offers several key takeaways for anyone in forensics:
- Follow your passion, but remain adaptable. Jason’s path shows that career growth often involves unexpected turns. Embrace it!
- Invest in professional development. Conferences, training, and networking are essential for technical skills and career advancement.
- Prioritize mental health. Recognize the cumulative toll of trauma exposure and take intentional steps to care for yourself.
- Lead with integrity. Dedication, mentorship, and openness to growth set the tone for successful forensic leadership.
- Give back. Teaching, sharing knowledge, and mentoring enrich the community and your own professional journey.
What’s Coming in Part Two
Part 1 of Jason Cole’s story sets the stage. Part 2 dives into two pivotal, life-altering events—one in the lab and another while teaching—that forever shifted his perspective on life and work. These moments come with lessons about resilience, balance, and the importance of taking care of yourself while leading others.
We promise: Part 2 will challenge, inspire, and resonate with anyone navigating a demanding forensic career journey.
👉 Head to Part 2 next to see how everything changed.
You Don’t Have to Navigate Your Forensic Career Journey Alone
If Jason’s story resonated with you, here’s something important to remember:
You are not the only one carrying the weight of this work.
Behind every lab bench and crime scene response is a real person. And sometimes, what we need most is connection with others who truly understand.
That’s why we’ve built a free private community for forensic professionals across the globe.
Inside, you’ll find:
✨ Honest conversations about career growth
✨ Real discussions about stress and resilience
✨ Support from professionals who “get it”
✨ A place to ask questions and share experiences
Just a professional space built for people walking their own forensic career journey.
If you’re looking for connection, collaboration, and support from a forensic family that spans continents, we’d love to have you join us.
👉 Join the free community here and continue the conversation.
