John M. Collins publishes forensic evidence book amid major conference talks

John M. Collins has released Valid Comparisons: The Forensic and Judicial Examination of Stochastic Patterns and is promoting it through keynote appearances at top forensic science groups. The book lands as courts, scientists and lawmakers keep scrutinizing the reliability of pattern evidence.

Why it matters: - Valid Comparisons tackles forensic pattern evidence, a field central to criminal investigations and courtroom testimony. - The book arrives as federal court decisions, scientific reports and legislative efforts have intensified scrutiny of how pattern evidence is analyzed and admitted. - Collins frames the book as a guide for practitioners working in laboratories and courtrooms.

What happened: - John M. Collins announced the official publication of Valid Comparisons: The Forensic and Judicial Examination of Stochastic Patterns on June 9, 2026. - The book is now available for purchase at More information. - Collins delivered the keynote address to the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners at its annual conference in Baltimore on Memorial Day. - Collins is scheduled to deliver the keynote address to the International Association for Identification at its annual meeting in St. Louis on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The details: - The book examines the scientific, legal and institutional foundations for forensic analysis and judicial evaluation of pattern evidence. - The subject matter includes firearms marks, fingerprints, footwear, handwriting, tools, human teeth and other evidence-producing patterns. - Collins drew on more than three decades of forensic casework, courtroom testimony and peer-reviewed research. - Collins said the book is meant to support the conversations taking place inside the two organizations he addressed. - Collins said critics often label pattern evidence as “junk science,” and said the book is designed to resolve confusion about the science, methods and limits involved. - Collins was part of the forensic investigation team that responded to the 1996 Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta. - The book release comes weeks before the 30th anniversary of that attack on July 27, 2026.

Between the lines: - Collins is positioning the book as both a technical reference and a response to the current credibility fight around pattern evidence. - The conference schedule suggests Collins is speaking directly to the practitioners most affected by the book’s arguments. - The Olympic Park bombing reference signals that Collins is tying the book to high-stakes forensic work, not just academic debate.

What’s next: - The August 19 keynote in St. Louis will give Collins another platform before forensic practitioners. - The book is likely to continue circulating as courts and professional groups reassess the role of pattern evidence. - Collins is also directing readers and media inquiries to the author’s website.