The RNC has hired a civilian to fill the role of a new director position, overseeing forensic science and property control.

RNC Chief Joe Boland says Kathryn Rodgers, originally from St. John’s, brings a wealth of experience to the force.

Boland says most of her experience is with law enforcement in the United States. He was drawn to her particular skillset and qualifications for the hire.

Rodgers helped solve a nearly 30-year-old murder in Mississippi before becoming the newest crime fighter in Newfoundland and Labrador. She played a role in solving the deaths of two women in 1990 in their Mississippi home. One of the women was in her 60s—the other in her mid-80s.

She helped develop a DNA profile in 2005, but there wasn’t a hit until last year. They got a name and police conducted surveillance, pulling a DNA sample from a cigarette butt. A 51-year-old man was charged as result.

Nontraditional Approach

Boland says the role is traditionally filled by a uniformed managed. He says he can’t recall someone else climbing the ranks from forensics to management—as such, it’s a unique situation.

Boland says they attached property control to their Forensic Identification section, creating a synergy that always should have been there. Using Rodgers’ skillset, he says they have someone with important expertise overseeing the operations.

Kathryn Rodgers says she’s excited for the new role, and to have the chance to advocate for the forensic identification services. She says it’s a tough field, where they work long hours and often see terrible things. She hopes to use her background to help give her staff the tools needed to grow within their roles.

She calls forensics the future of law enforcement.