To the editor:

I am writing regarding the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office’s sixth annual Forensics Camp.

The office provided the free camp for Suffolk students ages 12-15 earlier this month. The Camp was very successful, graduating a total of 57 students.

Students learned about observation, photography, evidence collection, preservation and testimony in court. The curriculum was designed to educate them about the study of forensics through criminal law.

Students learned the specific evidence needed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and how to properly collect evidence to successfully prosecute cases. They learned the realities of criminal cases through forensics and were divided into four teams that worked mock crime scenes, collecting evidence and giving reports at the graduation ceremony.

I would like to thank Joan Turner, this office’s community outreach coordinator, for her dedication and outstanding work in organizing and implementing this camp. Joan was one of five instructors, leading a team of 12 students during the camp.

I would also like to thank Investigator John K. Cooke. John is one of four investigators for this office and has more than 41 years of law enforcement experience. John was an instructor for the CSI camp, leading a team of 11 students during the camp.

In addition, I would like to thank Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Matthew A. Glassman and Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Vaughn T. Breedlove and George W. Bruch for their participation and dedication to this camp and these students.

They explained how evidence is used to successfully prosecute cases.

Furthermore, I would like to thank Sean Brennan. Sean retired from the Suffolk Police Department with 23 years of dedicated service. Sean was also an instructor for the camp, leading a team of 11 students.

The Forensics Camp was enriched by a strong partnership with the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff E.C. Harris and his staff provided the Identi-Kid program for our camp, allowing Deputy Sheriff Debbie Callis to assist with the program and entering 57 students into it. In addition, Deputy Callis was also an instructor, along with Deputy Sheriff Andre Weaver, which allowed for 23 additional students to participate.

This is typical of how Sheriff Harris is very involved in the Suffolk community, always putting the needs of Suffolk’s citizens first. I personally would like to thank Sheriff Harris and his staff for their support.

Finally, I would like to thank Chick-fil-A, Subway, Little Caesars Pizza, Papa John’s Pizza, Food Lion and Farm Fresh for their donations for the graduation reception. Our community is indeed fortunate to have such willing and charitable business partners.

We expect to continue having this camp annually in June and encourage parents and guardians to enroll their children in it.

C. Phillips Ferguson

Commonwealth’s Attorney