To the editor:

I am writing regarding the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office’s recent seventh annual Forensics Camp. The office provided the free Forensics Camp for Suffolk students ages 12-15 during the month of June. The camp was very successful, graduating a total of 58 students.

The Forensics Camp taught the students about observation, photography, evidence collection, preservation and testimony in court. The curriculum was designed to educate students about the study of forensics through criminal law. The Forensics Camp educated the students on the specific evidence needed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and how to properly collect evidence to successfully prosecute cases. The students became increasingly aware and understood the realities of criminal cases through forensics. The students were divided into five teams that worked mock crime scenes, collected evidence and gave reports at the closing 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 students during the camp.

I would also like to thank Investigator John J. Marx Sr., retired police officer Sean Brennan and deputy sheriffs Debbie Callis and Andre Weaver for their willingness to serve as instructors for the Forensics Camp. Each of them led a team of students during the camp.

In addition, I would like to thank Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Thomas G. Shaia, 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 to the students how this evidence that was collected was used to successfully prosecute cases.

The Forensics Camp was enriched by strong office partnerships that included Sheriff E.C. Harris and the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Harris provided the Identi-Kid Program for the Forensics Camp, furnishing his staff to execute the program. I personally would like to thank Sheriff Harris and his staff for their support.

Finally, I would like to thank John A.B. Davies Jr., Chick-fil-A, Subway, Little Caesars Pizza and Papa John’s Pizza 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 this camp.

 

C. Phillips Ferguson

Commonwealth’s Attorney