Twenty-five students became crime scene detectives for three days during the Gastonia Police Department’s CSI Summer Day Camp held July 23-25 at the First Assembly Church in Gastonia. The CSI camp, generously sponsored by the Gastonia Police Foundation, is held every summer for rising 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
“The students were exposed to the general idea of the total crime scene as well as advanced forensic processes,” said GPD’s CSI Sgt. Jamin Brackett. “They learned how we all work together as a team – the GPD, the Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, and other agencies.”
During the camp students learn about documenting, collecting and analyzing evidence. They learn about investigative techniques such as fingerprinting, infrared cameras and blood detection, and firearm trajectories. Crowders Mountain State Park Ranger Anthony Borja provided instruction about tracking. Judge Craig Collins and Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Hamlin led a courtroom presentation for the students. The camp also included a K-9 demonstration, an anti-bullying lesson, and tours of the GPD and the Gaston County Jail.
CSI camp registration is announced several months in advance on the GPD Facebook page. Questions? You may call Sgt. Brackett at (704) 854-6616.
