New Forensic Science Class

By Erika Westbrook
Plans are being made for an upcoming science class that will be offered at WVUP during the Fall 2006 semester. The class will be a beginning forensic science class for Criminal Justice students, and will focus on basic crime-solving investigation.

“Students will get knowledge on DNA, blood spots . . . that sort of thing,” said Nelson Ortiz, instructor and coordinator of Criminal Justice. “This class gives students an alternative to taking science classes that are not forensic related.”

Ortiz also stated that details for the class are not final and have yet to be approved. “We want to make sure the class is transferable for students who plan to continue their education elsewhere,” said Ortiz.

Criminal Justice students currently have an opportunity to get hands-on experience with basic policing and crime solving in the Criminal Justice Lab, located on the lower level of the school. The lab provides users with items such as fingerprint-lifting kits, a fingerprint comparing machine, microscopes and study material. Students can also practice policing skills such as handcuff and gun-removal techniques, and receive help from a tutor.

“The lab is open to all Criminal Justice students,” said Ortiz. “We are also hoping to issue CSI kits to Criminal Justice students to carry with them at all times. This way they learn the importance of always being prepared for a possible crime scene.”

Students who are interested in more information on the Forensic Science class can contact Nelson Ortiz in Room 1022B.