Forensics Journal - Stevenson University 2011 | Page 10

STEVENSON UNIVERSITY

HOW MANY HOURS ARE PARTICIPANTS EXPECTED TO
WORK ON THEIR OWN TO PREPARE FOR THE CASE?

WHAT TYPES OF SCIENTIFIC AND/OR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT DO PARTICIPANTS GET TO USE OR EXPERIENCE IN
THE PROGRAM?

None, we know better! We are thrilled that some of the teens are
looking over the Statement of Probable Cause and the fingerprint evidence on their own. We do not expect them to spend any additional
time on preparation work. However, the teens who chose to be the
attorneys are doing so and it is thrilling!

Everything the Baltimore City Police Laboratory had to offer, with
the exception of the gas chromospectography equipment.

IN ADDITION TO THE ATTORNEYS AND LAB TECHNICIANS, WHAT OTHER PROFESSIONALS WORK WITH THE
TEENS DURING THE PROGRAM?

HOW ARE CASES CHOSEN, DETAILS WORKED OUT AND
EVIDENCE CREATED?

Dispatchers, EMTs, Forensic scientists, Detectives, Foot Patrol Officers, Firearms Experts, and Judge Althea M. Handy.

Sharon Talmadge, who supervises the Baltimore City Police Laboratory, determined what evidence would be best for training purposes.
Baltimore Police Department Commissioner Fred Bealefeld chose
an Armed Robbery gone awry because of the many levels of forensic
evidence it would offer the teens. Police Officer Kevin Vaught was
the creative writer for the charging documents. The attorneys added
salient details through the witness biographies to assist with creating a
viable defense to all the prosecution material provided by the Baltimore City Police Department.

WHY IS THIS PROGRAM IMPORTANT TO YOU?
It is important for the teens to see the positive side of the criminal
justice system and the many potential jobs it offers. For example, the
teens had no idea that it takes over 20 people to bring a case from a
911 call to trial.

WHAT DO PARTICIPANTS ACTUALLY DO IN EACH STEP OF
THE PROGRAM?

WHAT DO YOU HOPE PARTICIPANTS WILL GAIN FROM
THE PROGRAM OVERALL?

This is hands-on training at its finest. The teens have learned about
investigative techniques by working directly with the staff of the
Police Lab. They interrogated each other after learning the technique
from a police lieutenant. Reports were written based on what evidence was recovered at the scene, and they learned objections, cross
and direct with guidance from the attorneys.

Confidence in themselves. This is a huge project for them and to see
them smile with pride as they can answer a question such as, “What
is Gun Shot Residue and why does it not mean that a person shot a
gun?” is amazing. We challenged them to go way beyond their comfort zone and learn something they never thought possible. It gives
them the confidence to continue to challenge themselves and grow.
That makes it all worthwhile.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carolyn Hess Johnson, Esq. is an attorney and a
full time Associate Professor of Forensic Studies
in the School of Graduate and Professional
Studies at Stevenson University. She has
worked in private practice, as a Senior Assistant
State Prosecutor for the State of Maryland
and as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Baltimore City, Maryland.

8