March 18, 2009

Forensic Science Students Gain Real-Life Experience

Graduate students studying forensic science at The George Washington University have a unique opportunity to gain practical law enforcement experience while receiving academic credit. A new one-of-a-kind program partners GW's Department of Forensic Sciences with the University's nationally accredited police department to give students the chance to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.

"This new program gives students hands-on application of principles and techniques learned in the classroom," said Walter Rowe, professor and chair of the Department of Forensic Sciences.

Dolores Stafford, GW Chief of Police, added, "Students will gain valuable law enforcement experience while assisting the University Police Department in providing a safe and secure campus community."

Participating students will be required to volunteer six hours a week each semester with the University Police Department, as well as log 40 hours of field experience investigating campus incidents and crimes. These "auxiliary police officers" will receive job-related training, such as terrorism awareness and emergency procedures, and have the opportunity to collaborate with the D.C. Mobile Crime Lab and the D.C. Medical Examiner. Students will rotate through three areas of the police department -- patrol/operations, crime prevention, and investigation.

The pilot program currently is underway and involves nine students. The program will be fully operational in fall 2009.

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