Ellison High School students interested in criminal justice received valuable field experience through a local law enforcement agency.
Eight criminal investigation students spent most of Monday at the Nolanville SMART Museum cycling through stations including a mock crime scene, auto collision and a potential drunk-driving traffic stop.
They learned about gathering evidence and walked through potential investigation steps.
Nolanville police officers provided the instruction with stations set up inside and outside the museum.
Ellison instructor Joe Easley praised the city and museum staff for its partnership.
The SMART Museum has hosted criminal investigation and science classes from Ellison for many years sharing a variety of virtual reality and other developing science and technology exhibits.
Senior Javiellys Ortiz said she enjoyed the chance to walk through actual steps that police experience.
“We investigated a crash and tried to figure out what happened,” she said. “At the traffic stop, we went through all the steps. I learned there is a lot of paperwork they have to do.”
“It’s a nice experience. A lot of people don’t get this experience. I like the criminal investigation class because it gives us a different perspective,” she said.
Senior Gavyn Bates agreed that the field-based instruction is a rare and useful experience for a class like criminal investigation.
“We were labeling a crime scene and taking notes and asking questions. It was insightful what they were telling us. They explained it really well, he said.”
“I really enjoy it. We don’t do a lot of field trips in high school. It’s fun. Something like this really opens my eyes about this kind of job.”
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720330818464