Buena students learn real life crime scene investigation

By Alton Dunham (USAG Fort Huachuca)March 4, 2010

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Francisco Cisneros, freshman at Buena High School, uses a video game that simulates what biometrics and forensics experts would do in a real-world situation. Students were taught the importance of achieving good grades and focusing on core school sub... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz -- On Feb 25 and 26, members of Fort Huachuca's Training and Doctrine Command Capability Manager Biometrics and Forensics team partnered with Buena high school and local Army recruiters to provide an important message, "Pay attention in school."

Biometrics measures physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or retinal patterns, to verify individual's identities; forensics uses science to investigate crime.

"Our [children] need to understand what the classroom is teaching them about real life, and when they actually get to see it, touch it, it hits home," explained Deborah Garrett, who teaches freshman integrated science at the school.

"These presenters are doing the real thing and [children] need to see people doing the real thing." The team of experts from Fort Huachuca did just that, showcasing a myriad of new technologies that resembled the Crime Scene Investigation television series.

The students were able to experience exhibits that combined video games, biometrics and forensics, which are skills that help define the Army's new warfighter. Besides the "cool factor," the demonstrations continually reinforced that jobs in the biometrics and forensics fields were readily available, but only to those students who earned good grades and maintained a focus on core subjects.

"These [children] have the opportunity right now in their high school careers to pay attention, study hard and focus on what they want to do in the future," said Ryan Wilson, a TICM biometrics and forensics team member.

To be successful in the biometrics or forensic fields, Wilson explained to the Buena students they should seek a versatile education which includes all levels of math, science, English, writing skills, critical thinking and the ability to articulate thoughts.

The two-day event, according to Wilson, was a success.

"We're looking to sell science and math to our younger generation," explained Susan Willig, counselor at Buena High School.

"They already have an interest in video games [and] forensics, and they already watch television shows like CSI."

She said the students were thrilled with the presentation, and noted that it was presented in a way where students can see the relevance, in what careers are out there, what college opportunities, and what career paths, such as the Army.