FBI Hosts Hands on Experience For Students

NEWBURGH – Students at Newburgh Free Academy, North Campus participated in a series of hands on lessons taught by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Students from Ms. Kristin Oberle’s Forensics Classes (introductory through college level), Mr. Michael Truncale’s Criminal Procedures classes, and Mr. Timothy Toomey’s Criminal Justice classes participated in the exercises.

Special Agent, Shawn Mullen with the New York office of the FBI’s Evidence Response Team and his colleagues led students as they participated in four stations that included blood testing, casting and tool marks, latent fingerprinting, and trace evidence collection.

Not to worry, the blood used for these tutorials was synthetic or “from last week’s roast beef.” Students described the magnetic finger print method as similar to a game they played as kids.

Included in the lessons were types of career paths available at the FBI—from being an agent to being part of the professional support staff. Special Agent Mullen explained that each agent works normal cases and will work a crime scene as needed.

Agents receive two weeks of training on basic crime scene investigation. Special Agent Mullen suggested students take advantage of as many classes that are offered in high school as they can. Agent Mullen highlighted that a legal background can also be very helpful to ensure the evidence that is collected can be used when cases are brought to trial. The agents who led the experiences for our students have worked on cases from white collar crimes to terrorism.

As a result of these courses, students can take a New York State Security Certification exam which they can activate when they’re 18 and is good for life. “A lot of students can begin their career right after high school or make a few dollars while going to college as a result of that.” Mr. Timothy Toomey

Ms. Kristin Oberle is in the process of seeking approval for students to receive college credit for the college level Forensics class that is offered.

Save the date for Thursday, May 24th at 9am at NFA, North Campus. These classes will be participating in a Mock Car Accident to practice their skills and bring awareness to the risks of impaired driving.