In November 2011 the 80th Session graduated from the Virginia Forensic
Science Academy.
The nine (9) week academy is held by the Virginia
Department of Forensic Science in Richmond Va.
The Academy has as its objective the training of qualified crime scene search
officers. Law enforcement personnel learn to properly recognize, collect, and preserve items of physical evidence found at
crime scenes for laboratory examination. The students become familiar with the capabilities and limitations of the modern
forensic laboratory in the examination of the broad spectrum of materials which can be collected as evidence in criminal cases.
The course provides
students with the necessary background information and practical application techniques which, when coupled with the student's
previous experience, permit maximum utilization of forensic science in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals in the
Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Forensic Science staff and visiting
instructors, who have contributed many hours to this class, were a vital part in the success of the session.
In
addition, the Virginia Forensic Science Academy Alumni Association, in conjunction with the Department of Forensic Science's
Training Section, provides the graduate with many opportunities for continuing education. The Alumni Association provides
unique organizational body which fosters the advancement of forensic science and professional crime scene investigation.
Goal:
The purposes of the Association are: To enhance the science and art of crime scene processing and evidence handling, to encourage
the exchange of ideas and information concerning crime scene processing techniques among Academy graduates and other crime
scene search officers, to strive for the development of improved technical practices, to promote the goals of the Criminal
Justice System, and the ideals embraced by the Virginia Forensic Science Academy's crime scene search course, and to encourage
high professional standards of conduct by all crime scene processors.
Activities: The activities of the Association include, but
are not limited to the following:
- The Association provides support for the Forensic Laboratory in the Forensic Science Academy in many ways —
assisting in the coordination of training events — teaching in Academy sponsored training programs — teaching
in other training programs concerning forensic science thus spreading knowledge and understanding concerning the capabilities
of the Forensic Laboratory.
- Members of the Alumni Association
have worked with forensic laboratory training personnel in the development of evidence handling techniques, and other special
projects. For example — an Evidence Handling Manual was developed as a joint effect.
- The Association developed the Donald C. Benson Memorial Scholarship Fund; this is a separate organization,
which provides funds to deserving individuals pursuing a higher education and are Academy Alumni or dependents of an Academy
graduate.
- Funds provided by the Association have been used
to improve the Forensic Academy library and recent sessions of the Academy have provided legacy funds for the support of the
Academy.
- A newsletter is published annually to provide
a flow of information concerning laboratory and membership activities.
- The Association has supported several legislative issues and other forensic laboratory initiatives such as; supported
the DNA Data Bank and supported the regional concept for the Forensic Training Program.