Open Mic!


I am in Youngsvill, NC in some AWESOME training this week! I am taking an advanced certification class in crime scene photography. One of my standards I have to teach my students is crime scene photography, but I lack depth of knowledge in this area.  I know the "basics", but I am certainly no expert.  This training is extremely over whelming.  I never dreamed there were so many aspects to crime scene photography.  It is completely different than any other type of photography because these photos can be used in court for critical comparison so it is essential you know what you are doing when you change the settings and snap that photo. As I sit in this class, I was reflecting on how I was going to bring all this knowledge back to my students and incorporate it into my classroom.  I then remembered that my job as a CTAE educator is to give my students a leg up for when they enter the workforce.  I thought about my 13 years law enforcement experience and realized I was never taught how to use anything but a point and shoot digital camera, which was always set in auto mode. This in turn helped me realize that even if I only bring my students back 10% of what I am learning all week...they will be leaps and bounds ahead of their peers when entering into the criminal justice work force.  Only 1% of law enforcement has any formal training on proper crime scene photography.  I am so over joyed that I get to bring this new knowledge to my students. 
Cool side note:  "The Coroner" from the ID channel is in my class!  I am an ID junkie and I sat down and chatted with him about one of his open cases right now.  I was in hog heaven!!! I also chatted with my instructor and learned he heads up a cold case forum every month in Philadelphia where experts from all over the country come together to discuss and attempt to solve one cold case submitted from agencies around the country.  He invited me to be his guest for an upcoming meeting.  Needless to say, this is a dream of mine!  I am obsessed with forensic behavioral sciences and serial cases. My instructor also told me that he will make the trip to Georgia next year just to speak to my criminal justice students! Again, thrilled!
Making these new connections and embracing this new knowledge is going to allow me to show my students my passion for law and justice and I hope that they absorb it and learn something in the process, as well!
This continuing education in my field of study is just what the doctor ordered.  I am rejuvenated and I can't wait to bring my new and improved attitude and knowledge to my students!