Forensic Science Department

Future forensic specialists will soon find a program at SCC large enough to fit their needs.

Larry Turner, program director, said the "program (so far) is booming!"

Turner began teaching two forensic science classes in August of 2005. Since then, the program has expanded, and by fall the program will offer four additional forensic science classes and the ability to transfer from SCC with 60 plus credits.

While at SCC, students are able to take advantage of the hands-on experience that is available for them. One room is dedicated to a mock crime scene so that students have an opportunity to practice gathering and preserving evidence from a crime. In addition, four instruments that are widely used in the forensic science field are available for students to use.

For 26 years, Turner worked as an employee, a supervisor and a director in four different crime labs in Mississippi and California. Turner has taken his knowledge and experience to the classroom at SCC.

Turner said that every skill learned in an SCC forensic science class will be used in the field. Furthermore, Turner creates a humorous environment in his classes, backed with information pertinent to the field. This, he says, engages the student while allowing important information to be absorbed.

Dr. John Kavanagh, the Administration of Justice Studies director at SCC, said that his program, along with Turner’s Forensic Science program, allow students to engage in complementary courses that will allow them to acquire skills both in the crime lab and at the crime scene.

“Forensic science is a fascinating, important and growing field,” Kavanagh said.    
An added benefit is that there will be seminars starting next semester regarding forensic science that will not only be available to students, but also to local law enforcement and community members.