Approximately 30 students in Long Beach High School’s Criminalistics courses (formerly known as SUPA Forensics) offered through Molloy University went on a field trip to the Long Beach Police Department on Oct. 4. They received a brief introduction to the patrol and detective divisions from Detective Lt. Stefan Chernaski, Detective Lt. Dodge, Detective Sgt. Michael Bulik and police officer Darren Brennan.

Students were introduced to different types of patrol vehicles and learned how officers look up vehicle information from plate scanners in three different locations in town. They saw the standard issue tactical vest and uniform, body armor, duty belt and other equipment. The entire operation of the police department was explained, from the roles of the auxiliary police department and special officer division all the way up to the responsibilities of the police commissioner. Fingerprint examination was also conducted at the station, and the function and use of the Intoxilyzer (breathalyzer) in alcohol-related criminal offenses was reviewed.

The detective division created scenarios that challenged the students’ abilities to think critically and quickly, as police officers and detectives must do. Activities involved supplying physical descriptions of suspects, drug testing kit utilization and detecting whether or not an individual is telling the truth.  

“This trip serves to be the beginning of a long-lasting connection between the students of the Criminalistics program here at LBHS and the men and women that work in law enforcement every day here in Long Beach,” said teacher Timothy Cabasino.