South Portland Police officers were invited to join students in a newly-implemented CSI forensics class at Gorham High School just before winter break. Detective Lieutenant Chris Todd and Evidence Tech. Jesse Peasley first came to GHS in late November of 2022 when the school hosted a Science X Day for students interested in science-related occupations.
During their return, the pair was joined by patrol Sergeant Jay Sutton, father to one of the students in class. His daughter, along with all of her classmates, have been learning about various topics in forensics science such as crime scene evaluation, observation skills, differing types of evidence, fingerprinting and DNA testing, etc.
Using their three specialities, the officers discussed investigation processes from start to finish and how forensics science is involved. One example followed an old case of Sergeant Sutton in which he was the first responder to the scene. He and the class talked through the case, evaluating his duties and responsibilities. Sutton explained, Detective Lieutenant Todd arrived later with his supporting detectives, which eventually led to a call bringing in Evidence Tech Peasley. Peasley described how evidence was collected and connected it to topics the class had been practicing.
The officers provided a great space and opportunity for students to see real life applications of forensics. “It was really cool hearing directly from professionals working in this kind of field. It tied everything we have been learning together and gave us lots of insight as to what these jobs are really like,” reported junior GHS student Jacob Mora. Sutton, Tood, and Peasley additionally proved that Hollywood doesn’t always portray CSI or police affairs accurately. The officers plan to come back and join the next forensics class during the second semester of the school year which begins in late January.