CSE

Published in the Star Exponent Monday, July 26, 2010:

CSI - Culpeper took place on Tuesday, July 20th 2010. A little known group of Crime Scene Investigators were in action in Culpeper on this day. The stage was set and the crime scene investigators of Culpeper were assisted by 12 specialists who may shape the future of investigations in significant ways. Who were these 12 specialists? Why were they recruited? How will they shape the future?

The 12 specialists were recruited from the youth of Culpeper for the Annual Culpeper County Sheriff’s Youth Academy. Many at the Sheriff’s Department invested last week in the career development possibilities for participant’s of the academy ranging in age from 13 – 17 years old. The students arrived every day at 8 AM and spent the day until 3 PM learning the coolest things on these hot summer days….

The students were exposed to basic crime scene investigation. They were exposed to firearms safety while gaining experience with firearms at a live firing range (thank you Cedar Mountain Range). They were shown the effects of alcohol and drugs using special simulated vision goggles while trying to drive golf carts (accompanied by an adult). They learned crime scene processing and fingerprinting skills. They were shown law enforcement patrol procedures, basic First Aid, and a variety of crime prevention concepts. The students also attended several demonstrations by specialized units such as the K-9 Unit, Motorcycle Officers, and S.W.A.T. Finally, the students took fields trips to the Culpeper County Jail and the Culpeper Joint Communications Center. Wow, what a week!!!

The students graduated from the C.C.S.O Youth Academy on Friday with a ceremony that demonstrated the military etiquette drill and ceremony skills that they had learned and obviously practiced. All of the students were proficient in their maneuvers and focused on the required discipline, a very impressive display after only one week of instruction.

According to the literature, the program is rooted in the Citizen’s Law Enforcement Academy that began in England in 1977. The first program of its kind was introduced in the United States in Orlando Florida in 1985. The original intent of the program was designed to provide better understanding between police and citizens thru education and exposure to the Department. Adding the youth component provides an important opportunity for our local youth to see first-hand what they see on television and in the movies.

There are few things more important than educating our youth. We have opportunities to facilitate excellence in youth programs. The Sheriff’s Department has taken the lead in offering this type of program. Career Development can start early, strengthen our community, and offer creative pathways for our young minds.

There are many programs in Culpeper with similar ongoing benefits such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Verdun Adventure Bound, and The Civil Air Patrol Youth Program (meeting at Culpeper Airport), to name a few.

Thank you, Sheriff Branch, for your commitment to the youth of Culpeper. The Youth Academy is an example of excellence in community development. We can only imagine what the future will bear from the seeds planted in the hearts and minds at the Youth Academy.





Best Regards


Jim Charapich
President / CEO
Culpeper Chamber of Commerce