Dozens Attend Youth CSI Summer Camp

FLORENCE, AZ (June 13, 2022) – Nearly 40 teens attended a two-day Youth CSI Summer Camp put on by the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, giving them an in-depth look at multiple aspects of the criminal justice field.

In partnership with Poston Butte High School, nearly 40 teens from across Pinal County attended the camp, held June 9th and June 10th.

“We found this to be a tremendous success and we are glad we could provide this educational event for our community youth,” said County Attorney Kent Volkmer.

The Youth CSI Summer Camp exposed the teens to various elements of the criminal justice field. A mock crime scene took place in the parking lot, depicting a drug deal and homicide to which Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputies responded and apprehended a ‘suspect.’ The teens were then taught how law enforcement processes a crime scene and also shown a mock interrogation of the suspect. The teens also learned about the forensic science elements to an investigation, including the use of finger prints.

For the second day of the camp, the teens attended a mock trial at Pinal County Superior Court. Judge Delia Neal oversaw the trial, which had PCAO attorneys acting as both the prosecution and defense. The trial took three hours and several of the teens sat on the mock jury.

“My favorite thing was actually seeing the process of the trial and learning about the judge’s responsibilities,” said Camryn Davis, 16, who attended the camp.

The goal of the Youth CSI Summer Camp is to give teens insight into how the criminal justice process works, from an initial incident all the way to trial.

“I would recommend doing the CSI camp because you get to learn a lot about the criminal field,” Davis said. “I got to talk to people in the field that I am interested in and I had a great time!”

PCAO is planning to host another CSI Camp, although a date has not been set.

We want to extend a special thank you to everyone who assisted with the camp, including the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and Superior Court Judge Delia Neal.

 

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