On Wednesday and Thursday, December 10 and 11, the forensics class at Colleyville Heritage High School learned one more skill that is used in law enforcement: fingerprint fuming, a technique used by scientists in forensics labs.
Junior Baylee Scott, who plans to become a lawyer, said that the class is “helping me understand scientific terms and procedures.”
The class is offered both as a science class and part of the district’s Career and Technical Education program.
“Every unit in the class is learning investigative skills such as fiber analysis, handling of evidence, scientific methods or observations that professionals use,” science teacher Amanda McCready said.
On day one of their fingerprint unit, the students walked the campus to lift prints using magnetic dust, similar to the latent powder technique used by professionals.
The second day, they learned fingerprint fuming, which uses cyanoacrylate, commonly known as “Super Glue,” and heat to reveal fingerprints. To tie it to the holiday season, they transferred their own fingerprints into Christmas ornaments.
The class also participates in field trips such as a recent one to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth. There, they learned about the production of money and efforts law enforcement takes to prevent counterfeiting.
For Scott, this class, along with other courses such as Principles of Law and Law Enforcement, will help her prepare for the future.
“I had heard about crime scene investigations, but seeing it and doing it will help me someday when I’m preparing to go into a courtroom. It’s a real-life skill.”