Criminal Justice Students Put Fingerprints on Trip to Spartanburg PD

Jeremy Handel

Staff Writer

Nine criminal justice students from Spartanburg Methodist College recently had a hands–, or more accurately fingers–on educational experience during a trip to the Spartanburg Police Department’s (SPD) forensics lab.

“The opportunity for these students to observe the application of classroom material in real-world scenarios by working professionals in law enforcement is invaluable,” said Dr. Brittani Smith, Criminal Justice Professor at SMC. “Giving students opportunities like this gives them another perspective on various areas of law enforcement. They also have an opportunity to meet and network with current professionals.”

The students in Dr. Smith’s Criminal Investigations and Forensics course visited SPD’s forensics lab and real-time crime center to learn about the operations of each. They focused specifically on collecting and analyzing fingerprints – namely their own.

Hear what some of the students had to say about their experience below:

“I think it was very beneficial since I am interested in the forensics field,” said Alea Drummond, a senior graduating with a criminal justice degree. “It kind of gave me a step in the door to see, like, how it is in action and the process that everyone in the field will have to go through to learn what they need to deal with a case.”

The students got a chance to dust for, collect, analyze, and run their prints through a national database to search for matches. Real-world experiences are critical in helping translate what students study in the classroom to how it works on the job.

“Hands-on experiences are incredibly important for students pursuing careers in criminal justice,” said Major Steve Lamb from the Spartanburg Police Department’s Investigative Services Bureau. “In addition to getting a practical understanding of the concepts, it allows them to see the teamwork, attention to detail, and critical thinking that are essential in modern law enforcement.”

He added that SPD works closely with most of the college programs in the area to mentor students and give them a realistic view of the challenges and rewards of a career in law enforcement. They host student visits in various areas, including forensics, patrol, community engagement, and real-time technology operations.

Field trips are also a great way for students to experience the career they may want to pursue and either reinforce or rethink that decision.

“It was a cool experience. I think it’s really important to tour these types of places, because it kind of helps you decide where you want to go in your career, whether it’s forensics, criminal justice, or law enforcement,” said Abi Harrrawood, a senior criminal justice major. “It kind of helped me solidify, for my career as a victim’s advocate. I want to pursue that even more after speaking with a victim specialist today.”

Dr. Smith, who also volunteers with the SPD Cold Case Unit, said she felt the experience really resonated with the students. She would like to work with the department to develop more field trips in the future. She said it’s important to provide these opportunities and for students to take advantage of all chances they get to learn more about the profession.

“For college students pursuing a career in criminal justice, I would advise them to gain as much knowledge as they can about the field,” Dr. Smith said. “Whether it’s joining clubs and organizations related to criminal justice, gaining experience through volunteer work or internships, or taking opportunities like this to network with professionals in the field, students must learn all the can.”

Major Lamb echoed her advice and added that students should understand that the learning and networking in the field never end.

“My biggest advice would be to stay committed to lifelong learning and maintain a strong sense of integrity and community service. Law enforcement is constantly evolving, and those who succeed are the ones willing to adapt, learn, and build strong relationships with the community they serve,” he said.