Crime scene investigation-related shows make good entertainment, but they don’t reflect the reality of what it’s like to work in those types of careers.

Fortunately, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is guiding local youngsters to a more realistic view of crime scene investigation and what it takes to prosecute crimes.

With the focus on the all-important STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields and skills, crime scene investigation incorporates parts of science, technology and math and is an important subsection of the STEM fields.

Nearly 70 students recently graduated from the seventh annual Forensics Camp held by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. It was the best turnout yet for the camp, which not only teaches the ins and outs of crime scene investigation and the use of forensic evidence in prosecuting a crime but also allows campers to learn about a variety of law enforcement-related careers, gain mentoring from the instructors and team leaders, get to know other youngsters from different parts of the city, practice teamwork skills and learn to speak in front of a group for their end-of-week presentations.

For youngsters ages 12 to 15, it’s quite an engaging week of camp that has them learning all sorts of new things and skills. For the instructors, it’s rewarding to see young people picking up on a potential new career.

For the community, it’s a great resource to have a free camp run by public servants volunteering their time, with the help of a number of local businesses who supported the camp, for the good of dozens of young people to have something constructive to do this summer.

Thanks to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and their community partners for putting on this camp.