Local Teens See Behind-The-Scenes of Herndon Police C.S.I. Lab

Local teens got a taste of what it's like to be police officers this week, getting a true behind-the-scenes look from the Herndon Police Department of everything from their crime scene laboratories, to DUI investigations, to communications and dispatch, and everything in between.

It's all part of the department's Citizen's Police Academy, which offers local youth between the ages of 14 to 18 an up-close look at what it's really like to have a career in law enforcement.

"It's a great program," said Officer Denise Randles, who is helping to organize the program this year. "We teach them about law enforcement, and encourage them to be good citizens."

The Herndon Police Department has been running the program in alternate years since about 2000, Randles said.

Each day of the week-long camp has a different theme and covers a different aspect of a police officer's job. This year, it started off on Monday with a tour of the station, seeing a day in the life of a patrol officer, and demonstrations of bomb dogs and canine units.

This Tuesday was one of the department's favorite days to watch, said public information officer Lt. Jim Moore, as the teens learned about the dangers of driving under the influence, and attempted to drive a closed course wearing "drunk goggles," which simulate for them what it's like to drive while intoxicated.

Wednesday is another popular day, especially for those who are fans of shows like Law & Order, C.S.I. and Bones. On Wednesday, the teens were taken on an up-close tour of the department's crime scene lab, and learned how to investigate a crime scene and collect evidence.

A Herndon police officer showed them how to use equipment to take fingerprints, and how to bag and collect evidence like blood swabs and fingernail clippings.

Officer Randles said, the rest of the week will involve learning about computer, cell phone and Internet crimes; defensive tactics, polygraph (lie detector) techniques; and the importance of a police dispatcher's job.

Randles said, the department has been getting a lot of positive feedback from parents this year.

"And, the kids really seem to be enjoying it," she said. "In the end, we hope some of them will consider a career in law enforcement, either in their local government, or even at the federal level. It's a great program."

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