Criminal Justice Intern Program Highlights

This semester, our Navarro High School Criminal Justice interns have been actively exploring various career paths in Law Enforcement. They had the chance to tour the CTECC (Combined Transportation, Emergency, and Communications Center), where our Telecommunications Team manages dispatching for all five Constable offices. CTECC serves as the central public safety hub, supporting shared critical emergency communications and transportation management for the region, while also handling emergency 9-1-1 calls for assistance.

Our interns had the opportunity to meet two experienced Crime Scene Investigators, one from the Lakeway Police Department and the other from the Pflugerville Police Department. This visit offered valuable insights into crime scene investigation, a vital part of law enforcement. The investigators shared their career journeys, including their educational backgrounds and rigorous training. They highlighted essential skills for success in the field, such as attention to detail and analytical thinking. The interns were fascinated by the variety of tasks these professionals manage daily, from collecting evidence to collaborating with forensic specialists. Additionally, the investigators explained the methods and technologies used in processing crime scenes. They emphasized the importance of preserving scene integrity and the protocols for collecting admissible evidence, including fingerprints, DNA, and digital data. The discussion also covered the challenges faced by Crime Scene Investigators, such as the emotional toll of difficult cases and the need for objectivity. They shared anecdotes illustrating the complexities of real-life investigations and the satisfaction of solving cases.

Through our partnership with Target, our interns have visited several times to offer life-saving CPR refreshers to their customers and staff.

Our interns will also tour the Travis County Jail later this month and are involved in helping us with a fundraiser for one of our Deputies who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, scheduled for April 25th. They also intend to participate in the DEA Drug Take Back event on April 26th.