San Diego State University's forensic science experts are lending Baja California a hand during its transition to a U.S.-style criminal court system.
The university on Friday hosted the inauguration of Baja California's new College of Forensic Science, which will be based in Tecate, Baja California. SDSU's Homeland Security Program helped develop the curriculum and will continue to provide support services. Forensics refers to scientific tests or techniques used in the investigation of crimes.
Baja California officials said the school is the only one of its kind in Mexico and could serve as a model for other states.
Mexico is moving to a more open court trial system where forensic evidence is expected to play a key role in deciding cases.
"In the past, we just had a confession as an important proof but today the most important proof in this new system is forensics, technology and science," said Baja California Attorney General Rommel Moreno Manjarrez.
At the ceremony at SDSU's Alumni Center, Moreno told the 67 students who made up the first class that Baja California needs to professionalize its ranks in the criminal justice system.
"Today we are in transition," he said.
The students were mainly state crime scene specialists and investigators who were selected from among 120 applicants. Their first class was held at the Alumni Center where a San Diego County Medical Examiner's official led a discussion.
Jeffrey Scott McIllwain, co-director of the Graduate Program in Homeland Security at SDSU, said his program will work closely with Baja California's new College of Forensic Science.
He said staff from the SDSU program helped analyze the curriculum to make sure it met binational standards and will provide a network of professionals who can offer guidance.
He described many of the students as "behind the scenes" people who run toxicology and ballistic tests and gather evidence at crimes.
"They have to make sure everything is prepared properly," he said.
He said SDSU was thankful for the opportunity to host the event.
"It was a sign of respect for us for all the help that we gave them," he said. "That was a very kind of them to do."
Leonel.sanchez@sandieogored.com
