We were pleased to have with us four visitors from Uzbekistan who were here to study Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Innovation in America. Included in this program was a Chief from their Ministry of Health, members of their main Forensic Bureau and a forensic expert from their Department of Forensic Anthropology.
The delegation was welcomed to Pensacola by Gulf Coast Citizen’s Diplomacy Council staff with breakfast at Oscar’s so the group could see the place where infamous serial killer Ted Bundy was captured – happy Halloween indeed! Joining us for breakfast was Dr. Michael Berkland and Buddy Gissendanner.
Following breakfast the group was pleased to have the chance to tour an American High School- something that interested them very much. Principal Eric Smith was kind enough to provide them with the opportunity at West Florida High School of Advanced Technology.
After their quick tour, the group headed over to University of West Florida’s Forensic Anthropology Department where they met with Dr. John Bratten, Chair of the Department of Anthropology and Dr. Joanne Curtin, Associate Professor of Anthropology, as well as Elizabeth Benchley. They visited the division's biological/forensic Anthropology laboratory, and also the maritime artifact conservation and terrestrial archaeology laboratories.
Following an enjoyable lunch the group made the short drive to University of West Florida’s Department of Criminal & Legal Studies where Associate Professor of Legal Studies Kimberly Tatum and instructor Dr. Richard Hough greeted the group. They then led a discussion regarding the exploration of fatalities related to previous domestic violence case and how the state of Florida attempts to collect data so that these fatalities could be prevented in the future.
At their final appointment of the day the group was welcomed to the Escambia County Sherriff’s Office by Sena Madison where they were given a tour of the labs and shown how forensic evidence is collected and handled.
The following morning the group met up with Drug Chemistry Supervisor Joseph “Joey” Graves, and DNA Supervisor Jay Kelchak at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. After a Q&A session, the group was led on a tour of the crime labs, shown where evidence is collected and handled and led through the procedures that take place when new evidence is brought in.
After lunch the group met up with long-time friend and resource of the council Dr. Kimberly Womack and Nicole Tatum at Baptist Hospital in Gulf Breeze to discuss SANE procedures and protocol for cases of rape or abuse.
The professional day concluded at the Office of the Public Defender where Dr. Michael Berkland once again joined the group to discuss how forensic evidence has been used to solve cold cases.
The group enjoyed their free evening on the beach – where even the slightly chilly weather couldn’t prevent them from jumping in the Gulf of Mexico.
