On Thursday, children got a peak into the science of police work, as officers of the Jaffrey Police Department presented introductory forensic concepts as part of the Jaffrey Public Library’s summer learning program.
The library, with assistance from a grant from MilliporeSigma, has been doing presentations and hands-on activities on various scientific fields of study this summer. On Thursday, Patrolman Kelsea Ashmore put together activities for children to learn how science — including chemistry, physics and biology – intersects with police work.
Ashmore said the children got to do three experiments – one involving taking and matching fingerprints, one with learning about how to make casts of things like footprints and tire prints and one about ink chromatography, which is looking at the makeup of different water-soluble materials. The experiments included taking their own fingerprints, using fingerprint cards of some of the adult volunteers and trying to correctly match them to a “mystery” fingerprint – which Ashmore said all the children were able to do – and making their own plaster casts which will be on display at the library.
Ashmore said the experiments were appropriate for the age group – about 6 to 12 – and easily reproduced at home.
When the library approached the police department about doing a presentation, officers were eager for the community engagement, Ashmore said.
“I think there’s been a huge initiative this year, particularly after COVID, of getting into the community more, and giving the community a positive face and interaction with the police department,” Ashmore said. “We want them to know that the interactions with us don’t always have to be scary. We’re often there on someone’s worst day. We also want to be part of their best days, particularly with kids. This is where the crime-prevention happens.”
Lt. Christopher LaBrecque of the Jaffrey Police Department said the presentation was part of several outreach events the department has planned throughout the rest of the year.
“The police department, just in the nature of the work, can be distancing. Often we’re dealing with negative interactions. But we want to be an interactive part of the community, and be a resource for people,” LaBrecque said.
LaBrecque said the department will continue to work with the library, including having been invited to read to children during story time, and future learning presentations.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.