Evidence students in the SWCC Criminal Justice program met with Captain Wayne Matthews of the Texas Rangers over video conferencing on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.
The Texas Rangers, a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, were created in 1823, and will celebrate 200 years of service for the citizens of Texas in 2023.
"This kind of partnership in education is important for students to understand the different agencies that protect the public throughout the United States," said Dio Ayala, director of SWCC's Criminal Justice program.
Captain Matthews talked to students about the importance of evidence collection at a crime scene.
According to Matthews, the most important asset you have at a scene is “patience, don’t rush processing a scene take your time.”
A methodical process helps make sure that nothing is missed. Rangers carry a crime scene kit with them at all times so they can process a scene without having to call in additional resources. This also depends on the scene; if additional help is needed, Rangers can call in for assistance.
Students were able to ask many questions about the history of the agency, uniforms worn, which includes a Western Style Cowboy hat, white conservative shirt, tie, slacks, western boots, western belt, and a Texas Ranger badge pinned above the left shirt pocket.
The relentless pursuit of fugitives by Rangers is a tradition for over 200 years. Meeting with Captain Matthews was very informative for students and we look forward to talking with him in the future.
How do you become a Texas Ranger? The following is from the Texas Ranger website:
“Each applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America, in excellent physical condition, and have an outstanding record of at least eight (8) years experience with a bona fide law enforcement agency, engaged principally in the investigation of major crimes. The applicant must be currently employed with the Texas Department of Public Safety, in the position of a commissioned officer with the rank of at least Trooper II.”
Follow Southwestern's Criminal Justice program on social media for more updates. The CJ program is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as swcciowacj.