Laredo College forensics program to expand with federal funding

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo College will receive more than $770,000 in federal funding to expand its forensics program, adding lab space and equipment for students studying crime scene processing.

Antonio Lara is in his third week of the forensics program at Laredo College, learning how to collect fingerprints. The program is a stepping stone for students pursuing a career in law enforcement.

The classroom has room for more students, but the program needs additional equipment to open more seats.

“It’s definitely going to be really exciting, because imagine all the new equipment that we’re going to get,” Lara said.

Minita Ramirez, president of Laredo College, said the funding will allow the school to equip a second lab for the Forensic Science Tech program.

“We’re equipping, hopefully, a second lab for the Forensic Science Tech program so that the cohorts can grow and so that we can have more students involved in the program,” Ramirez said.

The funding will also go toward crime scene simulation areas and advanced investigative technology.

Heriberto Hernandez, associate provost at Laredo College, said the funding will cover specialized equipment.

“That includes crime scene scanners, processing units, and really all the equipment that’s necessary to process any scenarios that our law enforcement officials might find out there in the field,” Hernandez said.

Congressman Henry Cuellar announced the funding Monday, Sept. 7. Ramirez said the goal is to open more seats so more students can enroll and train on the same tools investigators use in the field.

“Especially being able to get hands-on with all of that stuff, I feel like it’s definitely going to be a huge boost into my career, being in the forensics program,” Lara said.

College officials hope the new classroom and equipment will be ready by next year.

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