Hilbert College has always been proud of their Criminal Justice and Forensic Science / Crime Scene Investigation graduates.  As frontline workers who either battle crimes head-on, or as the behind-the-scenes problem solvers, Hilbert graduates continue to put their lives in danger every day in the community. 

Now, with all the unknown elements of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hawk alumni show up every day to do their job and fight for victories -  just as they did as student-athletes wearing royal and white uniforms.

Three alumnae responded to the call when coach Jenna Castricone reached out to her former teammates for updates.

Rebecca Elensky, 2013 graduate – Forensic Scientist and former women's soccer (2009-2012) and softball (2011-2013) athlete

For those who are considering a career in Forensic Science, can you share with us what your job entitles? 

I am a Forensic Scientist for the Department of Forensic Sciences in the District of Columbia. I go to crime scenes when an offense has occurred and process it using different techniques depending on the scenario. Every scene gets photographed and then from there we have to decide whether we need to collect DNA or fingerprint-related evidence. Each day is different, and I never know what may happen in my shift. Some days I can be down in our garage processing a vehicle that was used in a crime, up in the morgue collecting evidence, or on the streets dealing with various crimes.  

How has your job expectations changed due to COVID-19?

All of our outdoors scenes have remained the same, but since COVID 19, an officer is checking ahead of time to see if anyone in the residence has tested positive for COVID before we enter.  We process scenes wearing extra PPE  - n95 masks and gloves. As well, when entering hospitals to process victims with injuries it is the same thing, extra PPE. Now if anyone has tested positive for the coronavirus, we will wear tyvek suits, goggles, and face shields as added protection.

What advice do you have for other folks during this pandemic?

Just listen to the advice and words of the professionals.  Stay at home so that you can stay healthy.  Essential personnel don't get that luxury of taking time off, so please follow your community's expectations.

Amber Bailey, 2014 graduate – Crime Scene Investigator and former women's soccer athlete (2010-2013) 

How has your job changed since COVID-19? 

I am working for the City of Durham (NC) as a Crime Scene Investigator.  The whole virus situation has definitely affected how we do our job.  We are getting temperature checks when we come into work now and we have to use extra precautions on every scene with increased use of PPE including masks, bio suits, goggles, and gloves. The level of PPE depends on the crime scene, whether it is indoors, inside vehicles or other people's homes as well as outdoors.

What extra precautions do you have to take now – for your safety and those in the community? 

Gloves have always been required due to the job but a mask is now required at all times. Goggles now need to be worn when inside vehicles, houses, or other enclosed areas. Full bio suits are needed if there is a higher risk of COVID contamination.

We are limiting exposure at hospitals, which we used to go to often to photograph victim and suspect injuries. It's a scary time especially when we deal with people (dead and alive) not knowing if they are infected.

What advice do you have for other people during this uncertain time?

Please limit unneeded exposure to others and don't make unnecessary trips. Wipe down frequently touched surfaces, wash your hands frequently, and be conscious of touching your face without clean hands.

Just remember Locard's Principle of Exchange which states that whenever two objects come into contact with one another, an exchange of materials occurs.

Crystal Hailey, 2016 graduate  – Police Officer and former softball athlete (2013-2016) 

You have been in the police force for almost three years now, how do you think your role in the community has changed since COVID-19?

When I started the police academy in 2017, I knew I was joining a career to help, serve, and protect the community that I work for.  I am currently a Police Officer for the Chesterfield County Police Department in Chesterfield, VA.  During the COVID-19 global pandemic, my position as a first responder has been needed more than ever trying to deal with the unknown which has caused fear, confusion and panic. During these trying times, my job has not changed but has certainly evolved.

Explain how your job is evolving.

One example is wearing face masks while on the job.  It has been more challenging for me and the community. Not being able to connect with community members when trying to give verbal commands to suspects on higher risk calls has taken part of the emotional and authoritative aspect of the job away from us. It is also challenging trying to implement social distancing while detaining and arresting criminals as well as preforming CPR and other life saving measures.

Are there any changes that you see in the community towards you, the officer?

Yes, the pandemic has created a panic throughout the community and a hesitancy of community members allowing officers into their homes for fear of spreading the disease.  While at the same time, we, as officers, are fearful of entering a home without pre-screened residents for possible COVID symptoms.

Is there one last piece of advice you would like to share? 

Throughout all of these changes, whether big or small, I am proud to be able to serve my community.  I want people to know that we are always here to help and to bring a sense of calm to those in need.  We want to keep communities safe and we ask that people listen to experts so we can all be safe and stay healthy.
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