On Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, Assistant Prosecutors Danielle R. Grootenboer and Kristin Demarco visited the Forensics class to share their experience working in criminal law.

Danielle R. Grootenboer and Kristin Demarco are Assistant Prosecutors from the Superior Court of New Jersey in Hackensack, who are evidently well educated and passionate about their career. They informed the class about their everyday encounters in their workforce and dove deeply into how the court system operates.

Topics that the students previously discussed in class were explained in depth from first-hand experiences to further improve their understanding and give them real-world examples. For instance, they shared that footprints found at a crime scene can be dusted and lifted with a piece of tape to later be used for evidence on trial. Grootenboer and Demarco elaborated on how they became assistant prosecutors, revealing that they had to work their way up to their current position.

This presentation not only enhanced the students’ knowledge, but brought attention to the difficult yet enticing work Grootenboer and Demarco face on a daily basis. By giving insight into what their job entails, the students have the opportunity to recognize if they are interested in becoming an assistant prosecutor in the future. Grootenboer and Demarco left the students with the advice to work on their public speaking skills and choose a career that interests them.

Senior Dereck Rezabala shared his thoughts on the presentation, “I liked how they provided a lot of details to help me better understand what happens in court and criminal trials.”

Overall, the presentation was greatly informative and expanded the students’ understanding of the Forensics course.