Forensic Chemistry (CHEM 107) students visited SLED, the preeminent forensic agency in South Carolina, to reinforce their studies on the fundamentals of forensic science, including evidence collection and analysis.   Most local and county law enforcement agencies will contact SLED for incidents that may involve arson, illicit drugs, missing persons, and homicide.  During the tour, field agents explained the process of documenting crime scenes and collecting forensic evidence.  Students also  listened to agents who specialize in one area of forensics: firearms, questioned documents (forgeries), fingerprints, trace analysis (e.g., gunshot residue), toxicology (e.g., blood alcohol), and drugs (e.g., opiates). The agents also showed the class their labs (from the outside).  Our tour guide Sharon Hunt also explained student internship opportunities at SLED. This course is required for criminal justice majors, but it can also serve as part of a student’s Carolina Core.