Written by: Jenelyn Gene Junio, Wendy Baloran, and Denmark Rey Velasco | Photographed by: Nicole Hernandez, Nina Salas, and Jenelyn Junio
UB-SCJPS engages high school students in hands-on forensic activities, sparking curiosity in criminal justice and scientific investigation through an interactive dactyloscopy and “Crack the Case” challenge.
BAGUIO CITY — The University of Baguio (UB) School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS) Student Body brought a touch of forensic science to the Amazing Race organized by the UB Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) in celebration of Guidance and Counseling Month 2025. Held on October 11, 2025, at the UB Campo Manes, the activity gathered high school students for a half-day of exciting challenges designed to promote career awareness, personal growth, and school-wide engagement. The event provided meaningful learning experiences for students who are passionate about exploring their future career paths.
The SCJPS Student Body prepared an interactive booth that featured dynamic activities aimed at sparking students’ interest in the field of criminal justice. The session opened with the popular “Mafia Game,” where participants took on the roles of civilians, police officers, detectives, and mafia members—an engaging activity that introduced the concepts of teamwork, deduction, and investigative thinking.
Following the game, participants were immersed in a basic dactyloscopy activity, offering them firsthand experience in fingerprint collection and analysis—a core skill practiced by SCJPS college students. The high school participants learned two essential fingerprinting techniques:
- Latent Fingerprint Lifting: Students created thumbprints on plastic Ziploc bags and used a latent brush and lifting tape to recover the prints, which they secured on a latent card.
- Inked Impression: Using fingerprint ink pads, they rolled each finger onto a ten-print fingerprint card, which served as their personal souvenir from the activity.
The hands-on experience gave the students a glimpse into the meticulous and scientific nature of forensic work. Beyond the excitement, the activity also served as a form of career orientation—encouraging the youth to consider professions in criminology, law enforcement, and forensic science.
Through this initiative, UB SCJPS successfully inspired the next generation of future investigators and public safety professionals. By connecting academic learning with practical application, the department demonstrated its commitment to fostering curiosity, discipline, and ethical awareness among young learners—values that lie at the heart of both education and public service.
The “SCJPS Inspires Next Generation: Dactyloscopy and ‘Crack the Case’ Challenge” for UB High School students, held during the Amazing Race organized by the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD), strongly reflected the University of Baguio’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program was intentionally designed to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge with real-world application.
In alignment with SDG 4 (Quality Education), the activity offered an engaging and practical learning opportunity that deepened students’ understanding of forensic procedures, particularly dactyloscopy or fingerprint analysis. By allowing participants to apply investigative techniques in a fun and interactive setting, the event promoted critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning—key competencies emphasized in quality education.
The initiative also embodied SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering awareness of justice, fairness, and accountability—the foundational values upheld by criminal justice and public safety professionals. Through simulated investigative challenges, students gained insight into the importance of ethical conduct and responsible citizenship in maintaining peace and order within communities.
Furthermore, the collaboration between UB SCJPS, the UB CCSD, and the participating UB High School students exemplified SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This cooperative effort demonstrated how educational institutions can work together to promote shared learning, strengthen institutional relationships, and nurture a generation of future leaders who are guided by integrity, service, and civic responsibility.
As the event concluded, UB SCJPS reaffirmed its dedication to inspiring the next generation of analytical and service-oriented individuals. Through immersive activities like dactyloscopy and the “Crack the Case” challenge, the school not only ignited curiosity and enthusiasm for forensic science but also emphasized the enduring values of teamwork, discipline, and integrity—principles that continue to define its commitment to hands-on, values-based education.
