ROCKY HILL - The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney held is third annual DCJ Camp Justice from July 28 to August 1, 2025, introducing rising ninth graders to the inner workings of Connecticut’s criminal justice system.
In opening remarks, Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin kicked off the weeklong program, welcoming the soon-to-be high school freshmen to the Division of Criminal Justice with words of encouragement and purpose.
“This is an important initiative,” Chief State’s Attorney Griffin told the 39 students seated in the Kevin T. Kane Training Center. “What we’re trying to do this week is show you the many professions that make up the criminal justice system.”
Chief State’s Attorney Griffin told participants that they would hear from prosecutors, public defenders, private attorneys, judges, and police officers throughout the week, and that they would get behind-the-scenes access to courtrooms, police departments, and other field sites.
“I think you’re going to find it fascinating,” Chief State’s Attorney Griffin said. “You’ll get a chance to see how the system really works, and by the end of the week, you’ll walk away with a new understanding—and maybe even a new interest or passion.”
He encouraged students to use the week to consider new ideas and possibilities and even careers they might not have considered, paths they might not have known existed.
“Maybe something will click for you this week,” he said. “Maybe something you see or hear will spark an interest.”
Chief State’s Attorney Griffin told the students their participation in the camp could also help teach them the importance of decision-making.
“One of the things we see every day in the criminal justice system is bad decisions. That’s what brings people to court, decisions to use drugs, to steal, to hurt someone. It all comes back to one thing – a bad decision,” he said.
With high school around the corner, Chief State’s Attorney Griffin urged the students to respect themselves, their bodies, and their futures.
“You’ve got your whole life ahead of you,” he said. “The whole world is open to you, and the possibilities are endless.”
And he closed with a challenge: “Be a sponge this week. Soak up everything that’s given to you. Ask questions, get involved, and most importantly, know that you are welcome here.”
Opening remarks were followed by icebreakers and an overview of Connecticut’s criminal court system, led by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Susan M. Campbell, who helped students understand the prosecutor’s role in seeking justice. The first day continued with a look at the role of the public defender’s office, featuring a panel of attorneys, investigators, and social workers who shared stories from the field. They included Public Defender Administrator Verinda Birdsong, Supervisory Assistant Public Defender Lindsey Guerrero, Public Defender Social Worker Bettina Herrler, Senior Assistant Public Defender Douglas Ovian, Public Defender Investigator Ismael Perez and Public Defender Social Worker KerryAnn Isaacs.
The students later in the day explored policing with members of the Waterbury Police Department and examined forensic science with Joseph Rainone of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Identification Section.
On the second day, students traveled to the University of New Haven’s Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences to learn about crime scene investigation
The camp’s third day included an introduction to and words from Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Ronnell Higgins and a look at DESPP’s Central District Major Crimes van. Chief State’s Attorney Griffin talked about the work of the Cold Case Unit and Inspector General Eliot D. Prescott discussed the role of Connecticut’s Inspector General and included interactive mock scenarios called, “You Be the Judge.”
WTNH News Channel 8’s Dennis House ended the day’s presentations talking about his work as a journalist and his news channel’s coverage of high-profile crimes and other news events that occur across the state. News coverage is here.
On the fourth day, there was a field trip to New Britain Superior Court to talk to prosecutors, investigators and other court staff as well as a visit to a courtroom to watch a court hearing. When they returned to the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, Witness Protection Coordinator Tracey M. Kelly educated the group about the LeRoy Brown, Jr. and Karen Clarke Witness Protection Program, used to identify and protect witnesses in criminal proceedings. The day ended with discussion about career paths with a panel featuring judges, advocates, and attorneys, including Ansonia/Milford Judicial District State’s Attorney Margaret E. Kelley, the Honorable Maria del Pilar Gonzalez, Inspector Herbert Johnson, Paralegal Specialist Ann Taylor and Victim Services Program Manager Alexandra Gittines.
The week concluded with meaningful discussion on bridging the gap between federal law enforcement and the community, led by Charlie Grady, founder of Hang Time, an organization dedicated to helping ex-offenders reintegrate back into society and William Outlaw III of the Connecticut Violence Intervention Program.
A closing ceremony took place on the camp’s last day when each student received certificates from Chief State’s Attorney Griffin and Chief Judge of the Connecticut Appellate CourtMelanie L. Cradle, as Connecticut’s State’s Attorneys looked on.