Day 10: FBI, Freeze!

As the title of the post gives away, we went to the FBI office in Oklahoma city. It was interesting to know what they did. As from films it doesn't give much away in regards to their duties and they portray themselves in films as taking over the operation. So going to see what the FBI does was very interesting (Plus how many people can say they visited the FBI on their birthday).

They described the different crimes in which they help solve which are involved; white collar crime (bribery, fruad, identity theft etc) , counter terrorism, civil rights (protecting an individuals freedom, free from discrimination) and cyber crime. Usually they work with the police when required. When they are requested (usually if there is a case where the area may have a small police force) they help in the investigation and communicate with other forces.

They protect the rights of individuals freedom of speech and investigate acts of discrimination. However sexual orientation was not included until 2009, which is relatively recent. In the UK there have been laws defining that acts of aggression towards someone because of their sexual orientation is an act of discrimination for a longer period of time. It makes you wonder why such laws were not included earlier.

After visiting the FBI, we went to the police departments intelligence unit. They went through the procedures in phone tapping. They need a court order and will need a lot of evidence to prove that the person who is having their phone tapped is the likely suspect. If they get the incorrect suspect then it would have an invasion of privacy for said individual. Usually these wire taps are only for severe cases such as homicides and drugs.

Another department that was looked at was the gangs and gang warfare. They specialised in the different type of gangs that there are in Oklahoma. They had the varying colours of bandanas and photos of tattoos which showed which gang they were part of. There was also intell on which gangs were more likely to fight each other and what activities they were into. They have been known to recruit members at a young age. Some as young as 12 as they may have older brothers who are part of the gang. Another high risk factor that someone may join a gang is the attachment of the child with the parents. They may not have great communication with the family members and may try and find such family in a gang, as the believe there is a false sense of trust. Another possible reason is the lack of entertainment facilities. That way, they can find stuff to do. The intelligent unit into gangs gathers intelligence on the different gangs and can predict if there are going to be any clashes between gangs and create a prevention for future gun fights.

The other unit was the graffiti unit. A fairly recent unit in which they try and find 'taggers' so that they can easily identify someone if they are graffiti on public property. This vandalism causes the government a lot of money to repair/paint over the graffiti, therefore wishing to find those who are responsible. With creating profiles of varying taggers and their artwork they can be more easily identified. They also identify high risk areas in which graffiti takes place.

As mentioned earlier, it was my birthday on the 27th June. As I had turned 21 on that day and I can legally drink in the USA (it felt as though I was turning 18 again back in the UK). For that day we went to a bar in Bricktown, to have food and a couple of drinks. I had such an amazing night with everyone there. Plus chocolate cake was absolutely gorgeous which was a lovely surprise. Thanks to Everyone!

Day 8 & 9: Water, Water Everywhere

Saturday and Sunday we spent time at the lake which was such a change from the court rooms and crime scenes. It was worth the 2 hours car journey there and was nice to have a change in scenery.

Saturday morning we traveled down to the lake. It was such a lovely and picturesque lake. The water was nice and warm so it wasn't a nasty cold shock when you get in. Though I was concerned about a snake/eel I saw (then again it could have been a twig lying ontop of the water). It was nice to just lie back and take it easy, either sunbathing or taking a dip in the lake.

After this we went to the hotel to drop off our stuff and even more relaxing. When I saw the hot tub, I thought, 'Yes I am totally going in there'. So about 20 minutes later the group were in the hot tub taking it easy.

The next day we were back at the lake but it was a bit more active than before. We were going jet skying! This was something I have wanted to try for a while but either never had the opportunity or was really expensive. So I had a chance to be a passenger and driver on a jet ski. Being the passenger is far more scary than being the driver (depends on who is driving the jet ski). As the passenger your more likely to fall off than the driver. A lot of the time I was holding on, not wanting to end up falling into the lake. But when I got to be the driver, I had a lot of fun. Even though the water was being splashed into my face I was still hitting 25 mph. It is way different to driving a speed boat. I much prefer jet ski!

Later on that day we were heading off to the rodeo, so we wanted to look the part. We went to Wallmart to get some cowboy hats to wear for the event. We made our way to the rodeo and was expecting the whole cattle rustling, horseback riding and bull riding. But in my opinion I didn't find it overall entertaining. To begin with they had the saddle bronc riding, where the cowboys had to stay on the bucking horse. But looked a bit cruel for the horse. Next was the cattle rustling, but the way they lassoed the calf looked as though they were chocking them.They had picked them, to throw them on the ground so that they can tie them up by the legs. The one part I did like was the barrel racing and that was only because it was just riding the horse and nothing being aggravated to throw someone off. I can say that I have gone to see it and it is an experience but will probably not choose to go to one.

I enjoyed the lake trip more than the rodeo. I respect the traditions of the rodeo but in my opinion it isn't my cup of tea.

Day 7: Chillax

No internship today. So what do you do in that situation? Relax and take it easy. Which is what we did at the waterpark today. It was great to have a long lie as we didn't have to leave till 1.

The park was huge, reminds me a bit of the waterpark in Aya Napa in Cyprus (although most waterparks are similar). Went on one of the rides but spent most of the time in the lazy river (basically a long winding pool that takes your round a part of the park). And when not in the pool, I was sunbathing. And when I say sunbatheing I mean getting sun burned, apparently. Didn't realise how bad it was until I got back to the room and found this huge patch on my shoulders and back. I thought I put enough suncream on but I didn't. That has taught me to apply more suncream on reguarly (and to use the 50 instead of the 20)

However on a brighter note (I have already mentioned this on my facebook) I got a 2:1 for my psychology degree and I am so happy. It is a huge weight off my shoulders and to get that grade is awesome.

I do want to say this though, I would like to thank everyone who has been there for me during my time at university. I couldn't name everyone (because I might leave out a couple of names) but there are a lot of you that have supported me through my degree. My family, friends and lecturers, have been there to help with my essays/dissertation through to just having those random chats which take my mind off work. So with that I would like to say that you all helped me get this 2:1 and just to say thank you so much.

I will be off to the lake for a weekend break and then off to the rodeo on Sunday. A fun packed weekend where I will hopefully avoid anymore sun burns.

Day 6: CSI: Oklahoma

OSBI

Even though it was a 7:30am start, I had such a brilliant time today. We went to see a crime scene investigator (which it obviously will be different to the TV show).

Number Tents

We had to drive 2 hours (which isnt that much over here) to go to Ada, so we can get to the OSBI (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation). It not only deals with CSI but is also the centre where they train police officers (so taking finger prints, police driving, shootings, doing paperwork etc). The investigator was very informative and gave us an introduction in how to conduct a crime scene investigation. Also when going through the crime scene that you need to take loads of photographs of the scene, before you go in, while your walking, before bagging up evidence etc. She also introduced us to a vareity of equipment that she uses in her investigations. Like the tents which are used to indicate where the evidence and can measure the piece of evidence on the ground. Or paper bags to gather evidence as it reduces contamination to the evidence (If using plastic containers, it can collect condensation and would contaminate the evidence). We had a look at the photos of one of her previous homicide cases which she guided through and described what her order of processing the crime scene was and what evidence was gathered.

Fake Crime Scene Victim

Later on we had a chance to view a made-up crime scene and went through how you proceed through the scene. It was a house a few feet away from the centre where they train the officers in CSI. It was an interesting experience to try and spot possible pieces of evidence.

Police Defence Training

After the CSI experience we had a chance to go through the centre of what the police officers have to go through for their 3 month training course. They had a room where they trained them in different fingerprint gathering techniques such as iodine crystals and the standard black ink approach. In the same room they shown us how they gather footprints at the scene which can be just as good as a fingerprint. We had a chance to go into a class of 76 trainee police officers (When asked how many were in the class, they all responded at the same time!).

After seeing their rooms and recreation room we had a chance to see them in their self defence class. We were told some had experience at fighting but a lot didn't so the experience levels of each of the trainees was different but were all being taught how to do the basics and how to handcuff someone if they are resisting. But  the move that they were doing looked quite painful so gave that a miss.

Police Driving Test Accident

We drove a little way to the driving portion of the police training. There they needed to navigate the course of cones in a pursuit without knocking over any of the cones at high speeds. So we had the chance to be in the car with the instructor being driven round the course. It was really exciting as they swerve round the corners and go very fast while doing it. After the road portion they took us off road and we were skidding around and drifting around the corners. I must say I wouldn't want to be the poor sap being chased by the police. Although there was one instant (see the photo) that someone braked while swerving and ended up rolling the car over. So you need a lot of training to be a police officer.

It was certainly a fun and once in a while experience and would like to study more about that area.

Day 5: All Rise for Judge Bass

Another day at court to view the murder trial. As I have said in my last post I can't give many details. The expert witnesses were again interesting, for example the ballistics expert (Gun expert). He explained the experiments he used to determine what gun were the bullets fired from, the impact the bullets make, markings to know which gun the bullet comes from etc. The medical expert, explaining aspects of the crime relating to them victim.  Throughout the court case we viewed other interesting evidence. One aspect of the case which I found interesting was the cross examination of the defendant. The prosecutor did a really good job dissecting the defendants testimony and highlighting the flaws.

Don't look professional!

The amazing Chesca talked to the DA assistant and we got to meet the judge of the trail! At first I thought he was going to be strict and scary but was really nice. We asked him questions about the trail and he was happy to answer them. He gave us a business card (so we can find out the outcome of the case) and a lapel pin which was very nice of him. I still found it odd after the meeting with the judge we found the defendant in the office (especially when we were talking about the trail to the judge next door).

After the long day at court it was relaxing to be able to go to the mall to do a bit of shopping.

A bit of Britain in America

Day 4: Court Is Now in Session

First day of the internship and we were off to court. So it was time to suit up and make myself look presentable. 9am start, which I can get up for, to go to the Oklahoma County Court. When we were there we were going to observe a trial. Obviously I can't go into detail about the case but it did give me an insight into the court proceedings, presenting evidence, examining the witness, different types of expert witnesses etc.

Afterwards we met the coordinator of the criminal justice programme to discuss any areas we were confused about in the court and general enquiries. For example having more the reason they have 14 jurors, is that 2 are back ups if anything happens to one of the original 12 jurors, the sheriff is elected,can deals with civil matters (divorce, eviction notices etc) and deal with a portion of a county whereas the police are incorporated into a city. We will be off to the courts again on day 5.

We had an awesome birthday party for Katie who had turned 20. There was cake, Mexican food, dancing, non alcoholic drink, even more dancing!

Happy Birthday to Katie!!

Day 3: Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Orientation Time! Got the finalised timetable of what is going on and it looks really interesting. Tomorrow off to the court house to view a trial. Then throughout the month, Fusion centre, FBI, rurual law enforcement etc. which looks very exciting.

Then off to Toby Keith's for dinner, a country singer. The place was huge with loads of American décor covering every wall, I was glad that I took loads of pictures. The food was great, had BBQ rotisserie chicken with Okra. Never tried Okra before but I was glad that I had tried (its a green vegetable deep fried). One thing I do have to say is, if you ever come to America, you will never go hungry.

Afterwards went to a baseball game! My first baseball game and it was really fun. I enjoyed watching them playing the game and was using my experience playing it on the Wii to try and remember the rules and realised they did siplify it for the Wii. Luckily was told the basics to get by. With our tickets we got a free baseball cap and the word free is always good with a student. Unfortunately the rain eventually arrived at the game so it was postponed until it passed over. So we headed back to get some rest for our internships.

Day 2: Pool, Route 66 & Oklahoma City National Memorial

The good thing about the 2nd day you always feel well rested and are ready to do anything (I say that but I fell asleep trying to type up this post).

A bit of an easy day to begin with. A brunch and natter with the internship gang. Then a few games of pool in the common room which thankfully had air conditioning (I still can't get over how still hot it is). It was very nice having a bit of free time before starting the internship but looking forward to seeing what Oklahoma has to offer.

For dinner we traveled along route 66 and went to Pops which had this huge 66ft bottle with a straw.Inside they have a wide range(a wagonload one could say) of soda to choose from. And for dinner, I tried my first chilli dog (well first time I have ever tried chilli) and it was gorgeous (don't even want to know how many calories it had).

Afterwards, we went to the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Its there to honor the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were affected by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. There is a lot of symbolism in the memorial.

Just before entering the memorial you see this statement on the entrance:

'We come here to remember Those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity.'

The gates of time symbolise the minute before and after the event. The 9:01 represetns the innocence of the city before the attack

The 9:03 represents the moments everything changed

The survior tree which is a 90 year old American Elm tree which withstood the violence and is a sign of human resiliance.

There were other features of the memorial which symbolised an aspect of the statement written at the entrance of the memorial.

Come Fly With Me

So first day in Oklahoma and I am really excited to explore the towns and starting the internship. It was scary at first, traveling to Oklahoma with the worries of baggage allowance, having everything booked everything correctly and taking the right documents. But at the moment I have settled into the room which I will be in for the next month and its a new experience which I am ready to get stuck into.

After the 14 hour flight (including transfer) we were greeted at the airpot by Dave (programme coordinator) waving the Welsh flag. After getting out luggage and leaving the airport, you just realise how hot it is. I have been to Turkey, Mexico and Barbados but the heat here dose not compare to them. I think I will be boiling in my suit when the internship starts. It was roughly 38c when we landed but was assured that it would go down to the mid/low 30s. Coupled with the high humidity you are sweating a couple steps walking outside. Thank goodness for air con.

We got to the University and the one thing I thought was, this place is huge and completely different from the Swansea University campus (as well as the library building looks ways nicer than the one in Swansea). When we arrived we were given gift bags full of tour guides, itinerary, sun cream, bottles of water, snacks, insect repellent etc which was very thoughtful and helpful. The rooms are very spacious and different to halls back home. You have two people to room which you share the living room, kitchen, washroom and have your own bedroom. Whereas normally you would have 6/8 people sharing the same communal area. So I prefer the room system here. With the campus, I have only had a chance to walk a small way round to find the gym, common room and the 'Cafeteria' otherwise I will end up a pool of sweat.

After dinner, we got the chance to go to Wallmart and it was MASSIVE. The big Tescos in the UK are small compared to the Wallmart I went to. So went there to get a couple of thing like Twinkies, Hershie bar, Chocolate Marshmallows (YUM!), OJ etc. A few things I had noticed was that a lot of stuff there was huge. Some of the bulk stuff is huge back home but a lot of the bulk stuff I think is cheaper and you get more of it. For example you can huge bottles of OJ which I don't think could fit in the side door of the fridges back home.

When we all went to the restaurant after the trip to the Wallmart, but the tiredness from the early morning start, long journey and jetlag started to kicked in so was falling asleep at the table. I was glad to finally get some sleep.