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Ashley Smith, Special to the Democrat 3:19 p.m. ET March 25, 2017

Merry Ann Frisby became the first female sworn officer in the Leon County Sheriff's Office in 1977.(Photo: Merry Ann Frisby)

A Florida State Universityalumna, Merry Ann Frisby studied for her masters in physical anthropology, the study of present and past human biology and evolution. She began her law enforcement career in crime scene investigation.

More than 40 years ago, there were few women in law enforcement at the time outside of those working in clerical positions. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, women made up less than two percent of all sworn officers in the 1970s nationally. That did not stop Frisby.

A newly elected sheriff was open to diversifying the force. Frisby qualified and became acertified law enforcement officer. She was warned that she would not land a job due to being a woman.

In 1977, Frisby became the first female sworn officer in the Leon County Sheriffs Office.

People expect me to say I received a lot of opposition from the force. I didnt. It was thephysical challenges that were my biggest obstacles, said Frisby.

The only concern she knew her colleagues had at the time was whether she was able and willing to protect and serve her fellow officers when the time came. Her commitment in that regard was unwavering.

Surrounding counties started to use Frisby to help at crime scenes to speak with female victims. After beginning her career in crime scene investigation, Frisby later moved to the detective division covering crimes against people.

Oasis logo(Photo: Logo)

Frisby recalls a defining moment early in her law enforcement career. She was called to an investigation where she fell into a mud-drenched ditch attempting to photograph a body. Her male counterparts stood at the top of the ditch waiting for her to finish reviewing the body, which was crime scene protocol. Then she struggled to get out of the slippery ditch.

For one instance I thought Im a girl, is someone going to help me! recalled Frisby. Then I caught myself and thought No...Im a detective.

Once finished she began to climb out of the ditch, falling back down and climbing back up several times. The men stood around and watched.

I got to the top of the ditch and put my hand up feeling for the ground, one of them grabbed my hand and pulled me up, they realized that I could and was determined to do my job. In that moment they accepted me not as woman, but an officer, said Frisby.

After her time serving as a law enforcement officer, Frisby went on to continue to serve the public as an investigator with the Public Defenders Office.

When asked about shattering a glass ceiling locally she said, I didn't crack it alone. I cracked it with the group of women who were there day by day, said the grandmother of 12. We showed that women are equally qualified and capable as officers.

Still, women remain dramatically underrepresented as sworn officers in law enforcement making up only 13 percent of the force nationwide, according to the U.S. DOJ.

Each year in March, as part of Women's History Month, The Oasis Center for Women & Girls recognizes local women who have rewritten history by blazing trails. Trailblazers are honored for the barriers they have crossed and glass ceilings they have shattered. Frisby is being recognized for her work which paved the way for other women in law enforcement careers locally.

Since her retirement from the field, Frisby has continued to contribute to the community through her writing on a range of topics including law enforcement, medical marijuana use, politics, and more. Her writing is often featured in the Tallahassee Democrat and the Monticello News where she contributes as a guest columnist and she touches on her experience in law enforcement throughout her articles.

The mother of a daughter with epilepsy, Frisby also spends time advocating for those living with the neurological disorder, serving on the board of Epilepsy Association of the Big Bend.

Written by Ashley E. Smith for The Oasis Center for Women & Girls, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to "improve the lives of women and girls through celebration and support." Smith is a communications volunteer and a freelance public relations practitioner. Contact Executive Director, Haley Cutler-Seeber at 850-222-2747 or email at haley.cutler@theoasiscenter.net. For more information on The Oasis Center, visit http://www.theoasiscenter.net.

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Trailblazer: Frisby paved way for women in law enforcement - Tallahassee.com

SELMA Kaitlin Brightwell may only be a freshman this year at Selma High, but she has lofty goals.

She wants to become a criminal defense lawyer and use the latest Crime Scene Investigation techniques to overturn unjust sentences and give citizens their freedom back.

I want to help innocent people," she said. "I want to do a good job by getting the guilty ones put in jail and innocent ones out of jail.

Brightwell recently received a letter in the mail that would give her a head start on that journey. It was a nomination packet to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum: Law and CSI in Washington, D.C. this July. The forumgives students hands-on learning in those areas with activities such as a mock trial, Supreme Court simulation and forensic science case to solve.

Kaitlin's mother, Crystal Brightwell-Ruff, said she thinks attending the seminars will give Kaitlin a taste of her future career and help mold her into a confident lawyer someday. Brightwell-Ruff should know, since she was able to attend the leadership forum when she was a senior at Selma High in 1994.

When the nomination letter for Kaitlin first arrived, Brightwell-Ruff said they waited to reveal the contents of the packet until they went to her parents home.

Her grandma and grandpa were both involved in getting me there and my mother still had my old file from when I went 25 years ago, Brightwell-Ruff said.

When she attended, the forum focused on politics and the legislative, judicial and executive branches she recalled.

It was an exciting time to be in the nations capitol, as Clinton had just been nominated. Not Hillary, her husband, she says to clarify to her daughter. When the nomination came in, I knew all about it. It was incredible when I went. I knew we had to figure out a way to send Kaitlin because it shepherded me into the area I work in now.

Brightwell-Ruff went on to work as a paralegal, and after talking about her work over the years, Kaitlin became interested in fighting for those whove been wrongly accused.

The innocent dont deserve to go to jail, and if lawyers dont do a good job in court, then innocent people are sent to jail, she said.

Aside from the forum itself, Brightwell said she's is excited just for the experience of traveling such a lengthy distance on her own.

Its my first plane ride, she said.

It was mine, too, but thats kind of the point, Brightwell-Ruff said. Its to get them out there and see how the real world works. You get to meet all new people that are interested in the same things you are, network, learn from those people and see what their goals are.

To be able for Brightwell to attend, the family is raising money to pay for the trip by sending letters seeking sponsors.

Its definitely an honor, but its something were paying for, Brightwell-Ruff said as they look to meet an April 15 deadline and raise $6,000 to cover travel expenses.

Brightwells teachers say they agree the young freshman will flourish after attending the forum, as shes already demonstrating leadership abilities.

She works hard no matter what. She gives the same effort all the time and shes a great person to have in the band, Band Teacher Janna Hall said.

Since Brightwell plays clarinet and only so many are allowed on the field during performances, she didnt always get to be part of the shows. However, shed come to class day after day putting in the same effort, her teacher said.

Instead of feeling like Im the alternate and I dont have to work as hard, she was right in there and showing up for practice all the time," Hall said. "I was really happy when she didnt have to be an alternate anymore. Thats just the kind of person and student she is. Shes very mature and very intelligent for her age. Shes already a good leader and shell thrive there.

Brightwells AVID teacher, Becky Zavala, calls her a bright young lady that always positive.

She always has a positive attitude and is always willing to help out her fellow students," she said. "Shes never let to class and never walks in without a smile on her face. I know that she will have a bright future ahead of her."

Although Brightwell is excited at the prospect of attending the forum, shes also thinking of her long-term career goals.

Id like to get into a University of California college," she said. "Theyre hard to get into, but I know they have good law programs.

Once shes graduated, Brightwell said shed like to return to the area and practice law locally.

After hearing about her mothers work and learning about the Innocents Project, Brightwell said her interest in law was cemented.

The Innocents Project is where lawyers spend a certain amount of hours each year investigating and trying to get innocent people out of jail, she said.

Brightwell said she's researched and advocated for lawyers to add two more hours to the project so not a lot of people would be in jail that are innocent and didnt do anything wrong.

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Selma student nominated for law and CSI forum - Hanford Sentinel

LAKEPORT >> Lake County District Attorney Don Anderson determined that Clearlake Police Officer Michael Dietricks action was justifiable when he shot and killed Joseph Melvin during a 2016 struggle.

Anderson based his decision on wounds suffered by the officer during the encounter. Citing the fact that Dietrick was losing consciousness due to a head injury and could rightly assume that he was in danger, Anderson found his decision to fire his weapon to be supported as justifiable homicide.

Joseph Melvins violent conduct and his ability to violently overpower the officer with such force and skill, was such that a reasonable person in the same situation would be in actual fear of their life or being inflicted with great bodily harm, Anderson noted in his report.

The incident occurred on March 29, 2016, when Dietrick responded as a backup unit for CPD Officer Jessie Scott to an alarm at 3292 Park Street in Clearlake. While investigating the circumstances of the call,Dietrick encountered Melvin in a bushy area very near the residence .

When Dietrick approached, Melvin jumped up and attacked the officer. Melvin started to beat the officer with a steel 12 inch flashlight, causing Dietrick to suffer lacerations and abrasions to his forehead. At this point he started losing consciousness.

Reportedly fearing for his life, Dietrick, fired his weapon, striking Melvin four times. Melvin was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Lake County District Attorney Investigation Division conducted an independent investigation into the incident. Also, an internal investigation into the incident was conducted by the administration at Clear Lake Police Department.

Dietricks body camera recorded the events both audio and partial video. Witnesses were interviewed and the decision was also based upon a crime scene investigation and medical reports.

The investigation determined that Dietrick had drawn his weapon and ordered Melvin to put his hands out and lay on his stomach. As Dietrick notified dispatch that he had one at gunpoint Melvin began to retract his arms. Dietrick holstered his firearm and attempted to grab Melvins left arm. At this point Melvin lunged up and started attackingDietrick.

Dietrick reportedly drew his taser. but had difficulty deploying device.

Eventually Dietrick fired four rapid rounds from his Glock .40 cal. semi-automatic pistol into Melvin. Three rounds hit Melvin in the left side chest and one round on the left/front side of the neck.

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Melvin immediately fell to the ground ending the fight.

Melvin, age 46, was a long time residence of the Clearlake, last staying with his wife and friends on Fresno Street in Clearlake. He was a large man standing at 66 weighing 185 pounds with a lengthy history of criminal offenses, including crimes against police officers, thefts and possession of controlled substances.

At the time of the incident Melvin reportedly had a very high level of methamphetamine and amphetamine. He also had methamphetamines and a methamphetamine smoking pipe in his sock and pants pocket.

Such a high level of methamphetamine could have contributed to his violent reaction in this incident, Anderson noted in the report.

Officer Dietrick suffered a laceration on his forehead; a hematoma on the back of his head; a hematoma on the top right side of his head; and a hematoma on the left side of his head. There was a moderate amount of blood on his face that covered the front of his uniform chest and stomach. There was also blood on his radio and body cam.

A burglary investigation was conducted at 3292 Park Street by the Clearlake Police Department. Evidence at the scene indicated the suspect of the burglary entered the residence through a window and tripped the alarm system.

The suspect removed several items from within the residence which were later recovered in the red duffle bag at the shooting scene and in a pile across the street.

Melvins shoe prints were located at the burglary scene and also matched those leading to and around the shooting scene the stolen items.

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Officer cleared in death of Clearlake man - Record Bee

Sandusky Register

CSI: Boston Massacre Sandusky Register VERMILION Fifth grade students at Sailorway Middle School recently conducted their own crime scene investigation. By collecting evidence and questioning witnesses, the detectives had to answer a huge question: Did the Boston Massacre occur on ...

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CSI: Boston Massacre - Sandusky Register

The University of Indianapolis Provost Office was the scene of a crime recently as the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency (IMCFSA) trained a new forensic scientist and provided a real-life learning experience for criminology students.

UIndy partnered with the Marion County Crime Lab to host a training scenario for Crime Lab Technicians and UIndys Criminal Justice program. (Photos by Jennifer Zentz)

To the untrained eye, it might have been a disturbing sight: blood spatter, bullet holes and even a dummy murder victim, shot to death and slumped behind a chair. The staged scene was all part of the IMCFSAs training exercise, conducted in partnership with UIndys Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, designed to prepare novice crime scene technicians for the real thing.

Weve taken over the provosts office, pretty much, said Christine Ondek, supervisor of Marion Countys Crime Scene Unit. Its an extremely nice office, too. I felt bad throwing evidence around here!

The training exercise involved 35 pieces of evidence. The trainee was assessed on every step, from the interview with the detective to crime scene video and other observations. The exercise was the culmination of four months of training, and the fourth and final mock crime scene before the trainee is sent out to process real crime scenes.

Starting in 2018, the University of Indianapolis will offer a Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) track for criminal justice majors to meet growing demand in forensic science careers. The program was developed in consultation with IMCFSA Director Mike Medler and staff, said Associate Professor Kevin Whiteacre, chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. The CSI track ensures graduates will meet IMCFSAs accreditation requirements for hiring crime scene techs.

Whiteacre, who teaches criminal justice, says there is growing interest in the field because the natural sciences are becoming a larger part of criminal justice, and there is an increasing expectation from judges and juries for more analysis of physical evidence.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the forensic science field will grow by more than 24 percent over the next eight years. Its a growing field, Whiteacre added, explaining that while non-sworn civilians can become crime scene technicians, a sworn officer in a smaller community may also have to play that additional role.

Several UIndy students came to observe the mock investigation throughout the day, including Anthony Castel, a freshman graphic design major and chemistry minor.

Im really interested in both forensic art and crime scene investigation, so ideally I want to learn the tools of the trade, said Castel, who is studying to become a forensic artist.

Interest in forensic science has spiked due to the popularity of television shows like CSI, Bones and others. But while those fictional dramas may spark curiosity, Ondek says the reality is much different.

People dont realize how long were out on crime scenes. This crime scene is probably going to take her seven hours to complete. On a TV show, its done in half an hour and its solved and we have the guy in custody. Things just dont happen like that, she said.

Ondek leads a team of 11, but the crime lab is looking to hire several more by the summer. Our staff is really overworked, so to be able to have an extra set of hands out there helping us is extremely important, she said.

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University of Indianapolis provost office hosts mock crime scene - UIndy News