TW Forensic Consulting Goes International!
Royal Air Force Mildenhall - England
I recently had the privilege of being hired by the U.S. Government to travel to beautiful Mildenhall, England. The prosecution was in need of a forensic nurse expert for a court martial case involving a member of the air force being charged with domestic violence and child endangerment.
After arriving at 6am on a Sunday, driving 2 hours North of London, and checking into the historic 500 year old Bull Inn…. I took a nap! But after that last moment of rest, the work began and was nonstop for the week. I toured RAF Mildenhall, a joint air force base that serves as the main refueling station for Europe and the Middle East. Ever see those giant planes that refuel fighter jets mid-flight? They come from Mildenhall!
After getting clearance documents so that I could enter without being accompanied by my host, a fantastic Captain and prosecutor for the Air Force, I met with the Major. The Major’s job is to travel all over Europe to legal offices on air force bases to lead the prosecution in cases. The Major, Captain, and I discussed the case, and I got a crash course in military court cases, as they differ from U.S. civilian courts. I evaluated the photographs and evidence, and gave opinions on the medical aspects of the case.
The next two days were spent doing trial preparations, preparing the evidence and exhibits, and interviewing the witnesses. Along with the forensic psychiatrist expert, I as the forensic nurse expert had a large part in this process as I guided the questions to learn more about the medical information needed, and also helped interview the physicians and nurses.
On Wednesday the trial began. The beginning of the trial involved the vois dire, a procedure to choose the members of the jury. In the military, the jury consists of four members and three alternates. Of the four, two must be enlisted, and two must be officers. The case must be decided with a decision agreed upon by three out of the four members.
The trial continued through Friday evening. Throughout the trial, I was able to communicate with the prosecution at all times to add notes and questions during the actual questioning of the witnesses. During breaks, we would huddle and discuss continued strategies. After the closing arguments, the jury deliberated until midnight.
This experience was invaluable. I was able to meet and network with high ranking military members, and got to spend the week with a world-renowned forensic psychologist. While my sightseeing consisted only of Heathrow, the M25 motorway, RAF Mildenhall, and The Bull Inn, it was an incredible trip. I learned a ton, and was an important part of an impressive team. I look forward to more opportunities to work with the U.S. Government.