KINGSTON, R.I. – February 4, 2008 – David Thatcher, of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Criminal Investigations will discuss, “Metal Detection at Crime Scenes” Friday, Feb. 8 at the University of Rhode Island’s Forensic Science Seminar Series.

The event will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Pastore Hall, 51 Lower College Road, Room 124 and is free and open to public.

Thatcher started his work with the state in 1981 when he joined the capitol police force. In 1993 Thatcher graduated from the URI Forensic Science (BCI) training course and has become an instructor for the program, teaching environmental crimes awareness and electronic metal detection. Thatcher’s expertise is using metal detecting equipment to help in many evidence searches throughout New England.

Thatcher has been a criminal investigator for the past 12 years and in 1986 he became the youngest member appointed to the board of directors for the R.I. League of Historical Societies.