How SSDC Began

   Lloyd Merle Shupe, Jr.

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     Columbus Dispatch Magazine Article, April 1950
 

HOW SSDC BEGAN

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The antecendent of The Society for the Scientific Detection of Crime was a monthly poker game frequented by the Franklin County Prosecutor, Franklin County Coroner, and various detectives. Reflecting the favored time for these recreational meetings, the members informally referred to themselves as The First Friday Club. As to be expected, their conversations often turned to previous and current cases in which they were involved, and they would critique themselves on their efforts.

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After the end of the Second World War, some of the First Friday Club became convinced of
a need to establish a modern Crime Laboratory in Columbus, Ohio. To work to that goal they more formally established themselves as The Society for the Scientific Detection of Crime, which informally became known as the Crime Club. As a result of their efforts, the Columbus Police Crime Laboratory was established in 1946. Its first director, Lloyd Shupe, became
a member of the Crime Club and until his death was one of its most distiguished  and

active members.

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Since its foundation the Society has maintained in its ranks a broad range of expertise. Members include law enforcement officers, judiciary, lawyers, crime scene investigators, criminalists, anthropologists, forensic dentists, coroners, forensic pathologists, toxicologists, educators, and others whose professions touch on the soluton of crime. The Society continues to encourage the use of scientific principals in the furtherance of justice.

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Membership is by invitation and is usually offered after an individual has made a formal presentation to the Club at its regular meeting. Meetings are of two types The more frequent presentations are made a professional concerning his or her contribution to the solution of crime by scientific means. The club also opens itself to those with an ongoing active criminal case, which may be presented to the membership for their assistance. The club keeps a strict policy that all information which may be revealed during its meetings is strictly confidential and not to be mentioned outside the meeting room.

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Over a quarter century ago the Crime Club began to sponsor an annual one-day seminar on some topic of interest. The faculties for these seminars not only have consisted of Society members but also distinguished forensic scientists who have been invited to present. Past presenters include Professor James Starrs, Dr. Henry Lee, and Dr. Joseph Davis, among others. Previous topics have included Child Abuse, Firearm Injuries, and Deaths from Fire and Explosions. 

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The Society currently meets the first Thursday of each month, except for the months of January and February.

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LLOYD MERLE SHUPE, JR. 

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