Summer Forensic Science Camp
Description
Crime scene processing is an inherent task and duty associated
with most criminal investigations. Rarely does one encounter a crime without
some kind of crime scene. Crime scene processing consists of an examination
and evaluation of the scene for the express purpose of recovering physical
evidence and documenting the scene’s condition. To accomplish this,
the crime scene technician engages in six basic steps: assessing, observing,
documenting, searching, collecting, and preserving. The purpose of the criminal
investigation is first and foremost a search for the truth. The discovery
of this truth begins with locating, documenting and preserving physical evidence.
In this section, students will learn the components necessary to properly
process a crime scene. Written and photographic documentation will be discussed.
Collection of physical evidence (to include fingerprints, drugs, blood, firearm,
and footwear impression evidence) will be covered. The students will also
learn the proper methods of preserving this evidence so that it can be properly
analyzed by the forensic laboratory.
Much of the analysis of forensic evidence involves the physical
and biological sciences. Participants will have the opportunity to perform
presumptive and confirmatory tests on evidence collected from the crime scene.
Students will explore the theory behind DNA analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy,
and microscopy and have the opportunity to apply these techniques in the analysis
of evidence such as drugs, fibers, arson debris, and DNA samples. In addition
to the physical and biological analyses, students will learn the importance
of laboratory note keeping, chain of custody, and data presentation.
In the mock trial portion of the camp, students will learn how
attorneys prepare actual cases for trial. Students will be introduced to the
method of writing an opening statement in a jury trial and how to direct examine
and cross examine witnesses. They’ll learn some basics about the rule
of evidence, how to introduce evidence at a trial, and how to keep it out
of the trial if it violates evidentiary rules. They’ll also learn some
basics about how to make an effective closing argument in a trial. Above all,
students will address the question of how juries get the truth at a trial.