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During the week of July 8th-12th, the Criminal Justice Department at Bethany College hosted a Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Camp for high school students. This is the 2nd year the CSI Camp has been offered on the Bethany campus and is a four day camp for those interested in the knowledge, techniques, and skills needed to conduct a complete, thorough, and successful crime scene investigation. The Bethany College Criminal Justice Department, current BC students, and law enforcement officers who are Bethany alumni (Chris Bauer ‘93, Scott Anderson ‘95, and Joe Greene ‘98) taught the various seminars which incorporated the procedures used at an actual crime scene. The high school students were taught skills in fingerprinting, interviewing, report writing, diagramming, and performing relevant scientific tests. They also experienced a video presentation of an autopsy and arson investigators gave presentations.
When three mock crime scenes were set up on the Bethany Campus Wednesday night the students were put to the test. They were each given roles of investigators, detectives, crime scene security, CSI technicians, and evidence collectors. This experience gave the high school students a chance to show how much they had learned throughout the camp.
The final day of the camp the high school students got to experience a mock trial where Bethany Alumni Tisha Morrical ‘90 and Amie Bauer ’01 challenged the students as defense attorney and prosecutor for the crime scenes they investigated the night before. They were challenged with questions on their evidence, suspects, and witnesses to prove a successful case and a guilty verdict for the homicides they identified.
This camp is a great opportunity for hands-on experience in crime scene investigation. Students have the opportunity to work with experienced officers, detectives, and judges. They meet new people and worked with other students from around the state. Those who come to camp are given the chance to create relevant contacts for the future, and they are also able to form friendships with others who attend. The camp grew from 15 students last year to 30 this year. This year an advanced session was also offered for those returning. The Bethany College CSI Camp is a great learning experience for those who want to pursue the field of criminal justice after high school.
Lisa Runnebaum '09 Criminal Justice Major
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