CSI Field Study with the Richland County Sheriff's Department

We had a fantastic trip today!  Thank you to the sheriff's department and our wonderful chaperons! 

Students viewed a presentation by Investigator Bouknight about all things crime scene related and then rotated through three crime solving stations...

Footprints- Investigator McClary assisted each student in making a footwear print. Students made observations and learned about footprints as forensic evidence.  They learned several techniques for finding and lifting prints including using a gel lifter, electricity paired with mylar film, and dental stone for casting.  They also learned about using oblique lighting to find tracks and photographing prints as the most important form of documentation.

Fingerprints- Students heard Investigators Odom and Atencio talk about the three types of fingerprints and how even seemingly similar prints can reveal unique differences.  Students got to be fingerprinted themselves and examined their own print pattern for Galton's details.

Mock Crime Scene- Students worked with Investigator Polis to documented the scene by sketching the site and marking evidence.  They also learned to use magnetic powder to dust for prints and how to swab for DNA.