Police support forensic students at mock crime scene

Forensic and criminal investigation students from Solihull College and University Centre tested their investigative skills, as part of Blossomfield Campus transformed into a staged crime scene.

The college hosted a team of investigators from West Midlands Police who helped build the scene to mimic a real-life scenario.

Level 3 students donned anti-contamination clothing and were met with a staged situation where a dog walker had discovered human remains and it was up to them to forensically examine the evidence. A mannequin victim, gun casings, DNA evidence and more were scattered around the crime scene.

Students were advised how investigators would assess a scene and gather evidence and what conclusions could be pinpointed as a result.

After analysing the scene, students had a debrief with the police to discuss their findings. Multiple groups were able to experience the scenario throughout the day.

Andy Price and Paul Tebbitt, who oversee complex crime for West Midlands Police, joined students.

Lead crime scene co-ordinator Andy, who has over thirty years of crime scene experience, was impressed with the enthusiasm of students.

He commented: “We really appreciate Solihull College and University Centre asking us to be part of this experience with their students who are studying Forensic & Criminal Investigation.

"To be able to help and inspire the next generation of forensic experts is something that we are always happy to be part of.

"Being a forensic expert means that you will always have to keep up with new technological and forensic advances.

"In my field of expertise I 've always been supported to continue to learn and it 's really great to see the incredible enthusiasm of the young people who are on their first steps to such an interesting and rewarding career. ”

Students Freya East, aged 19, and James Crouch, aged 16, found the experience especially useful.

Freya, who hopes to go on to study psychology and rehabilitation of offenders, commented: “The mock crime scene made us think big and really consider how everything fits together. This made the scenario seem more real. We were able to think on our feet instead of from our chairs. ”

James, who hopes to work in a forensic lab in the future agrees, adding: “I had to consider evidence from every area. This helped me zero in on each piece of individual evidence rather than think too broadly. ”

Pictured: Caution - the set-up investigation scheme at the college