Students investigate a mock crime scene at HCCC
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: July 25, 2012
A group of area students is taking part in a youth program regarding Crime Scene Investigation at Herkimer County Community College.
It may have looked like a real investigation at HCCC, but it was a mock crime scene where area students were at a shallow grave investigation sifting for evidence.
"It's not a one hour process. It may be a day, a week or a month you're spending at a crime scene," explained Professor William Stack.
William Stack, a former Herkimer County investigator and now a professor of forensics investigation and photography at Herkimer County Community College is giving exposure to teenagers who are interested in Criminal Scene Investigation.
"Mainly from watching things like NCIS and I wanted to see what was fact or what was fiction," said Carolyn Alford.
"I started to watch a lot of cop shows and it made me interested in it," said Christina Decshene.
But, professor stack says it's not as glamorous as various TV programs make it seem.
"It's not really like that. We are seeing more of 9-11 and the events in Colorado recently. Crime scenes are becoming more complex and more time consuming," said Professor Stack.
For a week, students will get basic hands-on experience through actual CSI equipment like GPS systems, metal detection systems and... "we learned how to collect DNA evidence and make molds of shoe prints and tire tracks," said one student.
On Wednesday, the team worked at a mock crime scene where a farmer discovered a body and the students had to excavate the skeletal remains and gather other evidence.
Professor Stack says this simulation will show the students that they need to be detail-oriented to work in this type of field.
But, although they're just getting their feet wet now, professor stack says he sees potential investigators down the road.
"This is going to help me to figure out i really want to do this for a job... and this is definitely something I want to do," said Rebecca Bruce.
On Thursday students will set up two crime scenes in the dorm rooms at HCCC and investigate.
