Crime scene laboratory

For students studying Forensic Investigations, we have our very own crime scene houses which are video and audio enabled. These purpose built houses allow our students to investigate a range of simulated crime scenes. The video and audio facilities allow us to remotely monitor students and can be used for feedback purposes, as well as novel assessment methods. 

You can then analyse this evidence in our well-equipped laboratories before taking this evidence to court in the University's Moot Room – a fully functional courtroom.

FAQs

What can students do here?

You can apply the forensic techniques taught in lectures and workshops to realistic crime scenes, attempting to identify relevant forensic samples. Upon identifying items of interest, you will recover, package and label these samples and record the items in your continuity records.

What is the most frequent request you receive?

To enable students to access MORE simulated crime scenes. Students really enjoy the applied nature of this learning experience and they would like to get more opportunities for this activity.

How does the School use the crime scene room?

The community houses (crime scene houses) are used extensively by our students at all levels to develop the key skills needed for crime scene interpretation. Both houses are fully functioning houses with the rooms you would expect in a home (bedrooms, kitchen, living room and bathroom). Within these properties, all utilities and equipment are operational and real, however unlike real houses, these have CCTV in all areas allowing academic staff to remotely assess a student’s capability at a specific task. 

The crime scene room is managed and operated by the forensic science teaching team. The team have exclusive access to this facility, which is used by all 210 students currently enrolled on forensic related courses in the School of Life Sciences and School of Psychology, Social and Behavioural Sciences.

What equipment/software is available for students to use?

Students starting our courses at Level 1 are supplied with the equipment they will need for crime scene and laboratory sessions as part of our "Flying Start" promise.

In addition, you have the opportunity to use a range of specialist forensic and analytical equipment, including Video Spectral Comparators, Electro-static Lifting Apparatus and a range of chromatographic and microscopy systems.

How do students interact with the facility?

Students have specified timetabled 'crime-scene exercise' sessions in each year.  These sessions are staged and planned to develop students' applied practical skills. They are supervised throughout and guided to aide their skills development.