CSI: Great Plains Tech
CSI: Great Plains Tech
One Activity ; A Variety of Skills
By M. Churchwell
I learn best like this, with hands-on activities.
- MICHAEL YORK,
STUDENT
Students in Charlie Martin’s Criminal Justice program are busy investigating a complicated case. Beginning with a visit from the Lawton Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit, students first learned theory associated with collection and analysis of physical evidence at a crime scene.
For practical, hands-on application activities, Mr. Martin draws on his 24 years of experience in law enforcement, much of that time spent in the Criminal Investigation Division. Based on actual crimes he has investigated, Mr. Martin created a crime scene that each student squad processed together.
Among the skills honed during the CSI activity is attention to detail. Students learn to observe, document, and analyze every aspect of a crime scene, fostering a meticulous approach crucial in real criminal investigations. This skill extends to note-taking, photography, and the ability to spot even the most inconspicuous details that might prove instrumental in solving a case.
Students practice critical thinking as they navigate through the complexities of crime scenes, analyzing evidence, considering multiple perspectives, and drawing logical conclusions. Students work together to gather and process evidence, share insights, and collectively build a comprehensive understanding of the crime scene.
Mr. Martin stressed the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and communication. “Communication and teamwork are crucial. You have to keep your detectives informed of what you’ve got on scene,” he tells his students. “They aren’t here with you. They’re at the station interviewing witnesses, and you may find something they need.”
Communication and teamwork are crucial.
- CHARLIE MARTIN,
CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTRUCTOR
After they complete the CSI unit, students will move into investigation and interrogation. Detectives from the Lawton Police Department will visit the class, and students will question witnesses and suspects connected to this same CSI activity.
Many students in the Criminal Justice program are interested in becoming police officers and detectives, but several are considering other options in the field. Yuliza Hunter-Padilla wants to be an attorney, and Michael York wants to be a firefighter.
Students in the program have many options for both career and agency in Southwest Oklahoma. Among others, students could go on to become forensics specialists, paralegals or attorneys, or victim advocates. Martin says there are over 30 agencies in SW Oklahoma where his students could eventually work.
Skills they develop through this CSI activity and other real-world activities in the Criminal Justice program will no doubt be beneficial regardless of career path or employer.
For more information about Criminal Justice or any of our other programs, visit the Criminal Justice Officer page or call 580-355-6371 to speak to a counselor.
