Recently, students in Mr. Kent Zevenbergen’s Forensic Science class at the Boyden-Hull JR/SR High School participated in a crime scene activity. This activity was facilitated by Zevenbergen and School Resource Officer (SRO), Deputy Waylon Pollema.
On the first day of the activity, students were given a crime scene scenario. Acting as law enforcement investigators, the students entered the scene where a mock homicide had been committed. Through their investigation, students were taught about the search warrant application process, learned how to use evidence collection, fingerprint analysis, suspect interviews and collaboration to determine a suspect who they believed had committed the crime. Students were also educated on the importance of photography, documentation and report writing methods law enforcement uses in these types of investigations.
Pollema said, “This activity was designed to be student-driven; they worked hard and were engaged every day. It was rewarding for Mr. Zevenbergen and I as we watched the students enjoying the activity and using problem-solving skills. We received great feedback from the students and look forward to continuing this activity each year.”