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The quiet village of Hartington is transformed into a crime scene for a two day learning event, complete with footprints, murder weapon and police presence as criminology students and uniformed police cadets try to solve a 'murder'.The investigation The grounds of Hartington Youth Hostel are tightly cordoned off when a pool of blood and a weapon is found, giving the students a chance to secure the crime scene, identify evidence and question witnesses. The investigation is organised by lecturers Dave Walsh and Helen Clarke, and two Derbyshire Police CID training officers. Solving the crimeStudents are split into four teams. Each manages it's personnel to deal with collecting forensic evidence, interviewing witnesses, criminal investigation, and identifying the man's killer.Dave Walsh portrays different key witness interviewees during the two day investigation. He said "for our last investigation the 'deceased man' was married but had been secretly conducting a gay relationship. This means that the students have to conduct their investigation and interview people with those sensitivities in mind."What the Crimnology team and Derbyshire CID sayOver the last three years this event has taken place, Dave and the CID officers helping have been impressed by the students' teamwork, and the way they have entered into the spirit of the investigation. They say "the CSI-style event gives students the opportunity to experience the real challenges of investigating a physical crime, and to put into practice the theory that they learn in the classroom."What our students say"It was like real life Cluedo. We learnt how to process evidence, interview suspects and follow the correct procedures when investigating a crime." Connie Cole
The grounds of Hartington Youth Hostel are tightly cordoned off when a pool of blood and a weapon is found, giving the students a chance to secure the crime scene, identify evidence and question witnesses. The investigation is organised by lecturers Dave Walsh and Helen Clarke, and two Derbyshire Police CID training officers.
Students are split into four teams. Each manages it's personnel to deal with collecting forensic evidence, interviewing witnesses, criminal investigation, and identifying the man's killer.
Dave Walsh portrays different key witness interviewees during the two day investigation. He said "for our last investigation the 'deceased man' was married but had been secretly conducting a gay relationship. This means that the students have to conduct their investigation and interview people with those sensitivities in mind."
Over the last three years this event has taken place, Dave and the CID officers helping have been impressed by the students' teamwork, and the way they have entered into the spirit of the investigation. They say "the CSI-style event gives students the opportunity to experience the real challenges of investigating a physical crime, and to put into practice the theory that they learn in the classroom."
"It was like real life Cluedo. We learnt how to process evidence, interview suspects and follow the correct procedures when investigating a crime."
Connie Cole
