'CSI' Event A Hit
1 September 2010
Jon, back row centre, with other participants and children involved in the day.
Children take part in a finger print session during the event.
Forensic Science academic Jonathan Wright helped ensure a summer forensic science programme for youngsters was a success.
Young students from Belper tested their detective skills during the summer as local Safer Neighbourhood officers brought 'CSI Flamsteed: Guilty or Not Guilty' to the area.
The event, based at John Flamsteed Community School in Denby, took place on Tuesday 27 July , and was mainly attended by Year Six students who will be joining the school in September.
Jonathan Wright, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science at the University, said: "We hope that this work has given the children an insight into science as a practical skill they can apply to many different situations.
"It was also a fun day for them and everyone seemed to learn a lot and had a great time."
PCSO Paula Martin organised the event, and said: "We have run a couple of similar sessions to this at youth clubs in Belper and Duffield, offering young people something fun and interesting to do.
"Throughout the morning the children analysed a crime scene to gather evidence such as boot marks, fingerprints and traces of blood. They also learnt how to take their own fingerprints, which were then turned into a key ring for them to take home.
"This event was a fantastic way to teach the children about the work of the police and some of the tools we use when solving a crime. It also gave the children an opportunity to get to know their local Safer Neighbourhood officers, in case they need to chat to us in the future about problems at home, school or in the community."
The children, who all attended the event voluntarily during their summer holiday, enjoyed the practical nature of the work.
