It’s Murder, Madame.

By Erika Westbrook
A car speeds into the drive, a woman jumps out; she is screaming and calling the name “Brie,” as she watches smoke billow from the windows of her granddaughter’s home. A neighbor comes to her side and calls 911. It is just moments before firefighters and emergency response workers are on the scene, and WVUP Criminal Justice students are shadowing them.
This was the opening scenario of the mock crime scene that took place during the ninth annual West Virginia Criminal Justice Educators Association Conference, held on campus Nov. 11 and 12.

Criminal Justice students were given hands-on experience as they worked alongside various organizations in creating a real-life version of a crime scene, which included arson, murder and a missing child. Students played many of the roles including victims, suspects, police officers, detectives, and emergency responders.
The Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Wood County Detective Bureau, Eastwood Volunteer Fire Department, Fire Investigation Team (FIT), Wood County Coroner and Double K Blood Hound were among those working with the students.
“We really appreciate all the organizations that helped with this event,” said Shawn Kaftanic, coordinator of the event.

The mock crime scene is part one of a three-part project coordinated by the Criminal Justice students. Information obtained at the mock crime scene will be used in a briefing and mock trial, which will take place in the spring.

Kaftanic commented that, “This is a way for students to get hands-on training, so we will better know what to expect once we are involved in a real-life crime scene. I believe it went well and the students got to learn from each organization.”

The conference continued on Saturday with panel discussions on issues such as The Supreme Court and Civil Liberties, Criminal Behavior, Pretrial Publicity, and Policing.

Wood County Prosecutor Ginny Conley and retired WVUP professor Dr. Regina Copeland were keynote speakers during the event.