Proposal

Narrative

The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice has been increasing the number of students who are enrolled in Forensic Investigation classes and will be opening a Forensic Investigation Minor for the fall 2025 semester. The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice has engaged in cooperative efforts with the Department of Anthropology, Biology, and the Science Learning Center to provide students with multiple learning opportunities. Two of the key components of the training of crime scene investigators who are attractive to agencies are crime scene photography and courtroom testimony. The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice requires added equipment and technologies to properly train students to be competent and confident in these areas. Nikon cameras are the main platform used by many agencies and the acquisition of 6 new sets of cameras would be a great leap forward in teaching the students the theories and applications of crime scene photography. For detailed macro photography (biological fluids or latent fingermarks), a specialized set of camera lenses, a copy stand, and alternate light sources are crucial to enhance this training. The alternate light sources would require students to wear colored goggles for proper viewing of the "evidence" to be examined. Students will also be trained in scientific based reconstructions which will require additional learning aids such as the ballistics trajectory mannequins. These are used extensively for crime scene reconstruction differentials as well as courtroom testimony. The crime scene software POSER is a rendering program which will train students to be capable in demonstrating crime scene conditions, specifically how a crime victim was found. This technology is also used in crime scene reconstructions and courtroom presentations. The technologies acquired for these courses will also allow instructors to generate Research Intensive classes for those enrolled.

Facilities

None.

Hardware Requirements

1. 6 sets Nikon D-7500 Camera Body, Nikkor 24-70mm lenses (with UV shields), SB-700 Speedlights, 128GB Memory Cards. 2. 2 AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm lens ((with shields). 3. 1 Kaiser Copy Stand RS2. 4. 1 Impact Dual LED Panel Kit. 5. 1 Rofin Flare Light (Alternate Light Source). 6. 3 Orange Goggles. 7. 1 "Trajectory Tom" Mannequin with trajectory rods.

Software Requirements

POSER software system

Personnel Costs

None.

Other Costs

None.

Timeline

Project materials will be implemented immediately within classes.

Sustainability

All items are permanent. Software license is also permanent.

Resource Matching

None.

Implementing Organization

School of Criminology and Criminal Justice