Seniors enrolled in the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) class recently stepped out of the classroom and into the real world of Forensic Science during a field trip to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock. The visit was designed as one last experience for graduating students and gave seniors an up-close look at everything that goes into criminal investigations.
Throughout the day, students toured many different departments within the Crime Lab, like Forensic Biology, Toxicology, Firearms Analysis, etc. Lab workers demonstrated how evidence was processed, analyzed, and preserved, offering insight into the critical role Forensic Science played in solving everyday crimes.
The field trip was managed by Criminal Justice teacher, Lisa Toms. This was the first year the seniors have taken this trip, and Toms planned on making this a tradition for the upcoming seniors.
“For many of our seniors, this trip really brought everything together,” Toms said. “They’ve spent the year learning techniques and concepts, and now they’ve seen how those skills are used in actual cases.”
Students were really focused during displays of DNA testing and analyzing fingerprints. This trip was very beneficial to some, like senior Gabriella Cotroneo, who planned on being a police officer after graduation. Seniors had the opportunity to ask questions about career paths, work hours, required education, and real-life cases handled by the lab for those students planning on going into Criminal Justice after high school.
“Seeing the lab made me even more interested in pursuing Criminal Justice after graduation,” Cotroneo said.
The trip also highlighted how important accuracy and attention to detail are in Forensic work. Lab staff showed how even the smallest piece of evidence can be very important in any investigation.
Students also learned about the process of maintaining evidence integrity. Lab professionals explained how carefully evidence must be handled and documented to ensure it can be used in court. This part of the field trip brought back lessons students had studied in class before, showing them how even a tiny mistake can impact an entire case.
“I knew it wasn’t an easy job, but I didn’t know they had to be that careful,” Cotroneo said.
Additionally, students were able to see how advanced technology plays a major role in the field of Forensic Science. From expensive microscopes to specialized computer systems, the equipment demonstrated how science and technology work together in criminal investigations. This experience helped students better understand the level of expertise required in the field.
“Many students were even more sure that they wanted to go into Criminal Justice after the field trip,” Toms said.
One more important lesson from the visit was the varying career opportunities available for students in the future within Criminal Justice. While some only thought of police officers or CSI, being in the lab introduced students to jobs such as Forensic Scientists, lab technicians, and analysts who specialize in very specific types of evidence. This bigger picture allowed students to consider new paths they may not have thought of.
For many of the seniors, the experience served as both inspiration and a memorable send-off of their final year, but also a glimpse into potential future careers.
