Feb 8, 2016 2 min read

WAYNESBURG – Waynesburg University will hold its annual spring mock crime scene event next month.

The event, which is led by the school’s Department of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences and directed toward high school students interested in criminal justice, law enforcement or forensic science, will be held March 19 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on campus.

Students and parents will gather at Stover Campus Center at the start of the event for a briefing and then separate activities will be offered for parents, while participating students spend the morning in sessions with experts in various fields.

Students will rotate through four stations featuring guest presenters, who typically include experts in ballistics, DNA collection, fingerprints, forensic analysis, prosecution and other topics. Lunch is provided, and students and parents can meet after lunch with the Office of Admissions for campus tours or to ask any questions.

James Tanda, instructor of criminal justice and coordinator of the event, said the goal of the mock crime scene is to raise awareness about Waynesburg University’s major disciplines related to criminal justice.

“It is also designed to clear up myths and misconceptions often exhibited on television and give (high school) students firsthand exposure to professionals and the methods used in current day crime scene investigation,” Tanda said.

Any students interested in attending the seminar can contact the Office of Admissions or Bob Barnhart, admissions counselor, at 724-852-3346 for more information or to reserve a spot for the event. Space is limited, so students are encouraged to register soon.