UT
NIVERSITY IMES
Nov. 24, 2014
INSIDE:
LA ONDA: RESIDENCIA TEMPORAL PARA
www.csulauniversitytimes.com
Issue 207.9
C A L I F O R N I A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y, L O S A N G E L E S
Departments Educate with Murder Simulation
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HOW TO AVOID TEXTING SCAMS PG 15
VIGIL FOR VICTIMS OF NEGLECT PG 6/7
Cal State L.A.'s first ever simulation lab of a murder scene | Photos By Timmy Truong
Gerardo Amezquita
Staff Reporter For the first time, Cal State L.A. conducted an experimental simulation of a murder scene that involved the participation of three departments. The interdisciplinary trial partners were Criminal Justice, Criminalistics, and Television, Film, and Media (TVF). The goal of the simulation was to give students hands on experience into the reality of a homicide investigation from three standpoints—investigators, forensic scientists, and reporters. Harkmore Lee, Director at the Center on Child Welfare, developed the idea to open up the on campus simulation lab to Criminal Justice majors other than the usual Social Work and Nursing students. The mock crime scene was organized by Don Johnson, a veteran professor of the Criminalistics Master’s program and renowned forensic scientist. Johnson incorporated a similar case into the simulation from his prior employment in the Los Angeles Sheriff’s department. The set up of the mock crime scene was divided into various roles: investigators,
responding unit, reporters, witnesses, and criminalists. First would begin the responding units call of dead body in a residence. After, the reporters travel to the destination, in order to obtain the scoop. They interview any witnesses and officers willing to disclose information. The investigators are then called in along with the forensic scientists. They examine the room and develop theories as to the possible happenings of the definite murder. The investigators must then prepare for an official press release where two things are required from the participating groups. The media must grill them on as much divulge-able information possible. Conversely, the investigators must stick to a narrow script about the incident without giving out any details they want known. Besides the involvement of University Times reporters and Journalism 391 students, the simulation owes its credits to the attentive participation of ‘Crim. 448: Police and the Media Students.’ The class instructor Professor Lisa Graziano was impressed by the level of professionalism her students conducted themselves in, as well as to the experiment itself. Following in the same format, graduate students in the
Criminalistics program were similarly notable. The crime scene reconstruction class, steered by Dr. Johnson, allowed them to practice the actual tools they would use in a crime scene. As an added benefit, they were instructed by actual CSI’s in utilizing electrostatic lifts, color test, and other forensic kits. Students were awfully anxious to participate in the lab, fearing they would mess up. However, to Lee, that was the point of the exercise. Lee exclaimed, “We want you to make mistakes here rather than in a professional field.” The decision on whether or not to hold the simulation came down to the Dean of Health and Human Services (HHS), Beatrice Yorker. She pointed out her interest and support for the simulation lab because it gave students a new dynamic of expertise. In turn, when students graduate they would find it simpler to acquire jobs from their direct experience and team building. Yorker expressed her excitement of this new program, hoping to make it more widely available to law enforcement. In conjunction with the program, Lee included the proficiency of professional training, management, and production
consultants Six Point 7, Inc. to regulate the training. Without their help, the simulation would have been at a devastating lost. Patrick Gadut, Senior Management Consultant, facilitated knowledge, understanding, and tips to all disciplines in order to execute at a professional level. For example, in his deliberations with the TVF students Gadut drew the importance of homicides in media reporting. “If it bleed it leads,” he exclaimed referencing the importance of the dynamic relationship the media and law enforcement share. Dr. Suzanne Regan, advisor of the University Times, exclaimed her gratitude for the inclusion of the TVF department. In accordance, she found the whole setup extremely entertaining and informative. Regan grew to love the simulations' regard for true professionalism that challenged students to perform under strict pressure. While the certainty of the program remains in limbo, the staff of the UT declares it to be a success based on our experience. We look forward to their decision on whether or not to renew the program and implement it into common practice for all departments involved.