The Mount Pleasant High School Forensic Science class recently got their hands dirty, using what they had learned in class to look for real-world clues in an investigation. Students had learned the art of dusting for fingerprints and were then challenged to pull fingerprints from everyday objects.

The students in Sadonna Stinson’s class chose an object from the Evidence Station and placed their own fingerprints on the object. They created a notecard of information about the object, including a small drawing depicting the location of the fingerprint. They used real-world tools to dust for the fingerprint and had to demonstrate the proper technique for dusting. Finally, they used a piece of clear tape to pull the print from the object and adhered it to the back of their notecard.

MPHS offers Forensic Science as a science credit option under the Law Enforcement cluster in the Career and Technical Education department. Students can take the class as part of a four-year program in Law Enforcement or as a stand-alone science credit. The course covers the investigation of assault, abuse and neglect, domestic violence, accidental death, homicide, and the psychology of criminal behavior. Students learn terminology and investigative procedures related to crime scenes, questioning, interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, truth detection, and scientific procedures used to solve crimes. Students collect and analyze evidence such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and blood spatter analysis.

For more information about Forensic Science, the Law Enforcement program, or other Career and Technology options at MPHS, contact the CTE Director, Jay Silman, at 903-575-2020.

Photos:

1. Mayte Flores creates a notecard about her evidence.

2. Cameron Erwin dusts a CD for fingerprints.

3. Mariana Torres leaves her fingerprint on a glass.

4. Axel Fernandez lifts his fingerprint off a teacup with tape.

5. Osiris Vargas dusts for fingerprints on a coffee cup.