CSI: Independence: Hands-on Learning in Thompson’s Station

Published September 23, 2016

Students in Independence High School’s Criminal Justice classes gained some hands-on experience and insight into police work September 22 when teacher Dr. John Carter turned his classroom into a crime scene.

Carter, who recently retired from law enforcement after a 25-year career, visited more than 150 crime scenes during his tenure with the Chattanooga Police Department.

“People want hands-on experience,” Carter said. “When these kids get into college, they will be two or three steps ahead of everyone else because they are being taught by someone who has experience in the actual field that they’re in. That’s what Career and Technical Education is all about.”

The Criminal Justice IV class constructed the crime scene; the Criminal Justice II class tried to figure out what happened; and the Criminal Justice I class worked the case.

From detectives, to forensic analysts, to police chiefs and even the local reporter, each student was given a specific job and a task to execute.

The students will hold a trial next week in hopes of prosecuting the alleged perpetrator.