Forensic science is one of the electives students have here at Shadow Ridge.  In forensic science the students investigate/examine crime scenes & evidence that could possibly be presented in court of law.  There are multiple branches of forensic science, one of the branches is forensics ballistic, which specializes in firearms.   Solving mysteries in forensic science is really important because it helps bring justice and helps prevent future crimes.

Samantha Stark, one of the students in forensic science states, “I also like how many things there are to learn in the class, forensics is something you can’t really completely master, there’s always going to be new things to investigate and learn.  I love being able to learn how to solve crimes, it is very fun and important to know if I end up doing this when I grow up.”

Some of the techniques that students use to solve the murder cases are photographs, sketches, and searching the scene and collecting evidence.  The techniques the students use to analyze evidence in murder investigations are DNA, toolmark, firearm, fingerprint, footwear impressions, toxicology, they all have their own systems and procedures.  

Robert Stahlke the forensic science teacher states, “They collect the print at the scene using multiple techniques that could range from using dusting powder, alternate light sources or chemicals. Then once they have a known print to compare to they will then use the ACE-V (Analize, Compare, Evaluate and Verification) process to identify if that print came from the known source. If there is not a known print to compare to they will analyze the print and then upload it to a database called AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System). This system will compare the print to a database of prints.”  

The investigation usually goes very well but it depends if the students are very into it, if they aren’t then it does not do as well.  In forensic science at the end of the year, they have 10 separate crimes and some of them get solved and some don’t.  

Stark also states, “My favorite thing about forensic science class is how legit the class actually is. Being able to learn how real forensic scientists do their job and apply the same techniques that they use in class is just very intriguing to me.  Also the fact that there are so many jobs in forensics to choose from, there’s a little bit of everything so you’re able to find a specialty you’ll be good at and enjoy.”

Forensic science is a great class to pick. It is very fun and educational.