FSU Panama City Students Dive into Finals with Underwater Crime Scene

Hands-on forensics training prepares future underwater investigators

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:24pm

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Florida State University Panama City students recently participated in an underwater crime scene investigation final exam, where they took on various roles like diving supervisor, divers, surface tenders, and surface support to process a simulated underwater crime scene. The exercise was part of the university's underwater crime scene investigation program, which aims to prepare students for careers in this specialized field.

Why it matters

Underwater crime scene investigation is a niche but crucial skill set, as crimes can sometimes occur in aquatic environments. This hands-on training at FSU Panama City gives students real-world experience to stand out in the field of forensics and law enforcement.

The details

During the final exam, students were assigned different responsibilities to work together and process an underwater crime scene, including documenting evidence, collecting samples, and mapping the scene. The exercise was designed to test the students' ability to work as a team and apply the techniques they learned throughout the semester-long program.

  • The final exam took place on March 30, 2026.

The players

Kate Fraser

An FSU Panama City underwater crime scene investigator student who described the morning's final exam.

FSU Panama City

The Florida State University campus located in Panama City, Florida, which offers an underwater crime scene investigation program.

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What they’re saying

“We assign a diving supervisor; the rest of the positions — divers, surface tenders, surface support — all of those are determined by the students,”

— Kate Fraser, FSU Panama City underwater crime scene investigator student

What’s next

Students who successfully complete the underwater crime scene investigation program at FSU Panama City will be prepared for careers in law enforcement, forensics, and other fields that require specialized skills in aquatic environments.

The takeaway

The hands-on training in underwater crime scene investigation at FSU Panama City equips students with valuable, in-demand skills that can open doors to unique career paths in the fields of forensics and public safety.