UT Tyler Students Test Forensic Skills at Mock Crime Scene

Criminal justice and forensic science students gain hands-on experience investigating a simulated murder case.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single piece of forensic evidence, such as a fingerprint or a bullet casing, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.UT Tyler students hone their forensic investigation skills through a hands-on mock crime scene exercise, preparing them for future careers in law enforcement and criminal justice.Tyler Today

Students at the University of Texas at Tyler participated in a mock murder investigation on Tuesday, working to secure the crime scene, document and package evidence, and interview volunteer actors portraying witnesses and officials. The exercise was designed to give the criminal justice and forensic science students real-world experience that will prepare them for their future careers.

Why it matters

Providing students with opportunities to practice forensic investigation techniques in a controlled, simulated environment allows them to develop critical skills and gain confidence before entering the field. This type of hands-on learning can give UT Tyler graduates an advantage when competing for jobs in law enforcement, crime scene investigation, and other criminal justice roles.

The details

During the mock crime scene investigation, students determined what evidence to collect and then properly packaged it to be submitted to the university's crime lab classroom for further analysis. The exercise involved securing the scene, documenting findings, and conducting witness interviews - all essential skills for future forensic investigators.

  • The mock crime scene investigation took place on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Danielle Bailey

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Texas at Tyler, who oversaw the mock investigation exercise.

UT Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler, where the criminal justice and forensic science students participated in the hands-on learning activity.

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What they’re saying

“'They will determine what evidence they want to collect, and they'll actually package that evidence and submit it to the U.S. Tyler Crime Lab, which is our classroom space.'”

— Danielle Bailey, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

The takeaway

The mock crime scene investigation at UT Tyler provides criminal justice and forensic science students with invaluable real-world experience that will give them a competitive edge when entering their chosen fields after graduation.