University and Police create CSI: NCL for teenagers

A ‘whodunit’ at Northumbria University will be at the heart of an exciting day of forensic investigation for North East teenagers during the British Science Festival this week. Suspects, Secrets and Lies sees the University join forces with Northumbria Police to give young people the opportunity to investigate the reality of crime detection and forensic science. More than 100 young people from five North East schools will take part in the event at Northumbria University’s city campus this Wednesday 11 September. The day aims to give 14 to 16-year-olds a unique insight into forensic science, how crime is represented by the media, and how evidence is used in sentencing. This will be delivered through a fun and educational roleplay scenario combining an engaging ‘whodunit’ storyline that gives pupils the chance to try out real forensic techniques, gather evidence, and even play out a mock courtroom scene. Lucy Winskell, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business and Engagement at Northumbria University, said: “We are delighted to be working with Northumbria Police to give young people a unique insight into investigating crime and processing evidence. “This fun event brings together forensic science experts from Northumbria University with experienced officers from Northumbria Police to create an authentic day of crime detection as part of the British Science Festival. “Young people will get to try real techniques for gathering evidence such as fingerprinting, while considering the role of the media in representing crime and the court in passing sentence. The event promises to be fun and informative.” Detective Inspector Gordon Makepeace, of the Northumbria Police Scientific Support unit, said: "There are so many young people who want to do something positive to support their community when they leave school, yet may not be aware of the many varied careers available within the police service. "This interactive learning day is a valuable opportunity for them to learn about policing and the criminal justice system, and hopefully will inspire the next generation of scientists. "Neighbourhood police officers also visit schools on a regular basis to talk to students.  This helps to build relationships so students can discuss the issues that affect them." The five North East schools taking part are Monkseaton High School (North Tyneside), Trinity Catholic College (Middlesbrough), Excelsior Academy (Newcastle) Queen Elizabeth High School (Hexham), and Seaham School of Technology (County Durham). Suspects, Secrets and Lies takes place on Wednesday 11 September at Northumbria University and is supported by officers from Northumbria Police as part of this year’s British Science Festival. The British Science Festival is an annual celebration of science, engineering and technology which visits a different UK city each year. The Festival is organised by the British Science Association and this year is being hosted by Newcastle University with Northumbria University and Newcastle City Council as associate partners and AkzoNobel, Northumbrian Water, GE Oil & Gas and Saudi Aramco as major sponsors. The Festival will take place in different venues in and around the city from Saturday 7 September through to Thursday 12 September.