The Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office hosts Macomb Community College's Crime Scene Investigation Camp

The Macomb County Medical Examiner’s office recently hosted a group of approximately 15 9-11th grade students enrolled in CSI at the PSI, one of Macomb Community College’s nine summer career academies offering hands-on career exploration. The students met with staff at the Medical Examiner’s office on Thursday, June 27 – the fourth day of the 4-day camp that started on June 24.

The class introduced participants to the science and techniques used in the investigation of crime scenes to help promote increased interest in forensics and law enforcement. The first three days of the camp focused on a variety of hands-on investigative scenarios (i.e. foot impressions, blood splatters, and hair sampling) that culminated in more comprehensive crime scene scenarios at the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office on the fourth day of the camp.

“This camp is a fantastic way for youth to be exposed to real world learning that can help guide their continued exploration of potential career paths,” said Macomb County Executive, Mark Hackel who welcomed participants to the medical examiner’s office. “We’re pleased to be able to host the day’s activities and support these students and Macomb Community College.”

"Our staff is enthusiastically supports this program and the opportunity to share the kind of work we do and how we go about doing it," said Dr. Mary Pietrangelo, chief medical examiner at the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office. "It's a unique learning opportunity about forensic science that helps clarify reality from what the students see in various media."

“This was our inaugural CSI camp, and I couldn’t be more pleased to have had the opportunity to engage the students in hands-on exploration of crime scene investigation,” said Macomb Community College Professor Samantha Bowlin who designed the curriculum and led participants through the 4-day camp. “This was great opportunity to introduce this subject matter at an early age and, hopefully, spark a desire to learn more about potential career options, if not more about CSI careers. It simply wouldn’t have been possible without the willingness and collaboration with the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office.”