There has been a break-in, and the students of Cold Lake Middle School (CLMS) are on the case.
Last week, students at CLMS learned first-hand how to gather evidence from a crime scene and use that evidence to filter through a list of suspects in a mock break-in.
This program is offered by MD of Bonnyville's school resource officer, Rachelle Rupp.
Through the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) program, students like Aliya Coish, who is in Grade 6 at CLMS, learn never to jump to conclusions, and to wait until all evidence available has been analyzed before making a decision.
“It teaches kids to be responsible, not fool around when you're not supposed to, and to do the right thing,” said Coish.
Fellow student Logan Clarke agreed.
“Officer Rupp likes coming here and sharing her knowledge about crime scene investigations,” he added.
The three-session program starts with Rupp talking to students about what a conclusion and inference are. They learn about the different kinds of fingerprints, how to dust for them, and how to lift them from items found at a crime scene.
Then, the students put their knowledge to the test.
Rupp creates a staged break-in; glass is scattered on the floor, a footprint was left outside of a broken window, and inside the scene are all of the clues the students need to find their culprit.
After listening to statements from witnesses to the crime, the students put the pieces of the puzzle together to determine who is responsible for breaking into the victim's home and stealing multiple items.
Each student has their own role to play. One will be in-charge of numbering the evidence, while another will take photographs of the scene before two “investigators” grab their items for fingerprinting.
This program is one of the ways Rupp and her fellow school resource officers have worked with the local schools.
“It's a neat way for us to include ourselves and to build relationships in the schools in various ways,” expressed Rupp.
Principal Chan Cusson agreed with the peace officer that it's important for students to get to know their local law enforcement.
In the case of CLMS, Cusson said the school resource officers have become somewhat of a staple or friendly face around their school.
“We're hoping that if there are issues down the road that they run into, they (students) have another adult they can turn to who can provide support for them.”
This is especially important in cases where a teacher may not be able to reach their student.
Cusson said, “We can't always reach all of the kids, but we would like to think that there's another adult around and that everyone has someone they can run to.”
In some cases, the program has inspired students to take an interest in becoming peace officers themselves.
Cusson believes it gives the students a chance to learn something new in a hands-on way.
“The bigger picture is, they learn how to cooperate, work together, problem solve, and it's so much fun.”
The program is a unique and engaging way for students to collaborate and learn.
This is the third year Cusson has watched students take part, and every year she still gets goosebumps.
“They're so engaged in it, and they have so much fun.”
