As part of its continuing efforts to provide the best in forensics education and training, the Marshall University Forensic Science Center offers a mock crime scene facility for use by our students and trainees. This property is provided to the Department of Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Forensic Sciences for use by its students for educational purposes as well as local, state, and federal agencies for training.
Proper handling of a crime scene is a critical skill for all forensic scientists and not just crime scene investigators. Crime scene analysis promotes critical thinking skills and proper evidence handling techniques which can be taken from the scene and into the lab. The crime scene house applies to all emphases stressing the collection of DNA, forensic chemistry, and digital evidence.
MUFSC firmly believes that students learn best through the hands-on application of principles taught in the classroom. The crime scene house gives students the opportunity to experience what a CSI experiences when arriving at the scene of a crime. They are taught important principles including entry procedures, photography, evidence documentation and collection, latent fingerprint development techniques, blood spatter pattern analysis and many other aspects of crime scene investigation. By providing a first-hand look at the procedures followed by crime scene personnel our faculty can better illustrate the concepts of corresponding lectures.
The crime scene house is comprised of two stories. It is a two bedroom apartment with an open-concept kitchen and living area. The downstairs is a two-car garage and laundry/utility room. The property has a large back yard with covered patio area for conducting grid searches and large mock crime scenes. The front driveway features a large carport for additional outdoor work. The house is conveniently located across the street and several houses down from the Marshall University Forensic Science Center, allowing for laboratory exercises to be a part of the experience or training.
Access to the crime scene house also allows us to provide valuable training for state and local law enforcement officers through the efforts of a cooperative agreement with the FBI and NIJ. Trainees gain a first-hand perspective on crime scene investigation and learn critical skills in site survey, documentation, and reconstruction, latent fingerprints, and footwear impression evidence. Other training that takes place at the house includes in-service training for local law enforcement and investigative personnel.
CSI: Huntington
CSI: Huntington is a chance for a group of students to receive hands-on experience in the Forensic Science field. They will spend the day at the Crime Scene House and learn six aspects of Crime Scene Investigation. Click the CSI: Huntington link for more details.
Map & Directions
From Exit 11 (the Hal Greer Exit) off I-64:
- On Hal Greer Blvd go north, toward main campus
- Turn left onto Charleston Avenue
- It is the first building on the right.
- Located directly behind the School of Pharmacy building
- There is parking available on site.
Click here for directions on Google Maps
MUFSC Crime Scene House
1504 1/2 Charleston Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
