Credit: UCO
The University of Central Oklahoma’s W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (FSI) recently completed its state-of-the-art Crime Scene House, a groundbreaking facility designed to offer students a realistic and immersive environment to study forensic science.
The Crime Scene House, built inside the FSI building, features approximately 1,600 square feet of fully furnished spaces, including a living room, kitchen, bedroom, full bathroom, laundry room and outdoor areas. It will provide students with a hands-on experience in processing mock crime scenes and mastering advanced concepts in the field.
“The Crime Scene House is an exceptional addition to the outstanding learning spaces at UCO. It offers our students an unparalleled opportunity to gain real-world experience and develop the critical skills they need to excel in this field,” said Mark McCoy, Ed.D., interim director and dean of Central’s FSI.
“I want to extend my appreciation to our dedicated FSI faculty members, Keisha Jones and Meagan Raddatz, for their outstanding work in bringing this innovative project to fruition. Their tireless efforts and commitment to excellence have made this project a reality, and their expertise ensures that the Crime Scene House will continue to be one of the cornerstones of our educational programs.”
To enhance the learning experience, each room is equipped with monitored cameras, allowing instructors to observe and provide feedback to students without disrupting their activities. The facility also features full blackout shades to accommodate laser-trajectory rod usage for shooting scenarios. Plans are underway to incorporate bloodstain pattern analysis and 3-D printed bullet holes to further enhance the authenticity of crime scene simulations.
In addition to student learning, law enforcement agencies will have access to the Crime Scene House for training exercises, further strengthening the institute's role in enhancing law enforcement and forensic science education in Oklahoma.
The FSI recently was approved to offer Central’s first doctoral degree—the Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in forensic science—which will begin in fall 2024.
The institute has overseen the undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs at Central since 2009. The UCO FSI has seen significant growth from its inception—from fewer than 100 students in 2009, to nearly 1,000 forensic science majors. It is the largest forensic science education program in the country and is ranked as a top institution in the nation for forensic science.