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From the classroom to the crime scene: 51��Ƶstudents tackle the CSI Challenge

May 11, 2025

Real learning, real impact during National Police Week

As part of National Police Week, 51��Ƶ is highlighting how students are building the skills needed to help create safer communities. This year’s provincial theme, “Committed to Serve Together” closely aligns with the work being done in justice programs like Police Foundations. Students from Georgian’s Police Foundations program recently took part in the CSI Challenge, a realistic crime scene investigation that tested their communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills in a simulated field environment. These are all essential qualities of effective, community-focused policing.

Putting knowledge into action

Students formed teams of three and responded to a detailed crime scene scenario. Each team was briefed on the situation, then tasked with securing the scene, collecting evidence, conducting interviews and documenting everything with photos and sketches. These are the same steps real officers use when responding to serious incidents.

For 51��Ƶstudent Brooklynn Lange, it was a chance to take the lead on photography.

“We had a team of three and my role was to photograph the scene,” she said. “I enjoyed being able to take the photos from all different perspectives while ensuring every detail was captured.”

While the event was exciting, it also came with challenges.

“The hardest part was making sure I captured every single aspect of the scene without leaving crucial evidence behind,” she said.

Students were evaluated on crime scene management, communication, critical thinking and teamwork. Each decision made in the scenario was observed closely by a panel of industry judges. That level of scrutiny reflects the accountability expected of professionals working in policing and justice.

“They had to take everything they’d studied and put it into action in a very short time, and as a team,” she said. “It really reinforced for them that their assignments and classroom exercises are grounded in real-world application.”

Suzanne Chaddock, Professor, Police Foundations

Brooklynn credits her program, especially the forensic crime scene class, for giving her the knowledge and confidence to perform under pressure.

“The Forensic Crime Scene Investigation class prepared us most. Without that class, the challenge would have been hard to complete,” she said. “Everything we had learned in that class was used in some way, shape or form throughout the event.”

A strong team under pressure

Though working in a group can sometimes be difficult, Brooklynn said her team dynamic was a highlight.

“We each discussed our roles ahead of time but also willingly helped each other when needed,” she said. “If one of us was stuck on something, another jumped in to assist. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to do the challenge with.”

Faculty member Suzanne Chaddock, who supported Georgian’s student team during the event, said the CSI Challenge brought classroom learning to life.

“They had to take everything they’d studied and put it into action in a very short time, and as a team,” she said. “It really reinforced for them that their assignments and classroom exercises are grounded in real-world application.”

She noted how the students worked with calm focus and strong collaboration.

“They confidently focused on their own tasks without interfering with one another,” Chaddock said. “No one tried to take over or control the scene. That kind of teamwork and trust was great to see.”

She added that while nerves are natural, the students adapted quickly and professionally.

“It was interesting to observe their initial nervousness gradually shift into confidence,” she said. “Once they got into the scene, you could see them drawing on their training and really stepping into their roles. I hope they came away proud of themselves and that they truly enjoyed the experience.”

Experiential learning is a key part of Georgian’s justice studies programs. Events like the CSI Challenge help students build practical, career-ready skills while reinforcing the values behind policing in Canada. These include professionalism, integrity and a commitment to community safety. During National Police Week, it’s a timely reminder that the next generation of justice professionals is already learning what it means to help build safer communities