A specialist ‘Crime Scene House’ has opened at Cranfield University’s Bedfordshire campus, on the 25th anniversary of the setting up of the Cranfield Forensic Institute. At an event on Friday, September 8, over 50 alumni, industry partners and forensic professionals came to the campus to celebrate and tour of the new facility.
From the outside the new house looks like a family home on a quiet estate. Inside are a series of crime scenes set up in the rooms – from blood splatters and fingerprints to damaged property and forensic evidence.
The facility is designed to replicate crime scenes and will serve as a controlled setting for practising investigation, evidence collection, and forensic analysis skills. Students, industry partners, researchers, police forces and industry professionals are all expected to use it.
Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, sponsored the Crime Scene House. Marcus Rowe, Business Director Public Safety & Forensics, Leica Geosystems UK and Benelux said: “We see the forensics community not just as customers but as a dedicated expert group working to the highest standards in the most challenging circumstances. We’re proud to be part of this significant moment in the field of forensic academia, and are committed to fostering a strong partnership with Cranfield Forensic Institute and the extended community.”
Cranfield points to a heritage in postgraduate education, industry collaboration and research in forensics. Cranfield Forensic Institute was set up in 1998, with the launch of the MSc in Forensic Engineering and Science. Since then, it branched out into digital forensics, explosives, forensic archaeology, forensic investigation, forensic biology engineering failures, forensic ballistics and materials science.
In 2021 Cranfield opened a £7.2m centre of excellence with the latest forensic equipment, a mortuary, academic staff and courses in the fields of crime scene investigation, digital forensics investigation and forensic materials analysis.
Dr Hannah Moore, Director of the MSc Forensic Programme at Cranfield, said: “As a University we are advancing the field of forensics and developing the next generations of forensic scientists. The Crime Scene House is a fantastic new facility for our students, research staff and partners.
“Providing realistic scenario-based training is vital for those who aspire to advance their careers in CSI and forensic fields – and this new facility complements our suite of world-class teaching resources – giving students a superb grounding in many aspects of this field.”
Visit www.cranfield.ac.uk/centres/cranfield-forensic-institute.
