Broken glass, drops of blood, fragments of clothing, grains of sand and some strands of hair were just a few pieces of evidence which the fourth form forensic scientists encountered as they carefully examined the crime scene.  A simultaneous savage attack had taken place in the Monmouth School and Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls Science departments. 

Mr Smith had accosted two burglars as they attempted to steal his computer.  In the ensuing struggle, Mr Smith was struck on the head with a baseball bat and lost consciousness.  Following house to house enquiries, neighbours reported seeing a white van outside of the Science department.  The vehicle was registered in the name of “Plants ‘R Us” a local firm.  Five employees of the firm were arrested, none of whom could provide an alibi for the time of the crime; all became firm suspects in the case.

The fourth form SOCU, Scene of Crime Units comprised students from both Monmouth School and Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for girls. They were given the task of solving the crime.   The teams examined the crime scene and spent the day carrying out scientific investigations in order to analyse the evidence gathered and to try and discover which of the five suspects were guilty.  During the course of the day, students carried out gel electrophoresis, creating a DNA profile using blood found at the scene of the crime and that of the suspects to see if a match could be found. Fingerprints were lifted from the computer monitor and dental casts made from teeth marks left in an apple that the hungry burglar had bitten into.  Plaster of Paris casts of footprints were made, fragments of clothing were analysed under the microscope, along with pollen samples and hair.  Sand and soil ions underwent rigorous analysis and the blood group of the blood found at the scene of the crime was determined and matched to that of one of the suspects. 

Each SOCU team provided an expert to cross examine the five extremely dodgy (although rather familiar!) suspects and some probing questions were put forward and some devious answers provided.  After a day of elimination and incrimination, using high level analytical skills, the SOCU teams submitted a presentation outlining their evidence and pinpointing the criminals.  Two of the suspects were linked to the crime scene and were found guilty of this vicious attack and burglary.  The students worked well together, acquiring some excellent scientific skills and they fully embraced the opportunity to try out some A level practical skills and to see the application of science in the wider world.  The day was a huge success and we are already looking for shady suspects for next year’s interviews!