An Exciting Dive into Forensics for Students
Forensic specialists from the Odesa Police Department held an engaging event for students at a local school, where children learned how police solve crimes and even got to participate in their own «investigation».
The experts explained that a forensic expert's job begins with a thorough examination of the crime scene. Their attentiveness and ability to notice details determine whether traces of the crime can be found. The police demonstrated how they use specialized kits stored in forensic briefcases.
«Inside these briefcases are dozens of tools, each with its own purpose. For example, fingerprint kits help identify who has touched specific items. Powders and brushes make these prints visible, allowing them to be transferred onto special film. UV lamps help find traces invisible to the naked eye — such as drops of biological fluids or residue from substances. Magnifying glasses and tweezers are needed for careful collection of small evidence — hair, fabric fibers, glass fragments. Special bags ensure the proper storage of evidence for laboratory examination», shared Senior Forensic Specialist Major Zhanna Novakivska from the Forensic Support Sector of the Odesa Police Department.
After the theoretical segment, the students moved on to practical exercises. They donned protective suits, gloves, and shoe covers to avoid leaving their own traces, and attempted to «collect evidence» themselves. The children examined items through magnifying glasses, took each other’s fingerprints, worked with powders, and even modeled their own crime scene, inventing a «crime version».
The police assisted and explained each step — how to properly photograph findings, how to document information in a report, and why it is crucial to maintain the integrity of traces.
This interactive event not only introduced teens to the work of forensic experts but also showcased how this profession requires precision, analytical thinking, and responsibility.
At the end of the meeting, the law enforcement officers invited high school students to consider joining the police force in the future, especially in the forensic unit. These professionals help establish the truth, catch criminals, and restore justice, meaning no investigation is complete without the work of forensic experts.
