Go behind the scenes of criminal investigation shows by working with real-life forensic investigators that will guide you from the crime scene to the laboratory. This class introduces students to multiple forensic disciplines, providing an overview of how physical evidence is used to solve crime. Through hands-on opportunities and demonstrations, you will learn about crime scene processing, latent fingerprints, bloodstain pattern interpretation, drug chemistry, and other aspects of forensic analysis. Try your hand at processing a mock crime scene and analyzing evidence to see if you can solve your case!

Note: Because this class uses real case examples and photographs, it may not be appropriate for some students.

Program Dates and Audience

• July 5-10, 2026 (rising 9-12 grade students) 
• June 14-19, 2026 (rising 6-9 grade students)

Program Fees

	Residential	Commuter
Early Bird (1/28 - 2/28)	$1,150	$675
Regular (3/1 - 4/30)	$1,200	$700
Late (5/1 - 7/6)	$1,250	$750

 

$25 field trip fee

Meet Your Instructors

 

Kristen Polis

Inv. Kristen Polis is the Forensic Manager for the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Forensic Sciences Laboratory. She has a range of forensic experience including crime scene investigation, latent print analysis, and quality management. Kristen has degrees in criminal justice and psychology from Charleston Southern University and a Masters degree in social work from the University of South Carolina. Kristen is a Certified Crime Scene Investigator and Certified Latent Print Examiner through the International Association for Identification.

Kaylee Thorpe

Inv. Kaylee Thorpe is with the Crime Scene Unit at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. She has a range of experience in crime scene investigation, including scene response, attending autopsies, photography, and evidence processing. She has been with the department for three years. Kaylee has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina.