Utilizing CrimePad to Enhance Student Learning

CrimePad® is a digital software program designed to document crime scenes. Traditionally, documentation has been performed by hand. Now that there is a technology for agencies to digitize their investigative data in one secure location, CrimePad® is beginning to become utilized much more within agencies across the country (e.g., Baltimore Police Department). As practices and standards change in the forensic science community, we as educators must make the necessary adjustments in our courses to prepare students for this change that they may experience in casework.

For CrimePad® to be functional within the Forensic Examiner major, it must be able to be implemented in a way that does not take away from existing teaching exercises including handwritten documentation. This project was designed to test the functionality of CrimePad® in four courses within the major. Student perspectives on using the CrimePad® were examined in each class via a survey that consisted of five questions related to their experiences with the software. Additional comments regarding advantages and disadvantages were collected. As a result of the survey data and experiences of the faculty, CrimePad® will continue to be utilized as a complimentary method for documenting mock crime scenes in forensic courses. The end goal is to ensure students are ready to take on any challenge presented to them during their professional career as a forensic scientist.

Roger Jefferys

Teaching Assistant Professor, Outreach Coordinator, and Chemical Hygiene Officer , WVU Department of Forensic and Investigative Science

Roger obtained his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the Department of Forensic and Investigative Science at West Virginia University (WVU). Prior to joining the department, Roger taught for three years in the Forensic Investigation Program at WVU Institute of Technology in Beckley, WV and received the outstanding faculty award in 2018.

During his time in Beckley, he was involved in private investigation work for 221B Baker, Inc. Investigative Services. He has experience performing defense work as it relates to bloodstain pattern analysis and shooting incident reconstruction. Within the department, he serves as the Chemical Hygiene Officer and Director of Forensic Facilities. He is also the Instructional Coordinator for the Next Generation Forensic Science Initiative, which provides outreach opportunities to the community and students across the country. Read more on his bio page.