Crime Lab Visit - Part two
We left the "water room" to begin our adventure through the crime lab.
First stop...The Crime Lab's police cars ("Crime Scene Unit" vehicles)
We took a picture in front of a car. It was a big van. Tools for police officers are in the cars.
Next stop, evidence left by the criminals
We saw a powder that we were told was the drug cocaine. We asked questions about the drug powder. The dangers of cocaine were explained to us.
Next stop, fifth floor. (We started at the top, after the "water room", and worked our way down.)
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Mission Statement |
Lab Technician examining paperwork |
On to the fourth floor science lab...
We entered a room containing test tubes. We saw pictures of drugs that had been hidden under wood. We saw other items such as coffee beans and pills. People trying to sneak the drugs into the United States think of many ways to hide those drugs. We saw photos of what police found.
Next stop, third floor...
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We saw more test tubes and beakers. These test tubes are used to test chemicals and look for more evidence. We were shown evidence of a fire that was set on purpose (arson). We wondered what was in the cans. Detective Joe showed us gloves that a criminal had used. We also saw how scientists use goggles to protect their eyes while they work in the labs. That is very important if they are examining drugs that are in a powder that could be harmful to their eyes. If a scientist gets any of the powder in his or her eyes which could be dangerous, there is a shower they can take right there in the lab. That's in case of an emergency.
Next stop second floor...
A latent fingerprint was shown to us. Along with the fingerprint were tools that are used to take the fingerprints off a surface. Then there was the evidence of a real case that was placed in a special plastic bag. Along with that was clothing a criminal had worn while committing a crime.
Next (and final) stop, first floor...
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| This was a dummy that was used as a criminal during training. | This was a display of many types of guns. There were guns that were the same kinds as guns used in crimes in NYC. We know never to pick up a gun EVER, but to call a responsible adult who will then call police. |
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| Goodbye Officer Joe! We had a great time and learned so much. Maybe some of us will become forensic scientists, now that we know more about the crime lab. Thank you for a very special tour. |