Crime Scene HouseCrime Scene House (CSH)

Don a pair of protective gloves and booties, and step into a live "crime scene."

The Criminal Justice program's new Crime Scene House (CSH) is the ultimate hands-on learning lab.

The site of a former convent, each room in this three-story house represents a different crime scene where students can assume the role of crime scene investigator to uncover clues and gather evidence of murder, sexual assault, drug use, and other crimes.

From the first knock until the last application of crime scene tape, students will learn how to:

  • Secure the area to protect evidence
  • Search for suspects, weapons, drugs, and other signs of foul play
  • Gather fingerprints
  • Collect and analyze DNA samples and other forensic evidence
  • Serve warrants

The CSH includes:

  • A kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms and an office
  • “Blood Spatter” Room
  • “Flop House”, simulating a low-rent motel used for drug use
  • Interrogation Room
  • Evidence Area where students can analyze fingerprints, and complete other investigative tasks

With cameras in every room, professors can monitor student progress and provide immediate feedback to improve investigative skills and build confidence.

Criminal Justice Courses and Skills Taught in the CSH
CRJ 225 - Juvenile Delinquency
Understanding juvenile criminality, including drug crimes, sex crimes, and theft
CRJ 250 - Police and Law Enforcement
Arrest, warrant, and evidence collection techniques
CRJ 251 - Victimology
Understanding domestic violence and other crimes that take place in the home
CRJ 303 - Sexual Deviance
Investigation of adult, juvenile, and familial sexual assault
CRJ 320 - Forensics: CSI
Evidence collection, crime scene analysis
CRJ 326 - Criminal Procedures
Serving warrants, securing evidence, and understanding the chain of evidence
CRJ 405 - Criminal Investigations
Interrogation of a suspect/witness, chain of evidence, crime scene management

The CSH has also hosted local law enforcement training for crime scene analysis. 

Organizations interested in tours or hosting a training or event at the CSH should contact:

Patrick McGrain, PhD
Associate Professor and Program Director, Criminal Justice
(215) 646-7300, x21464
mcgrain.p@gmercyu.edu