Lee University is equipping criminal justice students with real-world experience through its new on-campus Crime Scene Lab, where students gain hands-on training in forensic investigation and evidence analysis.
 
Introduced this semester, the lab is currently used in the criminal investigation course and will be incorporated into future law enforcement and forensic science classes. The space allows students to practice crime scene processing, evidence collection, and analytical techniques in a controlled environment designed to mirror real-world scenarios.
 
“This takes students from theory to application,” said Dr. Dennis Bowman, who serves as part-time faculty in criminal justice at Lee. “It allows me to show them, ‘This is what we’ve been talking about in the classroom,’ and then they can actually do it.”
 
Bowman, who retired from the Illinois State Police after 30 years of service, processed hundreds of crime scenes during his career. He said the lab scenarios are based on real cases he investigated, giving students an authentic look at the complexities of crime scene work.
 
During lab sessions, students are divided into teams and assigned roles as first responders. They examine staged scenes, identify and document evidence, and evaluate key elements such as motive, opportunity, and means. Each exercise is followed by analysis and written documentation, reinforcing both investigative and reporting skills.
 
“Each scenario was different and allowed us to improve our analysis of new scenes and the hidden details we encountered,” said graduating criminal justice major Michaella Tetrault. “The lab helped bridge the gap between concept and practical application.”
 
The lab also reflects the department’s broader emphasis on experiential learning.
 
“The Crime Scene Lab is an exciting extension of the Department of Behavioral and Social Science’s mission of transforming lives and the university’s mission of preparing students for responsible Christian living in a complex world,” said Dr. Ruth Wienk, department chair. “By engaging students in experiential learning at a high level, we are helping them develop the skills to become leaders in the field of criminal justice.”
 
According to Bowman, the hands-on experience gives students an advantage as they pursue internships and careers in law enforcement, forensic science, and related fields.
 
“This provides additional practical experience that better equips them for what they’ll face in the field,” he said.
 
Bowman, who also serves as internship coordinator for criminal justice majors, joined Lee in fall 2024. He previously served as a professor of criminal justice at Western Illinois University for 18 years while also teaching as an adjunct during his law enforcement career. He holds a doctorate in higher education and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Southern Illinois University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois State University.
 
Lee University’s criminal justice program prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the courts through a curriculum focused on criminal law, criminology, and investigative practices. The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and applied learning, equipping graduates for professional roles and advanced study.
 
For more information about Lee’s criminal justice program, visit criminal-justice or email [email protected].