VALENTINE, Neb. -- Here’s the crime scene: a crashed pickup, a victim, and plenty of blood.

Valentine high schoolers dive into mock investigation
Valentine high schoolers dive into mock investigation  

 

“I’ve never really done anything like this before,” Valentine junior Cadence Swanson said.

The detectives are Valentine high schoolers, and the crime--imaginary.

“We love to do educational activities,” Niobrara National Scenic River Park Ranger Interpreter Bobbie Roshone said. "It’s a great way to get involved in the community."

Niobrara National Scenic River teamed up with Valentine Police, the National Park Service, and AmeriCorps to hold the hands-on class.

“It’s a great way to get job experience without actually being on the job,” Roshone said.

Students learned everything from who to call after a crime to reading Miranda rights.

“They’re going to learn a little about blood splatter analysis, how to track footprints and how people move away from a crime scene or move towards one,” Roshone said.

In addition to learning about investigating crime scenes, students also interviewed potential mock suspects.

“And they’re going to have some unusual characters who are going to be very vocal and very fun to interview,” Roshone said.

Unusual characters that made a unique day of school both interesting and educational.

“Yes, I’m learning a lot,” Swanson said.