On April 5 and 6, the Criminal Justice and Forensic Association will be hosting a mock crime scene titled, “Think YOU can solve the crime?”

The event will take place at the Mills Anderson Justice Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“It will give the public a chance to come test their television skills, because you know everyone watches “CSI” and “Law and Order,”?” said Jamie Clemans, senior criminal justice major and president of CJFA. “This will be a chance for them to come and actually see how it’s supposed to be done correctly, and see how their abilities are when it comes to figuring out who did it.”

According to Clemans, the crime scene will be a drug-bust related murder, complete with a cow-blood splattered dummy.

Participants will confer with first responders and evidence technicians who will provide an overview of the crime. To solve the case, participants will also interview witnesses and interrogate suspects.

“We’re making certificates for the kids, so they’ll get a detective certificate when they’re done,” Clemans said, though she is unsure what prize adults will receive.

The event will also include demonstration booths to teach basic crime-solving skills.

Participants will learn different fingerprinting techniques, ranging from methods using iodine to those involving superglue, and will be able to take their own fingerprints.

The booths will also feature ballistics, blood spatter evidence, glass analysis, and crime scene photography.

“We’re also hoping to have Joplin P.D. and the fire department might come out,” Clemans said. “It’s a way to advertise for themselves and be part of this.

“Joplin, I think, is bringing a car and we’re hoping to have a fire truck.”

Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children six to 12 years old. Students with school I.D.s will pay $3 as well.

“I think that the event will be fun and educational for all ages,” said Lacey Baxter, senior criminal justice and law enforcement major and treasurer of CJFA. “It’s great publicity for the CJFA, MSSU, and the businesses that are coming out. It’ll be great.”