Cub Scouts encounter mock crime scene at Battle Ground Police Department

This information was provided by the city of Battle Ground. BATTLE GROUND — It was a hands-on study of forensics when the Cub Scouts of Den 1, Pack 443 recently took a tour of the Battle Ground Police Department. Sgt. Kim Armstrong served as the scouts’ tour guide, leading them through interview rooms, the armory, …

This information was provided by the city of Battle Ground. BATTLE GROUND — It was a hands-on study of forensics when the Cub Scouts of Den 1, Pack 443 recently took a tour of the Battle Ground Police Department. Sgt. Kim Armstrong served as the scouts’ tour guide, leading them through interview rooms, the armory, holding cells, the evidence processing room, the patrol room and the Emergency Operations Room.

It was in a meeting room in the detectives’ office where the boys encountered a crime scene complete with an overturned chair, a patch of hair on the floor, a seemingly bloody knife and a drinking glass left on the table. It was a setup, of course, prearranged by Armstrong to teach the boys about forensics — the application of science in criminal investigations.

The scouts learned about the integrity of a crime scene, evidence collection, the characteristics of fingerprints and DNA, and how each can be used to identify suspects and solve crimes.

“They asked great questions,” Armstrong said. “I think we have some future scientists and detectives in this group.” Armstrong also took the opportunity to talk to the boys about important safety habits such as always wearing a seatbelt, not sharing personal information online and making sure to travel with a buddy or known adult. It is the mission of the Battle Ground Police Department to work in partnership with the community to provide the highest level of service while protecting the peace and upholding the law with fairness. Learn more about the department here.