Local Kids Sift Through Crime Scenes

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The public usually has to stay behind the yellow tape at a crime scene.

But this week, a group of children in Jacksonville get to go beyond the police lines -- to see what it's like to be a detective.

Children ages 12-15 are taking part in a "Crime Scene Investigation" summer camp at the Florida Community College Advanced Technology Center.

For five days, campers examine a crime scene, collect evidence, learn about forensics, identify fibers and talk to real-life detectives about their job.

12-year-old Alyssa Pitre signed up for the camp after she saw the show "CSI."

"I fell in love with the show and I wanted to know what the real CSI people do."

Now, she wants to become a detective.

Another camper, 12-year-old Josh Kriesel likes the idea of solving a mystery.

"It's like solving a puzzle for me -- like a thousand piece puzzle," he said.

Detective Karen Smith, with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, spent Tuesday teaching the campers about DNA and tracking down evidence.

"It's great to give the kids a heads up on the judicial system, to expect disappointment because it's going to happen and to expect to be elated when you put the bad guy in jail," Smith told First Coast News.

Later this week, attorneys will also meet with the campers and teach them about what happens after a crime occurs.

If you would like to enroll your child in the CSI Summer Camp, there is another session from July 21-25. The camp costs $300 and an additional $50 registration fee. To enroll your child, call (904) 598-5654.