The CSI Competition brought together eight teams of 8–9 students, with each team made up of seven students from Plainedge and one from Bethpage. While many participants are College Forensics students or members of the Forensics Club, the event is open to all students in grades 9–12. About a week prior to the competition, students received a storyline that built up to a murder, providing context for their investigation.
Upon arriving at the BMAC, teams were assigned a crime scene to process. Students searched for evidence, photographed the scene, took measurements, created sketches, and collected and packaged materials. The day also included an analysis component featuring lab simulations such as DNA analysis, toxicology, blood typing, shoe print casting, fingerprinting, ballistics, pathology, microscopy (hair analysis), and ink chromatography.
Drama students portrayed characters and suspects from this year’s Old West–themed case, allowing teams to question them about the evidence. Each team also participated in a formal 15-minute interrogation of one suspect. Throughout the event, students were evaluated at every step by volunteers, many of whom are former Plainedge graduates and professionals working in related fields.
At the conclusion of the competition, teams presented their final findings in small-group presentations. After scores were tallied, the first-place team received plaques, and honorable mentions were recognized with framed certificates for categories such as Best Crime Scene Sketch and Best Photography. The CSI Competition provided an engaging, hands-on learning experience that students truly enjoyed.