WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice Students Win First Place in Statewide Crime Scene Competition

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — WVU Parkersburg criminal justice students earned first place in the annual statewide crime scene competition at the West Virginia Criminal Justice Educators Association (WVCJEA) conference, held in October at Marshall University.

Members of the WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice Student Organization attended the 28th annual event, which centered on the theme “Innovating Justice: The Impact of Technology on Criminal Justice.” The conference provides opportunities for criminal justice students and faculty from across the state to present research, engage in professional development, and discuss emerging issues in the field.

WVU Parkersburg Associate Professor Andrew Walker, who also serves as the college’s Criminal Justice program coordinator, presented on a faculty panel focused on ethics, pedagogy and the role of artificial intelligence in criminal justice education.

The crime scene competition team, consisting of Haley Farson and Lanie Cook, earned first place for their performance in the hands-on investigative challenge.

The WVCJEA was established in 1992 to promote the exchange of educational ideas and curriculum among institutions of higher education and criminal justice training agencies throughout West Virginia. Walker is a past president and current secretary of the association, and Amy Strong, WVU Parkersburg assistant professor, currently serves as its president.