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Smithtown Central School District
Smithtown Central
School District

CSI: Smithtown! East Students Get a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Crime Scene Investigation

November 2, 2026

What happens when police officers arrive at a crime scene? PLTW Principles of Biomedical Science students at High School East got an up-close look Monday at the investigative process thanks to a visit from Officer Barraco of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit. Students learned about career opportunities in crime scene investigation, including the education and pathways needed to pursue a career in the field.  

Officer Barraco brought an unmarked crime scene van and gave students an inside look at the tools and techniques used to investigate crime scenes. Topics included fingerprinting, ballistics, drone technology, measurement techniques and more.

A special thank you to Officer Barraco and to Danielle Volpicella for organizing this hands-on learning experience for PLTW students.

Officer and students

Video screenOfficer speakingstudents outside of a van

Students smiling