Debbie explores a life of crime

Debbie Bradley always enjoyed crime programmes like Columbo on television, figuring out clues to the fictitious murder cases. Now Debbie has entered the world of criminal investigation for real, studying BSc (Hons) Crime Scene Science part-time at the University of Teesside.

Mother-of-two Debbie, 38, from Middlesbrough, first left school at 16 with no intention of studying any further. She worked first as a care assistant, then a receptionist and finally helping in the Physiotherapy department at Middlesbrough General Hospital. Debbie said: "My favourite subjects at School were Art and Biology but I couldn't wait to leave. The idea of coming to college frightened me, I never thought that I would go to University."

Debbie changed her mind about University study when her partner Mark had to retrain for another trade, due to a disability that prevented him from working as a mechanic. Debbie saw an article about the University's Crime Scene Science degree and rang to enquire. She said: "I was worried I might be too old to go to University having been out of education for so long, but age was no problem.

"I've always been interested in Crime Scene Investigation and this course is enjoyable and a challenge. The practical elements are really good, such as trace evidence, where we look at how to recover and store DNA samples. You can really put your learning into action. The University's Crime House is fantastic; it has 16 rooms where crimes are re-created. It's so life-like with different environments, like a nursing home, a bed-sit or dentists. I would love to work as a crime scene examiner or a crime scene photographer when I graduate."

Debbie attracted some concern from the public after taking part in a crime scene recreation, which cast her as the victim of a fictitious assault, complete with false blood. She added: "I couldn't wash the false wound off from the make-up artist and walked down Southfield Road. People kept asking me if I was all right!"

For more details on the BSc (Hons) Crime Scene Science please call 01642 342499 or check the University of Teesside's web site at www.tees.ac.uk

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