A former crime scene investigator, Ryan Rezelle, spoke about how technology affects investigations, the process of crime scenes and his work as an investigator Monday in the Science Hall.

Most people don’t have a clear understanding of what crime scene investigators (CSI) do, Rezelle said. 

 “It’s been fictionalized so much by television that I really haven’t got a chance to share what this is all about,” Rezelle said. 

In his presentation he discussed what it means to be a CSI and how technology such as the 3-D laser systems can help that field in getting a basic layout of a large area including distinct measurements.

“I was really excited when Ryan agreed to do our seminar,” said Melissa Bailey, director of the master of science forensic science program. “I knew he was going to do a great presentation though.  He’s got tons of stories and 16 years of experience.”

He also discussed specific cases he’s worked on in his years as a CSI in Johnson County, Kansas, and other details of his career in the field. In addition to his work he discussed the importance of how cases such as O.J. Simpson have raised the standards for the handling of evidence.

“Science is a critical part of this, that objectivity and subjectivity are concepts that we battle daily, being able to answer a question objectively is critical in what we do, and the subjectivity in people bleeds into everything in the justice system,” Rezzelle said. “We’re actively trying to figure out the best path forward.”

He covered the history of Crime Scene Investigation and how it has evolved over the years into what it is today, including technology information and procedures of the CSI field. 

“I’m in the forensic science program, and he was my professor for one of my classes,” said Rebecca Thornton, graduate MSFS student. “I kind of knew what it was going into it but just having more information and seeing more of the crime scenes and how he’s worked them was really fascinating.”