- Start reading the case study while still in the scene review- This is something we have always done, since sketching the scene, and doing a pretty thorough examination usually doesn't take the full 6 minutes. The 30 minutes once you're in the writing room also goes by very quickly. We also recommend reading the case study out loud (quietly of course) and together so you don’t miss anything.
- Sketch the scene on your case report paper- Since you only get to see the scene one time, it is important to do a general sketch on the backside of your case report (not on the answer sheet of course).
- You can write on the case study and highlight and mark it up!- Particularly since only one person can be writing on the answer sheet at a time, one team member can be working on time of death, while the other can be going through the ME report and highlighting the important info. This will not only make the information more digestible but save time. You can also do all of your calculations on the case study.
- Get down low, don't miss anything on the mannequin or any “hidden” clues- While examining the crime scene, there have been times when we have missed marked lacerations or missed a vital clue. While marks on the body and other clues will likely be listed in the case report, it is still important to see them in the initial crime scene review.
- Some things in the crime scene might be extra and are simply props there to distract you- If an object or prop doesn't seem to be leading you anywhere with the case, ignore it. For example, one year, there was a bluebird that had nothing to do with the answer, but was simply there as a distractor on the scene.
- Don't touch the scene, you could get disqualified or yelled at!- One year, another team got yelled at for moving the hand of the mannequin/victim. Not only would you not want to do that at a real crime scene, but they won’t make anything hidden. They don’t want you to touch the scene, so they therefore won’t hide evidence under/behind something that isn’t generally visible. Some things may require a little extra looking, but no maneuvering of the scene.
- Decide before the competition who will by typing or writing, depending on what your conference has decided- At most state-level competitions, the answer is written, so we always have the faster writer complete it. At internationals, the answer sheet is usually digital, so we have the faster typer complete it. Make sure you watch out for grammar and use good handwriting if written, as those are both small parts of the scoring as well.
- Divide the evidence section into parts, to explain the time, manner, and cause of death separately, and write small!- We have always divided the evidence section with headings to describe each of the other answers. Since they don’t give you much room, we also write 2 lines of text per actual line on the paper. This may vary depending on your state but just be mindful of space.
- No matter how you score, or if you place or not, just focus on getting better for next time- Solving these cases isn’t easy and you're doing what educated professionals are doing. Be proud of yourselves!
- Experience the conference!- No matter what HOSA event or conference you're at, take advantage of all the workshops, networking, and other opportunities. You never know what you might learn, or what you might be able to use in the future.
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