KENT COUNTY, MI – Police officers huddle around a mannequin lying on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.

A firearm and puddle of blood are nearby. The mock crime scene is taped off as detectives-in-training process evidence in the suspicious death.

By the end of the training, if the officers are successful, they will obtain a search warrant and make an arrest.

The scenario was part of a homicide scene preservation and investigation training for law enforcement officers from across the state. Michigan State and Michigan State University’s school of criminal justice partnered to host the five-day course.

The course incorporates classroom and scenario-setting training and has been offered since the 1980s.

State police Det./Lt. Todd Workman helped organize the scenario

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