“Daniel” has seen better days
By: Daniel Holstein
Why the folks at Lynn Peavey named him “Daniel” is beyond me. Is it because of my experience with the LA County Coroner’s Office? Or the fact that I was requested to consult on the realism and the scientific accuracy on the set with the hit TV CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (Las Vegas)?
Teaching “Forensic Science” at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is exciting and has many rewards. One of the challenges includes educating students on the reality of “How to perform” the variety of tasks, in a multitude of forensic disciplines; to include, but not limited to, Crime Scene Investigations.
These crime scene training mannequins are excellent tools for setting the stage, adding authenticity and the ability to teach and demonstrate mechanisms of injury and wound identification, without the odors and pathogens associated with reality.
Learning the art and science involved with crime scene investigations and crime scene reconstructions is limited with words and pictures in a textbook. However, using a six-foot life sized mannequin is not only visual, but also tactile and is an excellent educational and demonstrative tool; second to standing face to face with a real body on a metallic table or gurney at the morgue. The realistic nature of using these (three-dimensional mannequins) is realistic, while some may think they are creepy.
Each one can be custom made to your specifications; male or female, adult or child, clothed or unclothed, short hair or long hair. Use your imagination as you come up with different wounds/injury patterns to include, but not limited to: lacerations/road rash, contusions, incisions, bloodstain patterns, tire track marks, bullet holes, and various stages of livor mortis and decomposition. The head and arms are removable to increase the variety of injuries to fit many scenarios. The Lynn Peavey Company will send pictures as your mannequin is created to fit the needs of your classroom, training situation or courtroom presentation.
Overall, the mannequin is an excellent tool and must have piece of equipment in your arsenal of forensic science aids!
Item #99065 – Limited Flex Mannequin.
Daniel Holstein is a consultant and frequent contributor with an extensive background in death investigation and crime scene investigations. Retired from the Las Vegas Metro PD, as well as the Los Angeles and Riverside County Coroner’s offices. Hollywood producers based the main actor after him in CSI: Las Vegas. He now instructs at UNLV. Call us if you would be interested in booking him for a training course or conference.