Forensic Analyst Michelle Doscher visits RLC Criminal Justice class

INA, Ill. (Feb. 27, 2015) - Students in Rend Lake College’s Criminal Justice program got an up close and personal look at life in the field with Forensic and Criminal Investigative Analyst Michelle Doscher during a presentation earlier this week.

Doscher is a native of McKenzie, Tenn. who is currently working on her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Forensic Psychology through Walden University while living in Mt. Vernon. With years of work in criminology through the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Scientific Investigation Division, Doscher became an expert witness for the LAPD in crime scene investigations, toxicology, narcotics, and blood alcohol. She also helped lead the crime laboratory to accreditation by the American Society of Crime Lab Directors.

During the presentation, Doscher shared tips of the trade with RLC students interested in a career in law enforcement. She also talked through several cases she worked with the LAPD, letting students ask questions and make educated guesses based on the information she gathered as a forensic analyst.

Michelle Doscher, LEFT, speaks to students in RLC Criminal Justice Associate Professor Ron Meek's class, SITTING RIGHT. Doscher's interactive speech provided helpful insight into many different areas of criminal justice and allowed students to make comments and ask questions. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

One high-profile case she spoke about was the O. J. Simpson murder case, of which she caught the tail-end at the beginning of her criminology career with the LAPD. She said the changes she saw first-hand were huge in all areas of law enforcement.

“Everything changed after that case, from the way we presented ourselves to the training we received,” said Doscher. “We had more money to purchase new and updated equipment, and for our departments to send us out for training. One of the biggest things we learned was how to write documents of a crime scene, while you’re on the scene, with the idea they’re going straight to court right afterward.”

Doscher also spoke about her doctorate degree and the idea behind creating a new standardized deception detection technique to help law enforcement during interrogations and witness interviews. If successful, Doscher says the technique will aid in investigations, and possibly reduce false confession rates, help detect credible eye witnesses, and close more cases.

“My research is the first of its kind to be used to support law enforcement in reducing re-victimization,” said Doscher. “It’s a method that I’m hoping will be used by police officers to interview suspects and eyewitnesses for deception. I’m trying to prove a theory as to why this method will work and for it to become a screening tool for officers to use during investigations.”

She didn’t delve into details as many of the RLC Criminal Justice students will have the chance to participate in the research as test subjects. Not only will they help Doscher with her technique and research, but they will in turn be introduced to theories and methodologies in investigative psychology, as well as see first-hand the entwining of law enforcement’s multiple disciplines.

At the end of the presentation, Doscher was available for students to ask questions about the criminal justice industry. In a final moment of advice, she added, “If you’re looking to get rich or if you’re looking to get famous, you’re in the wrong profession, but if you’re here to protect and serve, you’ll do just fine.”

To learn more about RLC’s Criminal Justice programs, contact the Applied Science and Technology Department at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1261.