The University of Lincoln has constructed a 'crime scene house' featuring meticulously recreated scenes from iconic films and TV shows, aiming to attract the next generation of forensic investigators and detectives. The initiative comes as the Police Federation's National Detectives' Forum reports a shortage of 5,000 detectives across England and Wales, with a backlog of over 20,000 digital devices requiring forensic examination.
Recreating Infamous Scenes
Set builders spent 250 hours constructing the house, which includes the blood-spattered shower from Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film Psycho, the axe-splintered bathroom door from The Shining, and the flickering lights from the Byers house in Stranger Things. Other scenes feature the meth masks and Walter White's pants from Breaking Bad, the smiley face on Sherlock Holmes' wall from Sherlock, and the Raquel Welch poster covering the escape tunnel in Andy Dufresne's cell from The Shawshank Redemption.
Addressing a Critical Shortage
Dr Kirsty Miller, Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Health and Science, stated: "We are living in an age where social media and true crime have made criminal investigations fascinating to huge audiences, but real investigations depend on evidence, scientific rigour and professional judgement. Our Crime Scene House is designed to spark curiosity and show prospective students how those skills are developed in practice." She added: "At a time when the criminal justice system is crying out for more investigators and detectives, we're hoping it inspires students to choose a degree that leads to a much needed and valuable career."
Debunking TV Myths
The university is also using the launch to highlight common myths portrayed in crime dramas, with forensic experts explaining where popular shows get investigations right and wrong. The Crime Scene House will be unveiled at the university's Open Day on July 4.
Expert and Student Engagement
Professor Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, commented: "Choosing what to study is often about following the subjects that genuinely excite and inspire you. The Crime Scene House captures that approach perfectly—it's imaginative, immersive and shows how we bring academic learning together with real-world experience to inspire the next generation of professionals." The house will be hosted by content creator Brett Harman, known online as Brettflix, who will challenge students to solve as many crime scenes as they can.
Nationwide Poll Results
To coincide with the unveiling, the university conducted a nationwide poll identifying the most memorable crime scenes from TV and film. The top three were the 'Here's Johnny' scene from The Shining, the shower scene from Psycho, and the Buffalo Bill basement climax from The Silence of the Lambs.
