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Crime Scene Forensics

Program Number: 12156RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/15/2012 - 10/19/2012; 10/14/2013 - 10/18/2013; 11/11/2013 - 11/15/2013; 12/2/2013 - 12/6/2013; 1/20/2014 - 1/24/2014; 2/17/2014 - 2/21/2014; 3/10/2014 - 3/14/2014; 4/28/2014 - 5/2/2014; 6/2/2014 - 6/6/2014;
Duration: 4 nights
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Price starting at: $683.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Science & Nature
Meals: 11; 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Leave fiction behind and get the facts on how modern forensic science is used to solve crimes involving assault, robbery, kidnapping, murder and fraud. FBI agents, forensic pathologists and scientists take you behind the scenes for a comprehensive look at how old-fashioned detective work combines with cutting-edge technology to solve crimes and mysteries.




Highlights

• In lectures and interactive presentations led by the experts, learn the basics of how blood pattern, fingerprinting and dental forensics factor into law enforcement investigations.
• Meet with real criminal justice professionals who share stories about the work they do each day investigating crime scenes.
• Forget what you’ve seen on TV — learn to distinguish the realities of crime-scene investigation from the dramatizations in popular culture.



Activity Particulars

Minimal walking involved each day.



Coordinated by University of Nevada Las Vegas.




Las Vegas (Nevada)

Located in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Between the world-class entertainment and gambling on “The Strip” and the region’s amazing natural resources including beautiful Red Rock Canyon it is clear why people love this desert community.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel/casino located on the Las Vegas “Strip” with an outdoor swimming pool, spa, health club, free on-site parking garage.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Mark McNett
Mark McNett is a 17-year veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and had been a homicide detective in Las Vegas for the last five years. He is recently retired and loves to share stories about his very interesting career with Road Scholar participants.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Harrah’s Hotel and Casino - on "The Strip"
  Las Vegas, NV 4 nights
 Harrah’s Hotel and Casino - on "The Strip"
Type: Hotel
  Description: Harrah’s is an 86,664 square foot hotel/casino, located on "The Strip". The 2,500 room Hotel/Casino rests within walking distance of a variety of other Hotel/Casinos including: The Flamingo, Bellagio, Bally’s, Paris, Caesars Palace and many more. Casino games include: Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Craps, Keno, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Roulette, Slots, Baccarat, Megabucks and more. The casino has a poker room. and a 45-seat race and sports book, equipped with 55 televisions and four big screens. Wheelchairs and scooters are available to rent for your convenience. For information, please call (800) 877-6106. Shuttle Service: You can visit Harrah’s sister properties, Bally's/Paris and Rio by using their free shuttle. Pick up location: Far east-side of property. Located directly behind the Registration/Front Desk at Harrahs Las Vegas. Schedule: Pick-up done daily from 10am-1am. Bus departs approximately every 30 minutes. Sorry, no luggage allowed on shuttle bus.
  Contact info: 3475 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109 USA
phone: 888-469-7320
web: www.harrahslasvegas.com
  Room amenities: The room also has a table and two chairs, armoire with television, and desk with a chair, air conditioning, Iron / Ironing board, blackout drapes, daily maid service, room service, high-speed Internet access (For a fee), hair dryer, combined shower and bathtub, television, Pay-Per-View movies, video game console and games, telephone, and a phone jack for dial-up internet access.
  Facility amenities: There are outstanding restaurants, a free seven-story parking garage, a sparkling outdoor swimming pool, a luxurious spa, state-of-the-art health club, full-service beauty salon, a unique variety of retail options and, entertainment, valet, concierge, currency exchange, luggage and laundry service, maid service, safety deposit boxes, wake-up calls, room service and express checkout. .
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Varies Contact the hotel at (888) 469-7320. Unfortunately there are no discounts for Road Scholar participants at Harrah's. If you are staying additional nights at Harrah's please let us know by marking it on your returned Travel Form so that we can ensure that you will not have to change rooms during the program dates.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Varies Contact the hotel at (888) 469-7320. Unfortunately there are no discounts for Road Scholar participants at Harrah's. If you are staying additional nights at Harrah's please let us know by marking it on your returned Travel Form so that we can ensure that you will not have to change rooms during the program dates.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00pm Monday You will be staying at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino - on "The Strip" that night.
  End of Program:
11:00am Friday You will be staying at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino - on "The Strip" the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Free self-parking or valet.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Las Vegas, NV
  Nearest airport:  McCarran International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Las Vegas, NV
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Las Vegas - McCarran Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Variety of Taxies for hire outside of Baggage Claim

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

around $15 (not including tip)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Distance:

 

4.5 Miles
 

Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Variety of shuttle services outside Baggage Claim

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$7-$13
Prices are subject to change.
 

Distance:

 

4.5 miles
   

A variety of shuttle services are available at McCarran Airport; they are located on the west side of baggage claim, outside door exits 8-14. Please note that there are both group shuttle and stretch limousine services for hire. Prices may vary due to increase in fuel prices. You do not need to call the shuttle services in advance for transportation from McCarran Airport to your hotel. For return service from Harrah's to McCarran Airport you must make reservations with the shuttle service.

 
Driving Directions
  I-15 Northbound to Harrah's Take exit 38 for Flamingo Rd, Keep right at the fork, Follow signs for Flamingo Rd East and merge onto Flamingo Rd. (heading east), turn LEFT on Kovol Ln., stay to the left, follow signs so Harrah’s, Turn LEFT at the first light after Winnick Ave. (there is no street name on this light), stay to the left and follow signs to Harrah’s self park or Valet.
  I-15 Southbound to Harrah's Take exit 39 for Spring Mountain Rd. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Spring Mountain Rd E. and merge onto Spring Mountain Rd, Continue onto Sands Ave, Turn right onto Koval Ln, stay to the right, make your first RIGHT at the light (there is no street name on this light), stay to the left and follow signs to Harrah’s self park or Valet.
  Las Vegas Blvd. (heading North) If you are going north on the Las Vegas Blvd ("The Strip"), there is an entrance to the Harrah's parking garage on the right, after Imperial Palace and before you pass Harrah's.
  McCarran Airport to Harrah's Head southeast on Wayne Newton Blvd toward Airport Departures, Keep left at the fork and merge onto Wayne Newton Blvd, Continue onto Swenson St, Turn left onto Harmon Ave, Turn right onto Koval Ln, stay to the left, follow signs to Harrah’s, Turn LEFT at the first light after Winnick Ave. (there is no street name on this light), stay to the left and follow signs to Harrah’s self park or Valet.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration / Orientation / Dinner
(Monday, October 15)
   
 Arrive To: Arrive at Harrah's at 4:00pm, find the Mardi Gras Tower/Convention Center Elevators (next to Mings Table Restaurant), take the elevator to the second floor and a representative of UNLV will be at the Check-In table on the second floor to meet you.
 Afternoon: Orientation - Meet your guide and take a closer look at our plans for the next four days. We will also provide you with information about Las Vegas.
 Dinner: Dinner buffet at Harrah's
 Evening: Free Time
   
Accommodations: Harrah’s Hotel and Casino - on "The Strip"
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Lectures / Field trip
(Tuesday, October 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Breakfast is not included with the commuter rate.
 Morning: Homicide Investigation Myth vs. Reality - Retired LVMPD Homicide Detective, Mark McNett will guide you through the basics of homicide investigating while providing plenty of personal experiences and reviewing actual homicide cases. More than a few myths will be busted along the way.
 Lunch: Lunch at the UNLV Dining Commons with a wide variety of choices.
 Afternoon: Fieldtrip - Bodies The Exhibit at the Luxor Hotel and Casino - This Exhibition is a celebration of the beautiful and amazing intricacies of the human form and features actual human specimens which allows access to sights and knowledge normally reserved only for medical professionals.
 Dinner: Dinner Buffet at the hotel.
 Evening: Free Time
   
Accommodations: Harrah’s Hotel and Casino - on "The Strip"
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Lectures / Field trip
(Wednesday, October 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Breakfast is not included with the commuter rate.
 Morning: Lectures and demonstrations with Lauren and Ruthie, of the Las Vegas ATF K-9 Unit. Learn what it takes to train the extremely keen senses of the ATF K-9 unit, and meet one of these disciplined yet friendly dogs.
 Morning: The Role of the Forensic Dentist - Dr. Ed Herschaft DDS, MA is a Professor of Biomedical Sciences at UNLV's School of Dental Medicine, and is also a forensic dental consultant of the Las Vegas Coroner's Office. In this presentation you will learn the dentist's role in the identification of victims and analysis of bite pattern injuries.
 Lunch: Lunch at the UNLV Dining Commons with a wide variety of choices.
 Afternoon: From Bodies to Bones: The Real World of Forensic Anthropology. Gaduate assistant and Ph.D. student at UNLV, Kathryn Baustian, will discuss the role of forensic anthropologists in death investigations.
 Dinner: Dinner Buffet at the hotel.
 Evening: Free Time
   
Accommodations: Harrah’s Hotel and Casino - on "The Strip"
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Lectures / Farewell Dinner
(Thursday, October 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Breakfast is not included with the commuter rate.
 Morning: Blood Pattern Analysis presentation given by Jason Cole from the Henderson Police Department.
 Lunch: Lunch at the UNLV Dining Commons with a wide variety of choices.
 Afternoon: Jason Cole, of the Henderson Police Department, will give a presentation and do hands on experience with fingerprinting methods.
 Afternoon: Lecture on DNA profiling.
 Dinner: Farewell Dinner - Enjoy an exquisite, cuisine with the group.
 Evening: Free time.
   
Accommodations: Harrah’s Hotel and Casino - on "The Strip"
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Field trip / Departure Day
(Friday, October 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Breakfast is not included with the commuter rate.
 Morning: Field trip to the Henderson Detention Center. See where criminals end up when they get caught!
 Afternoon: Back to hotel for hotel check-out by 11am
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Las Vegas, NV Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Admire the essence of every season recreated with exceptionally gorgeous plants, flowers and trees thoughtfully arranged to inspire full splendor. To ensure the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens maintains magnificence 365 days a year, 140 expert horticulturists theatrically arrange gazebos, bridges, ponds, and water features uniquely for each season. Theme changes 5 times a year, located at the Bellagio Admission FREE Bellagio Hotel and Casino 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S Paradise, Nevada 89109 For additional information, visit www.bellagio.com/amenities/botanical-garden.aspx
  Dancing Fountains of Bellagio
More than 1,000 dancing fountains choreographed to the music of Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, Bocelli, Pavarotti and more entertain the masses. Shows are daily, but at different times, so check with the hotel before finding a prime viewing spot on the Bellagio walkway. Mon-Fri at 3pm and Sat-Sun at 12pm and continue every half hour until 6pm and then every 15 minutes until 12am. Admission FREE. Bellagio Hotel and Casino 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S Paradise, Nevada 89109 For additional information, visit www.bellagio.com/amenities/fountains-of-bellagio.aspx
  Fall of Atlantis Fountain Show
The Fall of Atlantis fountain show will captivate you with its stunning special effects. Located inside Caesars Palace in the Forum Shops, next to The Cheesecake Factory, the free fountain show uses lifelike animatronic figures to recount the myth of Atlantis. Every hour on the hour Sunday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - midnight. Also worth a look is the amazing salt water aquarium that comprises the show's platform. You can watch as a diver feeds the tropical puffers, flounder, sharks and the rest of the aquarium's inhabitants each day at 1:15 and 5:15 pm. Admission - FREE. Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino 3570 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, NV 89109 For additional information, visit www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/fountainshow.html
  Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street area of Las Vegas is located downtown, just north of the famed Vegas Strip. Fremont Street dates back to 1905, when Las Vegas itself was founded. Fremont Street was closed to vehicle traffic in September, 1994 to begin construction on the Fremont Street Experience. The massive entertainment venue is home to Viva Vision, the spectacular light and music show. There are over 12.5 million lights projecting onto a 500-yard-long canopy 90 feet above the ground and a 550,000 watt sound system that truly makes Fremont Street a prime attraction for tourists and locals alike. This attraction provides shows in the evening hours on the canopy ceiling that last for approximately seven minutes. Viva Vision show times are every hour on the hour from 8:00 p.m. - midnight. The many hotels, casinos, and stores which open onto the Fremont Street Experience can keep you busy all night. Entertainment on 2 stages set up in the mall on various weekends and holidays also add to the excitement of Downtown Las Vegas. Admission - FREE. (800) 249-3559 Fremont St. and Las Vegas Blvd. 425 Fremont Street Las Vegas, NV 89101-5639 For additional information, visit www.vegasexperience.com/
  Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce
702-735-1616 For additional information, visit www.lvchamber.com
  Las Vegas tourism website
Find out about Las Vegas shows, attractions, dining, shopping, casinos, history, sports, golf, music, spas, nightlife, and weddings For additional information, visit www.visitlasvegas.com
  Lion Habitat at MGM Grand
This exciting exhibit is located inside the MGM Grand. A glass enclosed habitat allows visitors to walk around, above, below and through the center of a grand lion pride. Adult lions are on display from 11am-11pm, the baby lion cubs have an earlier bedtime and can be seen and photographed 11am-5pm. FREE admission. 702-891-1111. MGM Grand Hotel and Casino 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV 89109 For additional information, visit www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/lion-habitat.aspx
  Rio Masquerade Show in the Sky
At the Rio's Masquerade Village is a Show in the Sky! It's a unique performance every time, with three different shows featuring stunning dancers in eye-popping costume fashion. Your jaw will drop as these talented performers perform all-new routines to edgy music as fantasy floats glide above the crowd, creating an energetic and dynamic musical celebration. The all-new Show in the Sky is performed hourly from 7 pm until midnight every Thursday through Sunday. Admission - FREE Rio Hotel and Casino 3700 West Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV 89103-4043 For additional information, visit www.riolasvegas.com/casinos/rio/casino-misc/masquerade-show-in-the-sky-detail.html
  Sirens of TI
The sexy outdoor sirens pirate show is a must see spectacle of renegade pirates who are lured inside Siren's Cove by the siren songs. The singing stirs up a tempest strong enough to sink a ship and turning the entire cove into a 21st century party complete with pyrotechnics and music. The Sirens take to the ship nightly at 5:30pm, 7pm, 8:30pm and 10pm, weather permitting. FREE admission. 702-650-7400 Treasure Island 3300 S. Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 For additional information, visit www.treasureisland.com/shows/sirens_of_ti.aspx
  Volcano at the Mirage
In front of the Mirage Hotel & Casino you will find a peaceful dormant-looking volcano. But after 6pm each evening, this volcano blows its top in a show-stopping eruption. Over 54 feet tall, the lava flows freely down the sides of the volcano into pools of water and fire, surrounded by gorgeous waterfalls and tropical floral life. It continues to erupt every 15 minutes until 12am. Admission - FREE. 702-791-7111. The Mirage Hotel and Casino 3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV 89109 For additional information, visit www.mirage.com/attractions/volcano.aspx
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


An Essential History of Modern Las Vegas


Author: Schumacher, Geoff, Sun, Sin, and Suburbia


Las Vegas: A Centennial History


Author: Moehring, Eugene P., and Michael S. Green


The First 100: Portraits of the Men and Women Who Shaped Las Vegas


Author: Hopkins, A.D., and K.J. Evans, eds.


The Money and the Power: The Making of Las Vegas and Its Hold on America 1947-2000


Author: Denton, Sally, and Roger Morris




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