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CSI Summer Camp? Real World Of Criminal Investigation In South Jersey

GALLOWAY, N.J. (CBS) - A South Jersey university is hosting a series of week long summer camps for young people thinking about a career as a crime scene investigator.

It's $850 to take part in Stockton CSI, but that covers room and board, as those in or about to enter high school get a crash course on the real world.

"Students will get first hand experience on doing all phases of criminal justice investigation and trial prep," says Criminal Justice Professor Christina Tartaro, who runs the program. "We also talk to them about what the prison and jail system is like because we want them to know what is at stake when they go ahead and accuse somebody of a crime."

They'll also get to hear from experts in the profession and go on field trips.

Tartaro says a lot of young people want to get into CSI work from watching TV. Which proves to be a two edged sword, so to speak:

"We get a lot of interest from people from what is on TV. But we are cursed in that what is on TV is not accurate."

The camp is in its 10th year. There's three sessions this month and if the camp fills up, there's a waiting list for next year.

Details on the program are available here.

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