NILES — Residents will get a chance to play detective and analyze the scene of a crime to bring a murderer to justice during an upcoming Crime Scene Investigation program at the Niles District Library.

The event called “Four Flags Foul Play” will take place over the course of two days from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 20 to 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday April 21, at the library. The event is free and open to the public to attend.

The murder-mystery investigation will be led by Cass County Sheriff’s Department Deputy MaKenzie Kreiner, who has 17 years of experience in the field. Before serving for the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, Kreiner served the Pokagon Tribal Police.

As a deputy, Kreiner is among the police authorities securing a crime scene, though in the past she has also been among those collecting data. Additionally, Kreiner helps to lead a number of outreach programs to teach local youth and community members about the work of police officers. She taught a similar program called “DOA at the COA” last year.

Kreiner invented the story behind this murder mystery, which will involve a death among the stacks of books at the Niles District Library. Some volunteers will star as a character such as Libby the Librarian and Mikey the Mysterious to help bring the scenario to life.

Using a hands on and professional technique, participants will examine blood splatter, take foot castings, dust for fingerprints and interview witnesses. At the end of the two-day program, they will have to decide who the murderer is.

Kreiner said she hopes it will give those who participate a more realistic impression of what crime scene analysis involves.

“They see so many things on TV that are completely wrong,” Kreiner said. “If they ever have something that happens in their home, they will hopefully understand why the time frame is longer than what they see on TV.”

Kreiner said the time factor is one thing that often frustrates people in real life scenarios. During the program, Kreiner said novice detectives will learn the finesse necessary to collect fingerprints and how to scour every inch of a crime scene for blood splatter. As any good detective knows, details are crucial. This will be especially pertinent when interviewing witnesses, whose accounts, as detectives will find out, may change.

“If they are really upset they may need time to process before you interview them,” Kreiner said. “Paying attention to detail and what they told you the first time is important. Sometimes just one slip-up helps.”

Because of the realistic and detailed quality of the program, Kreiner said it is not appropriate for those under 18.

Kreiner encouraged any adult with an interest in learning hands on detective procedure to sign up.

“[I would invite] anybody that is interested in learning more about what crime scene technicians do to just come enjoy a fun evening of mystery,” Kreiner said.

Only 15 spots are available for the program. The deadline to sign up is April 17. Those interested can sign up at the Niles District Library or by calling the library at (269) 683-8545 extension 112. Lunches for $6 will be available at time of registration.