Operation Enigma: A novel case study investigation

De Montfort University is the only UK university to be a United Nations Academic Impact SDG (Sustainable Development Development) Chair Hub for SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. We embrace the SDG16 ethos within the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences accredited BSc Forensic Science undergraduate degree. Experiential/Participatory learning is integral to our curriculum, aligned to the Criminal Justice System: Crime Scene, Forensic Laboratory, and Court. We implement a Tri-modal approach for student active learning experiences: physical (utilising on campus facilities such as the crime scene house and non-residential space, industry specification laboratory facilities, vehicle and the former Leicester Crown and Magistrate courtrooms), integrating contextual information (provided by academic colleagues from our practitioner casework experience and research informed teaching portfolios), with the virtual world (embracing innovative and immersive technologies; asynchronously within our VLE, and synchronously; in timetabled sessions). Here, we showcase Operation Enigma – a unique organised crime group case study created in a cross-Faculty and interdisciplinary partnership, involving a County Lines criminal investigation, incorporating crime scenes, seminars, and practical laboratory classes. Linking the entirety of Operation Enigma is digital technology (mobile phone, CCTV, social media, and background intelligence). This is a transformative heutagogy, integrating professional expectations, via co-creation, peer feedback, reflection, and problem-based learning to enhance students’ Graduate Attributes, with development of 21 century employability skills (collaboration, critical analysis, communication, creative thinking). Operation Enigma demonstrates the paramount importance of authentic real-world learning. Ultimately, this will interest global Criminal Justice educators (academics, practitioners, trainers) as to innovative and immersive learning opportunities.