Dr. Chernoh Wurie's Violent Crime Scene Investigation class brings forensic education to life through immersive, hands-on crime scene simulations. Students gain practical experience in evidence collection, analysis, and investigative techniques under expert guidance from law enforcement professionals.
Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Bourne is a Forensic Technician II with the Richmond Police Department, where she has spent nearly ten years serving the Richmond community through crime scene investigation and forensic science. In her role, she responds to calls for service, documents crime scenes through photography, sketching, and detailed reporting, and collects and preserves physical evidence with precision and care. She works closely with detectives and the Medical Examiner’s Office to ensure evidence is properly processed, maintained, and available for investigative and prosecutorial purposes, understanding that the work completed today may become a critical piece of a case months or even years later.
Jessica’s interest in forensic science began long before it became her profession. As a young girl, she was captivated by CSI: Las Vegas and particularly inspired by Catherine Willows, a strong, intelligent woman who used science and critical thinking to uncover the truth. What started as a fascination with crime scene investigation evolved into a career defined by curiosity, perseverance, and a genuine desire to help others.
A proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree while developing a deep appreciation for both the university and the Richmond community she would eventually serve. She later earned her Master of Science in Forensic Science from George Mason University in 2017. One of the most meaningful moments in her professional journey came when she learned she had been selected for an interview with the Richmond Police Department on the same day as her graduate school commencement, a full circle moment that marked the transition from student to practitioner.
Before joining the Richmond Police Department, Jessica served as a Program Director for Envision Experience, leading the Law and CSI program for high school students. Through mock trials, expert panels, and hands on simulations, she helped introduce young people to careers in forensic science and the legal profession. The experience reinforced her passion for mentorship and education, values she continues to carry throughout her career.
Over the years, Jessica has worked hundreds of crime scenes and contributed to countless investigations. Her professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence were recognized in 2019 when she was named Richmond Police Department Investigator of the Year. Just one year later, she faced one of the greatest challenges of her life while continuing to serve the Richmond community during treatment for breast cancer. Through determination, resilience, and the support of those around her, she completed treatment and is now cancer free. That experience strengthened her perspective, deepened her appreciation for service, and reinforced the importance of perseverance in both life and work. At the end of 2021, she became a graduate of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Academy.
Today, Jessica continues to succeed with professionalism, compassion, and purpose. In addition to her work with the Richmond Police Department, she regularly returns to Virginia Commonwealth University as a guest lecturer, leading classroom discussions and mock crime scene exercises that help students connect academic concepts with real world investigative work. Whether processing a crime scene, mentoring a student, or sharing her experiences with future forensic professionals, Jessica remains committed to serving her community and helping others discover the possibilities within the field she has loved since childhood.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think what makes me successful is compartmentalization being able to separate your job and your life. If I were to bring that home to my child, I think I wouldn't be here. Everyone has a job to do, whether it's sitting at a desk or working the circus, we all can't take that home. The most rewarding part of my work is bringing closure and justice for families. We go about our daily lives at the grocery store and don't think about people dying and the horrific things that we see, so bringing closure for families is really the rewarding part. Especially for the true victims - the really innocent people, babies for example - who didn't ask for this violence. Bringing justice for them is equally rewarding. I'm also very proud of getting my master's degree and proving to myself that the hands-on work I did can lead to a full-time career. It's something I can stick on my wall, and it proves the knowledge that I can carry into the field.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to shoot for the stars. Don't sell yourself short. If you live in a certain area, don't just subject yourself to that area. Explore and travel. Try every opportunity that you have. Always say yes, enjoy the journey, and shoot for the stars.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The “CSI Effect” is described as a phenomenon resulting from viewing forensic and crime based television shows. This effect influences jurors to have unrealistic expectations of forensic science during a criminal trial and affect jurors’ decisions in the conviction or acquittal process. Research has shown the “CSI Effect” has a possible pro-defense bias, in that jurors are less likely to convict without the presence of some sort of forensic evidence. Some studies show actors in the criminal justice system are changing their tactics, as if this effect has a significant influence, causing them to request unnecessary crime lab tests and expert testimonies.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Jessica
VCU hands on forensics - Bourne
VCU Criminal Justice Students Get Hands-On Experience with Realistic Crime Scene Investigation
When students walked into Dr. Chernoh Wurie’s Violent Crime Scene Investigation class (CRJS 425), they were more than surprised.
“I walked into the room and I saw a person just lying there. I thought it was an actual person – it was not,” jokes Kaelon Thompson, an undergraduate student majoring in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
The “person” was a mannequin staged by assistant professor Chernoh Wurie Ph.D., who built an artificial crime scene for students to investigate, utilizing skills and knowledge from their semester studies. With the help of criminal justice alumna Jessica Bourne (‘15 BS), a forensic technician at the Richmond Police Department, Wurie recreated what students may eventually uncover in the professional field.
“We came in and were given information on the case and had to come up with our idea of how to go about the investigation,” says undergraduate M. J. Benedict. “We got to do things like taking fingerprints and footwear impressions and using alternative light sources. It was really great to take what we’ve learned and actually get a chance to do it physically.”
Inquisitive yet confident, students roamed the classroom in groups, taking measurements, photographing evidence and putting the pieces together.
“I love the students and what they take away from it — their enthusiasm for the crime scene and their enthusiasm for learning and asking questions,” shares Bourne, who serves as a guest instructor during the course. “Whether it’s going through cases with them versus packaging evidence to going to crime scenes, they can take this experience and go with their future and their careers.”
The cases presented throughout the senior-level course are grounded in reality. Dr. Wurie shows pictures of actual crime scenes he worked on as a police officer and crime scene technician with the Prince William County Police Department. His students are perpetually enthralled as he explains step by step how he conducted his investigative process.
Wurie prioritizes valuable classroom experiences as essential for preparation to enter the workforce with a solid foundation of essential skills.
“We also expose them to police department labs and crime scene labs so they can see what goes on behind the scenes,” Wurie says. “It’s not just field work — they also can see the science behind the crime scenes.”
https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/news-posts/video---hands-on-forensics-a-crime-scene-investigation-in-the-classroom-.html
Discover Jessica Bourne's remarkable journey of survival as a breast cancer survivor and Richmond PD forensic investigator. An inspiring episode featuring her story of resilience during the pandemic.
Survivor podcast- Bourne
A Conversation with Jessica Bourne: A Breast Cancer Survivor's Journey During the Pandemic
In Episode Two, I interview Richmond PD Forensic Investigator Jessica Bourne. Jessica has an incredible story of survival that I wanted her to share: she received a diagnosis of breast cancer in her mid-twenties, with no family history of cancer. She had to navigate this experience just as the pandemic was beginning.
She is truly an incredible person, and her story is both inspiring and uplifting. I hope you enjoy the episode, and thank you for listening.
https://www.podpage.com/the-danny-and-park-novels-1/jessica-bourne-survivor/
A Richmond tattoo artist specializes in mastectomy tattoos, helping breast cancer survivors reclaim their bodies and mark their healing journey through artistic expression and her non-profit foundation.
Breast Cancer - Bourne
Richmond tattoo artist helps breast cancer survivors reclaim their bodies through empowering mastectomy tattoos.
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - For years, many breast cancer survivors have found solace in getting mastectomy tattoos, but now there is another aspect of their journey that is getting a little artwork as well.
Amy Black, owner of Amy Black Tattoos in Richmond’s Carytown neighborhood, has transformed areas of the body into works of art for more than 20 years.
However, beyond the blank canvas of the body, she is well known for her mastectomy tattoos.
In 2010, Black started doing this specialized tattooing and has partnered with breast cancer groups and medical teams across the country. The Richmond artist even founded her own non-profit, Pink Ink Fund to help financially support breast cancer patients with their post-mastectomy tattoo. Breast cancer survivors have sought Black’s skills over the years to mark their journey forward.
“I definitely think it’s a way for them to reclaim their body, their health, their power, their choice,” she said. “Their ability to choose what they want to do with themselves post-cancer treatment.”
However, for many breast cancer survivors, the scars of their journey remain - literally.
“Jan. 13 is when I found out,” said Jessica Bourne, a breast cancer survivor.
2020 was a year that impacted all of us. For Bourne, it was a bit more difficult – continuing to serve her community as a Richmond Police forensic investigator all while battling breast cancer.
“My philosophy in life is when you’re having a bad day, someone else is having a worse day,” she said.
So, after being diagnosed with stage 2-3 triple-negative breast cancer at age 26, she tried to make the best out of her time during chemo treatment.
“Nobody could go in, and thank God for the nurses because they were so amazing,” Bourne said.
https://www.12onyourside.com/2021/10/19/every-pain-every-sadness-just-disappeared-richmond-tattoo-artist-covers-up-breast-cancer-port-scars/
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