Local Law Enforcement Officers Complete Crime Scene Investigator Training

Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow Police Department and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation have partnered together for a Crime Scene Investigators program.

"Ongoing training is important, ongoing training in this type of specified part of policing is very technical and you want your people up to speed on what's going on," said Broken Arrow Police Chief Brandon Berryhill.

This program is the only crime scene investigator training offered in the state. 

Broken Arrow Police Chief Brandon Berryhill says it focuses on recovering evidence, the science that can be used at crime scenes, and how to take proper measurements. 

He says it also helps agencies across the state work together.

"When you have OSBI which is responsible for the state and various agencies that are here, all doing the same thing, it helps raise the professionalism across the state because they are all adhering to the same standard," he said. 

Northeastern State University Provost Debbie Landry says the university is proud of the program and how it helps law enforcement across the state. 

Investigators from OSBI taught the course, and it's 130 hours of coursework and hands on experience. 

She says when everyone is following the same training, it also benefits the communities the agencies serve. 

"This training helps because it keeps our officers current, the investigators and the special agents current in best practice and practical applications of what they are doing day in and day out," Landry said. 

60 officers in total have completed the program.