The second meeting of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy took place, where participants learned about crime scene investigation and forensic science. The session included an introduction to the Criminal Investigations Division by Lt. JJ Breeden, followed by a case study presentation by Deputy Chief Jeff McCarter titled "Murder on the Mountain," which covered the investigation that led to the conviction of a 2005 Sevier County murder offender, as reported by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office.
Attendees at the academy split into teams to study crime scene procedures, including shooting reconstruction, blood stain analysis, fingerprinting, casting, and photography. The evening ended with a tour of the crime scene vehicle. Detectives Zach Brandenburg, Timothy Marlow, and Alex Smuk were acknowledged for their instruction, as stated by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Sevier County Sheriff's Office on their Facebook page, the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy gives the public an opportunity to learn about law enforcement techniques and forensic science. The program aims to build community relations and promote transparency by providing citizens with a better understanding of the work involved in solving crimes.
