Marshall Community Foundation Awards Grant for OSCR 360 Capture Kit
*BATTLE CREEK, MI — The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office has received a $7,259 grant* from the Marshall Community Foundation to purchase advanced crime scene technology that will benefit multiple law enforcement agencies across the region.
The funding will purchase an OSCR 360 Capture Kit, a cutting-edge system that allows investigators to create interactive, 360-degree visual documentation of crime scenes.
The equipment will be utilized by the Calhoun Area Multi-Jurisdictional Evidence Team (CAMJET), a collaborative partnership between five local agencies working together to investigate major incidents.
"This technology represents a significant step forward in how we document and present evidence," Sheriff Steve Hinkley said in the announcement.
"We are grateful to the Marshall Community Foundation for investing in tools that enhance public safety and strengthen our ability to serve the community," Hinkley continued.
How the OSCR 360 System Works
The OSCR 360 system enables investigators to capture an entire room with a single image and create a virtual walkthrough of a scene. This allows evidence to be mapped precisely to its location, improves scene reconstruction, and enhances courtroom presentations for judges and juries.
The technology is already being utilized by leading forensic teams like the Michigan State Police, according to the announcement. It has proven valuable in complex investigations involving multiple rooms or both indoor and outdoor scenes.
By reducing the time required to document scenes and improving the accuracy of evidence presentation, the system is expected to increase efficiency for investigators and support stronger case outcomes.
Five Agencies on Regional Evidence Team
CAMJET, formed in 2022 and formalized through a multi-agency agreement in 2024, includes:
- Albion Department of Public Safety
- Calhoun County Sheriff's Office
- Emmett Township Department of Public Safety
- Marshall Police Department
- Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Police Department
The Marshall Community Foundation's Momentum Grant program supports projects that strengthen the community and improve the quality of life across the Marshall area.
"This investment not only supports law enforcement but enhances collaboration across agencies," Hinkley said in the announcement.
"Together, we are building a more efficient and effective response to serious incidents in our communities," he added.
What This Means for Local Investigations
The grant will directly improve how investigators document and present evidence in major cases. The 360-degree visualization technology allows for:
- More accurate mapping of evidence to specific locations
- Better scene reconstruction for prosecutors
- Enhanced courtroom presentations that help judges and juries understand complex cases
- Faster documentation that frees up investigators for other critical work
This technology is already being used by the Michigan State Police and other leading forensic teams. Sheriff Hinkley noted that the system has proven valuable in complex investigations involving multiple rooms or both indoor and outdoor scenes.
The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office expects the technology will increase efficiency for investigators and support stronger case outcomes across the region.