Marshall Community Foundation Provides Critical Grant to Enhance Regional Crime Scene Investigations

*MARSHALL, Mich. — The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office has received a $7,259 grant from the Marshall Community Foundation* to purchase advanced crime scene visualization technology that will revolutionize how investigators document and present evidence in the region.

The Marshall Community Foundation awarded the funding through its Momentum Grant program, which supports projects that strengthen the community and improve quality of life across the Marshall area. The grant will purchase an OSCR 360 Capture Kit, a cutting-edge system that creates interactive, 360-degree virtual walkthroughs of crime scenes.

"This technology represents a significant step forward in how we document and present evidence," said Calhoun County Sheriff Steve Hinkley 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."

Revolutionary Crime Scene Documentation

The OSCR 360 Capture Kit enables investigators to capture an entire room with a single image and create a virtual walkthrough of a crime scene. The technology allows evidence to be mapped precisely to its location, improving scene reconstruction and enhancing courtroom presentations for judges and juries.

According to Sheriff Hinkley, the system is already in use by leading forensic teams, including the Michigan State Police. The technology has proven particularly valuable in complex investigations involving multiple rooms or both indoor and outdoor scenes.

"This investment not only supports law enforcement but enhances collaboration across agencies," Hinkley said. "Together, we are building a more efficient and effective response to serious incidents in our communities."

Multi-Agency Partnership

The equipment will be used by the Calhoun Area Multi-Jurisdictional Evidence Team (CAMJET), a collaborative partnership between five local agencies that work together to investigate major incidents. CAMJET was formed in 2022 and formalized through a multi-agency agreement in 2024.

The team 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

Why This Technology Matters

The OSCR 360 system addresses several critical needs in forensic investigations:

  • Faster Documentation: Reduces the time required to document crime scenes
  • Precision Mapping: Evidence is mapped precisely to its location within a scene
  • Improved Reconstruction: Creates accurate virtual walkthroughs for case analysis
  • Better Courtroom Presentations: Judges and juries can view crime scenes virtually
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Supports stronger case outcomes through superior evidence documentation

"The technology is already being utilized by the Michigan State Police, and this investment aligns with tools used by state forensic teams," Hinkley noted.

Supporting Community Safety

The Marshall Community Foundation's Momentum Grant program specifically targets projects that strengthen the community and improve quality of life across the Marshall area. By supporting advanced law enforcement technology, the foundation is investing in public safety and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.

The $7,259 grant represents a critical investment in regional crime scene investigations. The technology will help investigators document scenes more accurately, present evidence more effectively in court, and ultimately support stronger case outcomes.

Looking Ahead

As CAMJET integrates this new technology, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office and its partner agencies will be better equipped to handle serious incidents across the region. The 360-degree visualization system will serve as a powerful tool for investigators, prosecutors, and the justice system.

The Marshall Community Foundation's investment demonstrates its commitment to supporting public safety initiatives and helping law enforcement agencies modernize their equipment and capabilities.