Advanced Forensic Tools Arrive in Calhoun County as Sheriff's Office Secures Momentum Grant

*BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) has received a $7,259 Momentum Grant* from the Marshall Community Foundation to purchase advanced crime scene technology that will transform how investigators document and present evidence in the courtroom.

The funding will be used to acquire an OSCR 360 Capture Kit, a high-tech system that creates interactive, 360-degree visual documentation of crime scenes. The equipment will be operated by the Calhoun Area Multi-Jurisdictional Evidence Team (CAMJET), a collaborative partnership between five local agencies that investigate serious incidents across the region.

"This technology represents a significant step forward in how we document and present evidence," said Calhoun County Sheriff Steve Hinkley. "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 represents a major advancement in forensic investigation capabilities. The system allows investigators to capture an entire room with a single image and create a virtual walkthrough of a crime scene. This innovative technology enables evidence to be mapped precisely to its exact location within the scene.

The technology provides several critical benefits:

  • Enhanced scene reconstruction — Investigators can recreate the crime scene in virtual space with pinpoint accuracy
  • Improved courtroom presentations — Judges and juries can view interactive 360-degree evidence rather than static photos
  • Increased investigative efficiency — The system significantly reduces the time required to document complex scenes
  • Support for multi-room investigations — Particularly valuable in cases involving both indoor and outdoor scenes

The technology is already being utilized by leading forensic teams, including the Michigan State Police, and has proven particularly valuable in complex investigations that span multiple locations.

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

CAMJET: Five Agencies Working Together

CAMJET, which was formed in 2022 and formalized through a multi-agency agreement in 2024, represents a unified regional approach to investigating serious criminal incidents. 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

This collaborative task force aims to strengthen case outcomes through advanced technology and shared resources. By pooling expertise across multiple jurisdictions, CAMJET can respond more effectively to incidents that affect the broader Calhoun County region.

The Marshall Community Foundation's Momentum Grant program specifically supports projects that strengthen the community and improve quality of life across the Marshall area. This grant represents the foundation's commitment to public safety investments that benefit law enforcement agencies in Southwest Michigan.

Modernizing Forensic Capabilities

The OSCR 360 system aligns with cutting-edge forensic tools used by major law enforcement agencies nationwide. The technology creates visual walkthroughs that allow investigators and legal teams to examine crime scenes in immersive detail.

This capability is particularly important for:

  • Complex homicide investigations
  • Multi-incident crimes
  • Cases requiring precise evidence placement
  • Court presentations where visual clarity is critical

By upgrading to this technology, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office will have capabilities comparable to those used by state-level forensic teams, ensuring that serious crimes receive thorough and professional investigation.

The grant check was presented by the Marshall Community Foundation to represent their investment in public safety and community support. Sheriff Hinkley expressed appreciation for the foundation's ongoing commitment to strengthening law enforcement capabilities in the region.

As CAMJET integrates this new technology, the team expects to see improved case outcomes and more efficient use of investigative resources across the five participating agencies. The system will be operational and ready for use as investigators continue their work documenting and solving serious crimes in Calhoun County.