On Thursday, March 11, Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell sponsored a crime scene processing class for members of his staff and the Marshall Police Department. Instructors for the class, which was held in Leslie, was Searcy County Chief Deputy Dewayne Pierce and Searcy County Deputy Craig Loggins. Both are state certified law enforcement instructors. Pierce is a graduate of the Crime Scene Technician Program sponsored by the Criminal Justice Institute, University of Arkansas System, and Loggins holds a teaching certificate.

  Cassell said the class provides students with "hands on" training in the latest techniques for crime scene processing. He explained the class is designed to teach law enforcement when dealing with crime scenes.

  Pierce said during the four-hour class held Thursday, participants learned basic latent and patent fingerprint recovery techniques and stated other classes will be held throughout the year and will include advanced classes which will cover a variety of subjects including locating and collecting DNA evidence, interpreting bloodstain patterns and the use of chemical enhancements methods.

  Pierce explained that each technique covered during these courses is designed to help law enforcement solve cases. "These classes are designed to help our law enforcement officers stay on top of technology and provide them with the resources they need to process crime scenes. We will start with basic instruction and go through the advanced techniques."

  Cassell added, "I think it's important that officers continue to learn and grow in their positions so we can do our very best to serve our community. I'm thankful to have someone as knowledgeable as Dewayne and Craig to keep our deputies focused on the recovery of evidence."