Lieutenant Chris Harvey, on left, and Chief Deputy Austin Garrett at the graduation ceremony held earlier this morning in Kodak, Tn.
Sheriff Jim Hammond and Chief Deputy Austin Garrett announce the graduation of Lieutenant Chris Harvey from the National Forensics Academy (Session #53). Lieutenant Harvey serves in the Criminal Investigations Division.
The National Forensic Academy is an intensive 10-week training program co-funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, designed to meet the demanding needs of law enforcement agencies in evidence identification, collection, and preservation, said officials. The NFA is offered in-residence, utilizing a curriculum developed by leading forensic practitioners from across the United States.
“I want to commend Lieutenant Harvey for his commitment to completing this challenging and demanding training opportunity," said Chief Deputy Austin Garrett. "This type of specialized training and personal achievement represents an important investment in our personnel and our ability to better serve the citizens of Hamilton County."
Throughout the NFA training, participants were challenged in the various disciplines of forensic science through extensive classroom instruction, laboratory activities, and field practicums. Academy participants also completed written and in-class competency exams to demonstrate mastery of the subject areas as well. The goal of the National Forensic Academy is to prepare the crime scene investigator to recognize key elements and to improve the process of evidence recovery and submission.
“I am very proud of Lieutenant Harvey for completing this professional career milestone,” said Sheriff Hammond. “The knowledge and practical experience he has gained by graduating this respected academy will greatly benefit the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation’s Division and the citizens of Hamilton County.”
The training Lieutenant Harvey received in the NFA Academy is Tennessee POST Certified and includes 400 hours of coursework. Graduates receive a formal diploma of completion and a Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 40-hour class completion certificate. The NFA is recognized by the IAI as providing the necessary training required for the four levels of crime scene certification. The curriculum also includes 170 hours of in-class work, 230 hours of field practicum, and a comprehensive, practical final.
The National Forensics Academy is part of the UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center’s Institute for Public Service.