The Calhoun County Sheriffs Office is getting a major upgrade to its crime scene investigation capabilities thanks to a $7,259 grant from the Marshall Community Foundation.

The funding will purchase an OSCR 360 Capture Kit, a cutting-edge system that creates 360-degree visual documentation of crime scenes. The technology will be used by the Calhoun Area Multi-Jurisdictional Evidence Team, known as CAMJET.

How the Technology Works

The OSCR 360 system allows investigators to capture an entire room with a single image and create virtual walkthroughs of scenes. Evidence can be mapped precisely to its location, improving scene reconstruction and enhancing courtroom presentations for judges and juries.

This technology is already in use by leading forensic teams, including the Michigan State Police. It has proven valuable in complex investigations involving multiple rooms or both indoor and outdoor scenes.

Regional Collaboration

CAMJET, formed in 2022 and formalized through a multi-agency agreement in 2024, includes five local departments: Albion Department of Public Safety, Calhoun County Sheriffs Office, Emmett Township Department of Public Safety, Marshall Police Department, and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Police Department.

This technology represents a significant step forward in how we document and present evidence, said 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.

The system is expected to reduce documentation time and improve evidence accuracy, supporting stronger case outcomes while enhancing collaboration across agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OSCR 360 Capture Kit?
A: It is a crime scene documentation system that creates 360-degree visual records of investigation scenes, allowing virtual walkthroughs and precise evidence mapping.

Q: Which agencies are part of CAMJET?
A: The team includes Albion Department of Public Safety, Calhoun County Sheriffs Office, Emmett Township Department of Public Safety, Marshall Police Department, and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Police Department.

Q: Who funded this technology purchase?
A: The $7,259 grant came from the Marshall Community Foundations Momentum Grant program.