From forensics to field sobriety, the region’s future in law enforcement was out in full force Friday in the spirit of friendly competition.
Nine high schools participated in the 6th annual Northeast Tennessee Crime Scene Investigation at Valley Forge Free Will Baptist and Elizabethton High School was able to come away with their second consecutive overall title, while placing first in five individual categories.
“Coming in here and defending the trophy was a big deal,” said Ryan Presnell, EHS Criminal Justice teacher. “They took it very seriously. This is pretty much a whole new team. We only had two students that were from the team last year so they take what we do very seriously and they’re very professional. If they continue the road they’re on, all of them could be law enforcement officers within the next five to six years and our community will be way better for it.”
Presnell and fellow EHS Criminal Justice teacher Kenny Hardin helped lead their team again others from the region.
While the competition is always fun, the bond of friendship and camaraderie makes the event worthwhile, according to Presnell.
“The important thing for us is that we all understand that we’re on the same side at the end of the day,” Presnell said. “Sure we’re competing today, but a lot of these kids will be working for different departments and some of them maybe even for the same department.”
Throughout the day, 160 students participated in different events, including Quick Search (Indoor/Outdoor), DNA, Crime Sketch & Photograph Evidence, Glass Evidence, Field Sobriety, Bones, Blood Spatter, Fingerprint, Firearms Forensics, Cast Molds & Documentation, and Autopsy Written Exam. Carter County was also represented during the day with Happy Valley High School coming away with a first-place finish in quick search.
Students were able to participate alongside various state and local law enforcement agencies. Presnell thanked everyone for their help for the day and said it is always a great time to catch up with officers and have students learn different details about the profession.
Presnell added that one participate from the past the past three years was a judge for this year’s event while being an officer. Several students from EHS have gone on to graduate after going through the program and are now serving in law enforcement.