As Sheriff of Cherokee County, it is very important to me to involve our personnel with the local school systems. 

Sand Rock High School offers an 18-week course in forensics as a core science class taught by John Blackwell.  The students are introduced to topics such as types of evidence, fingerprinting, hair and fiber testing, and DNA analysis. 

The class is interesting and informative for the students who may be considering a career in law enforcement, and for others it gives a better understanding of criminal procedures along with knowledge of local, state and federal laws. 

Chief Investigator Bo Jolly along with Investigators Tony Monroy, Matt Peek, and Brent Snead have been attending since the beginning of the year and sharing their real life experiences with forensic science class.  These investigators have devoted several hours of training to help these high school students with demonstrations and explanations of how forensics is applied by local law enforcement officers. 

This reinforces textbook instruction and provides a better understanding of forensic principles. 

Mr. Blackwell stated, “The popularity of crime shows today has boosted forensic science interest.  Unfortunately, the reality of how forensics is applied to solve crimes and how it is displayed in television shows is completely opposite.  Having experienced Cherokee County Investigators in our class to explain the proper way crimes are solved is invaluable.  But more importantly, is having them in the classroom talking to juniors and seniors in high school telling them how to stop crime before it happens.”

I agree with Mr. Blackwell and would like to express my thanks to these investigators for working with our students to better prepare them for their future.

~ Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver