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Governor Ivey Awards Grant to Jax State to Support Forensic Training for Law Enforcement

Jacksonville, AL (05/14/2025) — With continued support from the State of Alabama, Jacksonville State University will further its mission of serving law enforcement professionals through hands-on forensic training. Governor Kay Ivey has awarded $150,000 to Jax State's Center for Applied Forensics as part of a larger $265,000 investment in statewide law enforcement training initiatives, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

"Our law enforcement officers work tirelessly to protect our communities by solving crimes and putting offenders behind bars," Governor Ivey said in the announcement. "This important training offered by two of our best universities will equip officers with the knowledge and techniques they need to increase their skills and benefit public safety."

The funding will enable Jacksonville State to continue offering training that helps officers recognize, preserve, and collect crucial evidence at crime scenes. Participants receive a comprehensive crime scene kit, and advanced workshops are available at no cost to officers or their departments.

"This training is designed to give officers the practical skills they need to properly document, collect, and preserve physical evidence-skills that can directly impact the outcome of a case," said Mark Hopwood, Director of the Center for Applied Forensics at Jacksonville State. "By focusing on techniques that are both field-tested and forensically sound, we're helping departments across Alabama build stronger investigations from the ground up."

The grant was made available through the U.S. Department of Justice and administered by ADECA. "ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these programs that will provide both basic and advanced training to keep communities and residents safe," said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell.

Jacksonville State's Center for Applied Forensics has long partnered with law enforcement agencies across the state to provide training and field support. The Center also responds to crime scenes in rural northeast Alabama to assist local agencies with forensic investigation needs.

To learn more about the Center for Applied Forensics at Jax State, visit jsu.edu/forensics.

About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers' college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1, or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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