Jefferson County, Arkansas – Sergeant Clayton Cantrell of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) has achieved a significant milestone in his law enforcement career by completing the Crime Scene Technician Certificate Program (CSTCP) through the Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) at the University of Arkansas System. The accomplishment, announced by JCSO officials on September 23, 2025, underscores the department’s ongoing commitment to professional development and evidence-based policing.
The CSTCP is a rigorous 135-hour program designed to prepare law enforcement officers for the complexities of crime scene investigations. The curriculum includes six foundational courses covering Crime Scene Management and Photography, Sketching, Note Taking, and Report Writing, Latent Print Processing, Impression Evidence, Biological and Trace Evidence, and Crime Scene Investigation. Beyond meeting the program’s core requirements, completion of the CSTCP positions officers to pursue national crime scene certification, a distinction that further strengthens investigative capacity.
“Sergeant Cantrell’s achievement strengthens our investigative capabilities and our commitment to evidence-based policing,” said Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. “Investments in specialized training translate directly into better casework, stronger prosecutions, and safer communities.”
The CSTCP blends classroom instruction with hands-on learning, utilizing professional-grade photography and evidence collection tools. Participants receive intensive training in accurately documenting and preserving evidence, ensuring that crime scenes are meticulously examined and recorded. For law enforcement agencies, this level of expertise is essential in building airtight cases and upholding justice.
CJI, the program provider, serves Arkansas law enforcement by offering advanced training, academic credentials, online courses, and a variety of practitioner resources. The institute’s mission is to elevate law enforcement performance across multiple areas, including leadership, forensic science, drug investigations, school safety, and traffic safety, among others.
Sergeant Cantrell brings a wealth of experience to his new certification. He began his law enforcement career at the Redfield Police Department as a part-time officer in May 2017. He then joined the White Hall Police Department in September 2017 and graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) in April 2018. Cantrell joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as a Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Division on October 1, 2024. He holds an Intermediate Certificate, is a certified instructor, and is a graduate of the Arkansas Leader program and the School of Law Enforcement Supervision (SLES).
“Professional development is a core priority at JCSO,” Sheriff Woods added. “Specialized training like CSTCP elevates the quality of our investigations and supports fair, impartial, and effective justice across Jefferson County.”
The impact of Cantrell’s new expertise extends beyond internal departmental operations. Accurate crime scene analysis plays a crucial role in solving cases, securing convictions, and ensuring that justice is served. Officers trained in crime scene techniques help reduce errors, preserve vital evidence, and provide critical support to prosecutors. For communities, these improvements mean more reliable law enforcement, increased public trust, and enhanced safety.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office serves residents through community-focused policing, professional detention operations, and evidence-driven investigations. Its responsibilities include oversight of the Jack Jones Juvenile Justice Center and the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center. By investing in specialized training and encouraging professional growth among officers like Sergeant Cantrell, the department continues to strengthen both its investigative capabilities and its service to the public.
For more information, members of the media can contact the JCSO Public Information Office at (870) 541-5351 or via email at [email protected].
Through programs like the CSTCP, law enforcement professionals in Jefferson County and across Arkansas are gaining advanced tools and knowledge to navigate increasingly complex crime scenes, improve investigative outcomes, and maintain public safety with precision and accountability. Sergeant Cantrell’s recent accomplishment is a testament to the department’s ongoing dedication to excellence in law enforcement and its commitment to safeguarding the community.
