Officer becomes crime scene expert

By Staff
Melissa Cason
A deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff's Department recently became the sixth law enforcement official in the state to become a certified crime scene investigator from the International Association for Identification.
Deputy Michael Hill spent a week in Miami taking a pre-exam course to help with his certification.
"It was the hardest test I have ever had to take," Hill said. "There were college professors in my class who thought the test was difficult as well."
Hill passed the exam and received level one certification as a crime scene investigator.
In order to be eligible to take the course and exam to become certified, each applicant has to have a minimum of one year in crime scene related activities and have completed at least two crime scene related courses.
Hill said the certification is just one part of obtaining his goal of becoming a forensic scientist.
He is finishing his last semester at Wallace State Community College where he is earning his Associate's Degree in Applied Science in Forensic Science.
He will continue his education at Athens State University where he will study chemistry and biology.
"I am trying to better myself through education and professional development," Hill said.
He said the certification he has earned will also help with his current position at the sheriff's department.
"Any time you have any kind of certification, the court recognizes that and you become a better witness," Hill said.
He said he hopes to some day work for the forensic science lab in Huntsville.