Hamilton County, TN - Sheriff Austin Garrett is proud to announce the graduation of Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Scott Terry from the prestigious National Forensics Academy (Session #61). Detective Terry serves in Investigative Services.

The National Forensic Academy (NFA) is an intensive 10-week training program co-funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, designed to meet the demanding needs of law enforcement agencies in evidence identification, collection, and preservation. The NFA is offered in-residence, utilizing a curriculum developed by leading forensic practitioners from across the United States.

“I am very proud of Detective Terry for completing this challenging and demanding training opportunity. This is indeed a professional career milestone. The knowledge and practical experience Detective Terry has gained by graduating from this respected academy will greatly benefit the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens we proudly serve,” stated Sheriff Austin Garrett.

Throughout the NFA training, participants were challenged in the various disciplines of forensic science through extensive classroom instruction, laboratory activities, and field practicums. Academy participants also completed written and in-class competency exams to demonstrate mastery of the subject areas as well. The goal of the National Forensic Academy is to prepare the crime scene investigator to recognize key elements and to improve the process of evidence recovery and submission.

The training Detective Terry received in the NFA Academy is Tennessee POST Certified and includes 400 hours of coursework. Graduates receive a formal diploma of completion and a Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 40-hour class completion certificate. The NFA is recognized by the IAI as providing the necessary training required for the four levels of crime scene certification. The curriculum also includes 170 hours of in-class work, 230 hours of field practicum, and a comprehensive, practical final.

The National Forensics Academy is part of the UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center’s Institute for Public Service.

Please join with us as we recognize Detective Terry and congratulate him on his graduation.