Stephens County forms first CSI Unit to enhance public safety

By: Brian Wellmeier

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office has established its first in-house Crime Scene Investigations unit, a move officials say will strengthen criminal investigations and speed up the processing of evidence.

The newly formed unit will operate within the sheriff’s office's Criminal Investigations Division. Crime Scene Technicians will assist investigators by processing scenes, collecting and preserving evidence and documenting critical details during investigations.

Two employees with the sheriff’s office recently earned Crime Scene Technician certifications through the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council after completing more than a year of training and meeting state requirements.

Asia Shealer and Rebekah Smith began their coursework in December 2024 through the Public Safety Academy at Truett McConnell University. Their training included instruction in crime scene investigations, bloodstain pattern analysis, fingerprint science, latent print development, friction ridge comparison, crime scene photography and courtroom evidence presentation.

After completing their final course in May 2025, the pair participated in a five-week internship with the forensic unit at the Banks County Sheriff's Office. Both later met the remaining POST certification requirements, including one year of experience, and received their advanced certifications in early February.

Sheriff Rusty Fulbright said having certified technicians within the agency will allow deputies to handle evidence more efficiently while strengthening criminal cases.

“Public safety is our top priority, and that starts with the details,” Fulbright said.

“Having two Georgia-certified Crime Scene Technicians within the Sheriff’s Office ensures that every piece of evidence is processed with the highest level of precision and integrity right here at home. This addition means faster processing times, stronger prosecutions, and helps to create a stronger, safer Stephens.”