Hattiesburg police tour new USM criminal justice building

Members of the Hattiesburg Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit recently toured the new Paul H. “Bud” Holmes Criminal Justice Building at the University of Southern Mississippi, the department said in a Facebook post.

The department said officers explored the university’s forensic science labs and a mock courtroom and met with faculty and students. The post said the visit provided an opportunity to discuss the latest trends in investigative technology and to see how future law enforcement and forensic experts are being trained in the community.

The University of Southern Mississippi offers programs in criminal justice and forensic science and has invested in laboratory and training facilities to support hands-on learning. Visits by local law enforcement to campus facilities are a common way for agencies and academic programs to share knowledge and build partnerships.

Officials said the tour strengthens ties between the police department and the university and helps officers stay current with emerging techniques and equipment relevant to investigations. We will provide more information as it becomes available.