Lebanon Police Lieutenant Kacie Springer has completed the National Forensic Academy at the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center, according to an April 15 announcement. Springer joins fewer than 1,600 law enforcement professionals nationwide who have graduated from this advanced forensic program.
The completion of this rigorous training brings new forensic skills to Lebanon, a city with nearly 16,000 residents. The specialized expertise is typically found in larger metropolitan police departments and is expected to enhance local investigative capabilities.
Springer’s path to the academy began when Laclede County Sheriff’s Office Captain Casey Pitts encouraged her to consider the program. “I became motivated by the idea of enhancing my skills in crime scene processing and staying current with the latest investigative techniques to help solve complex cases. You can never stop educating yourself in this line of work,” Springer said.
The ten-week residential course included over 400 hours of hands-on instruction covering more than thirty forensic topics such as bloodstain pattern analysis and advanced crime scene reconstruction. Springer noted that mastering crime scene photography was especially challenging: “Learning how to accurately document crime scenes through photography was tougher than I thought it would be,” she admitted.
After passing all practical assessments—including scenarios involving blood stain pattern analysis and shooting reconstruction—Springer earned multiple certifications in advanced forensic investigation techniques. She also gained eligibility for the International Association for Identification certification exam if she chooses to pursue it further. “I am most proud that I was able to successfully pass all the practical assessments and earn certifications in those advanced forensic investigation techniques,” she said.
Springer attended alongside Captain Pitts, highlighting ongoing collaboration between Lebanon Police Department and Laclede County Sheriff’s Office on major investigations within Laclede County. “Shared training promotes collaboration, mutual understanding, and the development of standardized procedures between agencies,” Springer explained.
With these new qualifications, both officers plan to share their knowledge with colleagues throughout their departments and other area agencies involved in investigating major violent crimes. “This training significantly enhances our ability to serve the community by equipping us with advanced forensic skills and investigative techniques… leading to quicker justice for victims and a safer environment for residents,” Springer said.
Springer expressed pride at joining a network of NFA graduates across the country: “I now have the invaluable opportunity to connect and collaborate with these fellow graduates, allowing me to exchange ideas, seek advice, and continue growing professionally through this strong network.”
