Forensic Readiness: How S4 Strengthens Expertise Through OPOTA Training

Earlier this month, S4 celebrated an important milestone: Russell Pier and Morgan Revels successfully completed the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) forensic certification course. This accomplishment strengthens not only their individual expertise but also S4’s ability to support sensitive forensic investigations with professionalism, precision, and care.

Building Forensic Excellence Through Training

The journey began last spring, during a forensic demonstration at an S4 test site in Leetonia, Ohio. The exercise showcased how advanced subsurface detection could identify clandestine burials, and it sparked meaningful conversations with Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation lead agent Josh Durst.

Durst emphasized the importance of ensuring Russell and Morgan had the proper training before stepping into real crime scenes. Soon after, OPOTA course coordinator Derek Foote recommended a week-long certification designed to equip them with practical forensic skills: excavation, evidence handling, and investigative methods used by law enforcement in the field.

Inside the Training

The week-long course took place in London, Ohio, drawing around 20 participants—mostly police officers from across the state. For Russell and Morgan, it was an opportunity to immerse themselves in a law enforcement environment, learn directly from investigators, and gain hands-on forensic experience.

The training unfolded in several core modules:

• Forensic Entomology – Studying insect life cycles on decomposing animals to estimate time of death.

• Forensic Anthropology – Excavating replica human skeletons, reconstructing skeletal casts, and analyzing remains to determine factors such as age, stature, and gender.

• Evidence Detection with Light Sources – Using specialized cameras and filters to reveal hidden stains and trace evidence.

• Drone-Based Search Strategies – Flying drones in simulated search operations to explore modern methods of crime scene response.

  
  

Both Russell and Morgan gravitated toward different aspects of the course. For Russell, it was his first real excavation outside an archaeological context—a chance to compare forensic pace with archaeological meticulousness. For Morgan, the highlight was the dialogue with officers: “It helped me better understand how they approach a scene. That perspective will make it easier to collaborate in the field.”

Lessons Beyond Techniques

While the technical skills were invaluable, both emphasized what they gained from the culture of the classroom itself. Spending five days with law enforcement opened new perspectives on how officers balance urgency, evidence integrity, and investigative complexity. As Russell put it: “The biggest takeaway was just how eye-opening it all was. Archaeology teaches patience and precision. Forensics requires that too—but with an urgency that’s often life-and-death. It gave me new respect for investigators who face these scenarios every day."

Why This Matters for S4 and Our Clients

With OPOTA certification, Russell and Morgan are now uniquely prepared to:

• Collaborate directly with law enforcement during forensic recoveries.

• Apply rigorous forensic protocols to S4’s state-of-the-art subsurface imaging solutions.

• Ensure evidence is preserved not only scientifically but also legally.

• Build trust in joint forensic operations by speaking the same language as investigators.

  
  

This training also strengthens S4’s position as a bridge between archaeology and forensics and reinforces our role as a trusted partner to agencies seeking reliable methods for locating and recovering buried evidence.

Looking Ahead

The completion of this training opened new relationships with OPOTA and Ohio BCI, creating opportunities for future research collaborations and demonstrations. Most importantly, it ensures that when S4 is called upon for forensic investigations, our team arrives not only with the best technology, but also with training, awareness, and respect for the investigative process.

Congratulations to Russell Pier and Morgan Revels on this achievement. Their dedication raises the bar for how S4 supports forensic investigations—today and in the future.

At S4, we are committed to advancing the science of detection and delivering world-class expertise to our partners in law enforcement, archaeology, and beyond. If you’d like to learn more about how S4’s forensic capabilities can support your agency or project, get in touch with our team today.