S4 Mobile Laboratories Deepens Forensic Expertise with OPOTA’s “Crime Scene: Forensic Aspects of Death” Training

S4 Mobile Laboratories is excited to announce that team members Morgan Revels and

Russell Pier will attend the upcoming Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy’s (OPOTA)

acclaimed “Crime Scene: Forensic Aspects of Death” course. This marks an important step in S4’s commitment to advancing forensic science and ensuring the responsible

deployment of their groundbreaking Subterra Grey technology.

Setting the Standard: Why OPOTA?

OPOTA is Ohio’s leading institution for law enforcement and public safety training. With

a robust curriculum that spans basic evidence handling, advanced forensics, and

cybercrime investigation, OPOTA ensures public safety professionals statewide stay at

the forefront of their field. Courses are continuously updated and offered at both the

Main Academy and regional sites, making OPOTA synonymous with excellence and

innovation in law enforcement training.

Inside the “Crime Scene: Forensic Aspects of Death” Course

This 40-hour, hands-on course is designed for a wide range of public safety

professionals, including peace officers, troopers, corrections personnel, and

government employees.

Key features of the program include:

• Expert Instruction: Sessions led by specialists in entomology, anthropology, and

archaeology.

• Practical Exercises: Activities such as collecting insect specimens, excavating

mock grave sites and identifying buried bodies and skeletal remains.

• Real-World Readiness: Outdoor exercises and a comprehensive written exam

to ensure participants are fully prepared for fieldwork.

Subterra Grey: A Game Changer for Crime Scene Investigations

S4 Mobile Laboratories’ participation in this course is directly tied to their mission of

advancing forensic science through innovative, responsible technology. The Subterra

Grey, S4’s flagship mobile soil laboratory, is poised to revolutionize crime scene

investigations—especially those involving clandestine graves and human remains.

What Makes Subterra Grey Unique?

• In Situ Forensic Analysis: Subterra Grey uses a narrow probe to measure soil

chemistry and compactness via visible and infrared spectroscopy. This allows for

direct detection of human remains by identifying chemical markers, such as fatty

acids, that signal burial sites.

• Minimally Invasive: The technology preserves the integrity of sensitive crime

scenes by avoiding unnecessary excavation and disturbance of evidence.

• Rapid, Non-Destructive Searches: Subterra Grey delivers real-time,

quantitative data, enabling law enforcement to pinpoint graves with precision and

minimal disruption.

• Seamless Integration: The device complements traditional search strategies

like cadaver dogs and ground-penetrating radar, providing chemical analysis to

confirm or refine other findings.

• Evidence Preservation: Its minimally invasive approach helps ensure that

delicate remains and associated evidence remain undisturbed for further forensic

analysis.

S4 team members are attending the OPOTA course not only to gain critical certification

in handling crime scenes and human remains, but also to ensure that Subterra Grey is

deployed with the highest standards of forensic integrity.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Forensic Innovation

With the expertise gained from OPOTA’s training, S4 Mobile Laboratories is poised to

make Subterra Grey an essential asset in forensic investigations. This training not only

strengthens S4’s Subterra Grey capabilities but also demonstrates a deep commitment

to innovation, education, and the highest standards of forensic practice.

Learn more: www.s4mobilelabs.com

OPOTA Training Information: OPOTA Portal