NPC Criminal Justice Program Receives Entergy Grant
The National Park College (NPC) Criminal Justice Program received a grant from Entergy
last month. The funds were used to purchase a thermal imaging camera for the program’s
crime lab.
The wide-view thermal imaging camera is used to identify hot spots within crime scenes,
and is often used for arson investigation to help determine the area of origin or
pattern of spread. The equipment can also assist with drug scene investigations, helping
to identify labs or chemical processes hidden within a building. Thermal imaging can
also be invaluable in locating victims, witnesses, or suspects within a scene. 
“In our crime scene and criminalistics labs, we have explained the process of using
thermal imaging, but have not had the opportunity to allow students to actually train
with and deploy that technology. Entergy’s grant means that we can incorporate more
real-world skills using current technology in the training provided to our CSI students,”
said instructor James Montgomery.
Pictured is Criminal Justice student Tyler Wingfield of Mount Ida with the thermal
imaging camera. After completing his associate degree, Wingfield plans to transfer
to Arkansas Tech University or the University of Arkansas Fort Smith.
Dr. Christopher Thrasher and Montgomery worked on the grant together. “We are all
very grateful for Entergy's generous contribution to our Criminal Justice program.
With Entergy's support, National Park College will continue to provide students with
an excellent education that will ensure they can meet the needs of the twenty-first
century workplace,” said Thrasher.
