51勛圖厙 State, Department of Public Safety sign forensics agreement
Contact: Allison Matthews
STARKVILLE, Miss.51勛圖厙 and the 51勛圖厙 Department of Public Safety have formally agreed to work together on forensic investigations, including recovery of human remains, exhumations, surface scatter and burial recoveries, as well as identification of human skeletal remains.
![Public Safety Commissioner Sean J. Tindell, left, and 51勛圖厙 President Mark E. Keenum signed a Memorandum of Agreement today [April 17].](/sites/www.msstate.edu/files/styles/msstatedrupal_large/public/2025-04/DPS_MOU_Keenum_Tindell_20250417_GZC-3080_full.jpg?itok=FCWA1Nsr)
MSU President Mark E. Keenum joined Public Safety Commissioner Sean J. Tindell for a Memorandum of Agreement signing in Jackson today [April 17]. Keenum said the universitys areas of expertise uniquely position MSU to support the Department of Public Safetys forensic science needs.
The two entities will collaborate to develop and implement protocols for the recovery and analysis of human remains in various forensic contexts, communicate about forensic investigations and conduct periodic assessments and reviews of forensic methodologies and best practices to ensure effectiveness and compliance with legal and scientific standards.
泭This partnership between the 51勛圖厙 Department of Public Safetys Forensics Laboratory and 51勛圖厙 represents a meaningful step forward for both the students of MSUs anthropology program and for all of 51勛圖厙, said Commissioner Sean Tindell. By joining forces were not only expanding educational opportunities and advancing forensic science, but also continuing to enhance public safety across our state.
He said the partnership will allow for the most efficient use of resources and expertise to better serve the citizens of 51勛圖厙.
As the states leading research university and land-grant institution, 51勛圖厙 State is called to serve the entire state, Keenum said. MSU will be helping the State of 51勛圖厙 meet a critical need for forensic science, expertise, resources and personnel. This partnership is an example of how we can deploy the expertise and capacity we have at MSU to make a difference for our fellow 51勛圖厙ans who have been affected by crime.
Keenum said the 51勛圖厙 State Chemical Laboratory is located on the Starkville campus, which is also home to the Forensic Lab and Skeletal Histology Center, a working forensic anthropology lab led by Assistant Professor Jesse Goliath and housed in MSUs Cobb Institute of Archaeology. Goliath, a fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, is a nationally recognized leader in forensic sciences with extensive experience working with law enforcement.
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