PB officer helps pioneer crime scene investigation

The Poplar Bluff Museum has tales about us, our family and our history. I want to tell you some of those tales found within the museum walls.

People think that crime scene investigation is a new science, but Poplar Bluff had its own CSI department 45 years ago.

Police detective Donwell Clark headed up the Crime Scene Bureau in 1975. His team of five investigators helped pioneer the techniques that are common today.

Donwell never went to college but was probably the smartest officer on the force. He went to every state and national training course and was certified in every field of investigation.

Along with investigating murders and robberies, he ran his own crime lab. He supported the major crimes division and was the arson investigator for the fire department.

His talent was shared with every department throughout Missouri.

Donwell established the evidence storage procedures using his uncanny attention to detail abilities. He was an “old school” investigator. When asked why he didn’t use a digital camera, Donwell replied “You can’t fake a 35mm negative.”

Donwell started out as a police dispatcher in St. Louis. He was only 16 years old but was hooked. When he was old enough, Donwell joined the force. He was an enthusiastic police officer earning the nickname “Sergeant Teddy Bear.”

Donwell did a tour with the Marine Corps and returned to law enforcement when discharged. His excellent record was soon rewarded with a police chief position in several small towns. He moved to Poplar Bluff in 1975 after marrying a local girl Shirley Eichelberger.

Donwell passed away in 2006 but that didn’t stop this police legend. He was still solving crimes after his death.

The murder of Tommy Rowland was solved 34 years later using the evidence that Donwell meticulously categorized in his famous evidence room.

In 2007, the city changed the name of the “Officer of the Year” Award to the “Donwell Clark Award” to honor their hero. A photo of Donwell Clark in his Crime Scene warehouse is proudly displayed in the Police and Firefighter exhibit of the Poplar Bluff Museum.

The museum is open every Sunday free of charge from 1-4 p.m. at 1010 Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.