Piedmont University in Demorest recently opened Georgia’s first dedicated Forensic Academy.
The Peace Officer Standards and Training Council in Milledgeville voted on Dec. 14 to modify a POST rule creating a “Limited Purpose Academy” which provides Piedmont University the opportunity to offer three Forensic Science certifications at the Demorest Campus.
The certifications include Crime Scene Investigation, Latent Print Analysis and Advanced Crime Scene Certifications.
The State of Georgia, Peace Officers Standards and Training Director Mike Ayers, Vice President of Academic Affairs Bruce Willis and Piedmont University President Marshall M. Criser, III announced the initial recognition at Piedmont University.
A press release from the university said the academy will serve as the central forensic training academy for basic and advanced forensic certifications for the State of Georgia.
“The advanced certifications delivered by Piedmont University will enable a higher level of functionality within the law enforcement community throughout the State of Georgia,” Bruce Willis, Vice President of Academic Affairs said. “The association with Director Ayers and POST provides all vested entities with forensic professionals with basic and advanced forensic skills and knowledge that shape the next generation of service to Georgia.”
President Criser appointed retired Warner Robins Police Department Lab Director/Division Commander Capt. John Lanneau, as the Academy’s initial Director.
“John comes to Piedmont with ISO 17025 accreditations in blood-alcohol and firearms and certifications in imprint and fingerprint analysis, digital forensics, and crime scene analysis,” said President Criser. “John is an example of the expert level of field expertise Piedmont employs to address the societal need currently facing our state.”
For more information visit the Georgia Forensic Academy Website.
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