Submitted
DEMOREST -- 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 jointly announce the initial recognition of Georgia’s first dedicated Forensic Academy at Piedmont University.
On Dec. 14, 2023, in Milledgeville, Ga., the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council voted unanimously to modify a POST rule creating a “Limited Purpose Academy,” thereby paving the way for Piedmont University 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 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,” said Bruce Willis, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “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.”
Piedmont University is committed to create an informed and advanced forensic workforce that is currently needed throughout the State of Georgia and nationally.
Additionally, President Criser appointed Capt. John Lanneau, ret. Warner Robins Police Department Lab Director/Division Commander 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.”