Piedmont University Opens the State of Georgia’s First Forensics Academy

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, Georgia, 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 creating an informed and advanced forensic workforce that is currently needed throughout the State of Georgia and nationally.

Additionally, President Criser appointed Capt. John Lanneau, Warner Robins Police Department Lab Director/Division Commander (retired) as the Academy’s initial Director.

“John is a former Laboratory Director of an ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratory. The laboratory was ISO 17025 Accredited in Blood Alcohol and Firearms and Toolmark examination. He has been qualified as in expert in firearms and toolmarks, fingerprints, footwear, and crime scene investigation,” 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 about the Forensics Academy, please visit here.

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About Piedmont University

Founded in 1897, Piedmont University is a private, comprehensive liberal arts institution offering a personalized higher education experience focused on student success, academic achievement, and professional development. Offering a variety of career-oriented majors in the arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing, Piedmont’s supportive learning environment is defined by small class sizes, with a 12:1 ratio, that allow students to create meaningful relationships with their professors, classmates, and the campus community. Piedmont’s idyllic, 390-acre residential campus is nestled in the foothills of the north Georgia mountains, with a satellite campus situated in the heart of downtown Athens. For more, please visit www.piedmont.edu, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter/X.