Vance speaks to SGTC’s academy

On Campus

February 6, 2010

From Staff Reports

AMERICUS — Ken Vance, Executive Director of the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council, visited the South Georgia Technical College Law Enforcement Academy in Americus to talk with the recruits about important issues facing law enforcement today.

Vance talked with students about ethics, appearance, community policing and domestic violence in addition to other topics. He also reviewed POST rules and regulations and gave the recruits an opportunity to pose any additional questions or concerns.

“This was a great learning experience for these soon-to-be police officers and deputy sheriffs,” said SGTC Criminal Justice Department Chair and Law Enforcement Academy Instructor Vanessa Wall. “Ken Vance has 30-plus years in law enforcement and is a tremendous resource of new and veteran officers.”

Vance spoke to the first class of graduates from the South Georgia Technical College Law Enforcement Academy in May and was instrumental in helping form a pilot program that would allow new law enforcement officers to receive their basic law enforcement training at a state technical college and obtain college credit at the same time. South Georgia Tech’s Law Enforcement Academy program takes 17 weeks to complete and most recruits qualify for the HOPE Grant and other forms of financial aid. Admission standards require all students to undergo a thorough background check and adhere to all rules as set forth by the state POST Council. Students will also have to meet minimum scores in English, reading and math. For more information about the Law Enforcement Academy, contact the Law Enforcement Academy office at 931-2716 or SGTC Law Enforcement Director Brett Murray at 931-2756 or SGTC Criminal Justice Instructor Vanessa Wall in Americus at 931-6940.