The Reinhardt Public Safety Institute’s Police Academy program held a commencement ceremony on December 9th. The event celebrated the accomplishments of ten Fall graduates. As a part of the program, students received basic law enforcement training certifications, preparing them to better serve their communities.
Established in 2009, the Institute offers academic programs combining public safety training with collegiate-level academic study. Its police academy program instructs in over 40 topical areas including Georgia law, traffic law, criminal law, emergency vehicle operations, marksmanship, criminal investigations, and crisis intervention. The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) certifies the Reinhardt program as a law enforcement academy. The courses taught by seasoned instructors include flexible online, evening, and weekend sessions for working adults.
Officer Chris Shaw of the Cherokee County School District Police Department delivered the graduation address. As a former crime scene investigator with 22 years of law enforcement service, he provided real-world applications as an instructor of this group of graduates. Impressed with the class, he remarked, “They really wanted to learn to be better public servants, and to be servant leaders.” Addressing the graduates, he encouraged, “Never forget your community. Learn your community. Love the community you’re going to police. I’m proud of you all and I’m excited to see what you will do in the future.”
Captain Jeffrey Black, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, added, “Make sure the decisions you make are sound, legal, and just. Become lifelong learners. Law enforcement is a continuous journey.”
The ceremony also included an awards ceremony. Erich Lee earned the Top Academic Award for the highest average in the criminal justice classes. Christopher Velez received the Top Gun award for the highest shooting average.
Congratulations:
Alex Gregory Becker
Vaness L. Brewton
Tyler Garritt Brown
Dylan James Bryant
Thomas Clayton Carter
Scott C. Gobel
Erich S. Lee
Ja’Borian Mar’Qui Morman
Terrance Ternell Smiley Sr.
Christopher A. Velez
