The Technical College System of Georgia announced Tuesday that its college police departments – serving 88 campuses across 22 colleges – achieved full State Certification through the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program.
According to a release from the System, the achievement is a national first in that police departments within a statewide college system simultaneously earned accreditation.
“This is a proud and unprecedented moment not only for our system but for the state of Georgia,” TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier said. “Our college police departments are the first line of safety for thousands of students, faculty and staff. Achieving full certification across the board reflects our commitment to building a culture of accountability, trust, and service at every one of our campuses.”
The Ogeechee Technical College Police department is led by Chief Nathan Tirey, who became OTC’s fifth chief of police last December.
The Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program, administered by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, is considered the gold standard in public safety excellence, according to the release.
State Certification is a three-year process that began in 2022. All colleges with police departments, along with the TCSG System Office as of 2022, have successfully earned certification.
To earn certification, each department underwent a thorough review of policies, procedures and operations to demonstrate compliance with more than 100 professional standards. The process ensures that departments are equipped to provide consistent, high-quality law enforcement services tailored to the needs of college communities.
“Earning full State Certification sends a clear message: our campus police are committed to the highest standards of public safety and community trust,” said TCSG Chief of Police Jen Ziifle. “It reflects the tireless work of our officers and leadership teams to create safe, supportive learning environments for every student, faculty member, and visitor across our campuses.”
TCSG police departments include:
- Albany Technical College – Chief Lashawnda Ethridge
- Athens Technical College – Chief John Gaissert
- Atlanta Technical College – Chief Twyla Locklear
- Augusta Technical College – Chief Jerry Jennings-Joly
- Central Georgia Technical College – Chief Bob Wilbanks
- Chattahoochee Technical College – Chief Mary Forman
- Coastal Pines Technical College – Chief Brad Barrett
- Columbus Technical College – Chief Charles Pickett
- Georgia Northwestern Technical College – Chief Chad Cardin
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College – Chief Gene McKinney
- Gwinnett Technical College – Chief Sandra Pryor
- Lanier Technical College – Chief Jeff Strickland
- North Georgia Technical College – Chief Mark Fitzpatrick
- Oconee Fall Line Technical College – Chief Mark Rogers
- Ogeechee Technical College – Chief Nathan Tirey
- Savannah Technical College – Chief Wayne Willcox
- South Georgia Technical College – Chief Calvin Hodge
- Southeastern Technical College – Chief Travis Akins
- Southern Crescent Technical College – Chief Lemy Mercando
- Southern Regional Technical College – Chief James Spooner
- West Georgia Technical College – Chief James Perry
- Wiregrass Georgia Technical College – Chief Tim Allmond
- Technical College System of Georgia – Chief Jen Ziifle