For years, forensic science students and faculty at Piedmont University have worked with law enforcement on criminal investigations. Now, the Demorest-based school is home to the state’s first dedicated Forensic Academy.
The Georgia Forensic Academy will be located on the main Piedmont campus in Demorest. Its purpose is to develop a stronger forensic workforce in the state.
POST vote paved the way
In December, the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) voted unanimously to modify a POST rule creating a “Limited Purpose Academy.” That vote paved the way for Piedmont to offer three Forensic Science certifications: Crime Scene Investigation, Latent Print Analysis, and Advanced Crime Scene.
Piedmont will serve as the state’s central forensic training academy for basic and advanced forensic certifications.
“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 Vice President of Academic Affairs and Forensic Professor Bruce Willis.
Piedmont President Marshal Criser appointed retired Warner Robins Police Department Capt. John Lanneau as the Academy’s first director. Lanneau was the lab director/division commander at Warner Robins.
Criser touted Lanneau’s credentials. He has ISO 17025 accreditations in blood-alcohol and firearms and is certified in imprint and fingerprint analysis, digital forensics, and crime scene analysis, a news release states.
“John is an example of the expert level of field expertise Piedmont employs to address the societal need currently facing our state,” Criser said.
A natural progression
Being selected as the hub of forensic training in the state is a natural progression for Piedmont. The school forged a partnership with local law enforcement years ago. The forensic science and criminal justice program teamed up with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office. Piedmont’s Forensic Response Team grew from that partnership.
The team assists law enforcement agencies with complex death investigations. On average, the team works 20 active investigations a year.
Willis leads the Forensic Response Team. He said its purpose is “to aid entities with limited resources and to provide advanced empirical research and analysis on physical evidence identification, documentation, and collection.”
The forensic team worked on a recent case in Haralson County that gained statewide attention as they searched for a body in a 34-year-old missing person case.
Team members excavated a site in Tallapoosa where Bobby Daniel was said to be buried. They dug for hours, documenting the excavation with photographs, videos, and sketches. They also set up sifting stations to sort through and search for human remains.
Although the search came up empty, the media attention it received raised Piedmont’s profile in the forensic field. Willis credits the school’s faculty with the program’s success.
“Our faculty at Piedmont has provided our students the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully function in these environments at graduation.”
