College Moves Closer to Own Police Department

Public Safety officers from all eight of Chattahoochee Technical College’s campuses recently gathered in Jasper to be sworn in as official members of the college’s newly designated police department. It is one step in many that will transition the college’s department of public safety.

Already recognized by the state, officers will undergo more rigorous training and add equipment including radios, blue lights and other items to their program. According to Director of Public Safety Willis Wade, the training and expectations are going to be much higher. All of this will move the department from not only being focused on security to one that can respond to various levels of emergencies and conduct its own investigations.

“The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff are paramount,” Wade said. “That will remain the case as we transition into a fully active police department.”

As one of his last official duties as president of Chattahoochee Technical College, Sanford Chandler administered the oath to the 16 officers at the college’s September board of directors meeting. Willis said the department was honored that Chandler did that, as he has always been a supporter of the transition.

“We’re very grateful for the support and assistance provided by Dr. Chandler and the executive staff of the college,” Willis said. “That support and assistance has proven to be invaluable in recruiting and employing some of the most highly experienced and trained officers in the state. We are lucky to have such a wonderful group of men and women representing and serving the college.”