Albany Tech works to alleviate the law enforcement shortage

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – Albany Technical College is helping to train the next batch of police officers. This comes as many agencies are experiencing severe shortages.

Lynn Miller is the Department Chair of the Criminal Justice Technology Program at Albany Tech. She began her career in law enforcement and transitioned into teaching.

“There’s a shortage in our area. People aren’t signing up for the job like they used to. I just wanted to inspire and encourage others to join the field. It’s a very rewarding field to get into.” said Miller.

Through the program, students can take different paths in criminal justice. They use a courtroom to give students real-world experience, allowing students to see how a courtroom works and listen to testimony.

Students simulate crime scenes to learn how to secure a scene and gather evidence.

Lt. E. Duron Thompson now works for the Albany Police Department, but went through the Albany Tech program.

Since welding and the transition to criminal justice, he said it was the right move.

“It’s one of the most rewarding careers you can ask for. You couldn’t ask for anything better,” Thompson said.

Thompson says one of the most enjoyable parts of his career is helping people in times of need, but there are some problems.

One is being away from family during the holidays.

“Also, being born and raised in Albany, one of the most challenging things is having to deal with what I grew up on the other side of the law. For the most part, the good definitely outweighs the bad,” Thompson said.

Albany Tech enrolls approximately 150 students in the program each year. The course It can take six months to two years to complete.

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