ATLANTA — Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) and the Atlanta Police Department (APD) announced a new opportunity today for APD officers to earn a Criminal Justice Associate Degree through a pathway that recognizes and awards college credit for their Basic Mandate training. The announcement took place during a college-signing-day-style event at the Atlanta Public Training Center, where several APD officers formally submitted their applications to GPTC.
The degree pathway was developed after discussions among APD Academy staff, Jen Ziifle, Chief of Police, the Technical College System of Georgia, and former GPTC Police Chief Chris Hughes. Those early conversations informed the creation of a program that incorporates the newly expanded Basic Mandate curriculum directly into GPTC’s Criminal Justice Technology associate’s degree.
Under the new structure, APD officers who completed the updated Basic Mandate will receive 27 credit hours toward the 60-hour program. Officers trained under earlier versions of the curriculum will also receive credit, with the final determination based on historical course content. After receiving these credits, officers will need only 33 additional hours, which can be completed fully online through Georgia Piedmont. The degree can be completed in one year.
“We are honored to support the educational goals of Atlanta’s police officers,” said Dr. Tavarez Holston, President of Georgia Piedmont Technical College. “By recognizing the depth of their professional training, we are providing a pathway that is accessible, achievable, and aligned with the needs of working officers.”
Chief Darin Schierbaum also recognized the value of accessible higher education for APD personnel, underscoring the department’s support for opportunities that advance officers’ careers and leadership development.
GPTC is waiving the application fee for APD officers, and most will qualify for financial aid, reducing or eliminating the cost of completing the degree entirely.
Photos from the event, including the ceremonial signing and recognition of participating officers, are available upon request.
For more information about the Criminal Justice program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, visit gptc.edu.