South Georgia Technical College Hosts Basic Law Enforcement Advisory Committee Meeting

October 14, 2025
Pictured from left are SGTC Campus Police Chief Police Calvin Hodge, Jr., Sumter County Sheriff Eric Bryant, SGTC Law Enforcement Academy Director Jim Mitchell, Administrative Assistant Melissa Grantham, Lt. Eric English of the Americus Police Department and Special Agent in Charge Joe Chesnut of the GBI at a recent meeting of the Law Enforcement Academy advisory committee at SGTC.
Pictured from left are SGTC Campus Police Chief Police Calvin Hodge, Jr., Sumter County Sheriff Eric Bryant, SGTC Law Enforcement Academy Director Jim Mitchell, Administrative Assistant Melissa Grantham, Lt. Eric English of the Americus Police Department and Special Agent in Charge Joe Chesnut of the GBI at a recent meeting of the Law Enforcement Academy advisory committee at SGTC.

South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) recently hosted a meeting of the Basic Law Enforcement program’s advisory committee on the Americus campus. The session was led by SGTC Law Enforcement Academy Director Jim Mitchell and instructor Josh Blake and brought together both college personnel and law enforcement professionals to discuss program updates, industry trends, and workforce needs.

The advisory committee plays a key role in ensuring that the Basic Law Enforcement program remains current, relevant, and aligned with the evolving demands of the criminal justice field. Discussion topics included curriculum improvements, equipment needs, student preparedness, and future training opportunities.

Representing South Georgia Tech at the meeting were Campus Police Chief Calvin Hodge Jr.; Alecia Pinckney, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs; Julie Partain, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Criminal Justice Instructor Teresa McCook; Institutional Effectiveness Director and Grants Coordinator Katrice Martin; and Administrative Assistant Melissa Grantham.

Community and law enforcement partners in attendance included Sumter County Sheriff Eric Bryant; Americus Police Chief Mark Scott, GBI Special Agent in Charge Joe Chesnut; Officer Julie Gutierrez of the Montezuma Police Department; and Lt. Eric English of the Americus Police Department. Their participation provided valuable insight into real-world expectations for graduates and affirmed the importance of strong partnerships between SGTC and local agencies.

South Georgia Technical College continues to work closely with industry leaders to deliver high-quality, hands-on training that prepares students for success in public safety and law enforcement careers.

For more information about SGTC’s Basic Law Enforcement program, contact Melissa Grantham at mgrantham@southgatech.edu or 229-931-2716.

To learn about all of the program offerings at SGTC, visit www.southgatech.edu.