ATC turns retired cop car into instructional tool

ALBANY — Albany Technical College held a ceremony for the dedication of a retired police vehicle Tuesday on the grounds beside the Charles B. Gillespie Center for Emergency Responders. Formerly owned by the Dougherty County School System Police Department, the donated car will now serve as a rolling lab for ATC’s Law Enforcement students.

“This vehicle will benefit our students by allowing us to utilize practical exercises outside of the classroom,” said Rashad Flournoy, Law Enforcement Technology program instructor for Albany Tech. “These skills would include vehicle pullovers and the basics of operating a police car.”

Off campus, Flournoy said the vehicle will also be used to promote the program at recruiting functions. A full graphic wrap covering the car showcases the many training opportunities ATC’s Law Enforcement program has to offer, including a state-of-the-art fingerprinting center and courtroom classroom.

“We are Partners in Excellence with Albany Tech, and I am certain the staff there will put this vehicle to good use,” DSSPD Chief Troy Conley said.

“Our Law Enforcement Technology program is something we are very proud of and we appreciate our partnership with the Dougherty County School System,” ATC President Anthony Parker said.

ATC Communications Director Wendy Howell said the corrections, security, investigative and police administration fields are all career options for program graduates. Students can obtain a Law Enforcement Technology diploma or associate’s degree from Albany Technical College. Without losing credits, students may also pursue a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice by transferring to Albany State University, Valdosta State University or Mercer University.