Albany State to host 2024 Criminal Justice Association of Georgia conference

ALBANY – Albany State University will host the 2024 Criminal Justice Association of Georgia (CJAG) annual conference Oct. 4-5. This year’s theme is “Redefining Boundaries: The New Era of Criminal Justice Innovation.”

The annual event brings together criminal justice students, faculty, and professionals from across the state, fostering an environment of learning, collaboration and professional development, ASU officials said in a news release.

Albany State is a leading institution in criminal justice education and provides what officials say is the perfect setting for this year’s conference.

“Albany State University’s dynamic and engaging campus offers an ideal environment for our annual gathering,” Jason Armstrong, the CJAG president and interim Associate Provost & Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at ASU. “It embodies the spirit of continuous learning and professional growth that CJAG strives to promote.”

This year’s conference promises to be a significant event for anyone involved or interested in the criminal justice field. Participants are invited to present their research through formal presentations. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to earn both Georgia Continuing Legal Education and Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) credits. The deadline for abstract submissions is Sept. 6.

Highlighting the event, Albany Police Department Chief Michael J. Persley will deliver the keynote address. With more than 30 years of service, Persley has held various critical roles, including Gang Unit Commander, East District Police Commander, and Assistant Commander of the Albany-Dougherty Metro SWAT Team.

The conference also will feature a plenary session by Col. Chris Owens of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. His presentation, titled “Tragedy Averted: Know the Signs,” will provide insights into identifying warning signs in potential mass shooters. Owens is a certified school safety specialist and manager, bringing a wealth of expertise to the discussion.

This year’s conference offers an opportunity to engage with leading experts, enhance professional skills, and connect with peers in the criminal justice field. The registration fee is $25 for students and $75 for faculty and professionals, which includes both conference participation and annual membership dues.

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