Sheriff Jim Hammond and Dr. Charles Petitt, president of Piedmont International University, will hold a press conference on Friday at 10 a.m. to commemorate the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The announcement will take place in the Sheriff’s Conference Room, 600 Market St. on the ground floor.
This press conference announces the new collaboration between the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Piedmont International University which will enable HCSO employees to pursue higher education and strengthen their law enforcement skills.
HCSO employees will be given one-year of academic credit into PIU’s undergraduate degrees, including criminal justice and business administration. Employees who have already earned previous undergraduate degrees will receive credit into PIU’s master’s degrees; MBA and MA Leadership. In addition to receiving academic credit for prior professional experience and certifications, HCSO employees will also receive scholarships from PIU.
"Piedmont’s BA in criminal justice is noteworthy for its state-of-the-art curriculum designed to emphasize on experimental learning and professional skills," officials said. "With this new opportunity, HCSO employees will be able to provide an even higher standard of service to the community and improve on their capabilities. Sheriff Jim Hammond stands behind his commitment to excellence for all citizens with fair and equitable performance. This new collaboration with Piedmont International University will enhance public confidence in law enforcement personnel with HCSO’s staff’s advance education."
Sheriff Jim Hammond, Dr. Petitt, Dr. Sandeep Gopalan, executive vice president of Piedmont International University, and Dr. Byron Edens, vice president of Piedmont International University, will address the details of the collaboration and the need for this curriculum.