The Property and Evidence function is managed by a full-time officer responsible for the intake, documentation, and secure storage of all items collected in connection with criminal investigations, found property, and safekeeping. Each item is carefully packaged, labeled, barcoded, and assigned a designated location within the Police Department’s secured Property and Evidence Room to ensure accurate tracking and easy retrieval for court proceedings, investigative review, audits, or return to rightful owners.

Maintaining the integrity of evidence is critical to successful investigations and prosecutions. The Property and Evidence Room is protected by key-restricted access, security alarms, and surveillance cameras, and is subject to internal audits to ensure compliance with strict handling procedures. Items approved for release can be retrieved by scheduling an appointment, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., by calling (706) 866-2512.

The Training section is responsible for ensuring all sworn personnel of the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department are prepared to meet the demands of modern policing through ongoing education and professional development. Certified instructors within the division coordinate, develop, and deliver a wide range of training courses, many of which are hosted in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies.

All officers meet or exceed the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) annual requirement of 20 hours, which includes firearms training and qualification, use of deadly force, de-escalation techniques, and community-oriented policing. Additional instruction is provided on the twelve critical tasks of law enforcement and best practices in public safety operations.

Newly hired officers who complete the police academy must also undergo a comprehensive 13-week Field Training Program. During this program, recruits are paired with certified Field Training Officers and progress through five structured phases: Orientation, Criminal Law, Traffic Enforcement, Criminal Investigations, and Final Evaluation. By the end of the program, each recruit will have completed more than 1,300 hours of hands-on training before being released for solo patrol duties.

The Training section’s commitment to excellence ensures that officers are not only well-prepared for the field, but also continuously developing the skills and knowledge necessary to serve the community with professionalism and integrity.

The Information & Technology Systems section plays an essential role in supporting the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department’s mission by maintaining and advancing the technological infrastructure that underpins daily operations. This section is responsible for the planning, acquisition, implementation, and management of information systems and digital solutions critical to modern law enforcement.

Information and Technology staff provide technical support not only to the Police Department but also to other City departments. They oversee the maintenance and functionality of all computer hardware and software systems related to public records, patrol operations, property and evidence management, security systems, drone operations, and telecommunications.

Additionally, this section manages a broad network of IP security cameras located throughout the Police Department, City Hall, City Park, and other municipal facilities, enhancing situational awareness and public safety.

Daily responsibilities include network security and monitoring, maintenance of mobile data terminals, fiber and server management, end-user support, programming and system installations, and oversight of GCIC/NCIC system access, training, and testing. By ensuring secure and reliable technology solutions, the Information & Technology Systems section enables the Department to operate with efficiency, precision, and accountability.

To promote wellness and encourage a healthy lifestyle, the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department provides a fully equipped gym that is accessible to employees 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility includes a variety of equipment to support both aerobic and strength training routines, such as treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, free weights, kettlebells, and resistance machines.

The Support Services Division is responsible for overseeing the gym’s operations, including equipment orientation for new users, routine maintenance, and ensuring all equipment remains in safe and functional condition. This wellness resource reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to supporting the physical and mental well-being of its personnel.

The Grant Management function within the Support Services Division plays a vital role in helping the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department secure funding for critical programs and resources. Members of the division research, write, and submit grant proposals to support a variety of initiatives, including personnel hiring, community programs and partnerships, crime prevention strategies, and equipment procurement.

These grants enhance the Department’s ability to maintain high service standards, implement innovative solutions, and respond to the evolving needs of the community—all while minimizing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

The Certification Standards function is focused on guiding the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department through the process of achieving State Certification through the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program. This voluntary program demonstrates a department’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and service by adhering to a comprehensive set of model management, operational, and service-level standards.

To earn this certification, the Department must meet 139 professional standards and undergo a thorough internal review. Trained assessors from outside law enforcement agencies conduct evaluations that include file inspections, on-site visits, officer interviews, ride-alongs, public hearings, and feedback sessions with both employees and community members. Once certified, the Department is required to repeat this rigorous assessment every three years to maintain its status.

Currently, the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department has one staff member certified as a Certification Manager/Assessor and another certified as a Certification Manager, reflecting the Department’s serious and ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest operational standards.