Georgia College Public Safety

Home
United States
Milledgeville, GA
Georgia College Public Safety

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Protect~Serve~Educate The department is staffed by 21 state-certified police officers and 5 civilian personnel who handle communications and records.

Under the direction of Chief Wes Hardin, the Georgia College Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency dedicated to serving the university community, including students, faculty, staff, and residents within its jurisdiction, which includes all campus-owned or leased property and 500 yards around such property. Personnel from the department are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, striving to make the campus and its surrounding environs as safe as possible. Since 1979, the Georgia College Police Department has been a state-certified law enforcement agency. All sworn officers receive over 400 hours of initial training at one of several regional law enforcement training centers, and they are vested with the same powers of arrest as any other peace officer in the state. In addition, officers receive a minimum of 20 hours of training per year. The department provides a wide variety of services, ranging from motorist assistance to answering routine and emergency calls for service, to major case investigation and community-oriented programming. Regardless of what their assigned duties might be, the department’s personnel are dedicated to the delivery of proactive law enforcement services positively and professionally. GCSU DPS welcomes the community to its page. Community-contributed comments on the Page are the opinion of the specific author and do not represent GCSU DPS. GCSU DPS abides by Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities and asks its Facebook Followers to do the same. In particular, please do not "post unauthorized commercial solicitations (such as spam)"; "bully, intimidate, or harass any user"; "post content that is hateful, threatening, profane, pornographic, or that contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence"; or "do anything unlawful, misleading, malicious, or discriminatory" on the GCSU DPS page. GCSU DPS reserves the right, but is not obligated, to remove comments that contain commercial solicitations; are factually erroneous/libelous; are wildly off-topic; that cannot be translated into English by Google Translate or other free online translation software; or that otherwise violate Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. Facebook encourages all users to utilize the "Report" links when they find abusive content. GCSU DPS thanks you in advance for visiting the department’s page, and for your help in creating a safe and vibrant online community here.

10/30/2026

It's a great day to become a Bobcat!

🚔🐾 Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the Bobcat family, Officer Connor Smith!

GCSU Department of Public Safety is proud to welcome Officer Connor Smith to our team. Officer Smith joins us as an already-certified law enforcement officer, bringing several years of valuable experience, knowledge, and a commitment to serving others.

Today’s badge-pinning ceremony was especially meaningful as Connor was surrounded by his wife and their newborn daughter to share in this important milestone. Adding an even more personal touch to the occasion, his badge was pinned by his stepfather, Lieutenant Lopez of the Milledgeville Police Department. It was a special moment celebrating not only the beginning of a new chapter in Connor’s professional career, but also the family and support system behind him.

The badge represents more than a position or a title. It represents a commitment to service, integrity, responsibility, and the people and community we are entrusted to protect.

We are excited to have Officer Smith join the GCSU DPS family and look forward to the contributions he will make to our department, our campus, and the Bobcat community. We have no doubt that this is the beginning of a long, rewarding, and successful career here at Georgia College.

Welcome to the Bobcat family, Officer Smith! We are glad to have you on board!

10/30/2026

It's a great day to be a Bobcat!

🎃👻 GCSU DPS had a SPOOKTACULAR time at Milledgeville’s Annual Downtown Trunk or Treat! 🍬🚔

Our GCSU Department of Public Safety team enjoyed being part of this wonderful community event, connecting with families, meeting our youngest community members, sharing plenty of smiles, and, of course, handing out some treats!

Events like these are about so much more than costumes and candy. They provide valuable opportunities for our officers to step outside of their everyday roles, build relationships, get to know the people we serve, and strengthen the connections between our department and the Milledgeville community.

We believe that community policing starts with relationships, trust, and being present. Whether we are responding to a call, engaging with students on campus, or participating in a community celebration, our commitment remains the same: to educate, protect, and serve.

A big thank-you to everyone who worked hard to organize this annual event and to all the families who came out to celebrate. It was a great evening, and a wonderful time was had by all!

We are proud to be part of the Milledgeville community and look forward to many more opportunities to connect!
From our GCSU DPS family to yours, Happy Halloween! 🎃🖤💙

10/28/2026

🎀 Breast Cancer Awareness Month | GCSU DPS 🎀

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and recognize the individuals and families whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.

The Georgia College & State University Department of Public Safety stands with those currently fighting breast cancer, survivors, caregivers, and families who provide strength and support throughout the journey. We also remember those we have lost and honor their lives and legacies.

Awareness matters. Early detection can make a difference, and regular screenings and conversations with your healthcare provider are important steps in taking care of your health.

This month, and throughout the year, let’s continue to support one another, spread awareness, and remind those facing this fight that they are not alone.

💗 Together, we stand stronger.

10/23/2026

It's a great day to be a Bobcat!

GCSU Public Safety Promotes Overdose Prevention and Community Safety

The Georgia College & State University Department of Public Safety is committed to education, preparedness, and the safety and well-being of our campus community.

Emergency Manager Jeremy Noble recently participated in Georgia Overdose Prevention Training at GCSU, supporting efforts to promote awareness, improve preparedness, and strengthen compliance with Georgia’s Medical Amnesty and Expanded Naloxone Access laws.

This training reinforces the importance of recognizing the signs of a potential overdose, understanding the role of naloxone in responding to opioid overdoses, and ensuring individuals are aware of the resources and protections available under Georgia law.

Education and access to lifesaving resources are important components of overdose prevention. By investing in training and awareness, GCSU Public Safety continues to support a safer, more informed campus community.

Thank you to Jeremy Noble for his participation and continued commitment to campus safety, emergency preparedness, and the well-being of our GCSU community.

10/23/2026

It's a great day to be a Bobcat!

Congratulations to Captain Joe Grant and Captain Gary Purvis on completing the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy!

The FBI-LEEDA Trilogy consists of three leadership development programs: the Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI), Command Leadership Institute (CLI), and Executive Leadership Institute (ELI). Together, these programs provide law enforcement leaders with the knowledge, tools, and perspective necessary to lead effectively, develop personnel, and strengthen their organizations.

Investing in leadership development is an investment in our people, our department, and the communities we serve. Strong leadership helps build accountability, improve decision-making, develop future leaders, and ensure our agency is prepared to meet the challenges of modern law enforcement.
This achievement also marks an important milestone for the Georgia College and State University Department of Public Safety. With Captains Grant and Purvis completing the Trilogy, every sworn member of our command staff has now completed all three programs!

Equally encouraging, our frontline supervisors are well on their way to completing the Trilogy themselves. Developing leadership at every level strengthens our entire organization and reinforces our commitment to professional excellence.

Congratulations to Captains Grant and Purvis on this outstanding accomplishment, and thank you to all our personnel who continue to invest in becoming better leaders, better mentors, and better public safety professionals.

Leadership is not a destination. It is a commitment to getting better every day.

10/20/2026

🚔 Student Police Academy – Traffic Stop Training! 🚔

Last Thursday, our Student Police Academy participants took part in hands-on training focused on traffic stops! 👮‍♂️

Sgt. Chambers and Sgt. Johnson led the class, teaching students about traffic stop procedures and providing valuable insight into the skills and decision-making involved in these everyday law enforcement interactions.

Students also participated in mock traffic stop practicals, giving them an opportunity to put what they learned into action in a hands-on training environment.

A big thank you to Sgt. Chambers and Sgt. Johnson for sharing their knowledge and experience with our students! We’re proud to provide these opportunities for our future leaders to learn more about law enforcement and the responsibilities that come with serving their community. 💙🚔

10/13/2026

🚨 LEADERSHIP TRAINING OPPORTUNITY – GCSU DPS in MILLEDGEVILLE, GEORGIA! 🚨

The Georgia College & State University Department of Public Safety (GCSU DPS) is proud to host the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy right here in Milledgeville, Georgia, in 2028!
Great leadership is not developed overnight, and leadership training should not be reserved for those at the top. Investing in leaders at every level strengthens decision-making, builds trust, improves accountability, and prepares our agencies to meet today's and tomorrow's challenges.
FBI-LEEDA is nationally recognized for its high-quality leadership curriculum, experienced instructors, and practical, real-world approach to developing law enforcement professionals. These courses provide leaders with valuable tools they can take back to their agencies and put into practice immediately.

This is not just for Law Enforcement. This training is relevant to Fire and Emergency Services, Emergency Management, and all aspects of Public Safety can benefit from this training.

📅 2028 FBI-LEEDA Training Schedule – Milledgeville, GA
🔹 Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI)
May 1–5, 2028
🔹 Command Leadership Institute (CLI)
July 17–21, 2028
🔹 Executive Leadership Institute (ELI)
September 25–29, 2028

Whether you are preparing for your first supervisory position, currently serving in command, or leading an entire organization, this is an opportunity to invest in yourself, your people, and the future of your agency.

✅ HOW TO REGISTER:
Simply scan the QR code on the accompanying flyer, create an account with FBI-LEEDA, and register for the course that best fits your leadership role and professional development goals.

📞 Questions or need assistance?
Contact Chief Wes Hardin
Director of Public Safety & Chief of Police
Georgia College & State University
📱 478-445-4023
📧 [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming law enforcement professionals to Milledgeville for this outstanding leadership development opportunity!

Invest in leadership. Develop your people. Strengthen your agency.

10/09/2026

Dear Campus Community,

Georgia College & State University is monitoring potential weather impacts from Hurricane Isaias in our area. The storm is expected to make landfall at about midnight tonight along the Gulf Coast.

Current forecasts indicate Milledgeville and the surrounding areas will experience the impacts of Isaias mainly on Saturday, Oct. 10. Central Georgia residents can expect heavy rain, wind gusts up to 40 mph, and a chance of tornadoes.

Please remain weather aware. In the event of a severe weather threat or outage, a GC Alert will be sent to the campus community. Remember to download the RAVE Guardian app to contact and receive updates from Georgia College Public Safety.

Over the weekend, please keep the following safety tips in mind:
• Actively monitor weather forecasts, radar, and watches/warnings from the National Weather Service.
• Make sure you know the severe weather shelter location for wherever you are this weekend.
• Never drive through or walk into flood waters. It takes only 6 inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult.
• Remember the difference between a watch and warning: A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop; a warning means a weather threat is imminent and you should seek shelter immediately.

Georgia College emergency management personnel will continue to monitor the status of Hurricane Isaias. University Communications will notify the campus community of any further updates through email, our official social media channels, and the GC Alert system.

Stay safe, Bobcats!

University Communications
Georgia College & State University
201 S. Clarke St.
Milledgeville, GA 31061
478-445-8677

FrontPage.GCSU.edu

10/07/2026

Thank you for your service, Justin. You are making a difference.

10/06/2026

Celebrating five years with GCSU DPS.
Thank you for all you do, Sgt. Chambers.

Address

301 W Montgomery Street
Milledgeville, GA
31061

Telephone

+14784454054

Website

http://www.gcsu.edu/publicsafety

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Georgia College Public Safety posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.