The Peace Officers Association of Georgia Oral Histories collection preserves videos and transcripts of oral history interviews with retired and active duty law enforcement officers. Students and faculty from the History Department at Georgia Southern University conducted the interviews from 2014-18. The goal of the collection is to document the evolution of law enforcement in Georgia.
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Interview with Marvin Moses
Daniel Hancock
Interview conducted by Daniel Hancock at the Savannah Marriot Riverfront hotel on August 24, 2015. Marvin joined the Georgia Bureau of Investigations in 1975, where he stayed until his retirement in 2001. He was inspired to enter law enforcement by his father, who was a state trooper and GBI agent. In this interview, Marvin discusses his family legacy, his time in the military, and the technological changes he has seen during his tenure.
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Interview with Mike Fordham
Daniel Hancock
Interview conducted by Daniel Hancock at the Savannah Riverfront hotel on August 24, 2015. Mike joined the Georgia Bureau of Investigations in 1979, where he retired after 34 years of service. he is also a Marine veteran. In this interview, Mike discusses his experience in the Marines, the Army National Guard, and GBI drug enforcement.
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Interview with Robert "Bobby" Vernon Sikes and Steve Sikes
Nicolette Pistone and Charles Sikes
Interview conducted by Nicolette Pistone and Charles Sikes in Liberty County on April 19, 2015. At the time of this interview, Bobby is a past sheriff of Liberty County and Steve Sikes is the current Liberty County Sheriff. Bobby's father was also a Liberty County sheriff, making three generations of sheriffs in the family. In this interview, Bobby and Steve discuss changes they have seen in Liberty County's law enforcement during their legacy.
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Interview with Roger Car
Daniel Hancock
Interview conducted by Daniel Hancock at the Savannah Marriot Riverfront hotel on August 24, 2015. Roger entered law enforcement after serving in Vietnam with the Marines and worked for various agencies. He joined the Georgia State Patrol in 1981, where he remained until he retired. In this interview, Roger discusses the changes he has witnessed in law enforcement technology throughout the state.
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Interview with Ronnie Gay
Daniel Hancock
Interview conducted by Daniel Hancock at the Savannah Marriot Riverfront hotel on August 24, 2015. Ronnie greatly admired the Georgia State Patrol as a child and joined the GSP in 1971. He spent much of his career at the Governor's mansion, especially with Jimmy Carter. In this interview, Ronnie discusses how he overcame educational challenges and his time with Governor Carter.
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Interview with Ryan Powell
Daniel Hancock
Interview conducted by Daniel Hancock at the Savannah Marriot Riverfront hotel on August 25, 2015. Ryan was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council as an emergency position at the death of his father. The executive director liked his work and offered him a job after his three month emergency appointment was over. In this interview, Ryan discusses the POST objectives and course in detail.
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Interview with Steve Smith
Nicolette Pistone
Interview conducted by Nicolette Pistone in Savannah on February 5, 2015. Steve served in the Army infantry in Vietnam and upon returning joined the Savannah Police Department, where he worked for 28 years. He has also taught at the training academy and worked with the U.S. Marshals. In this interview, Steve discusses his difficulty as a Vietnam veteran in law enforcement and the transition to civilian life.
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Interview with Vernon M. Keenan
Nicolette Pistone
Interview conducted by Nicolette Pistone in Atlanta on March 29, 2015. At the time of this interview, Vernon has the Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations since 2003. He started with the GBI in 1973 after graduating from Valdosta State University. In this interview, Vernon discusses the administrative and political challenges of law enforcement.
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Interview with W. C. "Bill" Massee
Nicolette Pistone
Interview conducted by Nicolette Pistone at the Baldwin County Sheriffs Office in Milledgeville, Georgia, on February 10, 2015. At the time of this interview, Bill has been Sheriff of Baldwin County for 27 years. He originally started his career with the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. In this interview, Bill discusses the rewards and discouragement of being sheriff in a rural community.
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Interview with J. Dale Mann
Nicolette Pistone
Interview conducted by Nicolette Pistone at the Georgia Southern University Statesboro campus on April 11, 2014. Dale joined the Tifton Police Department when he was 18 years old and has been in law enforcement since. He has held various positions including FBI agent, academy director, and training instructor. In this interview, Dale discusses some of the laws and events that have shaped law enforcement in Georgia.
