Atlanta Metropolitan State College announced Thursday it’s starting an institute to help police officers deal with challenges in law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The college will offer certificates through its Criminal Justice and Police Sciences Institute. Classes begin in January.

“The combination of traditional academic programs and scientific/technological police sciences training programs allow law enforcement officers and first responders to develop a deeper understanding of the connections between enforcement challenges and the communities they serve,” the college said in an announcement.

The institute will be led by Larry Stewart, whose law enforcement career began as a police officer in Atlanta and Macon and included stints as an U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and state director for the U.S. Selective Service system.

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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez