SEMO names new oversight for law enforcement academy following investigation

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri State University has announced leadership changes at its Law Enforcement Academy following an investigation into academic integrity concerns.

University officials said allegations raised earlier this year prompted a comprehensive review conducted in collaboration with a national law firm and the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

Following the investigation, the university named Dr. Brian Donavant, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work and Sociology, to oversee the academy. Officials said a new academy director will be hired.

The university has operated a Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training-approved academy since 1987 and has trained more than 2,800 law enforcement officers.

Officials said the academy is expected to graduate a new class of cadets in the coming weeks and is recruiting students for its August session.

The university said it remains committed to maintaining quality training standards for law enforcement officers.