Atlanta police academy trainer transferred after blowing whistle on cheating recruits

A trainer at the Atlanta Police Academy was transferred out on one-day notice after alerting state officials about cheating recruits, WSB-TV reported.

The Georgia division of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association reportedly complained to city officials that the instructor, William Lyons, was not given more notice before being moved out of the school.

Lyons reportedly contacted the state Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) because he was unsatisfied with how local authorities responded to allegations that some recruits went to a former trainee for information on a "shoot/don't shoot scenario" test covering the use of deadly force.

The former trainer also reportedly showed POST officials documents indicating that several trainees cheated or were "dishonest" in an assignment asking them to write their own bios.

Assistant Police Chief Shawn Jones said Lyons' transfer was under investigation.

"Several people were transferred at the same time," Jones said. "We transfer individuals frequently throughout the year."

Deputy Police Chief Erika Shields told WAGA-TV that nearly two dozen cadets have been investigated this year for taking part in "some level of cheating." However, she said, none of them had done anything that deserved expulsion from the academy.

"I have 100 percent confidence in the individuals that we have hired that they're gonna make solid law enforcement," she said.

State Sen. Vincent Fort (D) called for the allegations to be given as much scrutiny as the recent cheating scandal that embroiled the local school district.

"If an officer is cheating on a test, what is he gonna do on the street?" Fort said. "That's a question I'd like to ask. It's very disturbing. I hope there's no cover up. I hope the chips fall where they may."

Watch WSB's report, as aired on Monday, below.