Alford to head GBI’s polygraphy unit
GBI announces promotion of Joshua Alford to Special Agent in Charge
DECATUR, GA – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is announcing the promotion of Joshua Alford to Special Agent in Charge of the GBI Polygraph Unit. SAC Alford will be responsible for overseeing statewide operations of the Special Agents/Polygraph Examiners assigned to the unit. SAC Alford will oversee operations of the office and supervise agents who respond to requests from other GBI investigative offices and local law enforcement to provide polygraph assistance with major crimes such as: homicide, rape, child abuse, armed robbery, fraud, and other felonies. The GBI Polygraph Unit also aids public safety agencies across Georgia by conducting pre-employment polygraphs to aid in the selection of qualified candidates.
SAC Alford began his law enforcement career in November 2000 and has served with the Swainsboro Police Department and Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office. In March 2007, he was hired as a GBI Special Agent and was assigned to the Region 15 Office in Sylvester. From there he was transferred to the Region 12 Office in Eastman from 2008 until 2015 when he was assigned to the GBI Polygraph Unit. SAC Alford was previously the ASAC for the Region 12 Office from 2018-2020 and then the ASAC for the Polygraph Unit from 2020-2022. SAC Alford is a certified polygraph examiner and a current member of the American Polygraph Association. SAC Alford is on the board of Directors for the Georgia Polygraph Association and holds the title of Director of Training.
ASAC Alford is a graduate of Columbus State University with a master’s degree in Public Safety Administration. He also obtained a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies from Georgia Southern University. SAC Alford is a P.O.S.T. certified instructor and assists the GBI and local agencies with training.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is comprised of four divisions: the Georgia Crime Information Center, the Crime Lab, the Investigative Division, and the Legal Division. The GBI has ~875 employees and a budget of $147,482,036. SAC Alford is assigned to the Investigative Division.
