Twelve Law Enforcement Officers Graduate from TBI State Academy

NASHVILLE TBI Press Release – Twelve local law enforcement officers from across the state are new graduates of the TBI State Academy. The Academy was created as a professional and specialized training ground for Tennessee law enforcement officers who desire the opportunity to expand their education and training in the criminal justice field. Through the six-week course, attendees learn advanced investigative techniques, science, and strategy; skills they can take back with them and put into practice at their home agencies.

The TBI State Academy was developed with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s origin, tradition, and mission in mind. Coursework included leadership, constitutional law, communications intelligence and undercover investigations.

Candidates were nominated by their department heads and selected to attend. They were required to have five years of experience as a full-time commissioned officer of a Tennessee law enforcement agency, show excellent character and a professional reputation. They exhibit an interest in public service and are committed to remaining in law enforcement for a minimum of three years after the TBI State Academy graduation.

Each year, one student is honored with the prestigious Director’s Award. The officer selected for that award is the individual with the highest cumulative scores in academic tests, physical fitness, shooting competition, leadership presentation, and case presentation.  This year’s winner of the Director’s Award, announced during last week’s graduation, is Patrick Murdock, a Sergeant/ Investigator with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

A graduate of the TBI State Academy has the opportunity to earn credits with partner schools Cumberland University and Tennessee State University. The Academy runs four days a week for six weeks and is held at Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy in Bell Buckle, at no cost to attendees.

2017 TBI State Academy Graduates:

Shaynah Bibbee - Student – Tennessee State University

Special Agent Bonnie Carr – TN Alcoholic Beverage Commission

Detective Alexander Clary – Meigs County Sheriff’s Office

Investigator George Dyer – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Sergeant Gilbert Goodwin – Memphis Police Department

Lieutenant James Hatler – Martin Police Department

Detective Keith Alan Kile – Kingston Police Department

Detective Darin Lane – White Pine Police Department

Detective Robert E. Lower, III – Jamestown Police Department

Detective James Markwood – Fentress County Sheriff’s Office

Sergeant/ Investigator Patrick Murdock – Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

Sergeant/ Detective-Narcotics Joshua Smith – Pickett County Sheriff’s Office

Patrol Investigator Tabitha Standridge – Englewood Police Department

TBI will begin accepting applications for the 2018 TBI State Academy in the spring. For more information about the State Academy, visit their website: http://www.tn.gov/tbi/article/tbi-state-academy.