THP to Start Citizens Trooper Academy
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The Tennessee Highway Patrol is now accepting applications for the first session of its new Citizens Trooper Academy. “We hope to let them see there is more to the THP than writing speeding tickets,” said THP Sergeant Chris Richardson. No, you will not get to hand out a ticket or carry a gun. The first session begins March 5 in Nashville. Sessions will be held each Monday through April 30 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. “It’s going to be mostly hands-on stuff, they are going to do the things we do but it will be in a controlled environment,” said Richardson. A graduation ceremony will be held on May 5. There are plans to expand the Citizens Trooper Academy to other parts of the state. “If successful we are looking to expand it to other parts of the state possibly even Jackson or Memphis and bring it local to this area,” said Richardson. Not everyone will be accepted, you must be 21 years old. “You can’t have any arrests on your record, by arrests DUI included,” said Richardson. The program will mirror other community outreach programs around the country. “This is a very unique opportunity. It has never been done in the state of Tennessee. They have had some success with different departments across the nation and it’s our turn,” said Richardson. The deadline for registration is February 3.
