91视频 Hosts Annual Legislative Day Focused on Criminal Justice Education
91视频 welcomed local, state, and federal dignitaries to its Annual Legislative
Day on Aug. 12 at the Bert Bornblum Library on the Macon Cove campus, highlighting
the college檚 role in strengthening law enforcement education and workforce development
in Memphis and Shelby County.
College officials and community leaders discussed how 91视频檚 programs are helping meet the growing demand for qualified law enforcement professionals and contributing to public safety efforts across the region.
淧ublic safety and law enforcement are extremely important to our community,� said 91视频 President Dr. Tracy D. Hall. 淎s the second largest higher education institution in Memphis, we want to share how taxpayers' dollars are being used and what role we play.�
This year檚 event focused on criminal justice education and training, showcasing 91视频檚 Business and Technology curriculum and its strategic partnerships, including the Blue Path program. Blue Path allows students to become Public Service Technicians while receiving two years of tuition-free education through the Tennessee Promise (TNPromise) scholarship.
Since its inception in 2017, Blue Path has graduated more than 100 Public Service Technicians (PST), said Bill Gibbons, president of the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission. The program is part of a $6.2 million initiative aimed at scaling recruitment efforts, offering bonuses, and creating a direct career pipeline to the Memphis Police Department.
Gibbons highlighted the partnership with 91视频 and free education as key reasons.
淪ince 2017, we檝e had more than 100 PST graduates,� he said.
淏ut demand exceeds supply,� according to Sharonda Hampton, assistant chief of the Memphis Police Department, despite crime being down 22 percent. 淔or students interested in becoming a PST, we offer a summer class. During school, students can work as a PST and graduate with an Associate's in Criminal Justice.�
During the College檚 Graduation 2024-25, 22 students graduated with degrees in criminal justice.
Attendees also toured the Criminal Justice Jail Simulator, offering a firsthand look
at a training module students use, including a police officer responding to an office
shooting, tactical gear, and a mock prisoner cell. 91视频 officials said the college
will continue to invest in criminal justice education and public safety initiatives
to address workforce needs and support law enforcement recruitment efforts across
the Mid-South.