Newsroom

NASHVILLE- On August 23, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Marion County Sheriff’s Department suffered a heartbreaking loss. Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Sergeant Lee Russell of the THP Aviation Division and Marion County Sheriff’s Department Detective Matt Blansett were conducting an aerial mission in the Chattanooga area when the helicopter they were operating crashed in a wooded area of Marion County. We are saddened to report that both men lost their lives while serving the people of Tennessee on this mission.

NASHVILLE--- The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) is pleased to announce that more than 18,000 Tennessee teenagers between 15-17 years old have taken the driver’s license knowledge test online since it became an option three months ago on May 16, 2022! The test may be administered in the comfort of your own home 24/7 which offers convenient hours that don’t interfere with work or school.

CHATTANOOGA– The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is accepting applications for the Chattanooga Citizens’ Academy. The first class starts on September 27 and graduates November 8. Weekly sessions are on Tuesdays and run from 5:45 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. CST. The academy is designed to give citizens a better understanding and awareness of THP and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Citizens will receive hands-on instruction and training from state troopers and other department personnel throughout the academy. Classes will be at the Region 2 Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) office.

MEMPHIS – The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is accepting applications for the Memphis Citizens’ Academy. The first class starts on September 20, and ends November 1. Weekly sessions run from 5:45 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. CST. The academy is designed to give citizens a better understanding and awareness of THP and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Citizens will receive hands-on instruction and training from state troopers and other department personnel throughout the academy. Classes will be held weekly on Tuesdays, at the Greater Imani Church in Memphis.

TENNESSEE – The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is competing in the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), “America’s Best-Looking Cruiser Contest.” State highway patrols and state police organizations from across the country are competing for the top spot. Everyone in Tennessee knows THP has the best-looking state highway patrol vehicle in the nation. Now we need your help to make that official!

TENNESSEE – Beginning May 3, 2023, all persons must have a REAL ID license to access certain federal facilities, military bases and board commercial flights within the United States. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) began issuing REAL IDs on July 1, 2019 and has issued 2,259,820 REAL ID credentials to date.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security invited Tennesseans to get ready for the new school year by downloading the SafeTN app.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is accepting applications for the Nashville Citizens’ Academy. The first class starts on August 9th. Weekly sessions run from 5:45 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. CST. The academy is designed to give citizens a better understanding and awareness of THP and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Citizens will receive hands-on instruction and training from state troopers and other department personnel throughout the academy.

CHATTANOOGA –On July 3, 2022, a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) trooper was patrolling on East 23rd Street in Hamilton County and performed a traffic stop on a gray Toyota Camry for a traffic violation.

NASHVILLE --- On Saturday, July 3 in Grundy County, Tennessee at approximately 11:30 p.m., Trooper Sam Johnson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s (THP) Chattanooga district initiated a traffic stop on a white male operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The suspect struck Trooper Johnson’s patrol vehicle with the ATV. As Trooper Johnson attempted to apprehend the suspect, the male suspect struck Trooper Johnson. A lengthy struggle ensued from which the suspect was able to get back on the ATV and flee from the immediate area. Trooper Johnson was treated and released from Emerald Hodgson Hospital with minor injuries.

COOKEVILLE – On June 14, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Emergency Communication Dispatch Center received calls from motorists stating that a blue Chevy Suburban was firing shots into a gold passenger vehicle, while traveling on I-40 West in Cookeville, TN. Dispatch issued a BOLO of the suspect vehicle to troopers in the area. Trooper Doug Foster and Trooper Donnie Clark immediately initiated stationary observation at the 291-mile marker westbound.

COOKEVILLE – The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is accepting applications for the second Citizens’ Academy in Cookeville, Tennessee. The first session begins on August 16. Sessions run from 5:45 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. weekly. The deadline to register is July 8, 2022. Applications must be returned by that date for processing.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee will sign an executive order directing accountability measures for school safety and an evaluation of training for Tennessee law enforcement. The order also establishes additional resources to support parents, teachers and law enforcement in improving school security practices.