NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced the first-ever statewide assessment of school facilities and safety procedures will be fully completed by the end of August, with unprecedented school security funding now available to school districts to implement identified school security and safety needs. In March, the governor’s School Safety Working Group recommended the statewide review of school facilities and safety procedures and precautions. The recommendation, accepted by the governor, led to immediate safety assessments by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of Education and local school officials. To date, 1,796 schools – or about 99 percent of Tennessee’s public schools – have completed the security assessment with the remaining 1 percent set for completion by August 31.

NASHVILLE – Governor Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam today honored 23 state employees who are helping Tennessee lead by providing outstanding state services every day. The employees, who were nominated by their departments’ leadership for the Governor’s Excellence in Service Awards, were invited to attend a luncheon at the Tennessee Residence for providing efficient and effective service to the state and their fellow Tennesseans. “The employees honored today are on the forefront of improving how Tennessee state government delivers services,” Haslam said. “By exceeding leadership and customer expectations, creating innovative solutions or improving processes and services, these state employees are helping provide taxpayers with the highest quality service at the lowest possible cost.”

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), and local law enforcement agencies across Tennessee in an effort to keep one of the state’s busiest roads safe.

Who has the best looking patrol cruiser in the country? The Tennessee Highway Patrol, (THP) and we need your vote to win. The THP is competing to win the “Best Looking Cruiser Award.”

MARYVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today signed legislation to support TN Together, the governor’s aggressive and comprehensive plan to end the opioid crisis in Tennessee through three key areas – prevention, treatment and law enforcement. “This legislation is a major step in helping fight this epidemic by limiting the supply of opioids and providing resources to provide treatment for those addicted,” Haslam said in a ceremonial bill signing at the Blount Memorial Hospital. “I am proud to sign the TN Together legislation today and I thank the members of the 110th General Assembly for their commitment to addressing this crisis. Opioid addition affects the entire state in some form, and with this comprehensive plan I feel confident that we can make a difference in the lives of Tennesseans.”

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security joined by Tennessee Senators and Representatives along with Representatives from the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association will announce the roll out of vertical driver licenses and identification cards for people under 21-years old.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will announce the grand opening of the McNairy County Clerk driver services partnership.

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today joined Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson to encourage Tennesseans to make an impact on the state’s opioid crisis by cleaning out their expired or unwanted medications on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The biannual event urges citizens to find the medications in their homes, including prescription opioids, and safely and securely dispose of them. During the most recent national take back event last October, Tennesseans disposed of more than 68,000 pounds of medication.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is excited to offer youths who have an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement the opportunity to attend THP’s Youth and Junior Academy this summer!

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced his approval of recommendations submitted by the school safety working group he appointed earlier this month to make immediate enhancements to school safety. The working group identified three immediate priorities: 1. A review and risk assessment of all school facilities to identify vulnerabilities; 2.An increase in available resources to help secure school resource officers (SROs); and 3. A statewide technology application for anonymous reporting of security threats.

Today, March 26, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) announced its first Teen Driver Education Camp for high school students across the state.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has recently added the Town of Dover as an issuance partner for renewals and replacement of driver licenses and identification cards.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) reminds motorists to buckle up and drive sober during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

On Tuesday, March 5, Trooper Tyler Oliphant of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) was running radar in the median on I-65 in Robertson County. Trooper Oliphant witnessed an SUV traveling at a high rate of speed northbound, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced he has formed a working group of leaders from the executive branch, General Assembly, safety, education and mental health to immediately begin reviewing school safety in Tennessee and provide recommendations to enhance the security of school children. While all schools in Tennessee currently have safety plans in place, the Governor’s School Safety Working Group will convene this week to review the policies, procedures and process of developing and implementing those plans, as well as other school safety measures, including communication and collaboration among law enforcement, educators and mental health professionals.