Commissioner Gibbons Names Larry Godwin Deputy Commissioner of TN Dept of Safety & Homeland Security

MEMPHIS, TN –- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons today announced the appointment of Larry A. Godwin as Deputy Commissioner. Godwin, who is currently the Director of Police Services for the city of Memphis, will start his new role April 18, 2011.

 

“Director Godwin brings a high level of law enforcement and leadership experience to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. His focus on data-driven policing has received international acclaim and under his leadership, Memphis has made great strides in crime reduction,” Governor Haslam said of the appointment. “I’m excited he’s joining the already high quality team in place at the department.”

 

Godwin has served as Director of Police Services since 2004. Soon after his appointment, Godwin partnered with the University of Memphis’ Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice to develop the data-driven Blue C.R.U.S.H.™ (Crime Reduction Using Statistical History) methodology which focuses on reducing crime associated with guns, gangs, and drugs. Under his leadership, in 2007, the Memphis Police Department received national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). In 2008, Godwin opened the Memphis Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center, a 24-hour city-wide video and digital surveillance system which received the International Association of Chiefs of Police “Excellence in Technology Award for Interoperable Communications.”

 

“As Shelby County District Attorney, I served with Larry Godwin as members of a team that has significantly reduced crime in Memphis. Now, we have the opportunity to once again be members of the same team, dedicated to the safety and security of all Tennesseans,” said Commissioner Gibbons. “Larry will bring great management skills, high energy, and a sharp focus to this new chapter in his career. Communities across Tennessee will benefit from his service. I'm excited about what we can accomplish together,” Gibbons stated.

 

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to have been selected to such a prestigious position. I look forward to working with both Governor Haslam and Commissioner Gibbons. These are truly two remarkable individuals who share a deep concern for making Tennessee the best state in the country. I am excited and energized about this opportunity and I will do my very best to ensure the success of this team,” said Director Godwin.

 

Godwin joined the Memphis Police Department as a Metro Narcotics Undercover Operations Officer in 1973, shortly after serving a tour of Vietnam in the United States Marine Corps. As his career in law enforcement evolved, he rose through the ranks of the Memphis Police Department and was assigned to various roles including Uniform Patrol, Tactical Unit, Training Academy Instructor, Homicide Investigator, Fraud and Document Investigator, Commander of the Crime Response/Bomb Unit, Commander of Special Services, and Deputy Chief overseeing Special Operations, Administrative Services, and Uniform Patrol.

 

Godwin is a 2008 graduate of the FBI’s National Executive Institute (NEI). He also serves on the board of advisors for the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center. In 2006 he was appointed to the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (POST) by Governor Phil Bredesen and continues to serve in that capacity under Governor Haslam.

 

In 2006 Godwin was elected president of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP). He is currently serving as chairman for the TACP/Tennessee Public Safety Coalition Committee and serves on various TACP committees. He served as the 2006 president of the state-wide Tennessee Public Safety Coalition, a group consisting of district attorney generals, chiefs of police, and sheriffs.

Godwin has earned numerous awards, including the 2005 Veterans of Foreign Wars Officer of the Year, the 2008 Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police President’s Award, the 2009 Rotary Club of Memphis East Bobby Dunavant Award for a non-elected public servant, and the 2010 UNICO Charities Italian American Man of the Year Award.

 

In 2008 he became a founding board member of the Memphis Police Foundation and currently serves as president.

 

Godwin attended the University of Memphis and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree through Liberty University. 

 

Director Godwin is married to the former Nina Elizabeth Barlow. Together they have two sons, one daughter, and two grandsons.