THP Names New Captain Over Research, Planning & Development

NASHVILLE--- Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons and Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott today formally recognized the promotion of Michael McAlister to Captain over the department’s Research, Planning and Development (RP&D) division. McAlister replaces Captain Darrell Miller, who retired in August after 28 years with the THP.  

McAlister previously served as Lieutenant on the THP’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), a post he had held since 2011. CIRT consists of highly specialized troopers who respond to and investigate motor vehicle crashes across the state, and assists local and federal agencies in the investigation of traffic crashes and other incidents.  

“Captain McAllister has been a part of the tremendous success of the Highway Patrol’s Critical Incident Response Team, and he will bring that same excellence to the research, planning and development division,” Colonel Trott said. “I look forward to working with him as a member of the agency’s administration team.”

McAlister began his career with THP in 1997.  Early in his career, he patrolled the roads in Lewis and Maury County and became a CIRT Trooper in 2003. McAlister was promoted to CIRT Sergeant in 2006, covering the THP Nashville and Lawrenceburg Districts. He later advanced to the rank of Lieutenant in 2011.

“Captain McAlister has been charged with the task of developing the Research, Planning and Development division to serve the needs of the entire department. I am confident in his ability to enhance the functions of his division to better equip us for the future,” Commissioner Gibbons said.

McAlister began his career in law enforcement with the Pulaski Police Department. The Giles County native is also a second generation state trooper. His dad, Clay McAlister, served in the THP Lawrenceburg District for 30 years.

McAlister is a 2007 graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command School.  

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure that our state is a safe, secure place in which to live, work and travel; enforce the law with integrity; and provide customer-focused services professionally and efficiently.