Captain Bruce McCarley

Captain Bruce McCarley is a visionary leader on the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) who fosters growth and positive transformation in those he supervises. Over more than 15 years, his dedication has driven measurable professional development within his teams and meaningful impact across the THP Districts.

Captain McCarley’s professional education includes the Tennessee Government Executive and Management Institutes, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, and the 2019 TDOSHS Commissioner’s Leadership Academy. He previously served for over 22 years in the U.S. Navy, gaining significant technical and leadership experience in diverse situations.

Professionally, he’s had a fulfilling career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since July 2023, he has served as District Captain for the Jackson THP District, overseeing 14 counties in Western Tennessee with a team of 95 commissioned troopers and two civilians.

Previously, as Administrative Lieutenant for the Memphis THP District from April 2022 to July 2023, he managed business operations, assumed command during the captain's absence, and provided analytical data to the Captain and Command Staff—actions that streamlined district processes. Additional leadership roles include District Training Manager, Grant Coordinator, Records Custodian, Field Training Program State Coordinator, and Recruiter, where he guided team development and mentored emerging leaders.

Before his role as Administrative Lieutenant, he served as an Administrative Sergeant from March 2018 to March 2022, during which he supervised and evaluated staff, maintained attendance records, managed the district's vehicle fleet, and served as the Field Training Program District Coordinator.

His experience also includes serving as a Road Sergeant in Shelby and Fayette Counties from October 2016 to March 2018, where he supervised road troopers, scheduled shifts, assisted with enforcement plans, and enforced motor vehicle laws. In his early years as a Road Trooper, while assigned to the Memphis THP District, he enforced motor vehicle laws, investigated crashes, assisted motorists, participated in public relations events, and served as a Field Training Officer.

A significant accomplishment in his career was retiring from the United States Navy after 22.5 years of active duty, attaining the rank of Master Chief (E-9). He served on the USS America CV-66 during Operation Desert Storm.