Tennessee Highway Patrol to Travel to California to be Recognized as the Top State Police/Highway Patrol in the Nation

THP to Receive Several Awards for Outstanding Accomplishments

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) will attend the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in San Diego, California later this week to receive the top three awards.  THP was named the “First Place Winner” in the Highway Patrol/State Police agency category consisting of 501-1500 troopers in the nation for 2016.  Additionally, THP won two awards in “Traffic Incident Management and Technology”.

THP competed in an annual International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Law Enforcement Challenge by presenting programs and results of public safety efforts.  All law enforcement agencies in the country (local police departments, sheriff’s offices, campus police, military police and state police agencies) were invited to submit a presentation or packet detailing their public safety efforts.  The THP competed in the largest state agency category which is the “mid-size department” division of state police agencies between 501-1500 troopers.  Additionally, THP competed against all law enforcement agencies in the special awards category.

Over the last four years, THP was the only state police agency to place in the top three and won several special awards for our Commercial Vehicle Program.  “It’s an honor to receive notification on the 2016 awards to be given at the IACP International Conference in San Diego,” said Colonel Tracy Trott.  “This is a testament to the dedication, passion, and professionalism exhibited daily by the men and women of the THP.” The THP was the only Tennessee agency recognized.

First Place - State Police Agency with 501-1500 troopers.
Winner - The Technology Special Award Category for predictive analytics program in our TITAN Division.
Winner - The Traffic Incident Management Special Award Category based on our training program and the facility that was built with the help of TDOT at our Training Center.

Trott praised his staff by recognizing their efforts that contributed to becoming recipients of the prestigious awards.   “Over 850 troopers work daily to represent our department and make our state safe.  They are the main ingredients that combine to keep our citizens safe,” Colonel Tracy Trott said.

The Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN) Division of the THP, which works to predict where serious crashes will occur so troopers can be deployed to these areas in an effort to save lives, has been an integral part THP’s success.  Our Training Division works to protect and train first responders in Traffic Incident Management along with our lead instructors stressing our philosophy to protect our employees (and all first responders) by training them to deal effectively with these situations. 

Another major accomplishment is the installation of Colonel Trott as the General Chair of the State and Provincial Division of IACP.  Additionally, Colonel Trott will serve on the Executive Board representing the issues of the S&P with the IACP.  This position is recognized as the leader of all state police organizations from the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.  The success as a department has led the way for Trott to be individually recognized and elected to this office. 

“I am proud of THP and Colonel Trott for their continued success and accomplishments,” Commissioner David W. Purkey said.  “It is an honor for THP to be recognized on a national level for their innovativeness, expertise and professionalism.”

For more information, visit our website, www.TN.gov/safety.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.

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