The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has reported significant progress in 2024 towards enhancing the safety and security of Tennesseans. The department’s initiatives, ranging from hiring State Troopers to advancing school safety measures and improving communication systems for first responders, have contributed to a safer environment for residents.
Commissioner Jeff Long emphasized the department’s dedication to making Tennessee a safer place, highlighting efforts in reducing fatal crashes, safeguarding schools, and improving service delivery. He expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and optimism for continued progress into 2025.
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Key achievements from the Tennessee Highway Patrol include the recruitment and training of over 150 new State Troopers, which has strengthened law enforcement visibility on state roads. The patrol dedicated over 20,000 hours to disaster responses, notably for Hurricane Helene, and made over 950 drug-related arrests, with methamphetamine and fentanyl being significant concerns. The patrol also engaged in nearly 900 community events, removed more than 300 illegally possessed firearms, and recovered over 80 stolen firearms.
The Office of Homeland Security trained 63 special agents to enhance school safety across all 95 Tennessee counties. Additionally, the office secured $5.7 million in federal grants for security infrastructure and provided state grants for School Resource Officers in every public and charter school, along with $750,000 for security enhancements at houses of worship.
Driver Services issued 2.6 million REAL IDs and served 1.7 million customers, deploying 287 self-service kiosks and launching improved driver licenses with advanced security features. The office also expanded online services and created divisions for quality assurance and customer service to ensure operational integrity and enhance customer interaction.
The Tennessee Advanced Communications Network played a pivotal role during Hurricane Helene, ensuring effective communication among first responders and collaborating with 15 new partner agencies to improve interoperability.
The Tennessee Highway Safety Office awarded 373 grants to support highway safety, trained nearly 3,000 individuals, and increased seat belt usage to a record-high 92.2%. Outreach efforts were expanded to include programs for aging drivers and child passenger safety.
These collective efforts reflect the department’s commitment to protecting Tennesseans and fostering safer communities across the state.
Source: Read Original Release
Nashville Police Secure New Year’s Eve Festivities
Hundreds of Metropolitan Nashville Police Department officers will be present during Nashville’s New Year’s Eve events to ensure safety, especially in downtown, the Bicentennial Mall, and the Gulch. Attendees are advised to remain vigilant, adhere to bag restrictions, and report any suspicious activities. The “Big Bash” event at Bicentennial Mall will feature performances by artists like Jelly Roll and Keith Urban, with several road closures in effect. Lost items can be retrieved at designated locations the following day, and the MNPD is working with various agencies to manage the event.