Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Thursday that efforts to recruit out-of-state law enforcement to the Tennessee Highway Patrol have “netted early results as the administration focuses on proven crime prevention methods and addressing law enforcement staff shortages.”
In November, Governor Lee sent out a nationwide pitch that offered out-of-state troopers incentives to move to Tennessee and join the Tennessee Highway Patrol, as reported at the time by The Tennessee Star. So far, according to the Governor’s office, early recruiting efforts have brought 11 new troopers who bring “new skills” and “diverse experience” to the ranks.
“Just last week, we welcomed five new troopers to our ranks from across the country to strengthen public safety,” Governor Lee said in a statement. “I challenge these new Tennesseans to recruit their former colleagues to the best agency in the country as we continue to welcome troopers nationwide to join us in Tennessee.”
Just last week, we welcomed five new troopers to our ranks from across the country to strengthen public safety. https://t.co/tjPUEkx6pS
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) April 7, 2022
In Lee’s nationwide video pitch to law enforcement officers to relocate to Tennessee and join the state’s law enforcement agency, he detailed the benefits of moving to the state for officers who live in Democrat-controlled states like New York and California.
“There are many highly skilled law enforcement personnel who want to work in a state that doesn’t get in the middle of personal health decisions yet also provides for a wonderful quality of life,” Governor Lee said in a video posted to social media. “As we’ve ramped up efforts to get more state troopers on the road, we want these men and women to consider Tennessee and we will assist with their relocation expenses.”
In addition to a low cost of living and no state income tax, Lee touted the freedoms of the state and promised the officers would “be given our full support and respect.” The Tennessee Highway Patrol also offers job-specific perks: full benefits package, a self-issued vehicle, complimentary uniforms and equipment, and paid training academy fees.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
