Staff Report
Officer Tristan Bullock’s recent graduation from the 47th Regional Basic Police Recruit Class at MPD is a testament to the rigorous and comprehensive training that is provided to aspiring law enforcement officers in Tennessee. In addition to successfully completing the 12 weeks of basic training, Officer Bullock was also recognized for his exceptional skills by winning two awards, Top Shooter, and the Physical Training Award. These accolades reflect Officer Bullock’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to his chosen profession.
The next step for Officer Bullock is the Field Officer Training Program, a three-month program designed to provide individual instruction to trainees by trained and experienced officers. This program is an essential component of the training process as it enables trainees to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life situations under the guidance of experienced mentors. Collierville Police Department’s Field Officer Training (CPD FTO) program is just one of four 12-week Basic Police Schools held each year at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (T.L.E.T.A.).
Since 1966, T.L.E.T.A. has trained 22,019 cadets through its Basic Police Recruit Schools, as well as 57,351 students through its 1,848 specialized schools. These numbers are a testament to the academy’s commitment to providing top-notch training to state, county, and city law enforcement officers. In addition to its training programs, T.L.E.T.A. also offers Community Policing, Anti-Gang training courses, and other training at various sites around the state. This method of training allows officers to receive in-service and advanced training near their duty stations, making it easier for them to balance their work and training schedules.
The Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy was authorized by the 1963 General Assembly for the purpose of training law enforcement officers in Tennessee. In 1983, the academy was brought under the Department of Safety, and in 1999, it was awarded accreditation by the Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation Inc. (CALEA) along with other Department of Safety law enforcement divisions. In 2006, the academy was brought under the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. This year, T.L.E.T.A. expects to train more law enforcement officers than ever before through its Basic Police Recruit and specialized training courses.
T.L.E.T.A.’s goals are to provide excellent instruction in basic, advanced, and technical subjects for the Tennessee law enforcement community, employ teaching methods best suited for the subject taught and the student’s particular learning needs, continually upgrade course content with the latest research and recommended professional practices, and stimulate inquiry and provide fresh perspectives on the law enforcement career. These goals are critical in ensuring that Tennessee law enforcement officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to serve and protect their communities effectively.
Officer Tristan Bullock’s graduation from the 47th Regional Basic Police Recruit Class at MPD and subsequent enrollment in the Field Officer Training Program is a testament to the rigorous and comprehensive training that is provided to aspiring law enforcement officers in Tennessee.
The Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy’s commitment to excellence in training, as evidenced by its accreditation by CALEA and its focus on continuous improvement, is critical in ensuring that Tennessee law enforcement officers are among the best-trained and most professional in the nation.
