NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, has secured $500,000 in state funding for the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC). The funds will be used to establish and operate a Leadership Development Training Center of Excellence focused on law enforcement within the LEIC. “The LEIC provides essential training and development opportunities […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, has secured $500,000 in state funding for the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC).
The funds will be used to establish and operate a Leadership Development Training Center of Excellence focused on law enforcement within the LEIC.
“The LEIC provides essential training and development opportunities for law enforcement and public safety officials across Tennessee and the nation,” Zachary said. “This funding will expand their reach by creating a training center to better equip police officers to meet emerging leadership challenges. I look forward to seeing the many great things the LEIC will accomplish with this significant investment.”
The LEIC is part of the UT Institute for Public Service. It assists law enforcement professionals and the communities they serve by providing innovative, relevant and practical training and assistance. The center designs course materials used by law enforcement across the nation to enhance policing standards and skills. Current course topics focus on leadership, forensic, and specialized training.
The appropriated funds are part of a $59.8 billion balanced budget passed by lawmakers in April. Republican priorities include significant investments to improve academic outcomes, provide disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Helene, enhance public safety for all Tennesseans and increase funding to address transportation infrastructure needs.
Tennessee Republicans remain committed to ensuring law enforcement officers have the resources necessary to serve their communities. Lawmakers allocated $378 million in new investments for public safety initiatives in the first session of the 114th General Assembly. Budget initiatives include $175 million for public safety grants, $38 million to fund 116 new positions with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and $30 million for additional violent crime intervention grants.
State Rep. Jason Zachary of Knoxville represents District 14 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Knox County.