Southwest Hosts Annual Legislative Day Focused on Criminal Justice Education

Southwest welcomed local, state, and federal dignitaries to its Annual Legislative Day on Aug. 12 at the Bert Bornblum Library on the Macon Cove campus, highlighting the college’s role in strengthening law enforcement education and workforce development in Memphis and Shelby County.

College officials and community leaders discussed how Southwest’s programs are helping meet the growing demand for qualified law enforcement professionals and contributing to public safety efforts across the region.

“Public safety and law enforcement are extremely important to our community,” said Southwest President Dr. Tracy D. Hall. “As the second largest higher education institution in Memphis, we want to share how taxpayers' dollars are being used and what role we play.”

This year’s event focused on criminal justice education and training, showcasing Southwest’s Business and Technology curriculum and its strategic partnerships, including the Blue Path program. Blue Path allows students to become Public Service Technicians while receiving two years of tuition-free education through the Tennessee Promise (TNPromise) scholarship.

Since its inception in 2017, Blue Path has graduated more than 100 Public Service Technicians (PST), said Bill Gibbons, president of the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission. The program is part of a $6.2 million initiative aimed at scaling recruitment efforts, offering bonuses, and creating a direct career pipeline to the Memphis Police Department.

Gibbons highlighted the partnership with Southwest and free education as key reasons. “Since 2017, we’ve had more than 100 PST graduates,” he said.

“But demand exceeds supply,” according to Sharonda Hampton, assistant chief of the Memphis Police Department, despite crime being down 22 percent. “For students interested in becoming a PST, we offer a summer class. During school, students can work as a PST and graduate with an Associate's in Criminal Justice.”

During the College’s Graduation 2024-25, 22 students graduated with degrees in criminal justice.

Attendees also toured the Criminal Justice Jail Simulator, offering a firsthand look at a training module students use, including a police officer responding to an office shooting, tactical gear, and a mock prisoner cell. Southwest officials said the college will continue to invest in criminal justice education and public safety initiatives to address workforce needs and support law enforcement recruitment efforts across the Mid-South.