HCSO Signs MOU with Brewton-Parker College to Create New Collaborative Educational Partnership

Hamilton County, TN – Earlier this afternoon, Sheriff Jim Hammond and members of the HCSO were joined today by Dr. Steve Echols, President of Brewton-Parker College (BPC), for the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a partnership between our two organizations that will help assist our personnel to pursue and obtain higher education.

This new collaboration will allow our POST- or BLET-certified employees up to 30 hours of academic credit toward Brewton-Parker College’s undergraduate B.A. degree in Criminal Justice. Furthermore, employees who already have earned an associate's degree will receive credit toward BPC’s degree offerings. BPC’s B.A. degree in Criminal Justice is noteworthy for its state-of-the-art curriculum designed to emphasize professional skills and experiential learning.

“This new opportunity will allow HCSO employees to further their education from a regionally accredited college (SACSCOC) and enhance their knowledge and capabilities,” stated Sheriff Jim Hammond. “It is a collaborative partnership that will allow our people to have greater access to higher education, which in return will benefit them greatly in their career at the HCSO and their personal lives,” he further noted.

During his remarks Dr. Echols stated, “This collaborative partnership with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office will provide a direct community benefit, bringing 21st-century law enforcement skills to the officers and building trust with the community.” He further noted, “It enhances promotion opportunities for officers and improves their education and confidence. Sheriff Jim Hammond and Sheriff-Elect Austin Garrett deserve the credit for showing leadership that should be emulated nationwide by other sheriffs.”

Sheriff Jim Hammond and Sheriff-Elect Austin Garrett were also were joined at the signing by Dr. Byron Edens, Executive Assistant to the President for Online Learning of Brewton-Parker College. Dr. Edens will oversee the direct implementation of BPC’s online educational programs with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office to facilitate this collaborative educational partnership!

For more information about Brewton-Parker College, please contact Dr. Byron Edens at bedens@bpc.edu.