In Touch with Tennessee

The language barrier between law enforcement and the communities they serve presents unique challenges that impact both officer safety and public welfare. When 8.7% of Tennesseans speak a language other than English at home—with Spanish being the most common at 5.3%—police departments must adapt or risk serious communication failures during critical moments.

The University of Tennessee's Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) and Tennessee Language Center (TLC) have responded by developing an intensive Spanish training program specifically designed for officers.

Chief Freddie Montgomery of Clarksville Fire Rescue shares how watching his father battle blazes as a child shaped his future, including a poignant promise to "leave it better than you found it." MTAS consultants Donald Pinnell and Steve Cross reveal their unexpected paths into firefighting—one originally aiming for federal agency work, the other laid off from a chemical plant when a newspaper ad changed his life trajectory.

When public trust is at an all-time low and emergencies unfold at lightning speed, who prepares the people responsible for communicating critical information? The UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center offers a certification rapidly becoming the gold standard for public information officer training across the United States.

Join us as we discuss innovative programs initiated by the Law Enforcement Innovation Center and the Center for Human Identification, which aim to equip tribal law enforcement with the necessary tools and training to address MMIP cases more effectively. Hear firsthand accounts from experts in the field who share their insights on building stronger investigative methodologies, networking across agencies, and fostering community engagement.

Unlock the secrets of effective economic development with insights from Tennessee's experts! Join us on "In Touch with Tennessee" as we sit down with Tintin Czach from the Center for Industrial Services to explore the fascinating journey of the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TSEB) Program. From its humble beginnings with the Tennessee Basic Economic Development course in 2006 to its significant evolution in 2014, discover how this program has equipped leaders with the skills needed to drive economic growth. 

Unlock the secrets to revolutionizing workforce development in Tennessee's manufacturing sector with insights from Todd Reeves of the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP) and Jackie Larson from Tooling U SME. Discover how their collaborative effort is empowering small and medium-sized manufacturers through an extensive online training platform, offering over 600 courses tailored to the needs of the industry. From foundational skills like basic shop math and blueprint reading to advanced manufacturing technologies and lean Six Sigma, you'll learn how these flexible, accessible programs are making continuous improvement and employee engagement more achievable than ever.

Can employment be the key to breaking the cycle of recidivism? Join us as we uncover the groundbreaking initiatives led by the Tennessee Office of Reentry, featuring  Dr. Andre Temple and Dr. William Arnold Jr. Discover how the nation's first labor-based reentry office is transforming lives by empowering incarcerated individuals with critical manufacturing skills, ensuring they have a chance to rebuild their lives post-incarceration.

Discover the transformative power of the Tennessee Certified Public Manager (CPM) program in our latest episode, where we're joined by Trent Clagg, the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership Center Program Manager, and Terry Bell, a CPM graduate and current Director of Community Corrections in Madison County. Unpack the secrets behind the program's successful expansion, its tailored leadership modules like conflict management, and the exclusive career perks it offers, including potential salary bumps for dedicated state employees. 

Step into a celebration of service and knowledge as we toast to the 75th anniversary of the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS). With the agency's long-standing dedication to Tennessee municipalities, this episode is a treasure trove of history, evolution, and triumph. Hear the voices of MTAS veterans and a steadfast customer who'll share how the service has expanded from simple assistance to sophisticated management, especially in police services and training programs. 

The heart of our episode lies in the tales of camaraderie and professional growth that have defined MTAS's legacy. We pay homage to those who've built and nurtured the agency's knowledge base, from dedicated librarians to the consultants who've fortified city financial administration through certification programs. Their stories, interspersed with anecdotes of international outreach in Romanian local governments, underscore the profound connections and shared expertise that continue to shape MTAS's contributions to public service.

Ever wondered how the power of language can transform community service? Join us as we uncover the story of how Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, together with Maya Campbell from the Tennessee Language Center and Jessica Goode from Second Harvest, is bridging language barriers to better support Nashville's Spanish-speaking community. This episode promises a heartening look at cultural responsiveness in action, showcasing the impact that learning Spanish has had on the organization's staff, volunteers, and the lives of those they serve.