The Brentwood Police Department was founded in 1971. Many male and female police officers with professional staff have served our community since then. The Brentwood Police Department headquarters on Heritage Way has been in service since 2021, with civic servants such as Assistant Police Chief Jim Colvin serving the city of Brentwood. Colvin has been in law enforcement for 20 years, starting out as a Patrol Officer in 2004. Rising up the ranks, he went from Patrol Officer to Detective, Patrol Sergeant to Patrol Lieutenant to Patrol Captain. Next, becoming Assistant Chief of Police and now the new Chief of Police this month. Colvin will be the 5th Chief of Police for the Brentwood Police Department, following Chief Hickey.
More than equipped for the job, Colvin has an extensive training resume, having graduated from the FBI National Academy with only 250 other law enforcement officers worldwide. Approximately 200 graduates are from the USA, and 50 are international graduates. This program offers classes in leadership, law, women in law enforcement, and other areas of study pertaining to law enforcement.
Colvin grew up in Illinois but moved to Tennessee when he was 13 years old. In elementary school, his D.A.R.E. Officer Ron Campo deeply impacted him and inspired him to pursue a job within this field. Also, his Uncle Wayne was a highway patrol officer and had the best stories from the job. Colvin studied Criminal Justice and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He then obtained his Master’s in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University. His studies included how to respond to large-scale disasters and minor emergencies. He studied preparedness, response, and recovery phases for those disasters.
Colvin will be appointed as the BPD's Police Chief on February 24th in a pinning ceremony at the city commission meeting. He will then be sworn in and take an oath to serve our community with the utmost care. Family and friends will be present, and Colvin says he will probably celebrate by going out to dinner with them.
Colvin would like to thank his wife, Angie, and all those who have supported him throughout the years. Angie “has been the rock” for his family and him. Through the tough hours and hard work, Colvin is “unbelievably grateful” for her.
“The men and women who serve here are dedicated servants willing to sacrifice for others. The Brentwood community is so supportive of our officers,” said Colvin.
For young adults who want to consider a career in law enforcement, “I would tell them that law enforcement is a noble and rewarding profession,” Colvin says. “They should focus on their education and take care of their physical and mental health. It is also important to avoid drugs and be intentional about the company they keep. Lastly, I would encourage them to get involved in community programs and find ways to serve others while they wait for their law enforcement career to begin.”
Colvin will soon be sporting a new badge of achievement. His current gold badge will be traded in from Assistant Police Chief to Police Chief. The police department is a paramilitary organization structured like the military; therefore, badges, stars, and insignia are earned within the department. Gold badges are for sergeant rank and above, and silver for patrol officers. Colvin will proudly wear his new gold badge with honor and dignity and is incredibly dedicated to serving this community.
“The men and women who serve here are dedicated servants willing to sacrifice for others."
"The Brentwood community is so supportive of our officers."