Jared Bassham selected by BRTC to lead Law Enforcement Training Academy

Jared Bassham has been selected as Black River Technical College’s Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) Director. Bassham’s tenure will begin July 1.

A Hardy native, he has been employed at the BRTC Law Enforcement Training Academy for 16 years. Prior to that, he worked at the Craighead County Sheriff’s Department as a criminal investigator. Bassham has degrees in social science and history, both from Arkansas State University.

Interviews and consideration for the LETA director included a wide variety of audiences and constituent feedback. BRTC faculty, staff, students, and members of the community were invited to attend a public presentation and Q&A from each of the three finalists. In addition, 50-minute-long interview sessions were held with three other groups: LETA faculty and staff; the BRTC President’s Cabinet composed of the president, vice presidents, and executive directors; and a separate hiring committee composed of BRTC employees as well as individuals from across Arkansas.

“The significant position of the director of the Law Enforcement Training Academy calls for an individual that has the highest level of knowledge, experience, skill, and professionalism. I am confident that BRTC has selected the most qualified individual and perfect fit for this critical position. Director Bassham will be able to utilize his wealth of law enforcement knowledge and experience to lead an outstanding group of faculty and staff and his extensive familiarity with BRTC LETA and his passion and vision for law enforcement training will allow BRTC to provide superior training to law enforcement professionals, both locally and at the state level,” Dr. Brad Baine, vice president of Academic Affairs said.

BRTC’s LETA director is charged with creating and maintaining strong, positive contacts across the region and the state in the wide range of law enforcement fields and with local government, legislators, state and federal agencies, and accreditation and certification commissions.

Bassham will replace retiring LETA director Steve Shults.