Paul Hightower

I have been a criminal justice professional for the last 17 years. I have served in a variety of roles from a local probation officer to a sergeant in a sheriff's office, and a correctional officer in maximum security prison. I have served as a field training officer, gang intelligence officer, and various other specialty assignments within my employment.

I'm currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concertation in Strategic Intelligence Studies which I will obtain in August 2023 from Liberty University. I'm currently on the Dean's List at Liberty University and I am also a member of the Tau Sigma Academic Honor Society.

I have training in various aspects of the criminal justice system, including but not limited to the following:

• Supervision – 10+ years as a front-line supervisor in a criminal justice and corrections setting
• Basic Computer Skills – Microsoft 365 Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Fingerprinting – 15+ years of experience in ink and digital fingerprints
• Field Training Officer – 10+ years of experience training new employees in relevant procedures, laws, and various skills necessary to become a new officer.
• Records Management Systems – 15+ years of experience entering information, editing information and working with developers of records management systems to troubleshoot problems.
• Drug Testing – 15+ of experience years conducting several types of drug tests for both employees and persons in the criminal justice system.
• DNA Testing – 10+ years of experience conducting several types of DNA tests by court order on persons in the criminal justice system.
• Intergovernmental Agency Coordination – 15+ years of experience coordinating complex matters between two or more government agencies.
• Interpersonal Communication Skills – 15+ years of using interpersonal communication skills to defuse volatile situations in an extremely hostile climate

I have an associate degree from Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College in Public Service with a concentration in Criminal Justice.

I'm completing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Strategic Intelligence Studies from Liberty University in August 2023.