(February 20, 2015) — Interim Police Chief Julian Wiser has named Officer Derick Tisdale of the Jackson Police Department SWAT team as the Department’s first Public Information Officer.
Officer Tisdale has been a member of the Jackson Police Department for more than 20 years, first as a patrol officer and then as a Community-Oriented Policing Officer before becoming a member of the SWAT team.
“Officer Tisdale is an excellent choice as the Department’s Public Information Officer,” said Interim Police Chief Julian Wiser. “He understands how the police department operates, is dedicated to serving the citizens of Jackson and is comfortable representing the department before the public.”
A six-person panel that included members of Police Department’s Command Staff and a Jackson citizen interviewed applicants for the new position. Applicants also conducted a media briefing before the panel.
The Public Information Officer is assigned to the administrative staff and reports to the office of the Chief of Police. The purpose of this position is to disseminate information to the general public, media, outside agencies, community agencies and organizations on behalf of the Police Department, Wiser said. Other responsibilities include public relations, recruiting and being active in the community.
Tisdale has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lane College and is pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree from Liberty University. He and his wife, Nohanna, have been married for 23 years and have one grown son. Mrs. Tisdale is employed by the Jackson-Madison County School System.
Tisdale, who has been an active member of the Tennessee Army National Guard for 28 years, serves as the First Sergeant for the Head Quarters Troop 2/278 ACR in Cookeville, Tennessee. Tisdale and his family worship at Cane Creek Baptist church where he serves as one of the ministers.
A native of Bolivar, Tisdale is the oldest son of the late Rev. Willie Tisdale and Janie Tisdale and a 1986 graduate of Bolivar Central High School. Before moving to Jackson 20 years ago, Tisdale was involved in the Bolivar community, including volunteer work with special needs citizens.
