RLE Initiative

Jim has coordinated Tarleton’s Rural Law Enforcement Initiative since 2006. He began his law enforcement career in 1987. He holds Master Peace Officer, Master Jailer, Advanced Telecommunicator and TCLEOSE Instructor certificates. Jim also served on Special Response Teams, as a D.A.R.E. officer and mentor, and is trained as a Hostage Negotiator.

Ross Harris began his career in law enforcement with the Austin Airport Police Department in 2002.  He then worked for the Round Rock Police Department for four years.  He has worked in patrol, street crimes and SWAT.  He holds an Advanced Texas Peace Officer Certification and is commissioned as a part-time officer with the Tarleton State University Police Department.  He graduated from Tarleton in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and is currently finishing his master’s degree in psychology.