Lt. Colonel Jim Mitchell
Deputy Superintendent - Support
Biography Information
Lieutenant Colonel Jim Mitchell was named Deputy Superintendent of Support by Colonel Michael Edmonson, State Police Superintendent, on January 8, 2010. As the Deputy Superintendent of Support, LTC Mitchell is responsible for the Training Academy, Applied Technology, Capitol Detail, Physical Security, Joint Emergency Services Training Center, Crime Laboratory, Fleet Operations, Police Supply, Concealed Handgun Permit Unit, Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, Traffic Records Unit, Headquarters Communications Unit, and Public Safety Services Cafeteria.
Prior to embarking on a career with the Louisiana State Police in 1983, LTC Mitchell served with the Louisiana State University Police Department for two years. After working the road at Troop A in Baton Rouge, LTC Mitchell transferred to the Charitable Gaming Division where he was promoted to sergeant. He transferred to the Planning Unit where he helped coordinate the department budget. That position, which he held for three years, also entailed tracking performance and expenditures of various grants as well as applying for new grants.
Following a promotion to lieutenant in 1996, LTC Mitchell served as Executive Officer for the Gaming Enforcement Section which regulated video poker establishments, Indian casinos and riverboat casinos. He was later promoted to the commander of that section.
LTC Mitchell transferred in 2002 to Operational Development where he oversaw the department budget, grants, annual reports, public affairs, policies, recruiting and the Amber Alert Program. Later, as commander of the Training Academy, LTC Mitchell was responsible for a staff that conducted in-service training, cadet class training and classes for other law enforcement agencies as well as private entities.
Upon his promotion to Command Inspector in 2006, LTC Mitchell initially served as the Support Major overseeing Technical Support, Support Services, the Crime Laboratory and DPS Police. He later assumed the role of the Training Major overseeing the Training Academy, Applied Technology, Public Safety Services Cafeteria, and Joint Emergency Services Training Center.
LTC Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from LSU in 1980. He later resumed studies at LSU and obtained a Master of Public Administration. He also attended numerous management/leadership courses and served as an instructor at the Training Academy. He earned numerous awards throughout his career, including the Douglas Millet Memorial Award, Louisiana Emergency Service Award, Professional Excellence Award, Unit Citation Award, and Meritorious Service Award.
