Jackson, Tenn. – Mayor Scott Conger has named Thom Corley to become the new Chief of Police for the Jackson Police Department starting in January 2022. Chief Corley has been employed with the Jackson Police Department for 31 years where previously he served second in command.
As additional duties as assistant Chief Corley is responsible for the Professional Standards and Integrity Unit (which oversees background investigations and hiring, as well as internal investigations and citizen complaints), Department Training, Homeland Security, Central Records, Policy Management and Accreditation, Property & Evidence (including fingerprint identification and ballistic examinations) and Uniforms & Equipment.
“Chief Corley is a lifelong resident of our city and brings over three decades of experience with the Jackson Police Department,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “I am confident in his ability to lead the men and women of the Jackson Police Department and continue to serve our community.”
Chief Corley began his law enforcement career in 1990 as a Patrol Officer assigned to Patrol Division. He has since served in various other roles within the Department, including positions as a Narcotics Investigator, Background Investigator, Internal Affairs Investigator, Hostage Negotiator, Use of Force Instructor and Legal Instructor. Promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Patrol Division in 1997, Chief Corley served in this capacity before becoming a Patrol Shift Commander upon his promotion to Lieutenant in 2008.
It was during his time as a Patrol Division Supervisor that Chief Corley attended law school, graduating in 2008. Chief Corley was promoted to Captain in 2009 (assuming the role of Department Legal Advisor at that time) and then to the rank of Major in 2013.
Serving as General Counsel for the Police Chief and Command Staff, Chief Corley provides legal guidance and training for all Department employees with regard to their duties as law enforcement officers. In addition, Chief Corley participates in other legal matters such as City Ordinance development, litigation defense, vendor contract reviews, and liaison with the District Attorney and City Attorney. In September 2019, he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police.
Chief Corley is a lifelong resident of Jackson, and graduated in 1986 from Jackson Central Merry High School. Chief Corley then served in the United States Marine Corps prior to becoming a Jackson Police Department officer. He later graduated from Bethel University attaining a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Management in 1999. After attending Nashville School of Law, Chief Corley received his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 2008. He is a member of the Tennessee Bar, and a licensed and practicing attorney.
Chief Corley and his wife, Jamie, have two adult children; a son and a daughter. In addition to his duties at the Jackson Police Department, Chief Corley serves as Adjunct Faculty for Bethel University’s College of Professional Services teaching courses in Criminal Justice.
