Officer Jonathan Barlow, University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center Police Department

My name is Jonathan Barlow, and I have been with the University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center Police Department for 4 years. Shortly after graduating from Jasper High School in 2004, I wanted to grow as a person and start working out, subsequently joining American Taekwondo Association in 2006. After 16 years of self-discipline and fine-tuning the skillset, I am an accomplished martial arts practitioner holding a black belt certification in Taekwondo. While continuing martial arts studies, I graduated from Tyler Junior College with an Associates in Criminal Justice and General Studies in 2008.

I have a passion for helping others and was interested in law enforcement, beginning my career in corrections for the Bradshaw State Jail in 2009, promoting to the rank of Sergeant. After 3 years, I started with the Smith County Sheriff's Office as a jailer. I was quickly promoted to Sergeant becoming a certified peace officer in 2014.

As a Sergeant with the Sheriff's Office, I began teaching defensive tactics to new and current jailers, furthering fellow officers' survival mindset. Training continued locally and regionally with law enforcement on defensive tactics, ground-fighting, proper hand restraints, and pressure point techniques. After seven years with Smith County Sheriff's Office, I took a Police Officer position at the University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center Police Department in 2019. While assigned as a Police Officer for the University of Texas at Tyler, I was certified as a Mental Health Officer and served as a field trainer for the department. I continued to teach defensive tactics to outside law enforcement.

In my free time, I am heavily involved with ATA Martial Arts, formerly known as the American Taekwondo Association at the Songahm Martial Arts Academy of Tyler, Texas, owner Senior Master Instructor, Dr. Dometrius Hill EdD. I enjoy teaching Taekwondo to today's youth, women self-defense groups, veterans, patrol officers, and special classes on ground fighting. In addition, I continually work for Federal TRIO Programs providing public outreach and student services to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

I am an avid traveler, visiting many countries, including, most recently, Egypt, Aruba, and Canada. As one of my hobbies, I enjoy traveling and learning about other law enforcement cultures. My future travel plans include France, Greece, and Dubai, as I want to enjoy these experiences with my family and friends. I’m very thankful to our Lord almighty and my church supporters, my family, and close friends as support throughout my career.