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My name is Garry Douthitt, and I have been with the University of Texas at Arlington Police Department for ten years. I have lived in Texas for most of my life. I have moved around the state a few times but have always found myself back in the DFW area. I am fortunate to have an amazing wife named Courtney who supports me in all my endeavors. We enjoy traveling around the United States, exploring cool new and interesting places.
Upon graduating from high school, I attended the University of Texas at Arlington for a few years before enlisting in the U.S. Army where I served as a Cavalry Scout. After completing my service in the Army, I returned to UTA and earned my bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice. During my time as a student, I had the opportunity to intern with the UTA Police Department, which inspired me to apply as a Public Safety Officer while continuing my graduate program. In 2015, I became a Police Officer at UTA and graduated from the North Texas Council of Governments Police Academy in October of the same year.
In 2017, I proudly graduated from UTA with a master's degree in criminology and criminal justice, focusing my thesis on Drone Policing Policy. In 2020, I was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and I currently serve as the day shift patrol sergeant. My main objective is to create an atmosphere of teamwork on the day shift, where each officer feels they can rely on one another. To foster camaraderie, I organize informal shift events such as back-to-school luncheons. Additionally, I am an instructor in both De-escalation and Mental Health First Aid. I hold a Master Peace Officer license, Mental Health Peace Officer Certification, IPMBA Bike certification, and FAA Part 107 UAS License. I have also attended the Institution for Law Enforcement Administration School of Police Supervision, and in 2017 I was honored with the ODOP Life Saving Award.
In 2020, I was approached about creating an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program for the UTA Police Department. I gladly accepted the opportunity and began working on the program, which required collaboration with the Texas Attorney General's Office and the Federal Aviation Administration to obtain the necessary agreements for flying public safety missions on our campus. Since then, the program has expanded to include several unmanned aerial systems and five pilots, with several more pilots in the works. I have actively engaged with the North Texas UAS working group and partnered with the Arlington Police Department on various events. Currently, I serve as both a pilot and program manager in the UTAPD UAS team.
Being chosen as Officer of the Month is a great honor, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for the UT System. I eagerly look forward to continuing my career at UTAPD, further developing the UAS program across all components, and working with my officers to help them develop and succeed in their career goals.
