NASHVILLE---Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons announced today the formation of a new investigative unit to combat the increase in identity theft and related crimes in Tennessee. The newly formed Identity Crimes Unit is comprised of employees from three divisions of the department: Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security, and Driver Services Division.

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced Monday that Tennessee has earned a Digital Government Achievement Award for use of Apple iPad technology in its state driver service centers. The iPads are located inside certain centers to help improve wait times for customers who need to renew or replace driver licenses.

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol is seeking the public’s help in locating a vehicle that may be connected to a hit and run pedestrian crash in Montgomery County. The crash occurred on Trough Springs Road near Cedarmont Drive on Thursday, August 16.

NASHVILLE --- Tennessee state troopers have arrested a man suspected of stealing nearly $1,000 in video game merchandise following a traffic stop on Interstate-40 in Cumberland County.

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security today announced that the Hamblen County Driver Service Center, located at 1901 State St. in Morristown, Tenn., is temporarily closed due to a building maintenance issue. The center will be closed until further notice.

The Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation (TLEA) Program governing board has awarded the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security state accreditation. The department is the first state agency in Tennessee to earn both state accreditation and national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). It is also one of the few state police or highway patrol agencies in the country with both state and national accreditation.

NASHVILLE --- The Department of Safety and Homeland Security today announced that a former state trooper assigned to the Cookeville District had been indicted by a Putnam County grand jury on criminal charges.

NASHVILLE --- Tennessee Highway Patrol Interdiction Plus (IP) Trooper Michael Robertson arrested a federal fugitive from justice and a man wanted by state authorities on Tuesday in Cumberland County. IP team member Trooper Michael Loftis also assisted.

NASHVILLE --- Tennessee state troopers arrested a man Wednesday in Jackson who is suspected of producing fraudulent documents including social security cards and permanent resident alien cards.