CJI Employee Spotlight: HEATHER BRIDGES
As CJI’s Education and Training Center Administrator, Heather facilitates our Illicit Drug, Forensics, and Computer courses. If your inbox is constantly buzzing with CJI course announcements, you can probably thank Heather for that.
Heather was born and raised in Northridge, California, and earned a full-ride softball scholarship to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She graduated in 2013 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. After college, she continued her softball career overseas, playing in Australia and Amsterdam with USA Athletes International.
Heather married her husband, Scott, in 2015, and they welcomed their daughter, Kynleigh, in 2017. Now eight years old, Kynleigh proudly follows in her mother’s footsteps as a softball player. Heather is also nearing another milestone—she will earn her M.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock after completing her final class next semester.
How long have you been with the Criminal Justice Institute?
I have been with the Criminal Justice Institute for almost three years.
What do you enjoy most about working with law enforcement?
It is very rewarding to know that we play a role in the specialized training of law enforcement. Our services provide tools for law enforcement to serve and protect. I love knowing that my career has such a meaningful purpose. Law enforcement is such a fun group to work with. The knowledge, both through experience and education, that they carry is very impactful. I love helping those who serve and protect us.
Do you have a favorite CJI course or program to work on?
My favorite course is Recovery of Human Remains. This course is always so much fun to set up and experience. There is a lot of time and detail that goes into making sure this course is simulated by real-life encounters. Watching the officers complete the hand-on practical’s is my favorite.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Leadership isn’t about being in charge — it’s about taking care of the people in your charge. We are so very blessed to have a leader that makes sure the agency is taken care of. Kimberly Hendricks Jones has been a phenomenal leader and truly cares about each and every one of the employees at CJI.
What’s one word your coworkers would use to describe you?
Driven
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
My world outside of work revolves around softball. I coach an 8u travel softball team and am also a member of a women’s team. If I am not at work, I am at the ball field.
Heather’s commitment to serving Arkansas law enforcement and her passion for helping others shine through in every aspect of her work. CJI is fortunate to have such a dedicated and driven team member.