Sampson County native resident Mark Strickland has been named the new head of the North Carolina Justice Academy in Salemburg.

Strickland, who has been at the academy for the past 14 years, takes the reins from Peggy Schaefer, who retired this month after 21 years with the Justice Academy including more than four years as its director.

“The work we do here for all of the officers of the state is just so important,” Strickland said Wednesday. “It is a wonderful opportunity for me, and I really appreciate the support that I have received here.”

Strickland, who previously served as training manager, will now oversee the Academy’s administration, including personnel management and general administration.

“Law enforcement officers who risk their lives for our safety deserve the best, most up-to-date training possible,” said Attorney General Roy Cooper. “Officers can get quality instruction through the N.C. Justice Academy, and I’m pleased to appoint an experienced educator and criminal justice professional to take the lead.”

Strickland holds a masters in justice administration from Methodist University and a bachelor of science degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice from N.C. State University. He began his law enforcement career as a probation and parole officer with the N.C. Department of Correction, supervising high-risk offenders. He then joined the staff of the Justice Academy in 1996, where he has developed courses for law enforcement, helped upgrade the use of technology in training, and trained and supervised instructors.

“It has been a wonderful experience for me in my 14 years at the Justice Academy,” the 44-year-old said. “I just want to keep searching for ways to continue to help train law enforcement officers.”

Strickland said he wants to continue to find ways to increase technology.

“With the continued advances, it is important for us to stay on top and maintain our technology and continue to deliver that training, as well as our practical skills training. We will also continue to look at our resources, such as our community college system.”

Strickland, who lives in Salemburg, is married to Sharon Strickland. The couple have two children.

The Justice Academy provides training for thousands of law enforcement officers from across North Carolina each year at its campuses in Sampson and Henderson counties. The Academy also develops and publishes training materials for law enforcement.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.