MTI taps former HBPD chief as director (Bradenton Herald)

MANATEE — Manatee Technical Institute’s Law Enforcement Academy has appointed former Holmes Beach Police Chief Jay Romine as director, according to a news release.

Romine’s first day on the job was Tuesday after his appointment was confirmed at Monday night’s school board meeting.

“I am so pleased to have a graduate of our academy become our academy director,” MTI Director Mary Cantrell wrote in the release. “Jay’s years of experience on the FDLE Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission give him the wisdom and insight that will help our academy grow under his leadership.”

Romine, who retired Dec. 20 as Holmes Beach police chief, was selected by the MTI Criminal Justice Advisory Board headed by Palmetto Police Chief Rick Well.

“Education is important to me,” said Romine. “Being the director of the academy gives me the opportunity to be exposed to a much larger number of new officers forming their policing philosophy. It’s an opportunity to pass on what I’ve spent over 30 years trying to do.”