Welcome to the 14th edition of the Nlets Representative Spotlight, where we highlight the incredible work that Nlets Representatives are doing.

Today, meet Maury Mitchell, Director of the Alabama State Crime Information Center. Mitchell is the Nlets Representative for Alabama, and serves as the TOC Committee Chair, a member of the Brodie Assistance Fund Committee and Vice Chair for Region D. Maury has been involved with Nlets since 2003 but was most recently appointed as the Alabama Nlets Representative in 2019. As part of his day-to-day work, he touches nearly every corner of the state law enforcement agency. On any given day, you can find him directing state public safety and criminal justice activities and managing the state justice information commission.

Q. How Would You Describe Your Role as an Nlets Representative to Someone Who Did Not Know What It Involves? What Are Some Highlights? What is More Difficult?

A. I always start by explaining that Nlets is an operation owned by the states to connect all the states for the purpose of sharing crime information. I then say that I am the representative of the state of Alabama and represent our interests to the entire body. I typically also explain that I have been selected as the TOC chair, which makes it my responsibility to review and make technical recommendations to the entire body.

As far as highlights go, my favorite thing about being the Nlets Representative is being on the TOC and getting to know the other members and staff more intimately. To me, being around your peers is the most rewarding part of my job because our passions truly align. Outside of this small group, not many people understand (or care) about what we do, but our work has a significant impact on the lives of many.

What is more difficult about the role is often finding a balance between being an Nlets Representative and my day-to-day responsibilities. The committees meet relatively frequently which requires a lot of coordination with my daily role.

Q. What Was a Particularly Impactful Experience You Have Had Working with Nlets?

A. So, most people already know this, but whenever there is a fallen officer, Nlets uses the Brodie Assistance Fund to send a donation to the family of the officer. In Alabama, this last year, we started compiling the information on the donations made by Nlets and put that into a short one-page report which we sent to the governor. She read the report and told us that she is very appreciative of the contributions that Nlets has made and the real difference that it made.

Q. What is One Word You Would Use to Describe Nlets and Why?

A. Immediately, the word that comes to mind is “important”. The very nature of the work done by individuals in criminal justice, law enforcement and public safety means Nlets is essential. The functions Nlets performs are critical every day to the safety of our nation, and we are responsible for improving the world of the folks who dedicate to their lives to serving the community. Because of the unique mechanism of Nlets, they can do their jobs better,  keep the public safer, and be more effective at their jobs.