Jason Waller

Born in Gladewater, Texas, Jason Waller dreamed of being a homicide detective as a kid. Inspired by an uncle, he attended Tyler Junior College, in Tyler, Texas where he received his associate's degree in criminal justice. He later received his bachelor's and master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas at Tyler. He graduated as the valedictorian of his police academy class and started his law enforcement career at the age of 19. He worked his way through the ranks, becoming a homicide detective at the age of 26 at the Smith County Sheriff's Office, in Tyler. Having worked nearly 14 years in investigating violent crimes, he retired as a Lieutenant and became a professor at his alma mater, TJC, where he continues to teach future criminal justice professions.