Melissa Hightower is the SAFVIC Systems program consultant.  She began the initial design and development of SAFVIC Systems, served as an instructor and program specialist and continues to assist in the development, implementation, and training for SAFVIC Systems and SAFVIC programs. Prior to joining TMPA, Melissa worked for the Williamson County Attorney’s Office retiring as Chief Investigator after 20 years of service. As Chief Investigator, Melissa directly supervised sworn Investigators and the civilian Evidence Division staff of the office. During her tenure at the County Attorney’s Office, Melissa reviewed and investigated thousands of Domestic Violence cases, assisted victims in obtaining Protective Orders and served as the Juvenile Crimes Investigator. Because of her training in the area of domestic violence and protective orders, Melissa was inducted into the Williamson County Crime Victim Hall of Fame.

Melissa designed, taught and coordinated the new Investigator curriculum at Texas District and County Attorney’s Association (TDCAA) Investigator School for 15 years. In addition, she has trained officers, prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates and support staff on topics such as Immunity and Liability, Digital Evidence, Courtroom Technology, the Use of Body Cameras, Officer Misconduct, and Social Media. She also teaches for the CAPCOG Regional Police Academy, Border Prosecution Unit, DPS Recruit school, and local law enforcement agencies in the areas of Family Violence, Courtroom Demeanor, Victims’ Rights, Juvenile issues, Report Writing, Ethics and Professionalism, Eyewitness Identification, and Legislative updates. Melissa created and debuted a training class that explored the areas of Family Violence and Mental Health and Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Melissa was a contributing writer to early editions of the TDCAA Investigator Desk Reference Manual. She co-authored TDCAA’s latest book for investigators entitled “Case Preparation for Investigators”, now in its 2^nd edition.

In addition to Williamson County, Melissa has served with Northside ISD Police Department in San Antonio and two years as an Investigator with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. She has a master peace officer license and is a Forgery and Questioned Document examiner. Since retiring, she maintains her commission with a private college.  Melissa has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Centre College of Kentucky.