CLARKSVILLE, IN (December 21, 2021) – Some big changes are coming to the Clarksville Police Department following the Clarksville Town Council meeting Tuesday night. The department promoted four officers to new ranks, and added a new officer to the department. However, the new officer is not new to law enforcement.

Officer Cameron Dickerson has spent the last four and a half years working for the Charlestown Police Department. He graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 2017, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Officer Dickerson is a former SWAT Regional Team Member, a USA Track & Field All-American as well as an NCAA All American. He won six Atlantic Sun Conference Individual Championships in Track, and was named twice to the Atlantic Sun All-Conference Cross Country team.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Palmer joked that he doesn’t expect that many suspects will be able to outrun Officer Dickerson. In attendance for the ceremony was Officer Dickerson’s wife of four years, Bethanie, as well as his son Rhett and daughter Bristol. Once Officer Dickerson was sworn-in, Clarksville Police Chief Mark Palmer announced the promotions of three other officers.

David Maier was promoted from Captain to Uniform Major. He is a 31-year veteran of the department and has held every uniform ranking position. His new assignment will place over the uniform division. Clarksville Police Chief Mark Palmer says Maier brings a wealth of knowledge that repeatedly aides the department in their operations.

Derek Crawford was promoted from Sergeant To Captain. He is a 13-year member of the department and he will be in charge of Squad 3. He is currently a DRE expert (Drug Recognition Expert), Defense Tactic Instructor and Primary Instructor. Chief Palmer says the DRE certification is an asset to the department, and that with it, Crawford can testify in a court case as an expert witness when it comes to drugs in our community.

Artie Popplewell is being promoted from Corporal to Sergeant. He is a 10 member of the department and will be the new Sergeant on Squad 3. He is currently the EVOC Instructor (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) and Primary Instructor.

Tyler Jackson was unable to attend the Town Council meeting, but was promoted from Senior Patrolman to Corporal. He is a 5-year member of the department. He is currently an EVOC Instructor, Primary Instructor, Bike Patrol Supervisor and assists with narcotics Assignments.