Travis County Correctional Complex
3614 Bill Price Road
Del Valle, Texas 78617
(512) 854-4181
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Born and raised in Victoria, Texas, Jerry graduated from Victoria High School in 1980. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in a variety of billets. Notable assignments include duty as a Drill Instructor, Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival and Training NCO. Twice named Marine of the Quarter, in 1988 he was named Marine of the Year for MAG-41. In 1991, upon his release from active duty, Jerry simultaneously reenlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and began his career with TCSO as a Corrections Officer.

Jerry completed the Austin Community College’s Peace Officer Academy in 1995, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1997. He has worked many different facets of the jail, both as an officer and first line supervisor. As a Sergeant, he also served as an Accreditation Manager were he was tasked rewrite this agency’s Policy Manual, to incorporate national standards promulgated by the ACA and CALEA. Additional, he served as a FTO Coordinator and published Gung Ho! the program’s monthly newsletter for more than six years. In 2005, he was instrumental in building, training and leading the first Corrections Tactical Unit for the Jail. His efforts subsequently led to an assignment as the Deputy Director of the Sheriff’s Training Academy. Jerry was promoted to Lieutenant in 2007, where he was responsible for the supervision of Jail’s Maximum Security Unit.

While building his career at TCSO, Jerry continued to pursue his military career. He served in various infantry leadership billets such as Rifle Platoon Sergeant, Heavy Machine Gun Platoon Sergeant, Weapons Platoon Commander, Dragons Platoon Commander, Company Gunnery Sergeant and Battalion Operations Chief. Promoted to First Sergeant in 2000, he served as the senior enlisted advisor for Company A, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines until his retirement in 2002.

Jerry has earned a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Texas State University, a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences Degree from Midwestern State University, and an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree from Austin Community College. He is also member Of Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. In June of 2009, he attended the prestigious FBI National Academy’s 237th Session. Shortly after his graduation, Jerry was promoted to the rank of Captain by Sheriff Hamilton after a rigorous selection process.

Captain Kovar possesses TCLEOSE licenses as a Master Peace Officer, Master Jailer, Instructor and Firearms Instructor. He is a Senior Master Instructor for TASER International and is a member of their Corrections Advisory Board. He serves as a Criminal Justice  Associate Professor for both Texas State University and Austin Community College, and is also Adjunct Instructor for CAPCOG Regional Training Academy. He also serves on the TCLEOSE Curriculum Development Committee for basic and intermediate courses.

Jerry has been married to his high school sweetheart Scarlett Dawn for more than 27 years. Their two children are now wonderful adults.

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