South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Basic Instructor Kendra M. Brown wins first place in the Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) Conference. South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Basic Instructor Kendra M. Brown won first place Thursday, August 7, 2008, in the pistol shooting competition at the 13th Annual National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) Conference held at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, SC.

Brown scored 440 in the Women's category of the 50 round pistol event.

Shooting was conducted starting from a three- yard line and gradually extended over the course of the event to a 25 yard line. The competition included one- hand shooting with strong and weak hands, as well as shooting with barricades and aiming while kneeling.

GLOCK, Inc. provided firearms for the pistol competition and Remington Arms Company, Inc. supplied ammunition for the event.

In addition to the pistol competition, conference attendees were offered opportunities to participate in a day of "Fun Games" consisting of golf and a 5K run.

Kendra M. Brown SC Criminal Justice Academy Director Hubert Harrell praised Brown's achievements.

"The Academy is proud that our instructors are among the best our nation has to offer," Harrell said.

Brown said it was an honor to represent the Academy in the event.

"This was my first competition, and I hope to enter many more," Brown said. "This competition sheds a positive light on the abilities of women in law enforcement."

NAWLEE is a nonprofit organization sponsored by law enforcement professionals. Its mission is to support the interests and goals of women serving in executive law enforcement positions. Sumter City Police Chief Patty Jaye Garrett Patterson currently serves as the association's president. More information on the association can be found at www.nawlee.com.