Degrees & Schools:
Master of Criminal Justice, New Mexico State University, May 1999
Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Minor in History, New Mexico State University, May 1997
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, New Mexico State University, May 1997
Certifications:
Certified Fraud Examiner, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Control Tactics Instructor, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Use of Force Instructor, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
James “Jim” Breckenridge, a successful graduate of the NMSU Teaching Scholars program, has been teaching with NMSU Global since 2022 and is passionate about helping students build their knowledge base and critical thinking skills in a variety of topic areas for success in their future criminal justice careers.
Jim brings over 25 years of distinguished law enforcement and leadership experience to the academic field. Jim currently serves in an executive position as the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, with the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General. In this position, Jim leads a nationwide workforce of special agents and law enforcement professionals. His strategic vision and operational expertise drive thorough and impactful investigations into fraud, waste, abuse, and integrity issues within the U.S. government.
Jim’s federal law enforcement career began with the U.S. Secret Service where he conducted complex criminal investigations and performed critical physical protection assignments both domestically and internationally. Jim's expertise in forensic computer examinations and cyber investigations made significant contributions to counterfeiting, fraud, protective operations, and child exploitation cases. Jim also served on the permanent security details for the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Vice President carrying out protective operations domestically and overseas.
Wanting to be more active in investigations, Jim joined the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General (OIG) as a Special Agent. His investigative acumen led to breakthroughs in contract and grant financial fraud cases involving high-profile federal programs involving critical scientific technology and research. Alongside his investigative duties, Jim became a certified Control Tactics Instructor and Use of Force Instructor.
Serving in leadership positions of Assistant Special Agent in Charge and later the Special Agent in Charge, Jim demonstrated exceptional leadership in directing complex investigations across the U.S. Jim has led multidisciplinary teams of investigators and professional staff ensuring the integrity and efficacy of investigations impacting Department of Energy sites, programs, and personnel. Later, as the Special Agent in Charge of the OIG’s Headquarters Operations, Jim played a pivotal role in updating policies and procedures, integrating the use of technology and data systems, optimizing operational guidance, advancing equipment and technology procurement, streamlining budget and finance processes, while also enhancing investigative quality control and human resources protocols.
Throughout his career, Jim has collaborated with federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies, achieving significant results and is an active member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. Jim and his teams have received numerous awards and commendations for outstanding investigative contributions. His investigative teams have been recognized by the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) for Investigative Excellence on multiple occasions.
Jim, an alumnus of NMSU's football program was the NMSU Male Scholar Athlete of the Year as an undergraduate student. Jim is married to an NMSU Electrical Engineering alumna and together, they are raising two children. Jim and his family enjoy engaging in various outdoor activities and traveling.
Areas of Interest: Law Enforcement, Terrorism, Leadership, Executive Protection, Use of Force, Counterintelligence, Counter Terrorism, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, Recidivism, Substance Abuse Impacts
