Dunklin County native retires from patrol

Stephen Hinesly

Captain Stephen J. Hinesly, director of the Crime Laboratory Division, retires after more than 32 years of service, Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol announced. Hinesly's retirement is effective August 1.

Hinesly was appointed to the Patrol on November 1, 1975, as a member of the 45th Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol's Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, Mo., he was assigned to Troop I, Zone 3, Cuba, Mo. He worked the road in Troop I and Troop E, Poplar Bluff, Mo.

On June 1, 1990, Hinesly was promoted to corporal and designated assistant zone supervisor for Troop E, Zone 6, Sikeston, Mo.

In 1991, he transferred to the Division of Drug and Crime Control and was assigned to the Troop E Investigative Unit. He was promoted to sergeant on June 1, 1993.

Hinesly was promoted to lieutenant and transferred to General Headquarters, Gaming Division, Jefferson City, Mo., in August 1997. He became a captain on May 1, 2002, and was designated director of the Crime Laboratory Division.

Hinesly was born in Kennett. He graduated from Senath-Hornersville High School before attending Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark. He earned a bachelor's of science degree in zoology with a minor in chemistry in 1973. While an active member of the Patrol, Hinesly attended the Northwestern University Traffic Institute School of Police Staff and Command, in 1999.

Captain Hinesly and his wife, Margie (Shuburte), have four grown children: Allison, Jonathan, Sarah, and Kathryn.