Dr. Blackmon began her law enforcement career in 1998, working as an investigative intern with the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. A Florida native, she earned her undergraduate degree in Criminology at Florida State University. Having developed a deep passion for the criminal justice process, she went on to complete the police academy and joined the Clermont Police Department in Central Florida in 1999. While gaining experience in patrol, investigations, community relations and administration, she continued her studies and completed her master’s degree in criminal justice in 2006 from Nova Southeastern University and PhD in criminal justice from NSU in 2014. 

Dr. Blackmon's teaching background includes crime scene technology, law enforcement, and criminal justice at both online and brick and mortar institutions. She is a member in good standing of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Southern Association of Criminal Justice and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.