Captain Lathrop is a 26 year veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol, with previous assignments in Troop F-Naples, Troop K- Fort Pierce and Plantation, and Troop E – Miami. Captain Lathrop has been the Southern Regional Commander since May 2004. The Southern Region is comprised of Troops E and L.

The Southern Region is comprised of sixteen investigators assigned to four offices including two in Miami, one in Davie and one in West Palm Beach. Their geographical area of responsibility encompasses Monroe, Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River counties.