When it comes to law enforcement, Det. Sherry Myers juggles several roles behind the badge. From mother to advisor to disciplinarian, she balances each title while protecting and serving Yazoo City.
“You have to play that officer role and even mother role at the same time,” she said. “You have to look at the suspect or the victim as if they were your own child or family member. There is a line between disciplining and adhering to the law, and you have to balance those lines.”
The Batesville native has worked within the Yazoo City Police Department for about a year. A South Panola High School graduate, she completed a criminal justice program with Phoenix University before graduating from a couple of law enforcement academies in both Mississippi and Arkansas, earning several certifications along the way, including DARE, forensics and prison work.
Myers, 41, has been in the law enforcement profession since 2007, and it was a career path that she said came around almost on accident.
“The police chief of Isola asked to me apply for a job there, and I have been enjoying the field ever since,” she said. “I enjoy helping people who maybe can’t help themselves.”
One of the biggest rewards of working within the Yazoo City Police Department is the family-like atmosphere among the team, Myers said.
“It is family-oriented,” Myers said. “We all work together as a team when it comes time to do that, and we do it well. Even though we have crime here in Yazoo City, it is still a small, loving town that cares about its people. It’s all what we make of it here.”
And having that community mindset helps with the job, Myers said.
“Sometimes people just need a listening ear,” Myers said. “A lot of times just listening helps. I try to lead them in the right direction. Most of the time, you just have to treat people the same way you want to be treated. God will bless you in that sense, and you can’t go wrong.”
As far as challenges?
“I love challenges,” she said, with a smile. “I love solving problems.”
Outside of police works, Myers enjoys riding motorcycles, watching sports, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and shooting pool. She also enjoys spending time with her three sons and five grandchildren.
