Hey Y’all, I’m Shauntia Brown, a Sergeant with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (Jail Division) in Memphis, Tennessee. My commitment to the correctional profession is rooted not only in my own service but also in a deep family legacy shaped by generations who served honorably in the United States Army, Air Force, and Navy. Growing up surrounded by military discipline, pride, and purpose, I learned early that service is both a responsibility and a privilege.

I completed the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Academy in 2000. From the start, I focused on continuous growth and readiness, completing advanced training such as Detention Response Team certification, Direct Supervision, Basic Transportation School, Emergency Preparedness, TBI DNA training and Crisis Intervention.

I further expanded my expertise with specialized certifications in Less Lethal instruction, Disturbance and Riot Control, Less Lethal Shotgun, Riot Control instruction, FBI Crisis/Hostage Negotiation, Literacy Tutoring, and Narcan administration, demonstrating my commitment to staying adaptable and fully prepared for the demands of the correctional environment. In addition to my operational duties, I have served as a Sheriff’s Office Explorer Advisor, mentoring youth interested in law enforcement, and have coached cheerleading and dance for local youth sports programs.

One of the most defining moments of my career came in June 2020 when I was promoted to Sergeant during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leading through a time of uncertainty, fear, and constant change required resilience, adaptability, and compassion. Supporting staff while managing new protocols, health risks, and operational challenges taught me more about leadership than any classroom could. That experience showed me that true leadership is tested and revealed during the most difficult circumstances.

Joining the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Ceremonial Guard in 2005 remains one of the proudest achievements of my career, and becoming a member of the Correctional Peace Officer Foundation National Honor Guard in 2020 further deepened that honor. Standing alongside my fellow Honor Guard members to present colors, pay tribute to those who served before us, and support families during their most difficult moments has been profoundly meaningful. Being entrusted with these responsibilities is a privilege I hold with deep respect.

I’ve had the privilege of learning from leaders who modeled integrity, humility, and genuine respect. Their example showed me that real leadership isn’t about position; it’s about character and how we lift others up, especially when situations are tough or unclear. Those lessons stay with me every time I put on the uniform.

To me, corrections is more than a profession; it is a calling. It requires courage, discipline, compassion, and consistent dedication. I am proud of the journey I’ve taken, the officers I’ve served alongside, and the communities I’ve supported. Above all, I take great pride in honoring those who came before me and those who will continue this work after me through my service with the Honor Guard and the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation.