WBBJ TV
February 10, 2021
JACKSON, Tenn. Lt. Rochell Staten is the first Black female patrol lieutenant with the Jackson Police Department. Staten is originally from Leeland, Mississippi. After some traveling, she decided to move to Tennessee to pursue her dreams.
She first began working at the Northwest Correctional Facility in Tiptonville. She accompanied a friend to take the Police Exam for moral support later on.
To her surprise, she ended up passing the exam and starting her law enforcement career.
“This was never in my career path,” Staten said.
Soon after passing her test, she started working at the Dyersburg Police Department as a patrol officer.