Sisters In Arms – Thomas’ short term job becomes career

Jessica Thomas (TOP PHOTO) never planned to work in law enforcement. And when she found herself in the job, it was only supposed to be for the short term.

Seven years later, Thomas is glad she stayed.  After majoring in business management at Roane State Community College, Thomas accepted an administrative position with the domestic violence unit at the LaFollette Police Department. After two years, the grant dried up and Thomas found herself in need of a job. That is when she began working as a corrections officer at the Campbell County Jail.

Having no prior law enforcement experience, working eight to 12 hour shifts inside the jail was an adjustment for Thomas. “I was in over my rookie head, but I kept saying I would give myself another month,” Thomas recalled. “I just kept loving it.”

Thomas has an innate desire to help the inmates but also possesses an ability to see the reality of their situations.

“You see these ladies and gentlemen at their worst,” she said. On more than one occasion, she and the rest of the shift have found themselves in a confrontation with an inmate or a drunk in the booking area. In these instances, her training takes over, and the top priority is keeping everyone safe.

“We walk in as a group and we are walking as a group,” Thomas said of the third shift crew.

“Crpl. Thomas has impressed us with her resolve,” said Sheriff Robbie Goins. “She has a great attitude about the job.”

Thomas feels the gender blind environment at the department is an atmosphere other departments could adopt.

“Sheriff Goins is great. He is right there with us,” she said. “If you can do the job, then do it. The officers see the job you do (not what gender you are).”

In her travels to pick up inmates from other jails, Thomas has been met with skepticism and bias about her holding a leadership role at the county jail. They (other officers) often question if I am really a supervisor, she said.

There are also times the inmates have questioned her authority. Yet in the world of jailhouse politics, an officer still trumps an inmate which means most situations can be resolved quickly.

Having a job where the worst parts of humanity are often on display, Thomas has been able to find balance.

“That person talking to you, they might be on their last straw,” she said. And with that in mind, she treats them respect. Thomas has learned that small victories are sometimes the only victories.

“Yes, we see the same people, but sometimes we see they get just a little better with time,” she said.

It is in those moments Thomas knows the job is for her and is glad she gave it “another month.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/21/2018-6AM)