As a man of his word, Michael “Mike” Jones has waited over 16 years to once again campaign for sheriff -the county’s highest law enforcement official.
The 50-year-old native of Tate County has deep roots in the Poagville area with a large family and even more friends who attended school with him at Independence High School.
Jones hails from a family with extensive service in the military and law enforcement. In fact, Jones has family records indicating service to both military and law enforcement dating back to the early 1900’s; however, his lineage wasn’t the only thing which influenced Jones’ decision to enter public service.
“I knew at a young age, my career would be in law enforcement,” said Jones. “I remember Deputy Marlin Stanford, the first D.A.R.E. officer, coming to school to teach about drug abuse. He would always talk about serving and giving back to the community. It really helped influence me in pursuing my career as an officer.”
Following graduation from IHS, Jones began working at Chromcraft, but managed to find a way to serve and protect by working security in the private sector. In that capacity, he pulled details with the Tate County Schools.
Despite the busy workload, in 1994, Jones signed up to give back to the community by volunteering with the Looxahoma Fire Department.
At the age of 22, Jones began participating in a ride-along program with the Senatobia Police Department. In 1995, a single opening for an officer with the department became available. Jones applied but was the only applicant to not be certified at the time. Despite not being selected, Jones was undeterred and applied with the Southaven Police Department. He passed the first two phases of the hiring process with Southaven but decided to pull his application because he wanted to be in Tate County.
“I knew I wanted to serve my hometown community where I was raised, attended church, school and played sports,” said Jones.
In 1997, Jones had another opportunity to join Senatobia’s department. He applied and was hired by then Chief Sammy Webb and the Board of Aldermen as a patrol officer.
Jones was accepted into North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy where he spent 10 weeks becoming a certified officer. For eight years he served as a patrol officer. While serving in that capacity he helped provide security for school activities and occasionally assisted with the D.A.R.E. program. He was then promoted to Sergeant, a position he maintained for two and a half years.
In 2007, Jones was selected and promoted to Detective in the Metro Narcotics Unit. Then in 2011, he was promoted to Commander over the Metro Unit where he led a team to combat against illegal drugs and the day-to-day operations.
During his time leading the unit, Jones reached out to collaborate with other departments to work cases.
“We worked cases with the US Marshal Service, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, United States Drug Enforcement, ATF, and all surrounding local departments,” said Jones.
In 2012, Jones was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to Post 2 Constable. He was later elected by the citizens in a special election. As constable, Jones was required to serve over 204 square miles by keeping the peace. Additionally, constables are required to serve civil process and provide courtroom security. Jones was required to provide his own patrol vehicle, insurance, fuel, weapons, safety vest, and equipment.
“To perform the duties and provide the equipment, you have to be dedicated and self-motivated,” said Jones.
Jones held the post for ten years until he retired Jan. 1, 2022.
“I waited for 16 years to run as sheriff,” said Jones. “In 2007, after the retirement of Sheriff Ingram, I decided to run for the open seat, along with eight other candidates. The night of the election, I spoke with Brad Lance and Ernie Brents. I told them if one of them won, then I would not run against them if they were in office. I honored my word as a man and the decision I made that night.”
Jones said now is the time for change since current Sheriff Brad Lance has decided to not seek reelection.
“When I think of the sheriff as being the chief law enforcement officer in the county, I see it as an immense responsibility,” said Jones.
Jones said he was taught by his parents to be fair and equal to everyone, a lesson he plans to continue to implement if elected sheriff.
“I believe the sheriff must be involved in the community and always available to staff and citizens,” he explained. “Leadership is very important and that doesn’t come from a title. It’s about having good character, work ethics and leading with a positive example.”
With a history of owning and running his own small business, Jones has gained experience in handling budgets, a duty required by the sheriff.
“Through watching my company grow from a few customers to over 60 contracts covering everywhere from north Mississippi to southwest Tennessee, I understand the importance of being as economical as possible with a budget,” he said.
Jones said he’s spent time looking for possible changes within the Tate County Sheriff’s Office.
“For the past year, I have been researching ways to put more deputies on patrol, such as grants, budgeting and other resources that would be available to better serve and protect the citizens and their property,” said Jones. “We need to be as economical as possible with the tax base. Tate is one of the smallest counties in the state which makes the tax base significantly lower.”
Jones also has plans to utilize the training/conference room at the department hosting classes and restructure internal expenses to make room for two additional patrol deputies.
“From my experience, community policing is a great way to build a good rapport with the public,” said Jones. “As sheriff, I would like to implement a Community Involvement Program to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and the citizens.”
Jones believes it is important for the sheriff to connect with the citizens of the county. He also believes in taking a hard stance against crime.
“Having that connection between law enforcement and the citizens helps prevent criminal activity.”
Jones said he would take a new approach on finding ways to work and communicate with the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator.
“As sheriff, I would make every effort to work with all other departments throughout this county as one team. Also, I will want to work with Northwest Mississippi Community College to start recruiting from their Criminal Justice Program,” he said.
Jones is married to wife, Tina, also a lifelong resident of Tate. The couple have three children: daughter, Madison, owner of Shear Perfection in Senatobia, who is married to Tyler Wilson and the couple has one child, Hadleigh Ann; son, Nathan employed at NWCC; and youngest daughter, Anna Carol, a freshman at Gateway Christian School.
“My family has always been a great support system throughout my career,” said Jones. “They have always encouraged me to work hard, take pride and go far as possible.”
In their spare time the family enjoys caring for their horses, leisurely trail riding and competing in a variety of timed speed events.
Outside of law enforcement Jones has experience serving on several boards including Ingrams Mill Saddle Club and the Independence Saddle Club.
“With 25 years of law enforcement experience, sitting on boards, continuing education trainings, and operating a business, I have been better prepared to serve the citizens as sheriff,” said Jones. “As sheriff, I will continue to be fair, professional and serve everyone to the best of my ability.”
Jones receives NWMR endorsement
The Northwest Mississippi REALTORS® endorsed Mike Jones, center, for Tate County Sheriff. This endorsement is of the RPAC Committee at NWMR. “We are proud to endorse local candidates who put home ownership as a priority. Thank you for continuing to serve our community!” said the organization in a release. The REALTOR® Party is a powerful, bipartisan alliance for pro-real estate advocacy, working to protect and promote homeownership and property investment.
