When going through the drop-off line at Senatobia Elementary School in the mornings, it’s hard to miss Sergeant Angelica Maze wearing a neon yellow vest, standing in the middle of the road directing traffic each school day morning. With the responsibility of keeping over 800 students safe during their school day, it’s easy to understand Maze’s role as a woman of influence.
Maze, a native of Panola County who grew up in Arkabutla, has been a member of the Senatobia Police Department for just over ten years. Although she began her service to Senatobia as a patrol officer, Maze has been a School Resource Officer for eight years. She was promoted to sergeant in August 2022.
Prior to joining SPD, Maze attended Mississippi State University and also worked at Marshall County Correctional Facility. She is a graduate of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Training Academy (MLEOTA).
Maze said her interest in law enforcement came at an early age.
“I was young,” she said. “I wanted to help and be a voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. It was a calling.”
Maze said the best part of being an SRO is the influence she can offer the children.
“The best part is being here and being able to shape the kid’s minds during their impressionable years,” she said. “I get to help bridge the gap between the community and the police department. It’s a big responsibility.”
That responsibility is something Maze takes seriously, sometimes putting her own health at risk.
“With COVID, we are supposed to be socially distancing, but these are kids. If they come up to me with their arms wide open wanting a hug, I’ll hug them. I just never know if it may be the only hug they get that day,” she said.
Maze said that she has yet to experience a negative aspect of her position and gives that praise for that accomplishment.
“I just pray is continues to be good. I give all the praise to God and thank Him for the blessings,” she said.
When she’s not overseeing the safety of the 800 students at the elementary school, Maze takes on her role as wife and mother. Her husband is Marvin Maze, also serving in law enforcement as a sergeant with the Olive Branch Police Department. She is the mother to a five-year old and a 13-year old. This fall, Maze will welcome a new little one to the family when she delivers her baby.
“I take on ‘Mom duties’”, she said. “Cooking, cleaning, playing with dolls. I never knew there could be so much playing with dolls!”
While on duty, Maze said her fellow officers know they can count on her.
“I always have their backs,” she said. “They know I’ll do what I have to do to make a job easier.”
The biggest misconception the public has about women in law enforcement is that it’s for men only.
“They think it is a man only job. Women are a vital part though. People think we can’t do things because it is a male dominated field, but we can do just as much,” Maze commented.
Senatobia and the police department is a special community and offers unique qualities that benefit the entire community according to Maze.
“It’s a family here,” she said. “Everyone has everyone’s backs. People care about the kids. The children’s needs are met, no matter what the need is.”
Maze’s message to the children she so proudly serves to protect each day while they are on campus is to work hard.
“You can do whatever you set your mind to doing. It all starts with hard work.”
