Holmes Community College Ridgeland Campus Police Officer Sytaria Weathersby has earned her Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Certification, a professional milestone that enhances her ability to respond effectively to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Officer Weathersby began her law enforcement career in 2019 at Jackson State University, a historically Black university, where she served as a patrol officer. Her early work provided her with foundational experience in campus policing, emergency response and community engagement.
Since then, she has held positions with Hinds Community College, the Copiah County Sheriff’s Office and currently serves at Holmes, gaining a wide range of experience in both campus and county law enforcement settings.
Her career accomplishments include graduating from the police academy in 2019, earning Officer of the Month in 2020, completing advanced tactical training and now adding CIT certification to her list of credentials.
“The benefits of my C.I.T certification include being able to create a safer outcome in high-stress situations involving behavioral health issues, the ability to connect students with appropriate mental health resources and de-escalation techniques for managing mental health crises safely and effectively,” Officer Weathersby said.
She emphasized the importance of community trust in her approach to law enforcement.
“I believe effective policing starts with building trust,” Officer Weathersby said. “Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community we serve. My goal is to ensure that citizens see us not just as enforcers of the law, but as partners in creating a safe and vibrant community for everyone.”
Holmes commends Officer Weathersby for her dedication to professional development and her commitment to the safety and well-being of the campus community.
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