Tulsa County Jail's All-Woman Crew Of Shift Commanders Discuss Working In The Field

History is happening. For the first time, all four shift commanders at the Tulsa County Jail are women.

Friday, July 30th 2021, 4:55 pm



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For the first time, all four shift commanders at the Tulsa County Jail are women and all moms.

"We're all empathetic and nurturing to the officers and the supervisors," said Lt. Rhea Tatum.

They run the big house and they've got your back, but like we all learn at an early age… don't mess with momma.

"In 20 years, I don't know how many b words I've been called,” said Lt. Megan Brown.

Here's a "B" word you can call these four women: Boss.

"You just kind of have to have that mindset that this is what you want to do, this is where you want to go, this is who you want to be and you know, just do the work,” said Lt. Rhea Tatum.

For the first time, all four shift commanders at the Tulsa County Jail are women: Lieutenant Stacie Holloway, Lieutenant Rhea Tatum, Lieutenant Megan Brown and now Lieutenant Tonya Hinshaw.

Hinshaw might be the newest addition to the team, but her friends like to remind her she's been around the block.

"You've been doing it. You know how to do it. Do it,” said Lt. Tonya Hinshaw.

The job is demanding. They oversee the supervisors who oversee the detention officers who oversee the inmates.

"There's a different aspect from the way possibly male inmates look at the female officer and the female supervisor,” said Lt. Tonya Hinshaw.

"Some of them are not used to, you know, women kind of running the show," said Lt. Megan Brown.

When asked what it takes to work as a woman in a field dominated by men, their answer was to have thick skin and keep a level head. They said it’s important to lead with confidence but also lead with humility.

"We've been at every level, well we haven't been at the inmate level,” said Lt. Megan Brown.

Holloway, Tatum, Brown and Hinshaw together bring almost 100 years of experience to the job. Their message to young girls is that they can do anything. Yes, they can cook, clean, and raise family, but they can also run the world.

"Being role models for you know the other females that are in this field and setting the bar for them and saying you know, this is what you can do,” said Lt. Stacie Holloway.

There's a Ladies of Law Enforcement Day coming up on August 14. For more information: CLICK HERE.

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