… Yes Ma’am Officer …New Perry County Deputy isn’t just making arrests — she’s making history.
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By MALLORY STRICKLAND
Dispatch Staff
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For the first time in its history, the Perry County Sheriff’s Department has welcomed a full-time female deputy. Tonya Carter’s position marks a milestone for the agency and reflects a growing commitment to inclusion and progress in law enforcement across Mississippi.
Carter, a Greene County native, began her full-time law enforcement career in Baker County, Florida, but recently returned to Mississippi to be closer to her family.
Before entering patrol, Carter spent five years in corrections, working in Tennessee and Arizona, where she rose to the rank of lieutenant. She also served as a reserve officer in Tennessee.
“I was doing really well, but I wanted to catch the crime on the front side and try to help people,” Carter said. “So I stepped down to be an officer.”
While in Arizona, Carter oversaw segregation confinement, moved up to sergeant, and joined special operations. She later transferred to Florida, where she pursued her dream of becoming a front-line officer.
“I grew up wanting to be an officer,” she said. “I’ve been through multiple trainings—PIT, rifle courses, special ops with the prison—just to name a few. I like to advance.”
Perry County Sheriff Jacob Garner praised Carter’s qualifications and character.
“She’s very good. She’s got a strong résumé, but she’s also a down-to-earth Christian woman with a lot of training,” Garner said.
Carter said she’s enjoying the family atmosphere in Perry County’s smaller department.
“It’s like a family,” she said. “That’s my favorite part.”
She also appreciates the ability to take a more proactive approach to law enforcement.
“I’m allowed to be a little more proactive here, whereas we were really, really busy when I was in Florida,” she said.
Carter said being the first woman to serve in this role for Perry County is meaningful.
“I was the only female at my last agency as well, but to be the very first female here—it’s an honor, really. A privilege,” she said.
“All the feedback I’ve gotten on her is great,” Sheriff Garner added,. “One of my officers called me and said she’s one of the best they’ve ever worked with.”
