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Please tell us a little about yourself.
“I was born and raised in Yazoo City, Mississippi. I’ve lived in Tennessee for approximately 22 years and currently live in Lebanon.”
Married, children?
“I’ve been married for 24 years and have three handsome sons, ages 22, 12 and 8.”
Education?
“Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Western Governor’s University.”
What was your first job?
“Cashier at a fast-food restaurant.”
Why did you get into law enforcement?
“I was born with a heart to serve, and I believe this is the field of work that God sent me to be of service.”
Has law enforcement always been your career?
“Yes. I started out with Metro Nashville Emergency Communications Center and spent four years there before coming to MJPD.”
How long have you worked at MJPD?
“Seventeen years. My first job there was as a dispatcher/call-taker. I have been supervisor for approximately seven years. (Editor’s Note: Evans was named MJPD Supervisor of the Year in 2020 and 2024).”
What is the communications center?
“The Communications Center is a central facility responsible for receiving and managing emergency and non-emergency calls and coordinating the response to those calls.”
Is this 911 dispatch?
“We do not take the initial 911 call. The Wilson County 911 Center receives the initial call to verify jurisdiction and then transfers the call to the correct agency within Wilson County.”
What are your duties?
“I oversee the communications personnel; manage shift schedules, ensuring adequate staffing levels to handle call volume at all times; supervise the dispatch process to ensure the correct allocation of resources (police, fire, EMS, etc.) based on the nature and urgency of the call. I also assess staff performance, conduct evaluations and provide feedback to improve efficiency and service quality. I supervise 16 employees.”
Do you take calls as part of your job?
“Yes, this can be a part of my job should the need arise.”
What shift do you work?
“It varies sometimes due to Communications being a 24/7 operation, but most days are 7 a.m.-3 p.m.”
What generally is the percentage of emergency calls vs. non-emergency?
“I would say approximately 40 percent emergency and 60 percent non-emergency.”
Variety of calls you (or your employees) get on a typical day?
“Medical calls, reckless drivers, burglary and fire alarms, wrecks, and general crimes against persons and property.”
What is the most impactful emergency call you’ve run across in the past five years?
“It was the tornado in 2020. It was mass devastation, and each call was impactful as several people needed help that night and for several days after. The response from MJPD was amazing.”
How do people know when it’s an emergency?
“When a threat to life, health, property, or public safety requires immediate intervention. (Editor’s note: MJPD non-emergency number is (615) 754-2550, extension 0 for dispatch).”
What type of training is needed?
“Basic telecommunications training, police, medical, and fire dispatch certification, TCPR certification, NCIC and TIES certification.”
Do you supervise the Nixle notifications?
“No. This is handled primarily by Deputy Chief Tyler Chandler.”
Best piece of advice you’ve received or given?
“Always put God first and remain humble.”
Hobbies?
“Reading, playing games with my kids and listening to music.”
If you could spend an evening with anyone, past or present, who and why?
“I would love to spend an evening with Jesus Christ. I’d ask for a master class on navigating life.”
Current obsession?
“My family. It is my absolute goal right now to be a better wife, mother, daughter and sibling to my family. This means taking better care of myself.”
What do you do to relieve stress from job?
“Music is a major stress relief for me. I love all genres of music and can genuinely get lost in it. Exercising has also become a good strategy for relieving work stress.”
Where would you like to travel?
“Jamaica.”
Your favorite family time activity?
“Playing Uno.”
