Tami McCullough honored for four decades in North Texas law enforcement

Collin County Sheriff’s Office Captain Tami McCullough is being recognized for more than 40 years in detention operations, mental health training and leadership development across North Texas. Her profile highlights jail operations, officer wellness and mentoring as she continues to oversee about 73 officers in Collin County.

Why it matters: - McCullough’s career reflects how correctional leadership now includes jail management, mental health response and officer wellness. - Her work affects both inmate outcomes and day-to-day readiness for detention staff in Collin County. - The recognition also spotlights women who advanced into senior law enforcement roles early in their careers and stayed there for decades.

What happened: - Influential Women featured Tami McCullough, a captain with the Collin County Sheriff’s Office in McKinney, Texas. - McCullough is recognized for more than four decades of service in detention operations, leadership and officer development. - She oversees about 73 officers and manages inmate housing, admissions, releases and minimum security divisions. - McCullough also teaches at the Basic Jail Academy at Collin College as a state-certified instructor.

The details: - McCullough began her law enforcement career in 1985 while attending college. - Her roles have included detention officer, sergeant, lieutenant and captain. - Her experience spans the Nevada County Sheriff’s Department, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and Collin County Sheriff’s Office. - Since 2006, McCullough has served as an in-service trainer focused on mental health response and suicide prevention in correctional settings. - She teaches mental health awareness, suicide prevention and de-escalation techniques. - McCullough helped develop and coordinate a peer support program for officers in her department. - The program focuses on wellness, resilience and long-term sustainability in high-stress work. - McCullough holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Herzing University. - She also earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University. - Her training includes the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy and the National Jail Leadership Command Academy. - McCullough has been honored on the Texas Senate floor for her life-saving efforts. - Her father, a firefighter, influenced her approach to service and leadership. - In 2012, McCullough returned to school while raising her children. - She says that experience strengthened her belief in perseverance and continuous self-improvement. - One leadership lesson continues to guide her approach: “When you promote, you will always be training your replacement.” - McCullough has also been an early female officer in her agency and advocates for women in law enforcement. - She encourages professionalism, self-discipline and focus over outside criticism. - McCullough lives on a small ranch with her family, where they care for horses and spend time with grandchildren. - She works 12-hour shifts and commutes a significant distance while staying focused on officer support and wellness.

Between the lines: - McCullough’s profile points to a broader shift in detention work, where leadership now requires comfort with behavioral health, peer support and succession planning. - Her emphasis on training future leaders suggests the Collin County Sheriff’s Office is trying to build depth, not just fill shifts. - The feature also frames service as a long-term identity, not just a job, which helps explain her focus on resilience and mentorship.

What's next: - McCullough is expected to continue leading jail operations and training officers in North Texas. - Her peer support and mental health work will likely remain central as correctional agencies face ongoing staffing and wellness pressures. - Her public profile through Influential Women may give her message on leadership and officer support a wider audience.

The bottom line: - McCullough’s recognition centers on a career built around custody operations, mental health preparedness and developing the next generation of law enforcement leaders. - More information