February is not only Mardi Gras season, it’s also black history month. Tonight, we’re featuring the Mobile Police Departments highest ranking African American female in the department: Major Linda Tims. She’s commander of the investigative operation division. She’s also being highlight in the police department’s women in policing series.

Sitting at the head of the table over investigations with MPD is Linda Tims. A 32-year veteran of the police force, it’s a career she says she never planned to have, she stumbled into it. "To be honest with you I chose law enforcement because at the time I needed a career," said Tims.

That career soon turned into a passion, Tims says was the result of divine intervention. Her career became her ministry, giving her the ability to connect with those who are going down the wrong path and to make sure justice is served. "I realized I had a gift to connect with individuals who were committing crimes," said Tims.

Tims moved up the ranks from a rookie officer to now the highest-ranking woman within the police department. Her advice to other women who are thinking about a career in law enforcement "not to expect everything to be given to them and to earn everything they receive by getting more education and more training," said Tims.

She also says as a police officer to always remember you’ve taken an oath to protect and to serve. So, make sure you serve your community with respect and dignity, no matter who you come into contact with, and they’ll eventually do the same. "Always remember, someone loves that individual. when you understand that, people will see you as being genuine and people will respect you in the community," said Tims.

If you would like to know about a career in policing or join the force, click this link or call the Public Safety Recruiter, Tony McCarron, at 251-554-2298.