Tami McCullough
Tami McCullough is a highly experienced law enforcement professional, currently serving as a Captain at the Collin County Sheriff’s Office in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. With over two decades of service in detention operations, Tami oversees approximately 83 officers while managing critical aspects of jail operations, including housing, admissions, release, and minimum security divisions. She is also a state-certified law enforcement instructor and teaches in the Basic Jail Academy at Collin College, where she shares her expertise in mental health, suicide prevention, and de-escalation techniques. Her career is defined by a commitment to both operational excellence and the support of her colleagues.
Throughout her career, Tami has demonstrated a deep dedication to leadership development and officer support. She began her law enforcement journey in 1985 while still in college and progressed through roles ranging from detention officer to sergeant, lieutenant, and ultimately captain. Tami has worked across multiple agencies, including the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and Collin County, gaining extensive experience in jail management and supervision. Since 2006, she has been an in-service trainer for her department, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, and she actively coordinates the peer support program for officers, emphasizing wellness and professional development.
Tami holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Herzing University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University. She has completed advanced leadership programs, including the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy and the National Jail Leadership Command Academy. Recognized for her contributions to public safety, Tami has been honored on the Texas Senate floor for her life-saving efforts. Her philosophy centers on being a lifelong student of her craft and sharing knowledge to help others find their leadership strengths, making her a respected mentor and advocate within the law enforcement community.
• Mental Health Peace Officer
• Advanced Instructor
• Master Peace Officer
• Master Jailer
• Sam Houston State University- M.S.
• Herzing University- B.S.
• Sierra College
• Santa Rosa Junior College
• Texas Senate Life-Saving Award
• Leadership Trilogy Award
• Honored Listee-
Marquis Who's Who
• Magna cum Laude
• American Jail Association
• Texas Jail Association
• Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network
• NAMI's Overwatch
• Texas Municipal Police Association
• SHERIFF Fund
• Collin County Guardians Association
• Collin County Sheriff's Peer Support Group
What do you attribute your success to?
I think just having been in bad places and having people there to support me. You know, having the grit, I guess, so that I can relate to other people and help them through it. My father was a firefighter, and he kind of gave me my servant's heart. I went back to school in 2012 because I wanted my kids to stay in school, and I got my bachelor's degree in criminal justice and then went on and got my master's degree in criminal justice and management leadership.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When you promote, you will always be training your replacement. My very first lieutenant told me that when I promoted to sergeant, and so I've looked for those people that have that something special, and I've brought that out in them.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My husband and I have a small ranch, and we have horses, and I have 3 grandchildren, so I like to see them when I can. But I work long 12-hour shifts, and I live in Denton County and work in Collin County, so it's quite a drive every day. I leave at 3:45 in the morning and get home at 8 o'clock at night, so I don't really have much time for other stuff. My main purpose is support for the officers, and that's my passion. My father was a firefighter, and he kind of gave me my servant's heart.