Lieutenant Michelle Mayers is constantly finding ways to serve her community and her team at Bluffton Police Department (BPD), both on and off duty.  

In her professional life, Lt. Mayers has participated in numerous community events, strengthening BPD’s community relations, and, when off duty, she works at the local food pantry to serve people in need. 

Growing up in an at-risk neighborhood, a young Lt. Mayers encountered two female police officers who guided her in the right direction. Their treatment of her and their impact on her life sparked Lt. Mayers’ desire to have the same positive influence on others, especially other young women.  

Lt. Mayers has gone on to fulfill this goal. As the first African American women to serve as a command staff member for BPD, Lt. Mayers mentors younger female officers, leading by example and offering guidance. 

Lt. Mayers has used her sharp decision-making and hostage negotiation skills to protect her community. In 2023, Lt. Mayers swiftly responded to a report of someone threatening suicide by safely evacuating all surrounding buildings, then utilizing her hostage negotiation skills, spoke with the person in crisis until the SWAT team arrived to de-escalate the situation. The person has since received treatment and thanked Lt. Mayers for saving his life.  

Lt. Mayers has received numerous internal awards, including the Chiefs Leadership Award, which recognizes distinguished leadership efforts within BPD. She is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in political science and gathers motivation from her family, community, and watching her fellow officers succeed. 

“Creating a team atmosphere that develops servant-minded officers who provide high-quality policing services to my community is very rewarding.”