Sergeant Melissa Thompson began her law enforcement career in 2007 when she joined the Waco Police Department. After five years of experience in the patrol division, she was promoted to the rank of detective and assigned to the Special Crimes Unit. In her role as a detective, Sgt. Thompson investigated many complex cases such as homicide, robbery, and sex crimes.  In 2020, due to her accomplishments, Sgt. Thompson was assigned to the Narcotics Unit and the prestigious Texas Anti-Gang Center (TAG). In this role, she was responsible for narcotics and drug distribution investigations in Central Texas, working closely with state and federal law enforcement partners.  She was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2021 and assigned to the Street Crimes Unit and TAG to oversee a task force of Waco police officers, county law enforcement officers, Texas Department of Public Safety personnel, and federal agency personnel.  

Sgt. Thompson recently implemented the Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (LEAD) program in the Waco area to prevent drug use and violence by children. For her diligence and dedication to bringing LEAD to Texas, she was given a place on the newly formed National Law Enforcement Leadership Council within LEAD. She is the first person from Texas to serve in this capacity. Sgt. Thompson is also a subcommittee member for the Texas Police Chiefs Association Women’s Law Enforcement Executive Committee, and she developed a mentoring program for women law enforcement officers in the state of Texas.  

“I enjoy mentoring younger officers and helping to shape our regions law enforcement future.”