Congratulations to Detective Mellisa Hollis for being chosen as MCDA’s September Officer of the Month! Detective Hollis has been in law enforcement for 6 years and is currently an investigator for MPD’s Domestic Violence Unit. When she is not on the hob she enjoys going to the beach and making memories with her family. Thank you Detective Hollis for continuously working to keep the families in our community safe!
Did you always want to be in law enforcement?
No, it wasn’t until college when I had the opportunity to ride along with the Pensacola PD. I did not choose that path for another 10 years, at which point the Mobile Police Department took a chance on me. I could not be happier with this life path that I am currently on.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is the knowledge that I played a part in providing peace and justice for a victim.
Has there been a moment that has defined your career?
While in patrol I responded to a domestic violence call. I spoke with the victim and gave her a speech about how volatile her situation was and how much worse it could get. I left that call to go to the next one, not sure if my words resonated. About a year later, I encountered that victim again. She told me how my words had, in fact, inspired her that night and she made the decision to leave for a better life. The look in her eyes was nothing but gratitude over a few words. So with that, I will continue to speak the words that a victim needs to hear even if only one victim ever truly hears them.
What is your advice to someone seeking employment in the law enforcement field?
This is not a career that a person wakes up one day and decides to do. It’s a career path that requires a great deal of soul searching and thought. It’s a calling and when that person is ready to answer the call, he/she will know!
Who inspires you?
My dad. He set the example that with hard work, determination, and God; success will follow.