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Lieutenant Melinda Wyatt began her career in law enforcement on April 25, 1990. Later that year, she completed the TLETA Basic Academy. She served in the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division and the Office of the Chief of Police. She was promoted to investigator and transferred to CID. While there, she was promoted again to Sergeant of the Property Crimes Unit. Her final promotion was to the rank of Lieutenant and appointed as Unit Commander of the Auto Theft, PIA, and Financial Crimes. Later, she was requested by Chief of Police Gill Kendrick to work directly for him as his Executive Officer. She obtained her B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee at Martin and M.S. in Guidance and Counseling from Murray State University. She also attended and completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy-Session 235th. Lt. Wyatt received numerous letters of commendations which span throughout her tenure. However, the highlight of her career was becoming the first female to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant at the Jackson Police Department and being provided the opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy.