Well-educated, well-prepared, and charming: Part 2 – Rebecca Coleman

By Dr. Anne T. Sulton, Esq.

JA Senior International Correspondent

A special thank you to Terence Crump of the Town of Edwards for informing me of Rebecca Coleman’s contributions to Jackson’s history. Coleman was not included in my article published last week. 

As noted last week in Part 1, in 2005, Shirlene Anderson became Jackson’s first female police chief. In 2026, RaShall Brackney was selected to serve as Jackson’s next police chief. However, Coleman served as Jackson’s second female police chief from 2009 to 2013. 

“Remember, lest we forget” is a stirring idiomatic phrase with great significance. Therefore, let us remember, with all due respect, the late Rebecca Coleman who served as Jackson’s second female police chief.

Coleman graduated from McLaurin High School in Magee, MS. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Jackson State University, and was a life-long JSU Tigers fan. 

In 1974, Coleman began working for the Jackson Police Department. A bright star, she rose quickly through the ranks. By 1978, she was promoted to sergeant. 

Before then-Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. appointed her as Jackson’s police chief in 2009, Coleman’s law enforcement leadership experience included work as police chief for the Forest Hill Police Department in Texas, and head of the Jackson State University Department of Public Safety.

During her tenure as Jackson’s police chief, Coleman served with distinction, stressing integrity and accountability. In 2010, Adam Lynch of the Jackson Free Press interviewed Coleman. He wrote: “Coleman is the kind of leader who constantly defers to her command staff, praising them as much if not more than she’s willing to praise herself. Her face is filled with the kind of confidence that comes with doing one job for almost 40 years, but without a hint of arrogance.” See: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/the-jfp-interview-with-rebecca-coleman/

Terence Crump reports he worked as a police officer under her leadership. He states: “In my professional opinion, Chief Rebecca Coleman was one of the most effective leaders to serve as Chief of Police in Jackson. Chief Coleman maintained a standard of accountability within the department while also supporting the officers who served under her command. … Her commitment to professionalism and structure helped guide the department during her tenure.”

Before and after she retired in 2013, Coleman was active with her church and in the community. She died in 2023.