Investigator Jackson says,“ As an investigator, I worked all types of cases, murders, rapes, robberies, and death penalty cases. As the Deputy Chief District Attorney Investigator, I supervised 75 investigators and 30 support staff members over 15 divisions within the office, such as public integrity, gang unit, child abuse, family violence unit, white collar crimes, organized crimes and numerous task forces such as DEA, IRS, identity theft and several more. I extradited prisoners from state to state and internationally and was interactive with attorneys and other law enforcement agencies.”
Being a part of history is nothing new for Mae Jackson, as she made history as the first African American in the District Attorney’ s Office to serve as Deputy Chief Investigator in Dallas County.
“ Extended beyond my work in law enforcement I enjoyed working in the community. I spent a lot of my volunteer time working with schools, and with churches addressing the vast needs of the homeless population in Dallas County,” shared Jackson.
Jackson retired in 2014, and ran for Constable for Precinct One, which is the largest precinct in Dallas County. Jackson lost in a 2016 runoff election.
Although law enforcement has monopolized Jackson’ s career, she has found a way to engage her entrepreneurial spirit. Jackson decided to return to her hometown, Lovington, New Mexico, to oversee her business ventures. As a businesswoman, Jackson is the co-owner of a dry cleaners that she has owned for 4 years, and has co-owned a laundromat for 7 years. In addition, for the past three years, she has also been involved as a business partner in a bridal shop in Dallas, Texas.
“ The thing that has been my anchor over all my years has been my belief and love for God that was instilled in me from when I was a child, by my parents. At times, as you are growing up you may stray away, but when you mature, you realize how important God is in all aspects of your life’ s journey. It matters a great deal how you treat people and your ability to properly compartmentalize your accomplishments. I learned to embrace the fact that God is forever present in all the aspects of my life.”
Although Chief Jackson had retired from a law enforcement career, she kept the doors opened by maintaining the following licenses, Masters Peace Officer License, she is a certified instructor, has a Special Investigator License, and Personal Protection License. So when the opportunity to be the police chief for Tatum became available, the Tatum City Council didn’ t have to look very far to find a qualified seasoned veteran for the position.
Pictured below with Chief Jackson, is her brother Bernard Butcher, who sits on the City Council in Lovington, New Mexico. He also represents an African
American first for Lovington, and Lea County, when he was elected to the City Council in 2014. He hopes to continue being a part of history when he runs for re-election in 2018.
When asked how long she thought she would continue this line of work, Chief Jackson said,“ I will continue to work in law enforcement as long as it is a challenging and rewarding experience. When that changes, that is when I think I will take a permanent break from the profession.”
23 Statewide Focus Magazine