Antwon Plott began his service with Louisville Police Department on February 24 of this year, at the rank of Corporal. Plott will fill the role of School Resource Officer at Eiland Middle School beginning in August, as well as his patrol duties when school in not in session. And in addition to these duties Plott is the pastor of Union Chapel M.B. Church, and is a husband and father to four children. Needless to say he is a busy man.
Before coming to Louisville, Plott was a full-time deputy with Lawrence County, AL Sheriff's Dept., and was a reserve deputy for eight years prior to that, and is a certified officer in Alabama; he will be required to complete a refresher course in Mississippi within one year. He served as SRO at R.A. Hubbard High School in North Courtland, AL, and Hazlewood Elementary School in Town Creek, AL.
Plott's wife, Shalonda, is a teacher and has applied with the Louisville Municipal School District. Three of his four children, Kyle & Myle Hampton and Anina Plott are 16 years old, and there is a younger daughter, Hailey Plott.
Along with his duties as SRO, Plott will also serve as department Chaplain for LPD. There are many who might think of law enforcement and the ministry as opposite professions, but Plott stated that he sees this as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the two, understanding that the time might come when he has to place an individual under arrest, but at the same time being able to show compassion and caring for that person, understanding that it takes effort to strike the correct balance between the two callings.
It was the ministry, rather than law enforcement, that brought Plott and his family to Louisville. Plott stated that a friend told him about a church in Mississippi that was in need of a pastor, and at that time he had never even heard of Louisville. He and his family visited Union Chapel and he was chosen to lead that flock.
It was afterwards that he made the connection with Chief of Police Sean Holdiness who said, "We are excited in that he can be a liaison between law enforcement, and our local clergy." Plott also likes the role of SRO as it gives him an opportunity to interact with young people, and show them a positive side of law enforcement.
Plott said, " It's been a challenge getting people to see law enforcement in a positive manner. So many perceptions have been given as it is related to the police. You're labeled y certain people who have a bad thing for law enforcement just by putting a uniform on. I'm able to be seen as efficient and effective at my job." He added that he gains inner strength by mentoring kids at school.
Plott and his family are welcome additions to Louisville and Winston County.
