On May 8 Reginald “Reggie” McPherson officially became the City Jail’s new detention manager. Plano Police Chief Ed Drain formally presented the certificate of promotion in the Toler Room along with family and coworkers.

Reggie’s career path to Team Plano was an interesting and winding one. Before joining the Plano Police Department in 2012 as a detention officer, he held the same position with Dallas and Collin Counties. Three short years later his hard work earned a promotion to detention supervisor.

But the “winding” part of the story for this California native kicked off with him attending Northwestern University on a full athletic scholarship to play football. He excelled as a receiver, then a safety and was even picked as a team captain. McPherson applied the same work ethic and commitment to his education holding a steady spot on the dean’s list.

After graduating from Northwestern, he returned home to coach high school and junior college football. Reggie also coached at his alma mater for a while before moving to Texas in 2010 with his wife to coach at Parish Episcopal School. Working as their defensive back coach, assistant defensive coordinator and being part of the school’s 2014 State Championship team, he also started working as a detention officer. 

The career path bends a bit. 

McPherson has earned several PPD civilian commendations including four Chief’s Unit awards and being selected Supervisor of the Year in 2021.

“My goal as jail manager is to combine effective problem-solving, security and incident-prevention measures so issues do not escalate to crisis status,” Reggie said. Adding, “How you communicate as a manager is essential to your success…be honest, be a positive role model in what you do and say, and don’t let people down.” 

Reggie spends free time with his wife Jessica and their three children Nevaeh, Mathias and Makia – 7, 6 and 4 years, respectively. With a busy work and home life, he still manages to clock field time coaching his kids’ little league baseball team.

“My style of managing others is to be a good coach – ready to listen and motivate others.”  The career paths converge.

During the presentation, Chief Drain said, “Congratulations on your promotion. You’ve earned it. We look forward to your continued leadership and contributions to the City of Plano.”

It’s nice to mark National Correctional Officers’ and Employees Week (May 7-13) with the recognition of Reggie McPherson’s public service.