Employee Spotlight - January 2025

Meet Sgt. Nia Slaughter, a respected leader at the Kenton County Detention Center. Since 2021, she has used her social work experience to bring a steady hand to the facility’s daily operations and to guide her team in managing the challenges of the job.

What brought you to the Kenton County Detention Center?

I came to the Kenton County Detention Center in 2021 because I was looking for a role where I could make a tangible impact.

My background in social work gave me experience working with individuals facing challenges, and I knew those skills could be valuable in a structured environment like this.

I was also drawn to the opportunity to grow within a field that requires problem-solving, leadership and teamwork. The balance between maintaining order and adapting to unexpected challenges keeps me engaged and is a big part of what makes this job fulfilling.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

As a sergeant, my primary role is supervising the deputies. Each day starts with roll call, where I assign posts, share updates or address important issues for the shift. From there, I support the deputies as they manage dorms, respond to incidents and handle concerns that come up during the day.

Part of my job involves making sure operations stay on track, like confirming inmate counts and assisting with unexpected situations. Some days are quiet, other days are nonstop problem solving.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help my team succeed. When a deputy is unsure about how to handle a difficult situation, I offer advice based on my own experience, both in social work and as a deputy.

I became a sergeant because I wanted to be a positive role model for deputies. If I can help them feel more confident or better prepared, I know I'm making a difference here.

What do you wish more people understood about this job?

I think people have a lot of misconceptions about working in a jail. They assume it’s a constantly hostile and unpleasant environment, but that’s just not the case.

Yes, it’s a tough job, and it can wear you down at times, but the team we have here makes it so much more manageable. Everyone looks out for one another and genuinely wants to help.

One story that stands out is the time I came to work with a flat tire. I didn’t know how I was going to get it fixed, but my supervisor grabbed my keys, went out and saw the tire couldn’t be repaired. He drove down the street, bought a new one, and put it on my car. That’s just the kind of people we have here.

What are you looking most forward to in the future?

I take it one day at a time here. I recently got promoted to sergeant, and one day I'd like to be lieutenant. But the path doesn't have to be linear. There’s plenty of room to keep developing, find new ways to contribute and push yourself in directions you might not expect. That’s what I’m looking forward to. Coming into work every day, facing new challenges and taking on opportunities as they come my way.

Tell me about your life outside of work.

I'm an avid movie-goer. I have a membership to my local theater, so I check out most movies that come through. I saw Wicked eight times in the theater! I also love to go to the Newport Aquarium or the Cincinnati Zoo with my best friend and her son Waylen, whom I call my nephew.

About the Employee Spotlight

Each month, a Kenton County Fiscal Court department leader nominates an employee for the "Employee Spotlight" recognition. Nominees are chosen for their exemplary job performance and dedication to making Kenton County the best place to live, work and raise your family in Kentucky.

In nominating Sgt. Slaughter, Marc Fields, Kenton County jailer, said:

“Sgt. Slaughter is someone we can always count on to tackle challenges head-on. Her resourcefulness and calm under pressure have made a significant impact on both her team and the facility."

Congratulations, Sgt. Slaughter, on the January 2025 Employee Spotlight recognition!