As the Manning Police Department welcomes several new officers to its ranks, The Manning Times is taking a closer look at the people behind the badges. In the first installment of this three-part series, meet Officer Tityana Evans, a Manning High School graduate whose path to law enforcement began right here at home.
Officer Tityana Evans has spent most of her life in Clarendon County. Now, she is beginning a career dedicated to serving the community she calls home.
The 22-year-old Manning High School graduate recently joined the Manning Police Department after completing training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
Evans graduated from Manning High School in 2022 and spent more than two years working at the Clarendon County Detention Center while preparing for a career in law enforcement.
"I always wanted to be a police officer," Evans said.
That career path began at F.E. DuBose Career Center, although not exactly as planned.
Evans originally enrolled in nursing classes before a friend encouraged her to try the law enforcement program. After making the switch, she quickly realized she had found the right fit.
"I enjoyed it more," she said. "I was like, 'Yeah, I want to do law enforcement.'"
Now, she is beginning field training with the Manning Police Department, where she will work alongside experienced officers before eventually patrolling on her own.
For Evans, the most rewarding part of the profession will be the opportunity to help others.
"Making this community better," she said. "Wherever I can help out, whatever I can do for it."
She also hopes young people will see her journey as proof that age should not stand in the way of pursuing a career.
"You can be young and start that big job," Evans said. "You don't have to be old or at a certain age to start a career."
Outside of work, Evans is the mother of a 1-year-old daughter and credits her family's support for helping her balance motherhood and professional goals. The youngest of six sisters, Evans said her family has been behind her every step of the way.
Her mother, in particular, has been one of her biggest supporters.
"She texts me every day and tells me how proud she is," Evans said.
Manning Police Chief Sean Briley said Evans' determination stood out from the moment she joined the department.
In more than two decades of law enforcement, Briley said he has seldom encountered someone so dedicated to reaching a goal while also managing the demands of raising a young child.
"I have never seen somebody work so hard to accomplish what she's accomplished," Briley said. "She has been phenomenal."
As Evans begins her law enforcement career, Briley said he is confident she will make a positive impact on the department and the community she serves.
For Evans, the goal is simple: give back to the hometown that helped shape her and serve as an example for other young people pursuing their own dreams.
