The Tunica County Sheriff's Office mourns the loss of former Sheriff, John J. Pickett III. Pickett began his career in law enforcement as an officer of the Town of Tunica Police Department, working closely with Sheriff Monteith. Pickett later served as a Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Monteith. Pickett was the second African American to be elected as a Supervisor of Tunica County. John J. Pickett III was elected as Sheriff of Tunica County in 1990 and served until the spring of 1999.

Sheriff Pickett was the first African American to be elected Sheriff of Tunica County.  Sheriff Hamp personally thanks former Sheriff John Pickett for being a special friend and "Big Brother" and for allowing him the opportunity to participate at the Sheriff's Office as early as high school. Sheriff Hamp stated, "I could not have launched my career in law enforcement without Sheriff Pickett. Without him, this all may not have been possible." Pickett was a law enforcement officer, administrator, and friend. Our flag will fly at half-mast as we and many others mourn the loss of a man who served Tunica County.