The Hattiesburg City Council’s resolution supporting the Police Department was “a thoughtful and meaningful gesture,” according to Police Chief Anthony Parker.
The resolution, crafted by Ward 4 Councilwoman Mary Dryden, was approved during the City Council meeting Tuesday. Parker said he appreciates the city’s support.
“Today, when so many are looking to cast a negative light on law enforcement, it’s a great honor to know that the Hattiesburg City Council stands behind us and appreciates our dedication to providing a safe environment for the citizens of Hattiesburg,” he said. “The Hattiesburg Police Department's goal is to work together with employees, the City Council, and citizens to make the City of Hattiesburg the premier city of the Gulf South.”
Founded in 1903, The Hattiesburg Police Department was commended in the resolution for its officers’ bravery, conviction, and training.
“Hattiesburg police officers put their lives on the line each day, facing the uncertain challenges, dangers, and threats that come with a career in law enforcement,” the resolution read. “The Hattiesburg Police Department has felt very deeply the loss of six fellow officers throughout its history; and … Hattiesburg police officers are among the most well-trained law enforcement professionals in the region.”
The Police Department was the first Mississippi law enforcement agency to earn accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. The resolution said the department also stands out in the city because of its “diversity, social responsibility, accountability, quality and authentic customer service, hard work, teamwork and continuous improvement.”
Fourteen training academy graduates recently became one of the largest classes to join the Hattiesburg Police Department in several years. The City Council also approved a three-year award from U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program to fund four more police officers for three years for $653,349 – $490,012 federal and $163,337 local.