DIAMONDHEAD, Miss.—Diamondhead city leaders plan to hire a police chief this month as the city moves closer to creating its own municipal police department.
The city has contracted with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services since Diamondhead was established in 2012. City Manager Jon McCraw said creating a city police department has always been part of the long-term plan, but it was not financially viable when Diamondhead first incorporated.
“It’s just something we’ve always planned on doing, and just now it’s gotten to the point where we feel like it’s time that we should grow up like a city,” McCraw said.
After a police chief is hired, city officials expect the chief to hire eight officers and additional staff as needed. McCraw said residents will not pay extra for equipment because much of it has already been purchased, and officer salaries will continue to be funded through Diamondhead residents’ tax dollars.
The change is not expected to affect emergency response times. McCraw said Diamondhead’s department will continue to operate through the Hancock County dispatch system, and residents should receive the same level of law enforcement service.
“They’ll still call if they have problems, and we will be here to help and maintain the safety of the city and its residents,” McCraw said.
The city is still deciding where the department will be married. Engineers are looking at renovating space inside Diamondhead City Hall, including adding an evidence room and armory. City officials have also discussed moving the department to a wing of the Diamondhead Community Center, although those plans are still in the early stages.
McCraw said vehicles, firearms and other equipment are already available from purchases the city made in 2012 for sheriff’s deputies assigned to Diamondhead.
Former Diamondhead Police Chief A.J. Gambino said he is looking forward to seeing the department operate on its own. Gambino, who still lives in Diamondhead, said he believes a city-run department can better serve the community.
“When you’re a city, you’re expected by your citizens to provide certain services,” Gambino said. “I believe it’s time that they feel going forward they can do a better job of running that police force and going forward and benefiting this city.”
Hancock County Sheriff Johnny Alison said the county will not be involved in developing the department, but the Sheriff’s Office will remain available if Diamondhead needs help.
“The law enforcement agency will still assist them if they… would need anything from us, we would be helpful and happy to provide them whatever assistance they need,” Alison said. “Pretty much anything they need, we’re just a phone call away.”
McCraw expects the department to begin operations in early September.
This article first appeared on RHCJC and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
