The Ridgeland Police Department exists to serve the community and to partner with the community in providing public safety services that enhance quality of life.

Administation

The Administration division includes the Chief of Police Office, Training, Purchasing, Crime Prevention, COMPSTAT (a statistical report generated every Monday for the previous weeks outlining crime activity), Grants, Vehicle Management and Inventory Control.

Animal Control Unit

The Animal Control Unit consists of two officers who are responsible for enforcing all ordinances relating to Animals and Fowl within the city.

Crime Prevention Unit

The Crime Prevention Unit is available for neighborhood meetings and presentations. Neighborhoods who want to establish Neighborhood Watch Groups may contact the Crime Prevention Unit for information. This unit also promotes National Night Out Against Crime.

Criminal Investigations Division

Ridgeland’s Criminal Investigations Division consists of eight detectives, including one Lieutenant, one Detective Sergeant, and six detectives, as well as one administrative assistant and one evidence manager. Two of the eight detectives are narcotics detectives, assigned to investigate illegal drug activity.  All incoming criminal cases reported to the Ridgeland Police Department are reviewed daily by the Division Commander. Those cases which are classified as felony crimes or serious misdemeanors are assigned to a detective for follow-up investigation. During an investigation, detectives conduct interviews with victims, witnesses, and suspects and analyze available evidence to determine what occurred in a crime and if there is enough probable cause to make an arrest. Ridgeland’s detectives also process crime scenes, determining what evidence is of value and utilizing proper collection techniques for handling valuable evidence. They routinely prepare affidavits for arrest and search warrants and serve those warrants. Detectives prepare the cases for presentation to the Grand Jury and on a monthly basis, testify before the Grand Jury and present their evidence for indictment.

The evidence manager is responsible for all incoming evidence and property in the police department. Duties include maintaining evidence logs and inventory, managing the intake and labeling, safe-keeping and storage, and disposition. The inventory system shows the proper chain of custody and ensures accurate accountability of all evidence and property. The storage of evidence is required for court testimony as well as for the delivery of evidence to the Mississippi State Crime Laboratory for analysis.

A telephone line is dedicated within the Crime Investigation Division to be used as an Anonymous Tip Line, 601-853-2006.  Anyone with information about any illegal activity may call this number without being identified as a source.  Callers are encouraged to leave as much information as possible including identification or location of a criminal and/or location of criminal or suspected criminal activity.  Any and all information, observations, knowledge and suspicions are encouraged and will be kept confidential.  If he chooses, a caller has the option of leaving his name and phone number on the answering machine at the Anonymous Tip Line. 

Municipal Court Services

Municipal Court Services are located at 115 West School Street.  They are responsible for scheduling court dates and processing fines. Two warrant officers are assigned to the Court Services Division.  All misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings of felony cases are heard at the Municipal Court.  Copies of accident reports and records checks may be obtained through our Records Unit, located in the Municipal Court section of Police Department Headquarters, (601) 853-2001, the cost per copy is $5.00.

Patrol Division

The Patrol Division of the Ridgeland Police Department is made up of 60 sworn officers. During each shift they patrol businesses and neighborhoods and answer calls for service. They also deal with domestic disputes, traffic violations and vehicle accidents. It has been found that high visibility of law enforcement decreases criminal activity; therefore, the Ridgeland Police strive to be seen and recognized throughout the city while patrolling.  

 Two School Resource Officers are assigned full-time to Olde Towne Middle School and Ridgeland High School. They lead the D.A.R.E programs and deal with personal and behavioral problems in the schools. They keep the schools safe by patrolling the grounds throughout the day.

 Two Community Police Officers are the citizens’ link to the city departments. Begun in the Fall of 2006, this program is currently being used in a few forward thinking metropolitan areas. Community Police Officers address minor neighborhood issues, ensuring accurate and efficient communication with city departments. Their work to resolve non-emergency inquiries frees patrol officers to focus on the more critical issues. They can frequently be seen walking the neighborhoods, stopping to chat with residents. Their goal is to enhance public safety, listen and respond to concerns, and be a valuable source of information for citizens.

 The DUI Officer patrols for drunk and otherwise impaired drivers.

 The K-9 Officer is aided by Robby, a canine officer trained in drug detection, and who also aids in tracking fleeing suspects.

Four Booking Officers are in charge of processing prisoners and ensuring their custody and safety while in jail. They also handle walk-in reports at the station and reports of lost or stolen property.  Fingerprinting is available through the Booking Unit, located in Police Department headquarters, (601) 853-2005, the cost per fingerprint card is $10.00.

When a citizen goes on vacation, leaving his house for a specified length of time, he can call the Public Safety and Information Hotline at (601) 856-2121, and an officer will check their house on a scheduled basis.

Reserves

The Reserve Unit is currently made up of six volunteers, who have completed state-mandated training for certification by the Board of Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training as full- or part-time law enforcement officers.  Each member of this select group satisfies a 16-hour monthly duty requirement, helping with regular patrols, special events, undercover operations, bicycle patrol, and working in the dispatch center.   Reserve police officers have all the responsibilities and arrest powers of full-time officers, but receive no compensation for their service.  They are also required to complete 16 hours of continuing education each year. Anyone with a passion for their community and a servant’s heart is welcome to apply for the Police Reserves.

SWAT Division

The Special Weapons and Tactics division is a team within the Ridgeland Police Department specially trained to handle high-risk situations. They deal with high-risk arrest warrants, high-risk search warrants, armed and/or fortified subjects, hostage situations, and protection details. They are also prepared for natural disasters and terrorist events. The S.W.A.T team is equipped with highly specialized tools and equipment, and members are rigorously trained to have the highest level of proficiency in dealing with these situations. In addition to their regular duty assignments as Ridgeland Police Officers and extra training requirements for the SWAT team, they are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Training

The Training Division of the Ridgeland Police Department handles the education and training of incoming and current officers.  New police recruits are required to complete a week-long orientation of department policies and procedures,  320 hours of supervised instruction on day and night shifts with a Certified Field Training Officer, a ten-week training program at the State Police Academy, and a phase of intensive evaluation before being released for solo patrol.  Current officers are required by the State to receive a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education each year to stay on the cutting edge of the latest in training and information. 

FAQ

Q:   When should I call 911? 
A:  911 calls should be made in the following instances:  reporting crimes in progress, aggravated assault, rape, robberies, or vehicle accidents with injuries. Other non-emergency calls can be made to the Public Safety and Information Hotline at 601-856-2121.  Calls can be made to this number concerning auto theft, larceny, gas drive offs, animal control, vehicle accidents with no injuries, and reports of suspicious behavior. Citizens are also encouraged to call this number with any questions they have about the police department.

 Q:   What are the penalties for littering?
 A:   If observed littering, a police officer can pull over a citizen, issue a standing arrest, and the citizen will be taken to court. Littering can include anything from plastic bottles to paper to cigarette butts.  

Q:   When can I call Animal Control? 
A:   Animal Control is not the stereotypical “dog catcher”. You can call and report a missing animal. Many pets are reunited with their owners because the owners called Animal Control. If the general location is known, they will help you look for your pet, too.

NOTE: The Ridgeland Police Department does not test for driver's licenses. This must be done by the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol. They may be contacted at (601) 987-1212. They are located at 1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS.