WXXV 25’s Jordyn Lassiter rides along with Gulfport Police Department – National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

To honor National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, WXXV 25’s Jordyn Lassiter shadowed Gulfport PD to experience a police officer’s daily life.

She got paired with the narcotics team as they monitor drug and gun activity in Gulfport. It didn’t take long before they were in pursuit—a duo suspected of being involved in a drug deal.

The narcotics department is a specialized unit, dedicated to serving and protecting its community every day. Public perception of law enforcement is often clouded by misconceptions, with many outsiders overlooking the complexity and diversity of its operations.

As the United States grapples with a police officer shortage, the future of law enforcement depends heavily on the younger generation. However, many in this demographic harbor negative perceptions of the profession. Lt. Jason Ducre hopes to change that by encouraging young people to explore the diverse career paths and opportunities within law enforcement—roles they might find both meaningful and exciting.