City of Diamondhead preparing to launch municipal police department

Diamondhead is preparing to hire a police chief this month as the city moves closer to launching its own municipal police department.

Kristen Kaylor with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center explains what the change means for residents.

Diamondhead has relied on the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services since the city was established in 2012.

Now, city leaders are moving forward with a long-term goal: creating a municipal police department.

City Manager Jon McCraw says the city wanted its own department from the beginning, but it was not financially possible at the time. “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 as a city.”

In addition to a police chief, the department will also have eight officers and support staff.

McCraw says residents will not pay extra for equipment because the city has already purchased much of what the department will need, including vehicles and firearms.

Now, the city is also looking at where the department will be married.

Engineers are reviewing possible renovations inside Diamondhead City Hall, including space for an evidence room and armory.

Former Diamondhead Police Chief A.J. Gambino says having a city-run department will give Diamondhead more independence. “When you’re a city, you’re expected by your citizens to provide certain services. 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 says the county won’t be involved in building the new department, but the Sheriff’s Office will still be 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.”

Diamondhead will continue using the Hancock County dispatch system, so McCraw says response times should stay the same. “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.”