Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Joshua “Josh” Stinson joined the Mississippi Department of Public Safety on July 15, 2024. Shortly after beginning his new role, his wife, Kelsi, encountered a sudden and severe medical crisis. After an incredibly difficult two-and-a-half-month battle in the hospital, Kelsi passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024. This profound loss has left a lasting impact on Josh’s life. Due to the timing of Kelsi’s illness and Josh’s recent start date, the family does not qualify for benefits and has endured over two months without income, along with many unexpected expenses, as Josh remained by Kelsi’s side throughout her fight. If you would like to support Josh and his family during this difficult time, please consider donating through the link below. All contributions will go directly to help with the family’s expenses. Thank you for your support. Please continue to keep Josh, his family, and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Did you know that you’re more likely to be killed from an opioid overdose than a car accident? Today, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics spoke to students at Rosa Scott High School about the dangers of drug use and encouraged students to always say no and never take medication unless it’s prescribed to them. Students also had the opportunity to hear from Mrs. Codie Rodenbaugh, whose son, Parker, tragically lost his life at 22 due to an illicit drug. Recently, Mrs. Rodenbaugh worked with legislators to create “Parker’s Law,” passed in 2022, which enforces strict penalties on drug dealers who knowingly sell fentanyl resulting in death. Fentanyl is a dangerous substance and has harmed countless lives. By investing in our youth, we empower future leaders to make safe, informed choices. Together we can enhance public safety across the state.

🔍 It's #CyberTipThursday and here are your tips for how to be safe online when scanning QR Codes! 🚨 Tip of the Day: Use your phone's built-in camera app instead of third-party apps. Most smartphones have a built-in QR scanner that’s more secure and less likely to expose you to risks. 🚨 Malicious schemes like "Quishing" can trick you into scanning bad QR codes that can lead to fake websites or download malware. Protect yourself by following these tips & tricks: 🔍 Verify: Always check the web address after scanning. Look for typos or odd characters that signal a scam. 🛡️Authenticate: • Always double-check the code for authenticity and that it is through a trusted channel. • If payment info is requested, contact the company directly through their official site or phone number, just to be safe. 🚫Avoid: • Don't enter personal or financial info on sites accessed via QR codes. • Do not download apps or files directly from QR codes. Stay vigilant and protect your personal information—your online safety is in your hands! 📱🚫 #CyberSecurityAwareness #StaySafeOnline #MississippiOfficeOfHomelandSecurity #MississippiCyberUnit #CyberMonth2024

Mississippi 🤝 Alabama The Mississippi Highway Patrol and Commercial Transportation Enforcement Division partnered with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency last week in a saturation detail along Highway 82 to enforce traffic safety and protect drivers along our roadways. 🚔 Great work everyone!

Looks like our friend "Trooper" Jason had the chance to meet some more Mississippi Highway Patrol! We noticed you're still proudly wearing your special "wing pin." 👏 Troopers King and Moore enjoyed meeting Jason and his family while on the Mississippi coast. Jason is a dedicated fan of law enforcement and dispatch. Thank you, Jason, for your continued support! 💙

Heartwarming!! 💙 Mississippi Highway Patrol State Trooper, Chad Turner, had the privilege of meeting this special guy a few days ago while on the coast! Jason is a big fan of law enforcement and was thrilled when Trooper Turner gave him his special "wings pin"! 💪 A small act of kindness can make a huge impact. Thank you all for your support, “Trooper” Jason, and we hope to see you again soon! #kindnessmatters

Exciting news for Capitol Police! 🚔 Today we held the ribbon cutting for their new HQ in Jackson. Thank you to Governor Tate Reeves, the Mississippi Legislature, Department of Finance and Administration, and Capitol Police for all they’ve done to make this happen. This facility is a testament to the trust placed in all of us to prioritize public safety and combat crime in our capital city.

Today, Commissioner Sean Tindell announced the rollout for the new Intoxilyzer 9000 machines across the state. “We are excited about this rollout and eager to get these machines to agencies across the state,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “As technology continues to evolve, it’s our responsibility to provide law enforcement with the most current tools to maintain and enhance public safety.” This machine will replace the Intoxilyzer 8000 instruments which were purchased more than 20 years ago. The Intoxilyzer 9000 is a modern infrared-based breath alcohol instrument designed for mobile or stationary use and will enhance performance, accuracy, precision, and interferent detection. The process of acquiring the new equipment began in October 2023 and has continued to significantly progress. Distribution and training through the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory for the Intoxilyzer 9000 is expected to begin during the week of September 16th, with 4-hour training blocks offered to law enforcement representatives statewide. Currently, 82 Intoxilyzer 9000 units are ready to be deployed to law enforcement agencies across Mississippi, and MDPS anticipates securing an additional 150 units soon. “Over the recent months, we have worked diligently for this launch, and we are very happy that our go-live days are upon us,” said Director of the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory Mary Jones Dukes. “I would like to personally thank everyone that supported this project.”

The National Rifle Association Police Shooting Championship kicked off this morning at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers' Training Academy! This morning, during the opening ceremony, Governor Tate Reeves unveiled the new plaque naming the “Lt. Colonel Pat Cronin Firing Range.” Director Cronin has played a key role in this competition over the years with multiple National Championships under his belt. Congratulations and thank you for your leadership and service to Mississippi! 👏 Good luck to all competing this year‼️

🚨It’s Friday! You know what that means… another round of DPS Fast Q Friday! 🚨 Lt. Colonel Matt Lott love his Ole Miss Football team, scared of snakes, and has challenged someone he really looks up to… Jamie Puckett! 👀 See y’all next Friday!