MDOT law enforcement absorbed by Department of Public Safety

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Beginning July 1, Mississippi Department of Transportation law enforcement responsibilities will be under control of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Commissioner Sean Tindell this week announced the formation of the team that will facilitate the transition — MDOT acting Executive Director Jeffrey Altman, Mississippi Highway Patrol director Col. Randy Ginn, MDOT Office of Enforcement director Chief Willie Huff and Tindell.

The passage of Senate Bill 2825 moves the MDOT law enforcement branch to MDPS. Effective July 1, MDPS will assume MDOT’s $16 million law enforcement budget and 234 full-time employees, as well as create a new commercial trucking enforcement division.

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“I feel confident that the representatives from both agencies will work together to ensure a seamless transfer of law enforcement responsibilities from MDOT to DPS,” said Tindell. “Ultimately, the transition will allow us to more effectively serve the residents of the state as we strive to create a safer Mississippi.”

“MDOT will work with DPS to make the transition as smooth as possible,” said Altman. “Our departments both have the same goal: ensuring the safety of the people of Mississippi. When our agencies work together, it benefits everyone. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with DPS in the years ahead.”