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Department of Public Safety Repository

MISSISSIPPI DPS
Guardian of Public Safety

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The men and women of the Department of Public Safety have been protecting Mississippians for over 86 years. Here are some of their stories.

Explore Our Legacy: DPS Through the Years

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This image captures two Mississippi Highway patrolmen through the rear view mirror shortly after the creation of the department. This website was created to essentially do the same: look back in time and document the history of DPS as it has evolved over the years.

Our Mission

This website serves as an educational resource dedicated to highlighting the history of our state law enforcement agency. We aim to preserve and present our past through images, videos, and testimonials. Our objective is to inform the public about the agency's evolution and significant milestones, fostering a deeper understanding of Mississippi law enforcement history. DPS is constantly striving to improve public safety for residents while adapting to a changing world and new technologies.

Mississippi Highway Patrol Department of Public Safety Mississippi Law Enforcement History

History: The Beginning

On April 1, 1938, Governor Hugh L. White created the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol after he signed Senate Bill 161 into law. The MHSP (now known as the Mississippi Highway Patrol) was under the supervision of a newly established Commissioner of Public Safety. This marked the beginning of organized state-level highway enforcement in Mississippi. The MHSP would later expand to become the state Department of Public Safety. Over the years, DPS has transformed and adapted to the evolving public safety needs of Mississippians.

Exploring the History of State Law Enforcement

Exploring the History of State Law Enforcement

Exploring the History of State Law Enforcement

State law enforcement has a rich and complex history that reflects the evolution of society itself. From the early days of colonial America to the modern era, the role of law enforcement has changed dramatically. This post will focus primarily on the history and evolution of Mississippi's state law enforcement agency, from its early days in the late 1930s to the present day. Retrieved from DPS Archives The Early Days of Law Enforcement In the early days of America, law enforc

Key Milestones of DPS

Key Milestones of DPS

Key Milestones of DPS

There have been significant milestones in the history of the state Department of Public Safety, established in 1938 after Gov. Hugh L. White signed Senate Bill 161 into law. DPS is now in its 87th year of operation. The origins of the state Department of Public Safety date back to the establishment of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol (MHSP), with expansions over the decades to address evolving public safety needs. Below is a chronological list of key milestones based on

Testimonials from State Law Enforcement

Testimonials from State Law Enforcement

Testimonials from State Law Enforcement

Looking in the rear view mirror at the history of DPS as told by the men and women who served. DPS Archives In every community, there are unsung heroes who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. These individuals work tirelessly, often facing danger and uncertainty. They are the state law enforcement officers who protect and serve with unwavering commitment Today, we will share powerful testimonials from these heroes, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and triumphs

DPS Photo Archives

Hurricane Katrina

Fallen Officers

Old HQ

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina

DPS officials took several pictures of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina after the massive storm slammed into the Mississippi Coast.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina

Two Troopers survey the damage after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina

DPS officials took several pictures of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina after the massive storm slammed into the Mississippi Coast.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina

DPS officials took several pictures of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina after the massive storm slammed into the Mississippi Coast.

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Trooper Tommy E. Kendall

Trooper Tommy E. Kendall

EOW: May 16, 1966

Trooper H.L. Duckworth

Trooper H.L. Duckworth

EOW: August 19, 1959

Fallen Officers

Fallen Officers

Newspaper clipping

Trooper Tommy E. Kendall

Trooper Tommy E. Kendall

EOW: May 16, 1966

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Construction Old HQ 1974

Construction Old HQ 1974

Describe your image

Construction Old HQ 1974

Construction Old HQ 1974

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The Beginnings

New HQ

Vicksburg Tornado 1953

1st Cadet Class 1938

1st Cadet Class 1938

Describe your image

1st Cadet Class 1938

1st Cadet Class 1938

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New DPS HQ

New DPS HQ

The building architects, Eley Guild Hardy Architects, designed the new headquarters to incorporate access to perimeter windows and daylight throughout the building, as well as shared meeting rooms, conference spaces, rest area

New DPS HQ

New DPS HQ

The building architects, Eley Guild Hardy Architects, designed the new headquarters to incorporate access to perimeter windows and daylight throughout the building, as well as shared meeting rooms, conference spaces, rest area

New DPS HQ

New DPS HQ

New DPS HQ

New DPS HQ

The building architects, Eley Guild Hardy Architects, designed the new headquarters to incorporate access to perimeter windows and daylight throughout the building, as well as shared meeting rooms, conference spaces, rest area

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Vicksburg Tornado 1953

Vicksburg Tornado 1953

MHP confirmed reports of the tornado less than 20 minutes after it struck. Personnel responded quickly to the City of Vicksburg where they helped in rescue and restoration efforts. The following are pictures captured at the time.

Vicksburg Tornado

Vicksburg Tornado

Christmas decorations still hang above the streets of Vicksburg after a powerful F5 tornado ravaged the city in December of 1953.

Vicksburg Tornado 1953

Vicksburg Tornado 1953

Relief workers serve food and hot drinks from a pickup truck during recovery efforts following the December 5 tornado. The people and organizations pictured have not been identified.

Vicksburg Tornado 1953

Vicksburg Tornado 1953

MHP confirmed reports of the tornado less than 20 minutes after it struck. Personnel responded quickly to the City of Vicksburg where they helped in rescue and restoration efforts. The following are pictures captured at the time.

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Featured Clips

Fallen Officers Memorial 2026

Fallen Officers Memorial 2026

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