Mayor Jones Strengthens Police Force With New Officers, Boat

Jul 5th, 2006

Mayor Sam Jones, along with interim police Chief Lester Hargrove, introduced 32 new officers to the force at a ceremony. Since graduating from the police academy, the officers have gone through 14 weeks in the FTO (Field Training Officer) Program. During that time, the newly sworn officers ride with another more experienced veteran who monitors their progress.

“We are proud to strengthen the Mobile Police force with these 32 new officers,” said Mayor Jones. “This is another way that we are putting the safety and security of our citizens first.”

Each officer will receive his own take home vehicle. This is a way to increase the security of a police presence throughout the city. The 32 officers have been assigned to the four city precincts. The breakdown is:

• First Precinct – 8 new officers
• Second Precinct – 10 new officers
• Third Precinct – 4 new officers
• Fourth Precinct – 10 new officers

Mayor Jones also unveiled the first Mobile Police Department patrol boat. The boat has been made available through the MPD/FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force. MPD will use the boat to patrol the Mobile River, specifically for cruise ship security and for port patrol.