Pubdate: Sat, 16 Apr 2005
Source: Picayune Item (MS)
Copyright: 2005 The Picayune Item
Contact:  http://www.picayuneitem.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1309
Author: Deputy Chief David R. Ervin
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

ON PATROL WITH PICAYUNE POLICE

The Picayune Police Department officially began a new drug education 
program, D.R.U.M. (Drug Resistance Using Music) this past month.

The drug education program performed by School Resource Officer Darby 
Shelton has been well received in the Picayune School District, and we will 
introduce the program into the surrounding school districts as soon as 
possible. Officer Shelton has performed for the Hancock County High School 
this past month with a goal to spread the program across South Mississippi.

The D.R.U.M. program is also available to church youth groups and other 
teen organizations. To request the program contact Lt. Caesar Jones 
601-798-0374, so the schedule can be worked out for your requested 
performance. The City of Picayune and sponsors such as Dub Herring Ford and 
Paw Paw Camper City support the D.R.U.M. Program. Schedule your performance 
as soon as possible to avoid delays in scheduling.

Also on March 31, the Picayune Police Department D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse 
Resistance Education) program graduated nearly 300 sixth grade students 
from the Picayune School District.

Also on April 9, Picayune Police sponsored the second Dare to Ride, Ride 
for D.A.R.E. a semi-annual fundraiser motorcycle ride. Watch for the next 
scheduled fundraiser motorcycle ride date in late October or early 
November. The drug education programs are very successful and have educated 
numerous students on the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

On April 7, the Pearl River Crime Stoppers line was officially started so 
persons can call the Crime Stoppers Line 601-798-CLUE (2583) to report 
information on crime anonymously and possibly receive a reward for calling. 
This is a proven system and has helped law enforcement many times in many 
areas. The crime of the month is the June 1998 murder of Leola Jordan at 
her Washington Street home in Picayune. If you have any information that 
would lead to the arrest and conviction of the criminal or criminals that 
committed this brutal crime please call 601-798-2583. You do not have to 
give your name or become involved at all in the case, just give the 
information.

During the month of March officers of the Picayune Police Department 
responded to 2,724 calls for service, made nine felony drug arrest, 14 
misdemeanor drug arrests, 38 warrant arrests, 58 misdemeanor crime arrests, 
and made seven felony arrests for crimes against persons or property. The 
Traffic Division of the police department issued 43 hazardous moving 
violations, 101 non-hazardous moving violations, four child restraint 
violations, and six DUI violations.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman