Hattiesburg Mayor wants volunteers?

March 26, 2005 on 7:11 pm | In News, Opinion |

The growing police shortage, and high turnover is a problem in Hattiesburg. Johnny Dupree thinks he has the answer. A volunteer auxiliary police force that will pick up where the regular police officers can’t fill in.

“We will continue our focus on public safety with the addition of an auxiliary force of volunteers to conduct routine traffic control and event security duties which will be able to free the police for more critical functions,” DuPree said Thursday night in his annual State of the City address.

From what I read, these police officers will have to raise money for their own cars, weapons, and even clothes. They also will not get paid. I don’t know why anyone would want to do this first of all, and secondly, I don’t know who would want to put their lives in the hands of a part-time police officer. Firefighting is one thing, but the house never shoots back. Am I wrong on this or does this sound like the answer to our police force shortage? Anyone here want to do this?

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  1. Reserves are good for taking gas drive offs petit larceny’s etc. That would save alot of time spent by officers going to all the gas drive offs we have. The City of Hattiesburg averages 5-8 gas drive offs a day and about 5-8 other petit larceny’s bikes, beer thefts, cell phones etc. All we will have on the streets is volunteer’s after the mayor’s election if the outcome is not good

    Comment by savehattiesburg — March 26, 2005 #

  2. Reserves are a liability. If you consider the fact that Hattiesburg officers spend 13 weeks of intensive training to become an officer, how can it possibly make sense to suit up an un-trained person who is “volunteering” to do this type of work? There are plenty of “want-to-be’s” out there who will jump at this opportunity if it is approved, but that’s the scary part! These are people who couldn’t make it through a Police Academy or ones who didn’t have the drive to try and go through one. And we are going to let them carry a gun??? It’s really pitiful it has come to this in Hattiesburg. How sad….

    Comment by Visitor — March 30, 2005 #

  3. That was the point I was trying to get across. Along with the fact that making each officer work for free and raise his/her own money for equipment is ridiculous.

    Event security is where a lot of police officers make extra money to supplement what they take home from the city.

    Comment by aaron — March 30, 2005 #

  4. Boy this scares me. What you get with this is a bunch of guys who only want to ride with certified officers and carry a gun. They care nothing about being involved with the community because it is all about the “fun” aspect in law enforcement. Nothing good comes for free which is true in this case. You get what you pay for. To be an effecient and professional officer you need alot of training which they will not have. The lawsuits will be through the roof.

    Comment by thetruth13 — March 31, 2005 #

  5. That would be my first thought as well. Untrained people with guns, working working in high pressure situations. And events are exactly the place where crowds can get out of hand quickly. That’s when the lawsuits will come.

    Comment by F150 — March 31, 2005 #

  6. I’ll tell you another reason I don’t like reserves. When you’re out doing your job and one of them is along with you, you tend to forget that they don’t have the same training as you. You become complacent feeling that they are watching your back in a situation. Before you know it something happens and you’re lucky if you don’t get killed. I could go on all day about why reserves are just to much of a liablility. It doesn’t suprise me that the Mayor wants this. Just another one of his blunders.

    Comment by thetruth13 — March 31, 2005 #

  7. To some extent these comments are true but I know for a fact the reserve officer concept can work and work really well. I came from a town where there were reserve officers..and that town had a top notch police department. I was a reserve and believe me we had the same training as the other paid officers. It is mandadated by state law that reserve officers have to attend a certified police academy and has to attain the minimum standard police training….then the department I came from also had monthly training days….it was the regular street officers AND the reserves. If you did not attend you were written up and you did not work with the department again until you received the training you missed. We were also allowed to attend training classes throughout the state and other neighboring states but we had to pay for the classes ourselves or sometimes the reserve unit would pay for you to attend the classes. We bought most of our own equipment but the big stuff was bought with reserve funds….the funds were raised by the reserves through fund-raisers. Alot of times the reserves did get paid details that other regular officers did not want or they assisted on details where their were not enough regular officers to work. The reserve was then paid and the money was put into the reserve account. When you were accepted as a reserve officer you had to pass the same physical, mental, criminal history and credit checks that the officers had to pass. If the program is run right it can be an asset to a department..but only quality applicants should be accepted…some people want to do police work but just can’t make it their full time job….the pay just isn’t there if you have a family you are going to try and support.

    Comment by visitor — March 31, 2005 #

  8. Well, I can definitely see it working in a town that has a well-run police department. One that doesn’t need the reserves. My problem is, I think Hattiesburg is going to use these reserves as “fill-ins” for real police officers. If managed properly though, I think having a reserve system is a good idea. Who knows if it will be managed properly though.

    Comment by aaron — March 31, 2005 #

  9. To the two previous post…Yes, I too can see where it could be a big service to the citizens if it is run right….the problem is the “real” police isn’t being run right…they are only being “RUN” out of town! Lord does this town need a change in administration! but that is another story!!!

    Comment by visitor — March 31, 2005 #

  10. It is sad that Hattiesburg P.D. has come to this. I am a former Hattiesburg Police Officer. I left because I refuse to work under the currect police and city administration. The reason there is a man power shortage is because so many of my brothers(in law enforcement) feel the same way. Everytime someone says something about manpower, the Chief or the Mayor respond with a coment about military activations. I know the Hattiesburg public is smart enough to observe other police depts. They have activations, but they don’t have our problems. The mass exodus at HPD is conditionally related to Chief David Wynn, Major Hardy Simms, Mayor Kenneth Fairley, and CEO Johnny Dupree.
    Prior to the present administration HPD was the premier PD in the state. Now, other law enforcement acquaintances of mine, laugh when they hear it’s name. Scores of good, veteran officers have left. Its time to do something

    Comment by xo — March 31, 2005 #

  11. i am a reserve officer, and have been for 15 years. true, i did not attend a 13 week course,however i did attend a 280 hr. reserve course put on by usm and the hattiesburg police force. of course this was back when hattiesburg had a police force. the training was intense and very professional. i had a full time job and attended classes every saturday for 10 hrs. per class. i then was assigned a training officer (just like the REAL police)just because i work for free, does not mean that i am less a officer than the full time officers. if you will check some of the large cities i.e. LA. you will find that they are an important addition to thier force. yes, we raised money for our unit because we did not want to be a burden on the tax payers. we wanted to give back to the community. i`m sure there are some cowboy reserve officers out there, but there are a whole lot more of us who would lay down thier lives for thier brother officers, or citizens. we are not wanna be rena a cops. we work full time jobs and have families. we just want to make a difference. if you ain`t been there, you don`t know what you are talkinf about.

    Comment by ynotme297 — March 31, 2005 #

  12. Well, I’m sorry but I just don’t like the reserve concept. While there may be few who will do a good job and actually contribute the majority will not. I’m just speaking from experience. Being a police officer requires more than just being there. You have to be dedicated to your job and have a desire to do well in the community. You will never get full dedication from someone working for free, unless they have a desire to go further in the law enforcement field. There will be some who do a good job and actually attend the training offered. But the majority won’t care about anything but the prestige of wearing a uniform. Many will have the attitude of “What are they gonna do? Fire free help.” This is dangerous if you’re supposed to be protecting others.

    Comment by thetruth13 — March 31, 2005 #

  13. Is this what the Hattiesburg police dept. has come to? That is a crying shame. Well i left the police dept because of the new administration and boy am i glad i did. Putting reserve officers on the streets is a bad choice. Citizens of Hattiesburg i ask you, do you want non paid, non trained, wanna bee’s protecting your neighborhoods? I didnt think so. The city will be in debt up to its ears in a few short years from all the law suits that will follow. I was proud a few years back to tell people i worked for HPD. Now it is the laughing stock of the state. When people ask where i come from im ashamed to tell them i ever had anything to do with HPD. People thats what you get when you hire a chief outside of an agency. I know of nine officers presently seeking employment else where so they can leave the police Dept. Its not for better pay or anything else Its because of the top three running the dept.People of Hattiesburg you need to wake up to all the lies the mayor an the chief are telling you and voice your opinions. Oh yeah by the way, crime is not down in the city, i can promise you that. Wake up

    Comment by Thomas — April 1, 2005 #

  14. Being a veteran of the Hattiesburg P.D., before and after the present admin., let me fill you (the citizens) in on the “crime is down” issue. I always love to see stats that burglaries are down. Here is the real reason why…Used to, when someone threw a brick through the front window of a business and evidence led officers to believe that something(alarm) scared him off before he got to steal anything, then the responding officer did an “attempted burgrary” report(as he should have). Now, as directed by memorandum, officer’s do a vandalism report. What does this accomplish? Vandalism is a misdemeanor…Attempted burglary is a felony…So now, not only can Chief Wynn say that felony crimes are down in general, he can misrepresent to the public that his burglary deterrent plan works. What it really does is give you the citizens a false sense of security, which only stands to get you hurt. Yea, the Chief and the Mayor are doing a great job! Also “crime is down” because…..Chief Wynn has taken Hatt. P.D. from a progressive, proactive P.D., to a regressive, reactionary P.D. Let me elaborate….Previous to the present administration, officer’s stayed busy when call volume was low. In the tougher parts of town officers engaged in (Supreme Court sanctioned) stop and frisk checks (this is a highly effective way to get weapons, narcotics and drug dealers off the streets)…sought out narcotics violations, through probable cause based traffic stops, etc. Now this is discouraged in an effective indirect fashion. Wynn may be a cretant, but he is no idiot. He won’t say not to be proactive, but when you do, you will generate complaints. The vast majority are from street thug/gang members. Administration will put internal affairs on officers like rabid dogs on raw meat. They cause undue stress and threaten officers for unjustified complaints. It is such common knowledge to the street thugs that they don’t hesitate to sign a complaint, and will many times threaten officers (with going to internal affairs). I personally know of times when officers have gotten sustained complaints for unjustified reasons. By the way…Chief Wynn has final say on all complaint dispositions. (Why even have internal affairs?)
    Guess what the chain of command is for grievance filing….first the Chief…then the Mayor. Sound fair?
    The present admin. is effective only as an enabler to criminal activity.

    Comment by XO (3) — April 1, 2005 #

  15. well the police shortage is due directly to the chief of police David Wynn. since he took over there have been over 100 officers leave, i mean leave to be carpenters and dig ditches and leave for other agencys in the same city! and lets just compare that to the previous admin under Charlie Simms. in his four years about 10 to 20 left for federal jobs or were fired. and chief wynn just sits behind his desk and thinks he is really doing a good job, cause he got hardy and frank there to pat him on the ass and give him praises, that where you shortage comes from!! if walmart or FGH brought in a new boss and 100 people quit, there would be a change in command, but not at the police dept, since dupree is so wise, i guess he doesnt see anything wrong

    Comment by Ss — April 1, 2005 #

  16. Like father like son!

    Comment by vistor — April 1, 2005 #

  17. Well much has been said regarding a an Officer Reserve Force for the HPD. We’ve blasted the the present City Mayor and his “peoples” and the inept idea here suggested. So,
    What’s next….we didn’t mention the insurance issue for those reserves, how about the City’s liability issue with such an “untrained” militia? Or should we call it that.

    And yes, much has transpired since the changing of the guard, and unfortunately, those veterans who have left can see a grave contrast to a once cohesive unit. But, after all, what else could be expected?

    Comment by Thomas Mann — April 2, 2005 #

  18. My son was a member of the HPD. The treatment he received from the chief and city officials who all answer to the mayor was unbelievable. Because of this, they lost a fine, honest, christian officer. He will never work in law enforcement because of they way this dept. is run.

    Comment by kp — April 5, 2005 #

  19. I am in total agreement with Ss!I mean come on!give me a break! Has
    Chief Wynn even looked at his record
    since becoming chief? and if he has is his record something that he is
    proud of?
    Chief Wynn and Mayor Dupree you are
    to set examples for the citizen of
    this city. which you are not doing
    at all…
    we have female and male officers who
    put their lives on the line everyday
    how dare you insult them but saying
    lets have volunteers free of charge
    come in and do their job. why not
    the two of you set examples and
    sign up and do the work….??? no
    didnt think so!!that would require
    chief wynn to remove himself from his office. and you mayor Dupree to
    actually get and see what the citizens who elected you have to say! Or maybe here is an Idea why not listen to the ones which are the employees who actually keep this
    city running have to say..

    thank you..

    Comment by MsAttitude — April 5, 2005 #

  20. I am in total agreement with Ss!I mean come on!give me a break! Has chief even looked at his record? and if he has is it something that he is proud of?
    Mayor Dupree wants volunteers to come in a put their lives on the line everyday with out training to protect the citizens? come on mayor I actually thought you had more common sense than that.. If this is so why not have a volunteer mayor come in or a volunteer police chief come in and see how that works?

    thank you

    Comment by MsAttitude — April 5, 2005 #

  21. i’m seriously glad you guys have posted this. i had no idea this was going on.

    i have never been in the reserves or anything like that.. so i won’t comment any opinion on how i feel, as i dont think i should.

    but i would like to thanks those that are voicing out what has been happening in the HPD and why things are going like they are.

    on the issue of Chief Wynn and his “lowering felony” tactics, that is a shame. i hope he either wakes up and sees what he is doing is wrong or is somehow cast down from his position, if this is truely happening.

    Comment by usmdesigner — April 5, 2005 #

  22. To the comments that usmdesigner made all you have to do is look at chief Wynn record and see that half the police force is gone…as to him leaving his position it will never happen as long as we have the current mayor in office…

    Comment by MsAttitude — April 5, 2005 #

  23. so does anyone have the stats on which way people are leaning right now?

    Comment by usmdesigner — April 5, 2005 #

  24. I don’t think they have gallup polls in Hattiesburg :) But, I could put a poll up in the forum to see who our readers are going to vote for. I’ll do it after tonight’s political forum.

    Comment by aaron — April 5, 2005 #

  25. just a little legal info about being a reserve/part time/volunteer police officer. state law requires you to attend a sate certified training academy. you must put in at least 180 hours of classroom and hands on training, and must be able to pass some physical tests. although all of this does not compare to the 13 week course that all full time officers must have, you are in no way putting an untrained person on the street like a wild cowboy. if you don`t think that reserve officers can do the work of full time 13 week academy trained officers, just sheriff billy mcgee. he has had a reserve force in place almost since he took office in 1992. i know, because i have been there since the inception. the forrest co. reserves do work for free,they do supply their own uniforms,cars,vests,radios, but they do it as a unit. they work ball games,county events,ycp graduations, plus about 10 of the 19 man force is road certified to take the place of a full time deputy when manpower is short, vacations, sickness, military call ups, or when they just need some extra help. yes, all this for free. WHY, because they want to make a difference in the community. they don`t have the money to hire large amounts of men like the city does, but they have a boss who would walk through hell for them and back them to hilt. yes, volunteer officers can and would work, but not under this mayor and chief. I WOULD NOT WORK FOR THEM. so please think about what i`ve told you and don`t run down hard working officers just because they are reserves. we are no different from fire fighters,emt`s or anyone else who volunteers to help this community.

    Comment by ziggy — April 5, 2005 #

  26. so if you watched the debate the winner is??? Did usm win? lets change the subject for a minute talk about the debate and give the cops a break..

    Comment by savehattiesburg — April 5, 2005 #

  27. well this section is about cops and reserves. they already have another section going about the debate. i really dont think i would like viewing this topic AND the other topic to find out opinions about the debate. i hope this topic STAYS.. “on topic”

    Comment by into-hattiesburg — April 5, 2005 #

  28. from what i saw and heard, there are oney two candidates. walt coker and betsy rowell. they both brought up very good points. at least when they speak (cards or no cards) you have a good idea where they stand. we must get rid of the current gang that is in office no matter what. PLEASE VOTE

    Comment by ynotme297 — April 5, 2005 #

  29. into-hattiesburg SORRY i was on the wrong question please forgive me

    Comment by savehattiesburg — April 5, 2005 #

  30. ziggy, I was in no way putting down reserves, I just stated that I don’t think reserves are the answer at this point and time for HPD. I agree with you, we need to make other changes, then the reserves would be a perfect addition to our force.

    Comment by aaron — April 5, 2005 #

  31. I’m so tired of hearing the robo cop cry babies whine because they can no longer have there racist ways anymore. Get over it wussys. You guys weren’t good cops anyway. All you did was bet up on citizens, kick them, give unnecessary tickets, disrespect citizens, and waste city gas. You ex-cop guys are pathetic. You are now where you need to be. At home, or at least away form law enforcement(hopefully). You wussys were a big joke anyway. What happened to being a man and standing up for yourself. Did the Mayor quit when all of you racist came to him with that dumb stuff? No, he hung in there and will contime to hang in there because he’s made up of what real men are made up of. The real reason you left anyway is because he is African American and white people can’t stand to be lead by Africans. Right? BUILD AND BRIDGE AND GET OVER IT!!!

    Comment by common sense1 — April 6, 2005 #

  32. “into-hattiesburg SORRY i was on the wrong question please forgive me
    04/05/05 @ 23:19 “

    THATS OK! hehe.. i just cant keep up with two debates on two different topics.. haha. one already has more than i can read a day… takes me 20 minutes to read the new statements! haha

    Comment by into-hattiesburg — April 6, 2005 #

  33. Give me a break Sense1! This is not about color what so ever. you are the one that is making it about the color of the skin.you are pathetic to even type what you did. To me it does not matter the color of the skin that one has.wheather they do his or her job for what they were hired to do is the point here.
    Now Sense! would you be so fast to run your mouth off if you were in need of a police officer weather he or she be white or black. I think not!

    Comment by MsAttitude — April 7, 2005 #

  34. Sorry Ziggy,

    Maybe it is an unpaid “partially-trained militia,” still, who is liable for your lack of knowledge in law enforcement…albeit not totally ignorant of it. One key concern is your statement that you are no different from fire fighters,emt`s or anyone else who volunteers to help this community…maybe after all this is something we all should seriously really think about…can we too become citizen police and exploit constitutional rights?

    As for common sense1 … Obviously THE BRIDGE HAS ALREADY BEEN BUILT!!!! Individuals like you just add the explosives to keep destroying it. Always have!

    Comment by Thomas Mann — April 7, 2005 #

  35. I’m so glad I found this blog. For far too long the paradigm shift of HPD under the current administration has been hidden from the general public. This isn’t about being a “Robo-Cop” as the illiterate poster above alluded to, it’s about having a professional police force that is aggressive and proactive in nature. How each and every one of you feel about proactive policing in general is important, and I realize there may be some law abiding citizens (believe me, every gang banger has issues with it) that do not support it. There is no arguing the fact, though, and that is every comprehensive and empirical academic study has shown a direct correlation between officer initiated activity and the occurence of violent criminal activity. This current administration absolutely abhors officers such as myself and the roughly other eighty six that have left in the past four years. They detest a paramilitary mentality and embrace an academic mentality that by nature changes the department from proactive to reactionary by the people it hires. We, of the former, represented individuals who had been culled from a selection process that denied over 80% of applicants mere entry into the police academy, and then survived a physically and morally demanding 14 week training academy that had over a 50% attrition rate. Of the 190 that initially applied for the academy I came in under, less than a dozen survived and had a badge pinned on gradutation day. Now, we are begging people to become police officers. So sad. I think any reasonable and objective person could look at such an organization, whether it be police or any other public institution or a private business, and immediately see at first glance how horrible the organization and management of such a company is to have such a fall from grace in a short time period. Hattiesburg was once considered without question the premier agency in the state, the only one with federal accedidation, as well as the entire southeast. Noted by national journals like Justice Quarterly and Justice Training. Now we are a freaking punchline.

    Res Ipsa Loquitur, to use a legal term.

    Comment by Ace3 — April 7, 2005 #

  36. Ace3, great posting! And yes, “the thing speaks for itself.” If you haven’t found it yet, check out the other blog which was started on 02/22 called “Who will be the next Mayor of Hattiesburg?” We could use your input there!

    Comment by realityofhub — April 7, 2005 #

  37. I agree A3, “The thing speaks for itself.” As the entropy of the department attests.

    Comment by Thomas Mann — April 8, 2005 #

  38. If Wynn would not have run so many of the trained police officers off, he would not have to have reserve officers. And by the way I can only guess what quality of reserve officers he will have, he has such high standards every where else.(LOL) This is my first time leaving a comment on this site so I would like to say that it is good to see that so many of my brothers are still out there fighting the fight.

    Comment by Disgusted — April 9, 2005 #

  39. If Wynn would not have run so many of the trained police officers off, he would not have to have reserve officers. And by the way I can only guess what quality of reserve officers he will have, he has such high standards every where else.(LOL) Wynn surrounded himself with idiots so he could feel smarter than the people that worked for him and tell him how great he is (Frank, Hardy). He also needed mindless boobs to do what ever he commanded without thinking or having any remorse about who it hurt or how bad it would damage the Departments structure. He passed over the perfect person (most qualified) to be the Assistant Chief because he knew that he was not smarter than this person and this person is capable of doing a better job than he is. Wynn also did not want someone that would tell him when he was making a bad decision. Anyone who knows the department knows who I am talking about as far as the person who was passed over.This is my first time leaving a comment on this site so I would like to say that it is good to see that so many of my brothers are still out there fighting the fight.

    Comment by Disgusted — April 9, 2005 #

  40. Amen ACE3, I sat through 3 years of Wynn and watched him tear the place apart piece by piece. It was like watching some one tear your house down around you and you could not do anything about it. It is a Damn shame what Wynn, Frank and Hardy has done to that place.

    Comment by Disgusted — April 9, 2005 #

  41. P.S

    But thats what Mayor Rev. Fairley hired him to do.

    Comment by Disgusted — April 9, 2005 #

  42. If you would like to know how wynn runs the Department let me tell you a story. this one is about the military. Ones that are in the guard {like every one knows the have drill every month}they have approx 15day’s given bay the city a year for military to use on drill are summer camp. After wynn came in he passed down that if you had drill on a weekend that you had to work you had to work the following weekend that you were off. And in know way could you use any of those military day’s. But{this is the kicker}if you wanted to just take a weekend off that you were to work by using vacation time you did not have to work the following weekend. Does that not seem like a problem even maybe a punisment for being in the military. So if you don’t know an employer can not in any way alter your shceduel when comes to military leave. you would think a COL. in the guard would know that. Wynn was told that he could not do that but he did not care. I’m glad someone set him stright on that issue.

    Comment by woopty,woop....... — April 10, 2005 #

  43. Hey NON-SENSE1, sounds like you are the racist here and it is clear that you know nothing about police work or being a MAN, although you probably want to be a man some day. Your written opinion reflects your stupidity so do yourself a favor and stop making a fool out of yourself by writting about a topic that it is clear that you know nothing about. By the way the current administration is the most Racist administration that has been in power in Hattiesburg since the 1960’s. If you had your facts straight you would know this but then again you probably already know this.

    Comment by disgusted — April 11, 2005 #

  44. Ynotme297, If I were you I would inquire about Coker’s criminal history and current life style choices before I decided to vote for him. Take it from me he would not be a good Mayor.

    Comment by disgusted — April 11, 2005 #

  45. Ynotme , by the way also inquire about his son. Ask him where his 19 or 20 year old son Seth is living right now and why he is there. Ask him how he thinks he can run a city when he could not raise a productive citizen in his own house. He is not even a posibility for mayor, he would be just as bad or worse as what we have right now. If he want tell you about his son write back and I will fill you in. By the way I am a former HPD OFFICER now working for another agency and I have first hand knowlege about both Seth and Walt.

    Comment by disgusted — April 11, 2005 #

  46. Well, a post like that surely gets people’s attention, and it also puts a lot of negative thoughts into their heads, but I don’t understand why you would leave so much to the imagination. It’s like a headline without a story.

    Comment by F150 — April 11, 2005 #

  47. hey guys, didn’t crime go down by 17% in the last year? didn’t we have four years without a tax increase?. didn’t we receive the cultural diversity award in 2002? didn’t keep Hattiesburg beautiful program win four state awards? didn’t the Mayor’s initive win the 2004 MML municipal excellence award? what about all of the things or did you just not know about them?

    Comment by justme — April 11, 2005 #

  48. One of his missions as mayor is to improve the housing conditions for the people of Hattiesburg and he is working diligently to institute programs to address that most basic need of citizens.

    During his time as mayor, Hattiesburg has also received state and national recognition for two programs begun under his administration: the Early Warning Weather Alert Program which places weather radios into the homes of low-income elderly and disabled citizens and the Mayor’s Financial Education Initiative whose partners provide free tax preparations and financial education to people in the Hattiesburg area.

    Also, the Council of Neighborhoods, one of DuPree’s visions when running for mayor, was begun almost immediately upon his taking office in July 2001. This Council was recognized with a 2nd place national award for Cultural Diversity from the National League of Cities. The Council, made up of representatives of the City’s nearly 40 organized neighborhood associations, meets quarterly not only to learn about new things the City has planned but also to offer input from the neighborhoods from which each can learn..

    In addition to his civic contributions, DuPree holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in political science from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a former member of the USM Foundation, the USM Partners for the Arts, the USM Honor Club, Gamma Beta Phi Society and the USM Alumni Association. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in urban studies from Jackson State University.

    Since taking office as mayor, because of his outstanding civic work and commitment to bettering his community, DuPree was appointed to serve on the Federal Election Reform Act Commission for Mississippi by Secretary of State Eric Clark. He was also appointed to the Tri State Southern Rapid Rail Transit Commission by former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove.

    DuPree’s wife, Johniece, heads the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, which serves as a liaison group to the mayor on youth-related issues.

    Comment by 4moreyears! — April 11, 2005 #

  49. Police Chief David C. Wynn is proud to announce that Hattiesburg has experienced another year of decreased crime. From January to December 2004, there was a 17.20 percent drop in crime in our city. Major crimes such as robbery, auto theft and auto burglary each showed a decrease of more than 10 percent. The city experienced an increase in homicides, going from two in 2003 to four in 2004. Thanks to the hard work of the officers of this Department, all four of these cases have been solved. Plans to reduce the number of commercial burglaries in Hattiesburg are currently under way, and the partnership between this Department and many local businesses will aid this cause. “Our relationship with many local business owners and managers grows stronger each day. I believe that with their help, and with our continued commitment to crime prevention, these burglaries will be added to the list of reductions next year.” Chief Wynn credits his officers and the community at large for maintaining the safety of our streets, and looks forward to another year of decreased crime in Hattiesburg. “Despite a significant loss of officers to military service, our law enforcement team has enjoyed success in the fight against crime. The dedication of both our officers and the citizens of this community has contributed to the decrease in crime for 2004, and I expect 2005 to continue in the same positive trend.” A large part of the past years’ success is due to the partnership our Department shares with the Neighborhood Watch Groups and that are active in our community. Citizens are the eyes and ears of the community, and your support is integral to the continued success of this Department. For information on starting or improving your own Neighborhood Watch Group, contact the Hattiesburg Police Department at 544-7900.

    Comment by foryourinfo — April 11, 2005 #

  50. where did the above info come from?

    Comment by F150 — April 11, 2005 #

  51. The crime rate is down? From the way all these officers are saying the way he “reduces” crime rate, I don’t really think that stat is accurate. Just another delusion to personal satisfaction in thinking he has accomplished something.

    As far as dupree’s education.. well.. i think someone put it best on the other thread. Education doesnt mean a thing in some situations. what is an education? just a piece of paper saying you memorized your homework and made good on your test. i’ve been to USM and i can clearly say that it doesnt challenge you at all. a degree from there was as easy as a junior college. frankly i would be more impressed to see someone in a high position without a degree, showing that they actually have brains, and not a good memory.

    Comment by into-hattiesburg — April 12, 2005 #

  52. into hattiesburg, that was one of the most degrading comments ever. how could you put down millions of people with an education not to mention thousands of people that graduated from USM including myself. an education is very important. do you teach your children that it is not? thank GOD we ALL vote for candidates and not just one person because with your mind set who knows who would be our city’s leaders.
    P.S. she still has time to go back to school!!!

    Comment by fourmoreyears — April 12, 2005 #

  53. I am one of the many former H.P.D. officers that have left the department. The answer to the question is David Wynn. That is the reason we all left. It was not for more money like Debra stated. As a matter of fact I took an $8,000.00 pay cut just to get out of there. You people just think of how bad it would have to be for you to leave your job for a pay cut that big. I left to do constuction work just to get out. That is how bad Fairly, Dupree, Wynn and the hand puppets (frank,hardy) have made it. HPD was the most respected department in the southeast united states and now it is a joke. I along with the other officers that left gave you the citizens of Hattiesburg our blood, sweet, and tears on a daily bases to keep you safe from thugs and gangs. Now if you think its better just watch the news. I have never seen so many reports of shootings, robberies, etc. Crime is not down in your city. So you the people do something about it or say nothing. Just remember it is your vote. Four more years and the city of Hattiesburg will be like Jackson and the New Orleans. Nice cities if you visit the hot spots but it sure sucks to live there. If this many people left you job you would know there was a problem. So why not know there is a problem with you Police Department.

    Comment by discusted 2 — April 12, 2005 #

  54. Actually, fourmoreyears, I have a bachelor’s in IT from USM. I can say without a doubt that I wasn’t challenged at USM at all either.

    I’m wondering how he/she is “putting down” people with education? I didn’t read into it like you did I guess.

    Now the statement about someone not having an education and being in a high position, well, that is questionable. But I guess you could answer that by the “Apprentice”. Look at the people that started with “street smarts” and no college education, that is making more than anyone in Hattiesburg is making right now. I don’t know which is better myself.

    Comment by usmdesigner — April 12, 2005 #

  55. would you call a 450 lb person with no muscle definition at all overweight? i would. is that degrading? well it all how YOU look at it. but either way you look at it, it’s the truth. was i saying that usm is a crappy college? no. THAT would have been degrading. trying not to confuse logic and opinion. how many people get jobs today because of a college education only? bigger percentages of your REAL business’s are going to want experience. would you rather have someone completely knowlegable on the job? or someone with no knowledge and a college education. i can tell you now that the experience is going to win over that education. education shows you can take information and learn it and comprehend it.

    i dont watch apprentice, but i’m sure there are tons of people out there that are making millions because of their “street smarts” and not a college education.

    i never said anything towards the university at all degrading it. i just said it wasnt challenging.

    but hey, not all people are alike. maybe it was challenging for you to memorize info and give it back. but i wouldn’t go out criticizing others “mindset” before taking a look at your own.

    sorry if i offended you.

    Comment by into-hattiesburg — April 12, 2005 #

  56. foryourinfo, which suck ass are you? You can only be Hardy, Frank Jackson or Rosser. It sounds like you believe the shit you are saying but if you are a COP you know that crime is not down, the enforcment of crime is down due to the fact that quality officers are quiting or volunteering for military orders to get out of Rev. Fairleys police department. The fact is that most of the police officers that have been on military orders for more that a year have volunteered to get out of the way of the Racist Administration in power at the police department. If you are a COP at the P.D then Shame on you for selling out to this allien distructive administration.

    Comment by Disguated — April 12, 2005 #

  57. Hey fourmoreyears, are you kidding? have you read any of these Blogs? Do you realize that all of these people can not be wrong? Have you ever heard the old sating “where there is smoke there is fire”? My god do you realy want that idiot in office for four more years? If yoyu want to live in Jackson or New Orleans please move there, I want to live in A safe Hattiesburg Ms. Rev Fairley has had four years to do the right thing and he has failed so bad that it will take a decent Mayor at least 12 years to fix what he has screwed up. I dont think the city could handlr four mor weeks much less four more years! Think past race and think common since and leadership. Mayor Fairley does not have either.

    Comment by Disguated — April 12, 2005 #

  58. I’m thinking that person is kidding. That info obviously came from a press release for the mayor and police chief. And upon reading it, I might believe it, in fact, I did. Until I read all the personal accounts of their administration on this site.

    Comment by F150 — April 13, 2005 #

  59. Have you ever heard of motivation. All your hating is fuel to my fire. The more people put this administration down (the one that I have absolutely no problem with) the more me, and my friends and family will get out to campain for Ms.Fairley, because he is a man that I have much respect for (him and the Mayor). So do all your talking spit all your little dumb lies, but like I said that’s motivation and fuel to my fire!!!

    Comment by fourmoreyears! — April 13, 2005 #

  60. Dear DISGUATED, what does DISGUATED mean. I looked in the dictionary and I couldn’t find it. Please help me. Maybe you need that education that into-Hattiesburg was talking about was so unimportant!

    Comment by foryourinfo — April 13, 2005 #

  61. foryourinfo, way to go! I like the fact that you can catch a type O and not address the question. The fact is that less proactive police work and the minipulation of the UCR Codes are the real reasons for the 17.20% decrease in the crime rate and that was directed by your administration and you know it. I may have went to UMS I mean USM to to forgive the speeellingg.

    Comment by Disgusted — April 13, 2005 #

  62. Anyone else find it funny that amidst all of this education talk, Shawn O’Hara is the most educated out of the bunch? Take it for what it’s worth ;)

    Comment by F150 — April 13, 2005 #

  63. Disgusted, Are those UCR Codes given to the FBI

    Comment by woopty,woop....... — April 13, 2005 #

  64. Will Shawn O’Hara ever win???

    Comment by foryourinfo — April 13, 2005 #

  65. Shawn O’Hara has run for every political office within the last 10 years and that is putting it lightly; really longer than that, but I am trying to be nice. It would be prudent for him to hang up his hat instead of throwing it into all the political rings. Mayor DuPree and Police Chief Wynn are being beaten up unmercifully here in these forums. I have a question that I would like to ask? What is the difference in Mayor DuPree’s administration makeup as compared to previous mayors’ administrations? This should not be a race card that is being played. It is wrong!! White mayors have majority of whites in top offices at city hall. So what is the problem with Mayor DuPree’s choices of top administrators. I attend church with one of the top administrators and he has done a splendid job. And for all that are wondering - no we do not attend Mt. Carmel. There is nothing wrong with Mt. Carmel either. I personally know the pastor and his family and a lot of the church members are friends of mine. This space could be use for better purposes instead of what it is being used for. Many innocent lives are being damaged in this media. When the question is asked, Am I my brother’s keeper?, that does not mean that I am to keep my nose in his personal affairs, such as his love life, personal business, who owns what, when and where. People you need to get a life.

    Comment by msladyrev — April 14, 2005 #

  66. Shawn O’Hara has run for every political office within the last 10 years and that is putting it lightly; really longer than that, but I am trying to be nice. It would be prudent for him to hang up his hat instead of throwing it into all the political rings. Mayor DuPree and Police Chief Wynn are being beaten up unmercifully here in these forums. I have a question that I would like to ask? What is the difference in Mayor DuPree’s administration makeup as compared to previous mayors’ administrations? This should not be a race card that is being played. It is wrong!! White mayors have majority of whites in top offices at city hall. So what is the problem with Mayor DuPree’s choices of top administrators. I attend church with one of the top administrators and he has done a splendid job. And for all that are wondering - no we do not attend Mt. Carmel. There is nothing wrong with Mt. Carmel either. I personally know the pastor and his family and a lot of the church members are friends of mine. This space could be use for better purposes instead of what it is being used for. Many innocent lives are being damaged in this media. When the question is asked, Am I my brother’s keeper?, that does not mean that I am to keep my nose in his personal affairs, such as his love life, personal business, who owns what, when and where. People you need to get a life.

    Comment by msladyrev — April 14, 2005 #

  67. Mayor DuPree and Police Chief Wynn are being beaten up unmercifully here in these forums. I have a question that I would like to ask? What is the difference in Mayor DuPree’s administration makeup as compared to previous mayors’ administrations? This should not be a race card that is being played. It is wrong!! White mayors have majority of whites in top offices at city hall. So what is the problem with Mayor DuPree’s choices of top administrators. I attend church with one of the top administrators and he has done a splendid job. And for all that are wondering - no we do not attend Mt. Carmel. There is nothing wrong with Mt. Carmel either. I personally know the pastor and his family and a lot of the church members are friends of mine. This space could be use for better purposes instead of what it is being used for. Many innocent lives are being damaged in this media. When the question is asked, Am I my brother’s keeper?, that does not mean that I am to keep my nose in his personal affairs, such as his love life, personal business, who owns what, when and where. People you need to get a life.

    Comment by msladyrev — April 14, 2005 #

  68. Why are you double posting?

    Also, what political race have you ever seen where people don’t pursue the person’s personal life. (say that 5 times as fast as you can) We are talking about people that represent the whole community in the HEAD position. I think your personal life better be intact, because you are going to get tons of attention there.

    Not a lot of people want to be lead by someone who’s personal life is in complete disarry.

    Comment by usmdesigner — April 14, 2005 #

  69. Woopty,woop - Yes the UCR information from every department in the U.S is sent to the FBI every year. The question is, has HPD been sending this information and what information has been sent (if any) over the past 3 years. It will be interesting to find out the answers to these questions. I am sure the answers will reflect the way this department has been run for the past 3 years.
    msladyrev, You sound like a nice lady but you are misinformed about some things. You say Mayor Fairley has done a good job. My question is for who and what has he done. Why do you bring the mayors skin color into this, it seems like when ever this administration has been questioned or someone points out bad decisions poor leadership or poor choices the race card is used. Why not defend this administration with facts. I can answer this question by saying it is easier to call people a racist and there are no facts to defend this administration. The mayor appointed some people that was not qualified to do the job they were hired to do, Wynn is one of these people, his incompetence has noting to do with his skin color and every thing to do with his lack of leadership skills, poor judgement and lack of job knowledge (along with several other things). The previous mayor also appointed people that were not qualified, every administration does this to some degree but the previous administration did not defend its bad decisions by claiming that people were being racist when they pointed this out. It is time to put down that race crutch and walk on your own steam. I am so tired of people using this crutch and every one letting it be used. It is time for people to step up and say some thing about it. Take responsibility for your action Mayor and stop tring to silence the facts and cover up your mistakes by calling people a racist, its getting old! Anyone ever heard of “The Boy That Cried Wolf”?

    Comment by Disgusted — April 14, 2005 #

  70. Disguated, It seems that this the only administration that has been given such criticism for the decisions it has made regarding the appointment of it’s administrative officers. Can you recall the administration of Mr. Bobby Chain and Mr.Ed Morgan? Who were their hires? How quailfied were they? I guess you say that was the past. Well the past leads up to the future. Mayor Dupree had a mess when he came into office. You mentioned giving facts. Well the only facts that I’ve read are that the present and former police have a problem taking orders form there boss. That’s the facts. As MsLadyRev commented. Your bogus slashing on their personal life no only hurts them but think of the innocent people in their families that have absolutely nothing to do with all of this. What about their young children and grand-children. Why make them suffer? How will that help the city of Hattiesburg? Do trash talking help anyone. It (seems to me) that it only destroys the community. Opposing teams will only get more and more defensive and try their greatest to destroy one another. Since you are so intelligent, I would think that you would lay off all the trash talk about the families of these men, and stop referring to the respected Mayor of this city as Mayor Fairley and use the common sence that God gave you. GROW UP!

    Comment by fourmoreyears! — April 14, 2005 #

  71. usmdesigner-I experienced a glitch in the system with a wrong error message that is the reason for the double posting.
    disgusted - I read a lot of comments that were posted and are still being posted referring to the present administration’s top officials. I was not playing a race card or using a race crutch. I was selected to represent Ward 2 on the Kamper Park Zoo Advisory Board and have served for the last four years. I have enjoyed serving the city of Hattiesburg in this capacity. We were able to obtain the jaguar to the zoo and before the jaguar arrived a beautiful display area for the animal was built. Many positive changes have taken place around the zoo under this administration’s leadership. Mayor DuPree was always willing to listen to our comments even though most of the time they were presented to him by way of endorsed letters from the advisory board. You asked for some facts, Mayor DuPree has been able to obtain many different grants that have allowed for the enchancement of life for all of Hattiesburg’s citizens. I vividly remember one of the first things that he did after becoming Mayor was to purchase some nice buses to be used in Hattiesburg. That alone was a major accomplishment for the city. Most of us had gotten tired of seeing the run-downed buses around town. There are new walking trails around town - one beautiful one right in the middle of the historic district. I am very much aware of the fact that when a person chooses to run for political office their life is under a microscope. I’m sure Mayor DuPree knew this also, but aren’t all the remarks about his life and those around him are assumptions and not facts. There is no way I or anyone else would know for sure because for the average citizen it takes all of our time to keep our lives straight. Also remember how the saying goes about the spelling of the word “ASSUME”. Assuming something makes an a–/of u/me. Unless you are able to go with the Mayor everywhere he goes and observe his every waking movements, I think you need to step out of his personal life. All lives have some short comings in them - may they be large or small. Show me a perfect life!
    There has been only one perfect person that has walked on the face of the earth and that was Jesus. Now as the song says - “Go tell that”!

    When Mayor DuPree was elected, did you actually think that you had elected a Superman, one that could fly around the city and make everything that was wrong right? He has no magic wand in his hands. It takes time to get things done and FOUR YEARS WERE NOT ENOUGH - HE NEEDS ANOTHER FOUR YEARS!!

    Comment by msladyrev — April 14, 2005 #

  72. FOUR YEARS WERE NOT ENOUGH - HE NEEDS ANOTHER FOUR YEARS!!

    Comment by fourmoreyears! — April 14, 2005 #

  73. some people might say he needs a public flogging, not four more years. I’ll give Dupree supporters a thumbs up though, they can find other places to make comments. The Rowell and Coker supporters stopped commenting when the other thread was shut down. I guess they got the link in email and thought that was the entire site and now it’s closed.

    Comment by F150 — April 14, 2005 #

  74. “Since you are so intelligent, I would think that you would lay off all the trash talk about the families of these men, and stop referring to the respected Mayor of this city as Mayor Fairley and use the common sence that God gave you. GROW UP!”

    You talking about me?

    Comment by usmdesigner — April 14, 2005 #

  75. msrev that is fine that the zoo has got improvements over the last four years. I saw disgusteds postings and I have not found any talk of the families. But sence you bring it up. How would you fill if you daughter was arrested for shoplifting? How would you fill if your son was arrested for possession of marijuana? How would you fill if your daughter was arrested for embezzelment? Well how would you fill if your city leaders kids were arrested for these crimes. I will tell you right now if my kids were arrested for these crimes I would make sure they would pay the price under the law and then mine. That is not what happened though. Remember you brought up the family. I am offended that you would bring race into this. I do not care if the mayor or the chief is black or white only qualified to do the job. I think at one time Johnny Dupree would have made a good mayor but he has let Fairly talk into his ear to much. I on the other hand I have never thought David Wynn was good enough to be the chief of the Hattiesburg Police Department. Some of the black officers that I worked with and for are great guys. This has nothing to do with race. I also agree with disgusted that other mayors made bad moves while in office, but for the most part they did an over all good job. I would have never left the Hattiesburg Police Department unless the leadership and direction was bad. It is. I did not always agree with thw other administation but over all they did a good job. I think that on some levels Mayor Dupree has done a good job but the leadedship inside the ploice department has not. We in lawenforcement are held to a higher standard by you the public right? Well why are you not doing it now for the to three in charge of the department? I know first hand just like the other former officers posting on here the stories are true. If the mayor was white the public would ask him to step down with the problems that are going on. I think you the public need to listen to what we are saying it is the truth. I do not live in the city any more but you that do ask the leaders point blank about what we are telling you. Like I said in an earlier posting I took an $8000.00 pay cut just to get out. It is that bad. How bad would it have to get for you to take that much of a pay cut. Well any of you that read this. I don’t know of many officer if any that left and made more money. So put your self in our boots.

    Comment by WHAT? — April 14, 2005 #

  76. I knew of Mayor Dupree when he was a supervisor in Forrest County. At that time and during the previous election I thought that he was a true and honest man. There were concerns at the HFD as well as the HPD when he took office but most of us gave him the benefit of doubt in which direction the city would go. In some defense there are a few programs that have been installed that may benefit the city but they are overshadowed by his unwillingness to correct his appointed mistakes. Asking for volunteers to be an untrained and unreliable resource for the HPD and hopefully not the HFD is an avenue that the citizens should not be exposed to. Another area of major concern was when he started appointing city officials to lead the departments. Leadership, truthfullness, integrity and support were ideals we were hoping for. But a short time after his appointments became intrenched in their respected fortresses, all of the promises and hopes deminished day by day when their personal agendas were initiated. I believe that Mayor Dupree is really a pleasent person to know but turning a blind eye to problems with the HPD, HFD, Water Department and other division within the city is a direct contrast to his campaign slogan of “Leadership with vision”. As with many city employees, we have seen an increase of people who were hired or promoted who had close personal ties with the Mayor or his “spirital advisor” and/or were not qualified for the positions they hold. He has brought in administrators to run high profile departments who have destroyed not only the morale of the departments by having targeted employees because they did not follow like blind mice and had the nerve to disagree when they knew the actions of the Administrators were dedrimental to the high respect that the HFD and the HPD had throughout the southeast US. Maybe Mayor Dupree may need to see an optometrist to improve his “Leadership with vision”. Myself and others in the HFD and HPD hope that new leadership is on the horizon for us before it is to late to re-install the PRIDE, DEDICATION, and COMMITMENT to do our jobs without the threat of retaliation or the loss of our jobs.

    Comment by HFD4Ever — April 14, 2005 #

  77. To what: First let me say that if I was going to spend the time to post my comments on a public media such as this, I would take the time to consult with the dictionary or with someone about my spelling and using the correct words before I start criticizing someone. On the other thread they are referring to - race was constantly brought up. Also these men and their families. Hey, how many of the citizens in Hattiesburg whose families have not been affected by something their children did. Some people’s faults do not receive the amount attention as other folks’ faults do. I bet if a poll was taken and the truth told, how many of us who are adults today have not done something wrong. A lot of wrongdoings are never caught. Like the story in the Bible of the woman caught in the act and was brought to Jesus and the men were ready to stoned her for her sins, As Jesus said over 2000 years ago; “He without sin cast the first stone.” That still applies to us today. Sweep under your own rug before you start talking about how dirty my rug is. Well, I didn’t mean to give you a sermon, but double standards have always been the norm. I don’t see where any of this is going truthfully. Personally I feel the more trash you put on here for citizens to read, the more you are going to motivate them to search and get the truth and not lies. The truth will once again win over lies. I sincerely hope that all of this trash will blow up in your faces literally when the election is over and we have MAYOR DUPREE FOR FOUR MORE YEARS.

    ONLY TIME WILL TELL. Meanwhile the citizens that are saved and believe in the power of prayer will keep praying for him and his administration while you keep trashing them.

    Comment by msladyrev — April 14, 2005 #

  78. “Meanwhile the citizens that are saved and believe in the power of prayer will keep praying for him and his administration while you keep trashing them.”

    I don’t think you are helping Dupree out by saying that anyone that doesn’t vote for him or doesn’t agree with him, isn’t saved.

    And from the looks of it, WHAT gave a very good arguement. I didn’t see to much trash talk at all, especially when he said this….

    “I believe that Mayor Dupree is really a pleasent person to know”

    You people need to start reading before you post. You are making yourselves look worse than the person you are trying to say are “trash talking”.

    Dupree supporters for the most part are just posting random stuff. And staying away from any facts they can find.

    Try helping the candidate you are “pulling” for, by stating something more than simple put downs.

    If Dupree is doing such a good job, start posting it. But don’t post “he’s doing a good job! FOUR MORE YEARS”

    Post something appealing to the people viewing this site.

    Comment by usmdesigner — April 14, 2005 #

  79. The appointment of the chief administrator for these departments is directly the mayor’s responsibility. In the case of HPD, he is directly responsible for appointing an individual, whose only experience in municipal law enforcement was as a patrolmen for a very brief time period, as the chief of police for a large and very prestigious police department. Added to that is the fact that the individual in question had never graduated from the HPD academy with its higher standards or served a day in uniform with the agency, as each and every one of his predecessors had (in case you are not aware, no chief of police in Hattiesburg had NEVER not risen to the position through the ranks of HPD before Wynn), and you have prima facia evidence of a terrible decision that can not be placed on anyone but the mayor. There are, and definately were at the time, many individuals that were more qualified and experienced than the current chief and some happened to be African-American- if that in fact was a criteria the mayor was looking for in 2001.

    Comment by Ace3 — April 14, 2005 #

  80. To usmdesigner: What “you people” are you referring to - I don’t know about now but those two words “you people” in the past always were used pertaining to the African-American race. Well, I read all of the comments that have been posted through this public forum. Never did I say the people that disliked Mayor DuPree are not saved. It seems like you are not reading or processing what you are reading.

    It would take more space than a blog could support to list all of his accomplishments while he has been in office. May I suggest that you go to the library and read four years of back newspapers and find your answers there. I can tell you one thing for sure, the supporters of Mayor DuPree will place it in the history books that we gave this fight all we had to offer. HE NEEDS FOUR MORE YEARS!

    Comment by msladyrev — April 15, 2005 #

  81. Msrev - 4moryears - So now I am a trash talker instead of a racist. By the way please read what I post before posting back. USMDESIGNER, I challenge you to find anywhere I mentioned the mayors family in my postings. I see that “what?” mentioned the families and by the way what he posted was true not trash talk. Oh, Usmdesigner I see that you took my place as the racist hahahahahah. Shame on you for using the words “you people” those two words can only have a negative meaning against Black people! hahahahahah This is sad! msrev I am glad the zoo got a new animal and the tax payers in the city built sidewalks. By the way the large majority of tax payers that buiLt those side walks will never use them, is that fair. I know what walks you are talking about AND THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE THAT USE THOSE WALKS ARE TAX DEPENDANTS NOT TAX PAYERS, THAT IS A FACT NOT TRASH TALK. I say this is a fact and anyone who reads this can get in their car and go to these locations and see for themselves. I agree with usmdesigner who is saying the same thing I am, defend with facts not put downs. Quit calling names and using “THE CRUTCH”. USMDESIGNER SAID IT BEST GROW UP! I UNDERSTAND THE FACT THAT YOU THINK IT WOULD TAKE A LOT OF SPACE TO LIST WHAT THE MAYOR HAS DONE BUT COULD I CALL UPON YOU TO LIST 6 THINGS HE HAS DONE THAT BENEFITED EVERYONE (NOT A SELECT GROUP OR DEPARTMENT) IN THE CITY. I DONT THINK THAT IS TO MUCH TO ASK, IS IT? Amen “what” Ace3 and Hfd.

    Comment by Disgusted — April 15, 2005 #

  82. The sidewalks on the Westside will not be used by many as well. And Mr.Moron, the sidewalks that you are refering to AND THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE THAT USE THOSE WALKS ARE TAX DEPENDANTS NOT TAX PAYERS, THAT IS A FACT NOT TRASH TALK, are used by the children of those tax defendants. Now how can you defend that? Do you like making children suffer because you are “above all” ,rich, and may live on the westside of town. You know some of your family may be tax dependants, or may be in the future. Who knows what the future may hold. You may be up today and down tomorrow Mr. High Society. Think about the things you write before you write them. I suppose you think that that side of town deserves sidewalks? Mabe they should just do away with that part of town all together hun? Get a big truck and just tear it down, kids and all. Get it together high class! Sucka!

    Comment by fourmoreyears! — April 15, 2005 #

  83. To Disgusted: I will humor you and give you 8 things that the Mayor has done in the past 4 years. Anything pretty much that has been done has benefitted most of Hattiesburg, especially if you live in Hattiesburg.

    1. Secured almost three hundred thousand dollars in grants to renovate the train depot downtown. Now I have never been on a train, but I am proud that work is being done. History being preserved.

    2. His administration has taken an active role in bringing life back to downtown Hattiesburg after the westward flight.

    3. Purchase new buses for the city of Hattiesburg. No, I don’t ride buses either, but I was proud to see them on the streets.

    4. Secured trolley cars to be used in Hattiesburg for the transporting of large crowds that attend many different functions here in Hattiesburg. I haven’t use the
    trolley cars, yet, but still I marvel when I see them running the streets of Hattiesburg. Many young children probably have only seen them on television.

    5. Built a lake for handicapped citizens and designated the lake for them out at the Multi-Purpose Center. Healthy people can use the lake too - but there is a designated day for healthy citizens.

    6. Has worked closely with PRVO, et al (et al means and others just in case you don’t know) in building houses all over Hattiesburg, which allows citizens that might not have ever been able to experience the American dream of owning a house. The new subdivisions are built very well and the residents of these houses take great pride in them. Doing the landscaping and all. Everyone should be proud that unused and unsightly land in the past is now usable and people are living their dreams. I am a homeowner and has been for over 34 years but still I enjoy seeing other people being able to get nice homes. Every citizen should be proud.

    7. The new Hattiesburg’s Visitor Center just celebrated its first anniversary in its new location. It is more convenient to people passing through Hattiesburg.

    8. Oh yes, the improvements at the Kamper Park Zoo. The new jaguar. The constant dedication of the people that have been hired to attend to the zoo. A very dedicated group of employees.

    I could go on and on. But I know you are not going to be happy with what I just posted. But, hey, come on with the criticism. I can take it or leave it. What is said through this medium will not boost my self esteem neither will it lessen my self esteem. I am confident in what I say and for what I stand for.

    Since I have met my challenge that you gave me, I just might not waste any more time on this. Surely, there are better things that can claim my attention, such as going to Mayor DuPree’s Campaign Headquarters and help in getting the right messages out.

    Comment by msladyrev — April 16, 2005 #

  84. I would like to know how you people got “racist” out of “you people”

    Read it again. The whole post is about the one’s supporting Dupree.

    Good try though. I see racisicm hasn’t ended here yet.

    And disgusted.. please show me where I posted your name anywhere. Maybe you need to take your own advice and reread before you post. Thx.

    And the comment about going to library that someone made, for the accomplishments of Dupree, well, that’s another thing I was posting about. All I see is random trash talk. Why come here to post that, if you are supporting Dupree? If you can’t post good things about him, maybe you need to go to the library yourself and find it. YOU are the supporter that is wanting to get people voting for him. Or is it that you just want to post trash talk and not give anything worth reading?

    Right now all I see is Dupree going down. And his “supporters” on this site is doing nothing but seeing through.

    Comment by usmdesigner — April 16, 2005 #

  85. I am so sick of everyone getting on here defending Dupree, stating such things as, “he’s a good man” and “he’s done many good things for Hattiesburg”, and blah blah blah…

    As I have said before, the issue at hand is the Hattiesburg Police Department and its current condition. I would think the people reading this site would be smart enough to decipher between the truth vs the lies. It’s obvious the Hattiesburg Police Department has a leadership problem.

    Regardless of the Mayor’s education and what all he’s done for the city, he has allowed the Hattiesburg Police Department to break down and literally implode, all because he wouldn’t stand up and admit he made a mistake in hiring David Wynn to be the Police Chief. THAT fact alone should be proof enough that he isn’t fit to be Mayor. When you let a well-respected agency such as HPD fall apart, all because of one person, and you do absolutely nothing to correct the problem, something is wrong.

    If you have the audacity to come on this blog and post comments defending otherwise, I would sure hope you worked for Wynn. If you didn’t, you have no right to defend his position as Chief. And if you DID work for him, and you’re still on here defending him (and can’t see we need a new Mayor), then you are PART of the problem.

    Those who worked under Wynn know the facts. It’s not a RACE issue! It’s a lack of a Chief who knows how to lead a Police Department and treat them with respect… a Chief who knows how to stand behind his officers instead of condemning them without even hearing their side of the story…a Chief who doesn’t DICTATE and talk down to people and one who knows how to say “good job” every once in a while… a Chief who will let his officers do their jobs and not call them into his office and chew them out when they arrested the “wrong person”… etc….

    This is HPD! Not the military! Wynn knows he doesn’t belong. He’s just out to make everyone else’s life as miserable as his own.

    Comment by realityofhub — April 16, 2005 #

  86. And since you pointed it out msladyrev,

    As you stated, “First let me say that if I was going to spend the time to post my comments on a public media such as this, I would take the time to consult with the dictionary or with someone about my spelling and using the correct words before I start criticizing someone.”

    Maybe you should do the same….

    “This space could be use for better purposes instead of what it is being used for.” That should have read: This space could be USED for……

    “Most of us had gotten tired of seeing the run-downed buses around town.” That would be “run-down” ..downed isn’t a word – check your dictionary please.

    “I’m sure Mayor DuPree knew this also, but aren’t all the remarks about his life and those around him are assumptions and not facts.” Shouldn’t there be a question mark at the end of that sentence?? Or was it a statement? I couldn’t tell.

    “There is no way I or anyone else would know for sure because for the average citizen it takes all of our time to keep our lives straight.” No goes with nor, not or… “There is no way I NOR…..”

    “All lives have some short comings in them - may they be large or small.” Shortcomings is one word.

    “Also these men and their families.” - not a complete sentence.

    “Hey, how many of the citizens in Hattiesburg whose families have not been affected by something their children did.” Again, not a complete sentence.

    “Some people’s faults do not receive the amount attention as other folks’ faults do.” I think you left out the word “of”. “amount OF attention”

    “I bet if a poll was taken and the truth told, how many of us who are adults today have not done something wrong.” Yet another question, and you forgot your question mark.

    “Like the story in the Bible of the woman caught in the act and was brought to Jesus and the men were ready to stoned her for her sins, As Jesus said over 2000 years ago; “He without sin cast the first stone.” The men were ready to stoned her??? Ummm.. how about “stone”; also it’s a run-on sentence.

    “Anything pretty much that has been done has benefitted most of Hattiesburg, especially if you live in Hattiesburg.” Last time I checked, it was spelled “benefited.”

    “I haven’t use the trolley cars, yet, but still I marvel when I see them running the streets of Hattiesburg.” Once again, it’s “used”, not use.

    “I am a homeowner and has been for over 34 years but still I enjoy seeing other people being able to get nice homes.” I am a homeowner and has been??? How about HAVE been?

    “I am confident in what I say and for what I stand for.” Never end a sentence with a preposition.

    So next time you decide to criticize someone’s use of grammar and misspelled words, try using your own advice - “He without sin cast the first stone.”

    You brought it up!

    Comment by realityofhub — April 17, 2005 #

  87. I personally don’t know who I’m going to vote for, and I am not showing sides to anyone.

    I was just simply trying to point out how Dupree’s “supporters” are making him look.

    If anything, I was more or less trying to give him some indirect support. But I’ll stay out of it and let the trash continue I guess (if it does)

    We are getting big amounts of NEW people coming here every day. They are most likely reading these things. So post what you want, but the more crap you post, the more likely you are not doing your candidate a favor. :)

    Comment by usmdesigner — April 17, 2005 #

  88. realityofhub, you would make a great English teacher. As far as the Chief, i’ve never worked for him, nor do I know him, but do I have to? I know there are next to zero police beatings like those you see on television in other cities. And how would you like to be the one wrongly arrested. Wouldn’t you like for the Chief to scold somone who did you (or your family member like that)? See the REALITY is that you and your people have never been exposed to anything like that. This is the reason that you disagree with the Chief’s actions. Maybe you need to be spit on by the police because you sisn’t get in your car quick enough after leaving a party, or kicked because you didn’t put your hands up quick enough, or because they claimed your music was to loud. Now don’t get me wrong there should be consequences for these things, but how far should it go? I know you have enough heart to want a peaceful solution to this type of torture brough on by police everywhere. My guess is that David Wynn knows how to stop that because he is fair in that he diciplines his officers. This will keep a lit of law suits and trials down brought on by these citizens that have be violated by the police. A police has a certain duty and among those are to protect and serve.
    4moreyears!!!

    Comment by foryourinfo — April 17, 2005 #

  89. Foryourinfo, thanks for the compliment.

    You said, “As far as the Chief, i’ve never worked for him, nor do I know him, but do I have to?”

    The answer is YES. If you haven’t walked in those shoes, you do not know what you are talking about. And why are you defending him if you do not know him? I can tell you from personal observation, the man has 2 distinct personalities, one in which he shows to the public, and the other one where he becomes a tyrant at work. Don’t get me wrong, I do believe in a strong leader, but his leading skills are overbearing…“his way or no way.”

    “I know there are next to zero police beatings like those you see on television in other cities. And how would you like to be the one wrongly arrested. Wouldn’t you like for the Chief to scold somone who did you (or your family member like that)?”

    The ones I brought up who were “wrongly arrested” were people who were either Fairley’s children, someone of relation to him, or someone who was a friend of his or the Mayor and called the Mayor when arrested. So just because they KNOW the Mayor or Fairley, they are excused from the law. How is that right?

    “See the REALITY is that you and your people have never been exposed to anything like that.”

    You and your people? I take it you are African American because of that comment. Now if I had been the one to refer to you as “you and your people,” that would be a racist comment wouldn’t it?

    “This is the reason that you disagree with the Chief’s actions.”

    How can you know why I disagree with something? Can you read my mind? I have been in and around law enforcement probably longer than you’ve been alive, and I know what it takes to be Chief. You haven’t worked there, so you do not know what decisions he is making. I disagree with the Chief’s actions, because he is wrong. When you allow ANYONE, especially friends of the Mayor and Fairley, to be excused from criminal activity, THAT IS WRONG!

    “Maybe you need to be spit on by the police because you sisn’t get in your car quick enough after leaving a party, or kicked because you didn’t put your hands up quick enough, or because they claimed your music was to loud. Now don’t get me wrong there should be consequences for these things, but how far should it go?”

    From my experience, I know there are some officers who shouldn’t be in law enforcement, but some how they fall through the cracks…could have something to do with the fact that no one wants to work there anymore, so the standards to qualify at Hattiesburg aren’t as strict. I know most officers give you ample opportunity to follow through with their request, whether it’s to put your hands up, turn your music down, etc.. If you do not do as they say, yes, then they have to sometimes use force, but spit?? Give me a break.

    “I know you have enough heart to want a peaceful solution to this type of torture brough on by police everywhere.”

    Yes, I have heart, and I want a solution. The solution is to make Wynn leave and bring in someone who is qualified to lead Municipal Law Enforcement. Torture? Hahaha ok

    “My guess is that David Wynn knows how to stop that because he is fair in that he diciplines his officers.”

    Again, you do not know he is fair, because you have not worked for him.

    “This will keep a lit of law suits and trials down brought on by these citizens that have be violated by the police.”

    Just how many lawsuits were filed against the Police Department before Wynn came in? And if there were any, were they found justified?

    “A police has a certain duty and among those are to protect and serve.”

    Finally, we agree on something. Under Wynn, officers are not allowed to protect and serve. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have higher crime rates in the City of Hattiesburg. I think thetruth13 said it best:
    This past year has been a telling account to what the city has become. There is a gang shooting 1-2 times a week, for some reason, that’s never released in the news media. There have been at least 2 officer involved shootings that I know of, and Armed Robberies are becoming common. You want proof that crime isn’t down? Just ride down Mobile Street, Bouie, Atlanta, or Memphis Street. See how long it takes for a prostitute or drug dealer to come up to you in hopes of making a sale. Ride down Hardy Street, and see how long it takes for some idiot driver to cut in front of you or hit you because they’re drunk or high. Go to the Hi Hat, Club Memories, or Ropers in an effort to have a good time. See how long it takes for your night to be ruined due to a shooting or fight. It is almost guaranteed that one of these things will happen before the night is over. Why is this happening? Because officers are unhappy and do not want to be there. Why are they so unhappy? Because they have a Chief who doesn’t support their efforts and treats them with disrespect.

    “4moreyears!!!”

    Yeah, let’s talk about 4 years. It makes me sick to see what the police department has become in four years. I worked there before and after Wynn, and I know what kind of place it was. The officers were happy and loved doing their job. Four years ago you could ride down the Hwy 42 bypass without seeing a prostitute or someone making a sale at Mobile Street/42. Four years ago there were not shootings every week in the city. Four years ago Armed Robberies were few and far between. Four years ago there were experienced officers working in the east AND west sides of Hattiesburg.

    If this Chief/Mayor stays in office, the violent crime will continue to spread all over the city and will be out of control. I think I speak for the officers at HPD when I say, we do not care WHO the Chief is, as long as he will support his officer’s efforts, treat them with respect, and let them do their jobs!

    Comment by realityofhub — April 17, 2005 #

  90. msrev, all but three of those things you listed were started by Ed Morgan. the others were to help the mayor himself back in office. By the way isnt PRVO a Federal program not a city program? You bringing that program up only reminds me of how my taxes are being spent which was not a pleasant thought. As far as alot of the people that are living in those new subdivisions taking care of the homes, well you have not been in alot of those free homes we are paying for. The truth is that the majority of those homes are vandalized and luted even before they get built. I have been in more that several of these homes and alot of them are not being taken care of. The Lake was already there! So as far as I can see the mayor has bought some buses, a Jaguar and destroyed the Hattiesburg Police Departmemnt and Fire Department. Sounds like a winner to me! hahahahahah
    fourmoreyears - I have no words for your nonsence! hahahahahahahahahah
    usmdesigner - check your posting of 041405 at 1517. By the way the truth is not trash talk. msrev was the person who mention racist about you writting “YOU PEOPLE”. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE POSTING! I was agreeing with you about the YOU PEOPLE msrev brought up.
    realityofhub - Press on brother!

    Comment by Disgusted — April 17, 2005 #

  91. Realityofhub: I thank you for bringing my mistakes to my attention. But I recall saying before you criticize someone. But I am not going to spend any time on defending myself with that posting. All I have to say about it is I was answering a challenge that WHAT had given me. Now, I still disagree with some of the so called facts that you gave. I read just within the last year about the grants for the train depot renovation. I remember when the Mayor took a group of citizens to Meridian if my memory serves me right to visit their train depot to gather ideas from a city that had done this before and to look at their end results. As far as the lake -is concerned, well it may have been out there already but it was not a designated place for the handicapped people. A place which they could call their own. I am referring to the lake being accessible to them.

    You were so busy correcting my mistakes that you missed the whole meaning of the posting, but that’s ok with me.

    Disgusted: Do you really think that PRVO (whether it is a federal program, etc.) could come into Hattiesburg from Mr. Helmon Johnson’s home office over there in Columbia, MS, clear land, build new subdivisions and not consult with the Mayor and his top administrators? How would they know where to build or how would they know who the owners are of the land? I haven’t heard lately about any squatter’s rights being granted here in Hattiesburg, if so please let me know. Pleeeeeease!!!

    Back to you realityofhub -As in past administrations, there is always work that is left for the next administration to complete. So yes some of the programs may have been started by Morgan, but they were finished under the DuPree’s term.

    What the supporters of Mayor DuPree are saying, please stop trashing the lives of these men. We don’t have any problems with debating the top issues, but we do have problems with the trash.

    As far as the prostitutes on the Highway 42 Bypass, I lived in that area for 22 years and there have always been prostitution and other illegal things going on over there just like in other parts of town. Don’t tell me the only drug activity is on the east side of town…read the newspapers and you will see the same thing is going down on the west side of town also. Again, please check your facts.

    Nice chatting with you.

    Comment by msladyrev — April 18, 2005 #

  92. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you could accomplish 1000 new things during your post as a leader, but if you don’t have the respect of the people behind you while doing it, you haven’t done anything at all. If the HPD was a democracy, would Chief Wynn be voted out? If so, he’s not a good leader. As for Dupree, we’re going to find out first hand on June 7th.

    Comment by F150 — April 18, 2005 #

  93. haha guess it worked msladyrev…got you all confused.

    “Now, I still disagree with some of the so called facts that you gave. I read just within the last year about the grants for the train depot renovation. I remember when the Mayor took a group of citizens to Meridian if my memory serves me right to visit their train depot to gather ideas from a city that had done this before and to look at their end results. As far as the lake -is concerned, well it may have been out there already but it was not a designated place for the handicapped people. A place which they could call their own. I am referring to the lake being accessible to them.

    You were so busy correcting my mistakes that you missed the whole meaning of the posting, but that’s ok with me.”

    If you’ll look again, you’ll see I wasn’t the one who said anything about all of that.

    hahaha

    Comment by realityofhub — April 18, 2005 #

  94. Disgusted.

    this is what i posted….

    ——————
    “Since you are so intelligent, I would think that you would lay off all the trash talk about the families of these men, and stop referring to the respected Mayor of this city as Mayor Fairley and use the common sence that God gave you. GROW UP!”

    You talking about me?
    ——————

    what in that post are you saying I said?

    the only thing I said in that post is “You talking about me?”

    notice the quotes I had around the first part. that was quoting someone else. Why would I post the exact same thing someone else posted and THEN on top of that say.. “you talking about me?”

    I’ll ask you to get your facts straight first. You still haven’t showed me anything yet. good try though.

    Comment by usmdesigner — April 18, 2005 #

  95. usmdesigner, I’m glad to see I’m not the only one being blamed for things I didn’t say :). It would help if people would pay attention, huh? :) haha

    Comment by realityofhub — April 18, 2005 #

  96. Four more years???? We can’t take four more years of moving backward!!! Pack your things Dupree and Fairley, Lee J. Davis is coming to take your place!!!

    Comment by NOMOREYEARS!!! — April 19, 2005 #

  97. Haha reality. Some people just read from the bottom up, until they decide that’s enough.

    I like the new name also. Haha. Nomoreyears.

    You guys are to creative.

    Comment by usmdesigner — April 19, 2005 #

  98. the post are hardly worth reading anymore…what happened

    Comment by forwhatitsworth — April 20, 2005 #

  99. I think all the good comments went to our forum.

    Comment by aaron — April 20, 2005 #

  100. Way easier to post there, haha.

    Comment by usmdesigner — April 20, 2005 #

  101. Mayor Dupree should quit looking for answers to the police shortage OUTSIDE the police dept. and look within. The reason for the shortage is the officer’s are tired of working for the Fairleys. Tired of working for a chief who still thinks the MHP is the only good police agency. Tired of working for a closed minded person who told them ‘All I know is David Wynn’s way of doing things. So instead of me learning the ways of how the police is run, all of you can learn my way. If you don’t like it, there’s the door, no one here is under a contract.’ Well Mayor, David Wynn’s way is not working. Thank him for the contributions he has made now pass the torch on to someone else. It’s not a black thing or a male thing. Mayor, it’s time to be an administrator and make a change. It’s not an admission of failure, it’s just we need to try something/someone new. It’s time. Do and you get my vote.

    Comment by do the right thing — April 21, 2005 #

  102. i love chief wynn

    Comment by frannie miesenbison — April 25, 2005 #

  103. i have lead hattiesburg to new heights, all that pot they found at mt karmel just fell outta the sky, we gotta build a bridge to better ideas, rasputin..i mean the rev is good people, why else would he drive a 56,000 dollar car and live on the west side of town when his parishoners are struggling to make ends meet, get down to the goula and meet me at the frog pond, we’ll do brunch, ex p……

    Comment by doopree — April 25, 2005 #

  104. i am a former hpd guy. the only reason i left is because of the inspiration of chief winn. he enlightened me to the plight of the victims of police aggessiveness. ass chief misenheller also showed me that violence was never the answer. and jimbo, miesnhellers steppin’stone, was my role model. and ex chief simz, what a great guy. a man of his word. gonna pour some out for tommy smith and antonio moore and ben, never forget ben, was a first week rookie, got my car stuck in the mud off frankin st. thought i was gonna get fired, ben showed up and laughed with me and called a tow, God rest their souls.

    Comment by niceperson — April 26, 2005 #

  105. The city of Hattiesburg shall burn in the flames of its own conception. The corrupt administration created by the Reverend Kenny Fairley, Chief Wynn, and Mayor Dupree will be the downfall of this once fine city. Hattiesburg is on its way to becoming another Jackson,MS, New Orleans, or Washington D.C. The “community” can then blame harworking taxpayers and “400 years of oppression by the white man” for its problems. Hopefully the citizens of Petal and Oak Grove will not allow this to happen to their cities/suburbs.

    Comment by Samiel — August 5, 2005 #

  106. 4 Mo Years - 4 Mo Years!!

    Comment by ForeverSaved — August 10, 2005 #

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