FRIARS POINT—Neal Mitchell is the new police chief of Friars Point.
The city council unanimously appointed Mitchell to the position during Tuesday’s monthly meeting.
Former police chief Tracy Vance was terminated in 2019.
Mitchell and Fernando Bee, who also work for the Coahoma County Sheriff’s Office, were recently hired as police officers for Friars Point.
Mitchell was promoted to chief Tuesday.
After being appointed, Mitchell gave an overview of the officers in the department.
Mitchell said Bee works for the Friars Point police department after getting off of work from the Sheriff’s Office along with weekends.
Harvell McDonald is a part-time officer.
“We’ve got some things that we’re going to have to iron out with him as far as his work schedule and full-time job,” Mitchell said. “I’m not going to allow him to just come in when he wants to come in and work. It’s going to be a schedule.”
Mayor James Washington said Mitchell should do those things soon.
“If it seems it’s not going to work out, have about three or four guys to present to the board and have them decide who they want to bring in part-time,” said Washington to Mitchell.
Mitchell expressed his appreciation for being appointed after the meeting.
“It feels like I’m ready to go to work.” he said. “Moving forward, I’ll just try to make it a better and safer place to live.”
Mitchell said he plans to work with the Sheriff’s Office to make Friars Point safer.
“We needed a chief,” said Washington after the meeting.
Washington said when he hired two officers; it was his plan to promote one of them to police chief.
