Ocean Springs Police Department

09/04/2026

🚔 Increased Patrols This Labor Day Weekend

You’ll be seeing more of us this weekend.

The Ocean Springs Police Department is increasing patrols throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign.

Officers will be actively watching for impaired driving, speeding, reckless driving, and other dangerous driving behaviors. We’ll also be making sure drivers and passengers are properly buckled up.

🔥 Our goal isn’t to ruin your weekend — it’s to make sure everyone gets home safely.

If your plans include alcohol, make your plan for a safe ride before the celebration begins. Use a designated driver, rideshare, taxi, or call someone you trust.

Drive sober. Buckle up. Slow down. Get home safe.

Have a safe Labor Day weekend from the Ocean Springs Police Department.

09/04/2026

🎓 OSPD Invests in Leadership & Professional Development

The Ocean Springs Police Department is proud to recognize Lt. Daniel Wanhala and Lt. Andrew England, who are representing OSPD at the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety.

Lt. Wanhala and Lt. England are pictured alongside law enforcement professionals from agencies including the Louisiana State Police and Tennessee Highway Patrol, as well as other agencies participating in the program.

Opportunities like this allow our officers to learn alongside other law enforcement professionals, exchange ideas and experiences, build valuable professional relationships, and bring new knowledge and perspectives back to our department.

At OSPD, we believe continued training and professional development are investments not only in our officers, but also in the community we serve.

We are proud to have Lt. Wanhala and Lt. England representing Ocean Springs and continuing to grow as leaders within our department.

Stronger leaders. Stronger department. Stronger community.

09/04/2026

🚔 DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER | LABOR DAY WEEKEND 🇺🇸

Labor Day Weekend is here, and the Ocean Springs Police Department wants everyone to enjoy the holiday — and make it home safely.

Throughout the holiday weekend, OSPD will be participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over grant enforcement blitz, with increased enforcement efforts focused on keeping impaired drivers off our roadways.

If your Labor Day plans include alcohol, make your plan for getting home before the celebration begins.

🔹 Choose a designated sober driver.
🔹 Use a rideshare, taxi, or other safe transportation.
🔹 Never get behind the wheel if you are impaired.
🔹 Never ride with someone who has been drinking.
🔹 If you see a suspected impaired driver on the roadway, contact law enforcement.

And before you hit the road, take a few seconds to make sure EVERYONE in your vehicle is properly buckled up. That means every passenger, in every seat, on every trip. Make sure children are also properly secured in the appropriate car seat or booster seat.

Drive sober. Buckle up. Put the phone down. Slow down. Stay alert.

A few simple choices can make the difference between a great holiday weekend and one that changes lives forever.

Our officers will be out working throughout the holiday weekend to help keep Ocean Springs and everyone traveling our roadways safe.

🇺🇸 Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend. Look out for one another, make good choices, and get home safely.

🚔 DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER.

09/01/2026

A big thank-you to 7 Brew for stopping by the Ocean Springs Police Department and treating our officers and staff to some delicious coffee! We truly appreciate your kindness and support—and the much-needed caffeine! ☕️💙

08/28/2026

The Ocean Springs Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce for providing refreshments during our recent promotional ceremony. Your generosity and continued support of our department helped make this special occasion even more memorable. Thank you for celebrating the accomplishments of our officers with us!

08/28/2026

🚔 SAFETY CHECKPOINT RESULTS 🚔

Last Thursday evening, August 27, Ocean Springs Police Department officers conducted safety checkpoints near Magnolia Elementary School, beneath the CSX bridge, and near Oak Park Elementary School.

Officers checked 60 vehicles and issued the following citations:

• 8 citations for no insurance
• 2 citations for failure to have a driver’s license in possession
• 1 citation for improper equipment
• 1 misdemeanor drug arrest
• 3 misdemeanor citations for minors in possession

Safety checkpoints help identify unsafe drivers and encourage compliance with Mississippi traffic laws. We appreciate the cooperation of the motorists who passed through the checkpoints as we continue working to keep Ocean Springs safe.

08/28/2026

The Ocean Springs Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of several deserving members of our department:

• Lieutenant Brian Kestner has been promoted to Uniform Division Captain.
• Sergeant Daniel Wanhala has been promoted to Lieutenant.
• Patrolman Adam Carter has been promoted to Sergeant.
• Patrolman Brandon Harty has been promoted to Sergeant.

We are also pleased to recognize Patrolman Dylan Davis (not pictured) as the Officer of the Second Quarter for 2026 and Jasmine Williams as the Civilian of the Second Quarter for 2026.

These individuals have demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and a strong commitment to serving the Ocean Springs community. Please join us in congratulating them on these well-deserved promotions and recognitions!

08/26/2026

08/17/2026

🚨 91 MPH IS NOT “JUST SPEEDING” — IT’S DANGEROUS. 🚨

An Ocean Springs Police Officer recently clocked a vehicle traveling 91 MPH while coming over the Biloxi–Ocean Springs Bridge.

At that speed, a driver has significantly less time to react to changing traffic conditions, stopped vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, debris, or an unexpected emergency. A split-second decision can have life-changing consequences.

The Ocean Springs Police Department reminds everyone that speed limits are in place for a reason. Please slow down, stay alert, and arrive safely.

No destination is worth risking your life—or someone else’s.

Slow down. Buckle up. Drive responsibly.

08/14/2026

🎉 Congratulations, Officer Bates! 🏍️👮‍♂️

The Ocean Springs Police Department is proud to congratulate Officer Bates on successfully graduating from Motor School this morning!

Motor School is a demanding course that requires discipline, precision, endurance, and advanced motorcycle handling skills. Officer Bates’ successful completion of this training reflects his dedication to professional development and his commitment to serving the citizens of Ocean Springs.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Bates on this accomplishment and welcoming him to this new chapter of service with OSPD.

Congratulations, Officer Bates! Stay safe and ride proud! 💙