Ridgeland's Strength Behind the Blue

06/13/2026

Here are some specific needs that we have right now. You can donate on line here at this link. https://firstrespondersofms.com/support-us/

06/09/2026

A new law takes effect on July 1 in Mississippi that strengthens penalties for fire-arm related crimes.

It is called Senate Bill 2710 and juveniles who commit a violent crime with a firearm can now be charged as adults. t.ly/9SUgh

06/09/2026

06/04/2026

🚨 PARENTS, TAKE NOTICE 🚨

Beginning July 1, 2026, Mississippi's new Senate Bill 2710 significantly strengthens penalties for firearm-related crimes and increases accountability for offenders.

Key Provisions:

• Juveniles under 18 who commit a violent crime with a firearm will be charged in Circuit Court and prosecuted as adults, unless the court orders otherwise.

• Transferring or selling a stolen firearm now carries enhanced penalties. If that firearm is later used in a violent crime, offenders can face a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 years in prison.

• Willfully firing into a crowd or gathering of two or more people is now a felony punishable by:

A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 15 years in prison

Fines up to $10,000

✅ Signed into law by the Governor
📅 Effective July 1, 2026

As your Sheriff, I want every parent and guardian to understand the seriousness of this law. The days of treating armed violence as youthful misconduct are over. A teenager who chooses to pick up a gun and commit a violent crime may now face adult consequences that can follow them for the rest of their life.

Have the conversation now. Teach accountability. Teach responsibility. Make sure your children understand that one poor decision involving a firearm can cost them their freedom, their future, and career opportunities that can never be recovered.

It is far better to educate your children about the criminal justice system before they become a part of it. Parents are the first and most important teachers of right and wrong, and those lessons matter. Children should enjoy their youth without destroying their future!

A split-second decision can lead to decades behind bars. The most important conversation you have with your child today may determine whether they walk across a graduation stage today—or stand before a judge in a courtroom tomorrow.

This message is for every lawbreaker—juvenile or adult—whether you live here, come here, or pass through here: if you bring criminal behavior into this county, expect consequences.

Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II

06/03/2026

Two long-serving Ridgeland police officers, with more than 60 years of combined law enforcement experience, will retire at the end of the month.

06/02/2026

This is the last week to purchase your raffle tickets! The drawing will be held on Friday, June 5th.

01/16/2026

Please join us Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Madison, Miss., for our Behind the Badge PTSD and Su***de Awareness Seminar. This seminar is absolutely FREE and extremely valuable in its potential for saving families, careers and -- most importantly -- lives. For more information on this lifesaving seminar, please visit: https://pub.sspba.org/ptsd-2026-0123-ms/signup-form.php.