MSU Police Expand Reach

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State University Police Department now will have concurrent jurisdiction with the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office on all roads and streets located within 500 feet of university property in Oktibbeha County.

Attorney General Jim Hood approved an interlocal agreement between MSU, Oktibbeha County and the City of Starkville authorizing the expansion of jurisdiction. The agreement was also approved by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.

“We’re very grateful to the governments of Oktibbeha County and Starkville for their partnership in helping us create a seamless area of jurisdiction between the MSU campus and their respective jurisdictions,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “Obviously, we want to be good neighbors and to join with area law enforcement agencies to foster a safe environment for town and gown.”

Keenum said cooperation between campus and local government law enforcement agencies “has never been better” and that this agreement “helps MSU be a stronger and better partner.”

Under the new jurisdiction, for example, MSU PD is now authorized to patrol and issue traffic tickets on Blackjack Road.  MSU will also have secondary jurisdiction in the city of Starkville, but will not patrol the streets. Within that authority in Starkville, MSU PD will assist with traffic on gamedays and during other events.

The Mississippi Legislature amended Mississippi Code 37-105-3 this year to give MSU authorization to enter into this agreement, which both the Starkville Board of Aldermen and the Oktibbeha Board of Supervisors previously approved.