Captain Mark Ballard named next Starkville Police Chief

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The City of Starkville will soon have a new police chief.

On Tuesday night, the Starkville Board of Alderman unanimously voted for Captain Mark Ballard to take over the role.

Ballard has worked with the Starkville Police Department since 1996.

He said his most important role has been as captain working side by side with Chief Frank Nichols.

He says his experience has prepared him for his new duties.

“So I think one of the first issues I’ll do is address the development of our police reserve force. I think that’s critical, especially giving our officers, a stronger home life work-life balance, I would like to move forward with that. And then I’d like to restructure patrolled where we have more officers they’re able to act, instead of just reacting to calls for service,” said Ballard.

Ballard will take over as chief on January 1.